Alternatives to Sleeping Bags When people think about going camping, they often believe they must bring a sleeping bag with them. While sleeping bags are very common and convenient, they are not a required camping accessory. There are several other alternative options out there that you can use when you go camping if you do not have a sleeping bag handy.
Bivy Sacks Bivy sacks are a great alternative to sleeping bags as they are very similar and provide some of the same benefits as well as others. Designed much like a sleeping bag, bivy sacks allow a camper to be covered from head to toe almost like a mummy. What makes a bivy sack so unique is that it completely covers a person’s head, providing much more protection from the elements. If you will be sleeping outside under the stars, a bivy sack can provide you with the protection you need by allowing you to cover your head and entire body within the sack.
Some bivy sacks are designed specifically for cold climates, making them a perfect addition to your winte time camping gear. When you sleep inside a bivy sack, your entire body will be covered, allowing you to stay nice and warm.
Sleeping Mat and Blanket Some campers enjoy using sleeping bags because they provide additional cushion when they sleep on the ground. If you are someone who needs a comfortable place to sleep but does not have a thick sleeping bag, consider using a sleeping mat and blanket. The sleeping mat will provide you with the support your body needs when sleeping on the hard ground while the blanket will keep you warm throughout the night.
Sleeping bags can also be quite confining for some campers. Using a large blanket instead of a sleeping bag will allow you to move comfortably throughout the night and ensures you get a good night’s rest.
Cot A cot is another viable alternative to sleeping bags. When you go camping in the woods, it can be difficult to find a smooth surface to sleep on that is free of roots and rocks. By using a cot, you will not have to worry about setting up your tent in a location that is free of rocks and roots since you will always have a comfortable sleeping surface with you.
Cots are also more durable than a sleeping mat and are not susceptible to wet conditions. If you are unlucky enough to have to deal with rain during your camping trip, a sleeping mat or sleeping bag can easily get wet when rain water seeps into your tent. Using a cot will position your body off of the ground, allowing you to comfortably sleep throughout the night regardless of whether or not it is raining and wet.
While sleeping bags are a very common camping accessory, they are not a required accessory for your camping trips. There are plenty of other alternatives out there to sleeping bags including bivy sacks, sleeping mat and blanket and cots. Finding the right sleeping accessories that meet your needs will help you fully enjoy your camping trip.