by site editor Rick McCharles
Many people I know don’t sleep well in tents. Hikers included.
Myself, I often sleep poorly the first night … and quite well subsequent nights.
Critical for me is the pillow.
Here’s my current system:
I wrap the pillow with a fleece top.
The waterproof orange bag is sold by MEC as a “Pack Liner”. It weighs only 86gms and fits up to a 40litre pack.
Most of the bag is filled with a folded, partly inflated 3/4in, 3/4 length therm-a-rest air mattress, no longer available. (I can use any air mattress.)
Some loose clothing, down jacket and stuff sacks are added to the bottom.
I use this therm-a-rest as the frame of my pack, as well.
This pillow is almost as good as the one I use at home.
related – video: how I pack my backpack
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