"Hollow trunk": a shelter for spending the night in nature. DIY camping bed Prepare a sleeping bag and blanket
Hello friends!
I don’t know how for whom, but in order to have a good rest on the trip, I need to sleep well.
If we sleep in a tent, it should be warm, dry and soft. Moreover, when children are traveling with us. The stove gives warmth, dryness is correct, but how to achieve softness? Today I propose to figure out how to make a "home-style" camping bed comfortable and convenient.
Based on my own experience and the experience of friends, I can say with confidence that there are three main options: mat, self-inflating mat or air mattress... There are, of course, a bunch of home-made options - for example, to lay a place under the tent with straw, spruce or moss, or you can carry ordinary cotton mattresses with you, but we will not talk about them here, since it is much more convenient to use special tourist equipment.
The main purpose of a mat or mattress in a tent is to protect from cold and dampness coming from the ground and to smooth out uneven terrain under the tent. Each type of litter has its own pros and cons. So let's take a closer look at each option.
Karematas
These are rugs made of foam materials: polyurethane foam or polyethylene foam, usually rolled into a roll. Their main advantages include comparative lightness, compactness and low cost. This mat can be easily attached to the backpack or placed inside it and does not take up much space. Ideal if you are hiking.
It can be used not only as a mattress for a sleeping bag, but also as a bedding on the grass for children's games or as a wind damper for a gas burner. (I recommend having such a rug when traveling with children, even if you are not going to sleep on it)
Karemata will completely protect you from dampness and cold coming from the ground, but you will have to adapt to the unevenness of the soil.
This rug does not require special care, just avoid sharp stones and branches and keep it away from the fire, as sparks can burn it. It will be even better if you purchase special covers to protect it from damage.
When choosing a caramel, give preference to two-layer ones, as they are more durable and reliable than thin single-layer copies and can be used not only in warm weather.
Air mattress
Many people use them not only in a tent, but also in a car, and during the day they also manage to swim on them. They are usually made of rubberized fabric and represent a mattress that needs to be pumped up. If you go by car, there are usually no problems with pumping, the pump is always with you. And some manage to pump it from the exhaust pipe 🙂
The advantages include the fact that it copes well with the unevenness of the ground and, as I said, during the day it can serve as entertainment in water procedures. Well, and perhaps the relative cheapness. The rest is cons.
- Firstly, if you sleep on it together, you will sleep in one pile, rolling towards each other (but maybe this is not a minus 🙂)
- Secondly, it has to be constantly pumped up, even if there is not a single hole, since it tends to slightly lower air under the weight of the body. And in the morning you will still wake up half-sitting.
- Thirdly, very low thermal insulation due to the fact that you actually have to sleep in the air, which quickly cools down from the ground. In order to deal with this, you have to put an extra blanket between the mattress and the sleeping bag.
- Well, of course, these mattresses are very prone to punctures, so do not forget to take a repair kit with you. Somehow with a friend in the forest, even without male participation, we managed to glue such a mattress with superglue and a piece of car tire. As a result, it broke in three other places, and our patch served faithfully.
It is unlikely that someone will drag him on a hike with him because of the large weight and space occupied.
Self-inflating rugs
It is a hybrid of a mattress and an air mattress. It will smooth out all unevenness and provide the necessary comfort and warmth.
It differs from karemat in that the inner structure consists of open-cell polyurethane foam, enclosed in a sealed polyester shell.
Unlike an air mattress, there is no need to inflate it. You just need to open the valve and the air will fill the mat by itself. True, this process can take from several minutes to half an hour and it will take a little pumping up with a pump or mouth. The latter is not recommended in cold weather, as the moisture contained in the air exhaled from the lungs can freeze inside the mattress and reduce its thermal insulation. It is also easy to lower the mat - open the valve and roll it up.
Such a rug requires a careful attitude towards itself, as well as an air mattress, since it is also prone to punctures, but to a lesser extent and if the puncture is small, a repair kit will correct the situation.
The main disadvantage is its price, but it pays off a hundredfold with a "soft" sleep for those who do not want to lay their sides on a regular cushion.
Each person determines the level of comfort that is acceptable for him on vacation. We chose the following option for ourselves:
We bought a mattress in the largest online store for hunting, fishing and active rest outdoors Cabela's. Drop by and be sure to find something for yourself. They have constant discounts and sales. How to make an order in this store told
And if you have no experience of online shopping, please contact me - I will definitely help you.
