Sleeping

Sleeping is such an important part of your camping holiday, backpacking trip or climbing expedition. It is restorative and should be safe, warm, cozy and help you to replenish the energy that you have sapped lugging , carrying or climbing the day before. There is no better feeling than scoffing a big bowl of pasta, finishing your hot chocolate and crawling into a well lofted down bag ready for a great night of sleep. I find that a bit of wild weather can even add to the atmosphere. But, to insure this does not become a mid night disaster of broken poles and wet bags and of kit blown half way down the mountain side, you have to invest in a proper tent, a good sleeping bag whether it is synthetic or down. One that is appropriate to the type and time of your expedition. Also a good sleeping mat can give you a great night's sleep. The Exped DownMat 7 is partially filled with down which considerably helps to insulate you from below. It is also 7cm thick so you will be warm and comfortable. The down also means that you need a slightly less heavy sleeping bag to achieve the same warmth and comfort. Consider also your pillow. You almost certainly have your favourite pillow at home so why then settle for a rolled up fleece and your hiking trousers? Some stuffsacks have a fleece inside which when reversed will act as a pillow or indeed treat yourself to a good quality inflatable pillow. The Exped comfort pillow is perfect for this. Finally if you need to up the spec of your bag or just keep the inside of your sleeping bag clean, then use a sleeping bag liner. In cotton or silk they add warmth by trapping air and will prolong the life of your precious down bag.