Equipment Outfitters

What to Sleep on

In a caravan, you’ll simply sleep in a bed. But for those who prefer the adventure of sleeping closer to Mother Earth — without sacrificing too much by way of comfort — there are a number of options.

Inflatable air mattresses come in single- or double-bed sizes. They hold a fair amount of air, so you will need some sort of pump to fill them. As they tend to be sturdy once inflated, they can usually be left that way. The top and bottom are kept in place with connecting strips inside, also determining the shape. Long-lasting under normal use, they are not designed to be used as a trampoline. If the inside strips tear loose, the mattress will develop shapeless parts and be expensive to repair. These mattresses are made from heavy rubberised fabric, making them fairly water proof. Most have a slightly raised section to serve as a pillow, but this is no substitute for the real thing.

An important feature of air mattresses is the flat, or dimpled, upper and lower surfaces when inflated. It provides an even, flat surface on which to sleep. In cold weather a blanket on top of the mattress will provide extra insulation from below. Varying the air pressure will make for a harder or softer sleep.

Lilos can be used as mattresses, too, but they’re not as robust and do not have a flat upper surface. The uneven tubular effect can be remedied to some extent by putting a folded blanket on top and releasing some air.

For hikers, small, high-density, roll-up foam mats are good value and make for efficient insulation from the cold earth, but they’re not as comfortable as an air mattress.

Large pieces of ordinary foam provide a comfortable rest, if covered, but tend to take up a lot of space. If they get wet, they take a long time to dry. Hammocks are another option, but they can only be strung up outdoors and are not the most comfortable place to spend the night — which is a pity, as they are light and easy to carry. But don’t leave your hammock behind — the upper, ‘thin’ end provides good head support, which is perfect for reading. In a cool breeze, the gentle rocking motion will quickly soothe you into a refreshing nap.

Because stretchers keep you off the ground, they offer good insulation. There is a wide selection of frames and fabric combinations out there, but the kinds to look for are small and light when folded up. Those with spring steel frames and legs that keep the sides apart will last for years.

One small drawback is that the feet tend to be narrower than the top, so do be careful when rolling over or you may tip yourself out. The wood and canvas ones may be very ’safari’, but are quite heavy by comparison and not very rigid when up. If untreated canvas gets wet, it tends to stay that way until the sun comes out.

What to Sleep in

Sleeping bags are perhaps the most convenient form of bedding on earth, and even the most voluminous can be folded up into a relatively small package. No matter what the weather, you’ll find a sleeping bag to match. They are graded according to the degree of insulation they provide against the cold: top of the range can cope with (literally) arctic conditions (-45`C), while lighter models are quite adequate for tropical regions.

In a discussion about sleeping bags, the terms ‘inner’, ‘outer’ and ‘filling’ may surface. These are the most important characteristics of a bag: what is the outside made from (is it waterproof?); what do you actually sleep in (does it have a cotton liner?); and what degree of insulation does the filling provide? A liner will keep the inside clean, and can be removed to sleep in on hot nights. A natural down-filling is one of the most efficient and will provide excellent insulation against the cold, but synthetic ‘down’ does not bunch together to form lumps and does not absorb moisture.

These are critical choices if you are venturing into a harsh and unforgiving environment, such as the icy slopes of a mountain. Do not hesitate if a good bag costs more than your tent, as under extreme conditions it can be a more important item. The lightest sleeping bags do not have to cope with much, and the most important decision may well be the design and colour of the fabric.

The quality of the zips is important for your choice of sleeping bag. If you’re buying more than one, ask whether they can be zipped together to form a double.

Children’s bags may be printed with cartoon characters and friendly wildlife scenes. Shortened bags are designed for very small children.

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