How do you sleep? Share in the comments your experience in organizing your sleep in a tent.
In order to sit comfortably in, you need two trees standing side by side at a certain distance from each other. This condition is far from always possible to ensure, for example, when fishing on the banks of the river, as a rule, only shrub trees grow. In such a situation, you can create comfortable conditions for an afternoon rest or for an overnight stay by building a camp bed with your own hands on the basis of a hammock mesh or the same hammock, but made of fabric.
For many people, such a camp or garden bed is more comfortable than a hammock, since you can lie on it without bending, you can lie on your side and stomach.
Dimensions and other features of the bed. The length of the supports is 4 m. The dimensions of the network are 1.3x3m. The side of the cell is 5 cm. The circumference of the outer cells is 40 cm. The rope with a diameter of 3 mm, from which the mesh is made, can withstand a load of 150 kg and even more. The knots need to be kept simple and small, otherwise they will affect comfort. The rope is good twisted nylon and not thin, since a thin thread of nylon is prone to stretching. A nylon rope, but not twisted, but in a braid of the same diameter, will stretch more and its strength will be lower. You can, of course, use tarp or other durable fabric instead of mesh.
Before going on a hike, check that all the pegs and ropes are in place. Lay out your tent at home and make sure you have all the parts you need to set it up. Typically, a tent consists of a waterproof awning and an inner lightweight tent with a mosquito net and a waterproof bottom. It comes with pegs, frame arches and ropes that hold the rag house in strong winds.
Do not be lazy and check if the zippers are working near your tent. With the advent of darkness, not only cold can crawl to you, but also all sorts of small creatures.
2. Learn to pitch a tent
It is very important! A crooked tent not only confuses perfectionists with its appearance, but can also leak in the rain or fly away in the wind. First, read the instructions - it hasn't hurt anyone yet.
Remember that the tent should be on a level surface without any holes or bumps. Assemble the tent (tie all the ropes, stick in the pegs, stretch the awning and close all the doors). In this position, the tent should not fold. If it looks like a real flat house, then you can safely spend the night in it.
3. Stock up on a rug or mattress
Despite the fact that the tent is equipped with a waterproof bottom, it perfectly passes the cold. And if you don't want to freeze something for yourself, then get some foam or an inflatable mat. Thick high-quality foam will save you from cold and moisture, but sleeping on it is pretty hard. Although after one or two nights you will get used to it, and your back will stop hurting. Lay two narrow foams with an overlap so that the cold does not get into the gap between them.
An inflatable mat or mattress is softer than foam. Sleeping on such a bed is comfortable, but it costs five times more. It's up to you.
4. Prepare your sleeping bag and blanket
If you think that a simple blanket in the summer will save you from the night cold in a tent, you are greatly mistaken. It can be very cold outdoors, especially in the morning. Therefore, a sheet and blanket will only work if you have a heated tent.
The optimal solution is a sleeping bag. Choose it carefully and pay special attention to the comfort temperature that is indicated on it. This is the temperature at which you will not freeze in your sleeping bag.
5. Take a heating pad with you
It will not take up much space, but on a cold night, you will be very happy with it. A good option is a salt heating pad: it lasts for a long time, it is safe to use. If the cold took you by surprise, and you do not have a special heating pad at hand, then you can take an ordinary plastic bottle, fill it with hot water and place it in a sleeping bag.
6. Don't forget your pillow
Another important item to help brighten up your nights in a tent is a pillow. You should not take with you a large downy pillow or a pillow from the sofa. All this variety will perfectly replace the inflatable analogue. Inflatable pillows are sold not only in tourist shops, but also in hypermarkets.
Another good substitute for a pillow is your sleeping bag cover, which can be used to fold warm items such as a jacket. The tent will be neat and tidy, and you won't lose the cover.
7. Prepare insect protection
Mosquitoes, beetles, wood lice, spiders are not the most pleasant neighbors in a tent. To prevent insects from entering the rag house, close the doors tightly. If they have already crawled there, then you can use a folk remedy - hang bunches of tansy in the tent. But not the fact that you will find it.
You can smoke with special spirals, but they do not smell very pleasant and strongly smoke the inside of the tent. Not only insects, but you yourself will not want to spend the night in such a room.
There is a modern way - a portable device with batteries. Works all night, does not smell and does not make noise, but costs more than spirals.
