Winter camping sleeping arrangements
- Thread starter davidpopely
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We've already got lightweight, self inflating airbeds, but they don't really do it for me, especially in winter.....just not enough insulation between body and ground - even with a mat on top of the bed. And I still wake up aching and stiff. I think a 'proper' camp bed is the way to go......just found a great looking surplus store in Exeter, so its off to have a look soon!
Just a thought
Have you looked at the Bivvy chair things Carp fishermen use I am always coveting my mates set up when he is fishing
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias=sports&field-keywords=bedchair&x=10&y=17
Hefty weight though but in a car no problem
Multi use as well I suppose
And if you want a super warm; maybe too warm sleeping bag get the Army arctic bag.They are fantastic in winter
Again a car camping item
Have you looked at the Bivvy chair things Carp fishermen use I am always coveting my mates set up when he is fishing
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias=sports&field-keywords=bedchair&x=10&y=17
Hefty weight though but in a car no problem
Multi use as well I suppose
And if you want a super warm; maybe too warm sleeping bag get the Army arctic bag.They are fantastic in winter
Again a car camping item
fair play bud, if your going to go for one of the fishing chairs get an extra padded wide 3 leg chair, much better than the slimmer 2 legged variety.
Speak to Toddy or Barn Owl, both of whom own Exped down mats and swear by them. Comfortable and warm, they like them so much they are on my must have list.
EDIT: Just to point out, before someone else says something..
it's the mat thats on the list, not in fact Toddy or Barn Owl, although they are super great folks...
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Now that's *definitely* a thought.......thank you.
Have found a great-looking army surplus place in Exeter which I plan to check out for sleeping bags etc very soon. Also my casual 'day shoes' (which are 'nearly' boots) have given up the ghost this week (sole/upper separation - not good) and I plan to replace those with a pair of 'proper' boots and to give up sartorial elegance for ever!
Have found a great-looking army surplus place in Exeter which I plan to check out for sleeping bags etc very soon. Also my casual 'day shoes' (which are 'nearly' boots) have given up the ghost this week (sole/upper separation - not good) and I plan to replace those with a pair of 'proper' boots and to give up sartorial elegance for ever!
That would be Endicotts? tell him your from BCUK and he'll be extra nice to you
personally i'm ok on the ground in winter, took me a while to get the setup right at first and was cold for two nights out of three one weekend but finally got my act together.
bivi bag or tent depending on what your using, nice thick sleeping mat, bag and fleece liner. for added comfort and insulation you can pop in a fleece or wool blanket between yourself and the mat. should insulate you well.
If you do go for a camp bed, go for one in the style of the first argos link you gave. That is a copy of the US army 'cot bed'- and is a big improvement on the older british style ones with the thick wire legs under tension. I've used both (well, the army issue versions), and really there is no contest. You can sit on the side of the us style ones as well without it flipping up unlike the british ones!
The british army now issue the us style beds, and you can even get a mossi net frame to clip onto them. As mentioned above, best combine with a sleeping mat to provide insulation, and you will need something to stop the legs risking puncturing your tent groundsheet. If you can, try to find a genuine army surplus version- they tend to be better quality. I've seen cheap civvy copies with torn fabric.
The british army now issue the us style beds, and you can even get a mossi net frame to clip onto them. As mentioned above, best combine with a sleeping mat to provide insulation, and you will need something to stop the legs risking puncturing your tent groundsheet. If you can, try to find a genuine army surplus version- they tend to be better quality. I've seen cheap civvy copies with torn fabric.
My usual thing for protecting a groundsheet from the legs of tables, chairs, beds and so forth is jam jar lids. If you can accumulate a few different sizes they pack inside each other and the lip round the edge stops them slipping out from under the legs. Also being metal you can use them to stand candles, insect coils other hot things on.
It just came to me in a flash. We were on a really soggy campsite and the chair legs were pushing the groundsheet into the ground. I had a sudden flash of inspiration, a quick rummage in the bin bag for some jar lids and it worked so well at spreading the load and solving the problem that we always keep some in the useful bits box now.
I've learnt so many useful things on this forum. It is nice to be able to pass something on myself for a change.
I've learnt so many useful things on this forum. It is nice to be able to pass something on myself for a change.
Great tip, it amazes me that after all these years we can still get new ideas coming up on this forum.
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