Another thing we've done for 30+ years and swear by from experience is ALWAYS line the tent floor ( inside ) with just a cheap dollar store tarp cut to size and a cheap mylar reflective emergency blanket between you and the tarp to maximize retained body heat. The extra barrier of the tarp inside on the floor does wonders for stopping any dampness from creeping in from the ground to your carcass. That coupled with an outside ground sheet is the only way we've gone for many years, and we always sleep like babies.👍 Happy trails😊
@LoveofVelvetTo the contrary not heavy at all..could actually just double up the emergency blankets and that would suffice for both floor protection and radiant warmth, as for warm morning attire..we ALWAYS stuff our clothes for the next day at the bottom if of sleeping bags, wake up to toasty warm and dry duds in the morning! Happy trail!
Solid advice all the way around. Many first timers I’ve taken backpacking also have a lot of anxiety about how to interpret what they hear outside the tent overnight, navigating the dark to take that overnight pee, what to do if you can’t sleep or are the first one up in the morning, etc. I’ve offered advice to a few folks over the years, but I wonder if you have any that might make an interesting video.
Ear plugs for light sleepers, eye masks for those sensitive to light, square Nalgene(only) bottle for pee(leave it in sleeping bag on colder nights) and if in a forest, don't sleep under 'widow-makers'. Thanks for great vid, headed to watch winter setup.
It’s more of a psychological thing, some people don’t sleep outside because they may be scared.... once you can find peace in the middle of the wilderness, sleeping comes easier outside.
Love this video Eric. I just got back from a night in the backcountry and the placing of tent with the sun was a big one for me, at the moment in the French alps the mornings are super cold, so having the first bit of light on the tent felt so nice this morning
Nice vid again... I have the save sleeping bag, it’s epic!!! My video review coming maybe next month. Going to sleep in clean clothes is very important imho!!! Fuzzy socks YES!!! I actually hate attaching my pad to my bag.. drives me crazy...
We need a tips video on how to look as sharp as Eric Hanson when we get to camp. Maybe is the Florida air but I'm always damp and gross when I get done for the day lol great tips video
Check out how some of the backpacking quilt manufacturers attach theirs to the mattress. You may be able to somehow mimic this on your bag. One suggestion is Enlightened Equipment. I use theirs but they aren't the only company.
Most you covered, mine are: Dry clean clothes (especially socks) Insulated mattress Good bag that fits you well (or stuff it to make it fit better) Tent location Eat before bed (the harder to digest stuff works best as it burns more calories to do it) Don't drink before bed (bot even that hot cup of tea or cocoa) or you'll have to pee Pee if you need to Wear a beanie Do some light excercise before you sleep (enough to get the blood flowing and warm you up but not enough to make you sweat) Boot liners with hand/foot warmers inside
Great tips! I do like to encourage people to keep drinking though, as it's easy to get dehydrated out of fear of having to pee. To me it's better to just hydrate and pee when needed. But I like your list! Excellent work!
@@BackpackingTV oh yeah I'm not saying don't drink plenty throughout the day and stay hydrated, just don't drink a bunch near or right before bed if you're expecting potential warmth issues at night (like that hot cup of tea/cocoa thats very tempting). In addition to causing the discomfort and forcing you to get up to pee its also liquid in your system that, if its over what you need for hydration, is just acting like a heat sink as your body tries to maintain warmth and has to heat up the additional liquid too.
How does it not get freezing cold in the summer for you guys? We get 5-6 °C at night in the mountains even in midsummer. Late spring, early fall? Maybe you get 4-5 °C... Maybe you get snowed in... Who knows? And I don't live up north...
Mark Harwood Big Agnes sells a “snap patch” that attaches their quilts to sleeping pads. I’m not sure what kind of quilt you have but it may help. www.bigagnes.com/Snap-Patch-Accessory-Pack
For guys a must is a pee bottle.. ..get a wide top water bottle paint it luminous, and put warnings on it " pee do not drink " ( for those who dont know what it is ) A soda bottle is not a good idea, so forget that unless you want a wet sleeping bag. Hey presto if its a cold night you just made a hot water bottle....i bought a luminous wide top bottle so check online if you you dont want to have to paint it...not having to get up out of your bag for a pee makes such a difference ...enjoyed your tips.
Yes. For women, use a urinary device, basically a funnel, like P Style, Shewee, etc and pee in a ziplock bag. Keep the bag outside your tent in case it leaks.