Do not wear woolen clothing outdoors, as the scent of wool attracts mites.
8. Grab some replacement socks
In a camp setting, you may need to change a couple of socks in a day. They won't take up much space, so don't be shy and take at least three pairs for two days.
9. Take a folding chair or seat foam
In order not to look for a decent log and not sit on blankets, grab folding chairs or a foam seat with an elastic band, with which it is attached directly to the tourist. Sitting on a chair or armchair is very comfortable, but you can leave the foam on during the day. The “seating position” will be with you wherever you go, and your hands will be free.
10. Prepare lighting for the tent and grounds
In order not to stumble on pegs in the night and not to look for things by touch, stock up on economical, but sufficiently powerful lighting. Cover a clear plastic can with glow-in-the-dark paints. Better from the inside, so as not to get your hands dirty later.
Or tie the flashlight to a bottle of water, or you can even just put it on your smartphone with the flashlight on.
Overnight in the forest - How not to freeze
Imagine a situation of extreme survival in cold weather, when your clothes are not able to protect the body, and the appropriate equipment is not available at all or it is very limited and ineffective. An exhausted person who is at risk of hypothermia needs to sleep, but you know you will never wake up if you pass out.
I will tell you how to survive in a similar situation. There is a way that can provide a comfortable, warm place to sleep in fierce weather, even if your clothes are not adapted to the cold temperatures and you have little to no equipment or special skills for survival in the wild, other than the ability to build a special place to sleep and light a fire. ... In fact, you have to take care that this "bed" is cool enough to sleep in it!
A special “bed” for survival that will keep you warm in cold weather and can save your life is called a “firebed” or “bed on coals”.
Before I start explaining how to build a place to sleep, I would like to emphasize that if you are not in a real survival situation, but only in practice, try to pay special attention to the issue of preserving the environment with minimal damage from your actions. Avoid damaging the roots of trees and plants, be careful with fire in the wild.
Show respect for nature and she will definitely take care of you!
Requirements for building a "fire bed"
Since it takes a lot of time and effort to create a "charcoal bed", it is important to first find a suitable location. You need to look for various features that will facilitate the manufacture of the "bed", as well as the natural materials needed to build it and create additional comfort.
Preferred areas:
1. Protected as far as possible from wind, rain and snow.
2. With soil that you can dig to a depth of about thirty centimeters and not collide with large rocks, tree roots, ice or water.
3. Places rich in dry fuel to keep the fire going. Hardwoods are preferred. They burn longer and create a hotter flame. Soft rocks burn out quickly and give off many sparks.
4. Areas with an abundance of dry bedding material (leaves, pine needles, grass, cattails, etc.) to isolate the body.
Let's consider each point in more detail.
Weatherproof areas
If possible, then choose a place with natural shelter. Rocky outcrops, overhanging thick trees, and even the roots of fallen trees can provide good shelter compared to open areas. You will need to find a piece of flat ground that is at least half a meter or a meter longer than your body and wide enough to sleep comfortably.
Soil suitable for digging
Since you will have to dig a hole in the ground, choosing the right soil is extremely important. Give preference to an area in which:
* Groundwater is not close to the surface. If you get to the water, you need to dig elsewhere.
* The soil is easily processed with improvised means.
* Few roots or large stones make work very difficult.
* In snowy areas, look for a place where you don't have to dig too deep to the ground.
If you don't have a digging shovel, don't despair! Use your cutlery set, knife, sturdy stick, or even your own hands.
Usually, in cold climates, the soil freezes to a considerable depth. Depending on the situation, you can find soft ground at the foot of the southern slopes, where the sun's rays warm the ground sufficiently. Or you can make a fire to melt the soil before digging.
Fire fuel
A good "charcoal bed", as the name suggests, requires a layer of hot, long-burning coals. For this reason, the best fuel for building such a “bed” is hardwoods. If possible, arrange your bed near a dry fuel source.
Soft woods can be used, but they are not capable of producing high quality coals, more typical of hard woods. Dry grass and other natural materials do not leave coals, but can be used to light fires and heat the earth.
Hard tree species: hornbeam, eucalyptus, pear, cherry, apple, elm, teak, hickory - North American hazel, beech, oak, birch, ash, maple, walnut.
Soft tree species: linden, spruce, fir, aspen, cedar, alder, hemlock, pine, chestnut, willow.
