Keen to go camping but you've either forgotten or chosen to forgo the tent? There are still many options for camping in the great doors without a tent.
Method 1 of 4: Sleeping under the stars
1Sleep on a sleeping mat. A simple roll-out mat may be enough on a warm night, straight under the stars. A comfortable sleeping mat that self-inflates and a sleeping bag or suitable cover should suffice for a good night's rest when the conditions are right. Of course, the area needs to be safe from predatory animals, biting insects and human intruders, so choose the place wisely.
- If the ground is soft and clean enough, you might get away with sleeping in just a sleeping bag. However, this will rarely feel warm enough for the whole night.
- On really hot nights, use a lightweight cover over you, in place of a sleeping bag.
2Sleep in a bivouac sack. These can be purchased from camping and sports stores. They are like a sleeping bag with a little extra space. You can also build bivouac shelters, based on the same shape and principle of being very snug, preventing the escape of too much warm air.
3Sleep on a tarpaulin or other strong sheet. This will place a barrier between you and the ground. Use a sleeping bag or blanket to cover you; add a mat for extra comfort. In the morning, hang the tarpaulin up to dry (the underside will often be moist).
4Build a swamp bed. This type of "bed" is made from ferns, moss, branches, straw, etc. Use whatever is available where you are and try to keep it snug. If you're over a moist or damp area, keep it up off the ground.
- A bed of pine needles, grasses, or other soft vegetation can be quite comfortable with a sleeping bag or blanket on top.
5Sleep on sand. Sand is soft and if you burrow in can help insulate you but don't sleep too close to shore in case you've misjudged the tide.
6String up a hammock. There are different kinds of hammocks and swinging bed structures available. In some places, such as the jungle, this is really the safest way to sleep, away from the water, bugs and prowling creatures. You can either carry a commercially made hammock suited for the purpose or learn to rig up a simple one using ropes and a tarpaulin or simple strong sheet.
Method 2 of 4: Building a shelter
1Use a tarpaulin. A tarpaulin can serve as a very rudimentary shelter that may suffice for the night. It can keep mild rain off and can even block wind if angled correctly.
2Build a small shelter. Shelters can vary in complexity, from the very simple from branch, leaves, ferns, type to a completely structured and daubed shelter suitable for several nights. Some shelters to try include:
3Build a snow cave. If you are caught out in the snow, a snow shelter can keep you warm for a short time. For more details, see How to build a snow cave.
Method 3 of 4: Hybrid camping
1Sleep in a cabin or on the porch of a cottage or seaside holiday house, shack (Australia) or bach (NZ). Although not true camping, you're still roughing it to some extent and you get the benefit of a stronger shelter, which can be handy if the weather is bad.
2Sleep in a back country cabin or hut. It really depends on how you define "camping" - some of these buildings are so rudimentary that there is very little difference between these and tent stays. Be sure to take the appropriate supplies, such as sleeping bag, etc.
3Sleep in a yurt. This is like a "permanent" tent and many resourceful accommodations companies will provide these for outdoor stays. The yurt will allow you to feel comfortable but still "in the wilds".
4Sleep in your vehicle. From the back of your car to a recreational vehicle, caravan (travel trailer/mobile home), refitted buses, etc., taking a vehicle into the wilds can serve as both transportation and accommodation.
Method 4 of 4: Keeping warm
1Build a fire. For all cases except for the snow cave, build a fire if this is permissible. This is especially important if you are camping in a desert environment where night temperatures can drop dramatically below the heat of the day.
- Sleep close to the fire. If you're really cold, you'll find yourself waking up and tending to the fire to re-stoke it, so leave a bundle of fuel near it to throw on in case this happens. If you don't wake up, it's still handy to have to stoke up for breakfast.
2Wear warm clothes in cooler weather. This will help to counteract the inevitable heat loss from sleeping outdoors. Even with a tent, warm clothes are essential.Ad
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- Did you know? Camping may involve the use of a tent, caravan, motor home, cabin, a primitive structure, or no shelter at all. Camping became popular as a recreational activity in the early 20th century. Campers frequent national or state parks, other publicly owned natural areas, and privately owned campgrounds. Camping is also used as an inexpensive form of accommodation for people attending large open air events such as sporting meetings and music festivals. Camping is a key part of the program of many youth organizations around the world, such as scouting. It is used to teach self-reliance and teamwork.
- Survivalist campers learn the skills needed to survive in any outdoor situation. This activity may require skills in obtaining food from the wild, emergency medical treatments, orienteering, and pioneering.
- If you are avoiding taking a tent owing to weight, check out the lightweight structure options in camping and sports stores. Some of these will at least keep the rain off you.
- Keep a whistle around your neck. Blow hard on it if any animal or human disturbs you. The sudden noise can disorient and buy you escape time.
- Be aware of the weather forecast. Learn how to ascertain weather signs from nature as well. It's never enjoyable getting caught by rain and wind, and such exposure can be very dangerous if you get too cold.
- Let someone know your whereabouts if camping alone.
- Tents stop the entry of bugs, snakes, scorpions and spiders. Be aware that if you choose to sleep without such a barrier, there is a risk of meeting such critters in certain areas of the world.
- Get into the habit of never cooking near your sleeping area. That way, food smells won't be lingering over you to tempt curious or hungry animals.
- Sleep outdoors without a tent only when it is a warm season. If you attempt to sleep out in cold or freezing weather, you risk getting hypothermia or a respiratory illness.
- Do not camp in riverbeds, creek beds or water-based dips in the land. Flash floods are very fast and happen without warning.