One of camping’s main benefits is the enjoyment and appreciation of nature. However, there are various things that must be in place if you want to enjoy your camping trip.
Elements like rain and sunshine are always around to pose some form of discomfort. To protect yourself adequately, and also remain comfortable, you’d usually pack a good tent.
However, today we won’t be talking about camping tents. Instead, we’ll go through how to camp without a tent. There are usually different reasons to do this. For instance, those who are backpacking without a tent would want to travel as light as possible. For such people, a tent is a luxury that cannot be afforded.
You may be wondering how anyone can successfully camp without a tent. The truth is that people do it all the time without a problem.
Camping Without a Tent
You may feel that you don’t need to know how to camp without a tent. Regardless of that, you may still find yourself in a situation where you don’t have a sleeping tent.
So, what do you do then? Here are a few steps to follow:
1. Choose a Good Location and Time
Sleeping outside without a tent? The first step in camping without a tent is selecting the best location and season. I wouldn’t advise you to camp without a tent in winter. Temperatures are extremely low in winter and you’d be freezing bad without sufficient protection.
Pick a location that has a dominant warm climate. You should make inquiries about your desired campground to know how warm it gets and when it does. Regions that are about to receive heavy rainfall or low temperatures should be avoided. Take a good tent along if you’ll be camping there.
If you’re going to be backpacking, and can’t take a tent, there are other gears that can be used to provide warmth. You can purchase a good sleeping bag or tarpaulin to provide you with some heat.
2. Consider Basic Shelter
Proper camping tents are large and take up a considerable amount of space. If you’ll be leaving them behind while going to camp, you can still plan ahead for an alternative shelter that won’t inconvenience you.
The lightest form of protection from cold and external factors is a sleeping bag/pad. Pack a good sleeping bag on your way to camp. It will provide you with some comfort.
Apart from the sleeping bag, there’s also the bivy sack option. Bivy sacks are designed to provide you with significant insulation. The sack covers your whole body and keeps you warm.
You would want to use a bivy sack because it weighs very little and it can shield well against the elements. Bivy sacks are also available at pocket-friendly prices and are widely available for purchase.
3. Sleep in Your Vehicle
For those who have cars or trucks, they can use them as alternative sleeping platforms. The type of car, large or small, and the internal features affect how comfortable your sleep is.
Cars with enough room inside and versatile seat design can provide you with convenient sleeping space. However, those with a tight interior might be really uncomfortable to sleep in.
In addition to the cushioned car seats, you can lay down your sleeping bag and some pillows for added comfort. Car mattresses are also good options that boost comfort. You can search online stores for one that matches your car model.
The mattresses are inflatable. Just blow air into the mattress and it’ll be ready for you to sleep on. Keep in mind that the car mattress may leak air over the night.
4. Take Insect Spray with You
As you learn how to camp without a tent, you must factor in the presence of bugs. Bugs are a persistent nuisance that campers face.
Without proper preparation and protective measures, you’d get bitten by different bugs at camp. This can consequently rob you of your sleep and general peace of mind.
Some of the things commonly used to keep bugs away are insect sprays and mosquito nets. Based on individual preference, you can select both or one of them for defense against bugs.
Those who have a tent would get extra protection from the tent’s walls. Regardless, you can still enjoy your sleep even without a tent. Just make sure that you don’t leave the necessary tools and equipment at home. A can of insect spray makes a lot of difference.
5. Try Cowboy Camping
The cowboy tentless camping style is for those that want to totally rough it at camp. It’s done without any form of sleeping gear.
You won’t be packing a tent, mattress, or sleeping bag. The bare floor will serve as your mattress while you take a nap. You may keep yourself warm by sleeping at close proximity to a campfire.
For a bit of warmth and protection from insects, cover yourself with a thick blanket. You may also use a soft pillow to support your neck and prevent development of pains.
Feel free to get creative if you don’t want to just lay bareback on the ground. Clothes can be used to cushion the hard floor and provide soft padding for you to sleep on.
Final Thoughts
Whatever your reason may be for no tent camping, you can still enjoy yourself.
Always remember to plan ahead of any camping trip, especially when you plan to leave the tent behind at home.
You can purchase a good inflatable mattress that stays between you and the hard bare ground. You can also get some pillows and a blanket to make things more comfortable. The number of additional items carried such as a camping flashlight would be dependent on how much space you have in your backpack.
Your car or truck can also serve as a place to sleep at night, or during the day. In the end, what really matters is proper planning.