Insulation material
In case you are not wearing enough warm clothing and sleeping gear is poorly adapted to cold climates or is completely absent, you will need a good source of dry, soft material for insulation and upholstery. Typically, the forest floor is a good natural blanket of foliage, evergreen needles and grass.
Even in areas with deep snow cover, if you try hard you can find insulation material. Inspect large boulders, where the ground around the stone is often not covered with snow and dry leaves accumulate there (by the way, a good place for arranging an overnight stay). Check the southern slopes and patches of evergreen forest, which is usually less snowy.
In winter, wet areas (swamps, rivers, lakes) can provide you with excellent insulation material in the form of cattails (cat's tail) and reeds. These plants are easy to reach as all the water freezes and snow is blown off the smooth ice surface.
A canvas or tarp, a woolen blanket, polyethylene, or similar material (waterproof and / or heat-retaining) can help a lot.
Survival situation
Let's imagine that your truck breaks down in a remote mountainous area and you have to spend the night outside in cold weather, without special equipment. Your clothing consists of sneakers, thin cotton pants, a T-shirt, cotton tank top, and a cap. Of course, you should have used a three-layer clothing system, but nobody could have guessed that the truck would ever break down - this is the main mistake in the mountains.
You also have a foldable army shovel, an old woolen blanket, and the ability to start a fire (flint, matches, a lighter, you can use a car battery or even a cell phone battery).
You can make a "fire bed" without a blanket or a shovel, but without fire you will not succeed. Therefore, it is imperative that you always have an emergency kit with you that will store waterproof matches or, better yet, a flint and magnesium bar.
To work
As soon as you decide on a place, start digging a trench of the following dimensions: width - about 30-50 cm, length - about 180 cm, depth - 30 cm.Do not scatter the earth at random, but carefully stack it in a heap. Later we will need stones, so separate them from the general soil.
After the trench is ready, line the bottom with fist-sized stones, leaving a 2-4 cm gap between them. Stones, in principle, are not absolutely necessary, but they will help create an air gap so that the fire will be hotter and you get better coals. If during digging you did not find enough stones, you can look for them somewhere nearby, just do not collect porous or layered stones, as well as those that were in the water. They can explode if heated!
Now you can start a fire. For tinder, I used dry pine needles and a pine cone. When the fire flares up and the first coals appear, scatter them all over the trench so as to cover the maximum area. Our goal is to maintain a uniform fire to form coal and heat the soil around the entire perimeter of the trench. Add wood as needed and scatter the coals for 2-3 hours. This time can be used to cook food, boil water, and dry clothes or bedding materials.
Then sprinkle a 10 cm layer of soil on the coals and tamp it down well. Make sure all coals are well covered and steam or smoke does not break through the soil.
Everything, now you just have to wait. It should take an hour or so before you feel the pleasant warmth of the heated soil. If this happens earlier, then most likely you need to fill up another 3-5 cm of soil from above, otherwise your "bed" may be too hot for a comfortable overnight stay.
It remains to prepare the "mattress". Look for dry, soft material and heap it up. When the coals have sufficiently heated the trench surface, you can cover the soil with an even layer of insulating material. The thickness and amount of insulation depends on the specific conditions and your capabilities. It is recommended to use a layer of at least 20-30 cm in thickness.
Several logs laid parallel to the sides of the trench will reflect the heat and provide additional warmth. In addition, they serve as a windbreak and prevent you from slipping into cold ground.
results
When I made this bed, the ambient temperature was around -4 degrees Celsius. Four hours later, the surface temperature above the coals reached 43 degrees, and the ground within a radius of 30 cm from the trench was slightly warm. By varying the thickness of the bedding material, the temperature of the "fire bed" can be adjusted.
The main problem with using such an overnight stay is evaporation. The point is that the soil and / or the material used for insulation usually contains moisture. As a result, the heat from the coals converts the moisture into steam and a kind of sauna is created. For this reason, it is advisable to use only the driest means to isolate the body. If possible, lie down on waterproof material (plastic, tarpaulin, canvas, polyethylene).
The next morning, fourteen hours after the "bed" was built, the air temperature dropped to -8 degrees Celsius, and the temperature of the ground surface was still kept at around 32 degrees. This is a great result!
This technique of creating a comfortable warm place to sleep will allow you to survive in cold weather without equipment or special clothing. Good luck!
