Tip No. 1 \u2013 A good campsite<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.bergfreunde.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Wildcampen_Nacht_offen-1.jpg\")
<\/a>Is it actually allowed to stay here?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nFinding a good campsite<\/strong> isn\u2019t always easy. Depending on where you are, wild camping or bivouacking may be allowed, tolerated, or even completely forbidden. How this is handled across different countries and regions<\/strong> can be hard to navigate. Anni and I gave it a try anyway. If the topic interests you, have a look at our posts:<\/p>\n\n\n\nLooking for a place to sleep \u2013 What\u2019s allowed when wild camping in Germany?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nHotel Europa \u2013 Where is wild camping permitted?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nAside from legalities, there are still a few things worth considering when choosing your spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Flat and dry<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"View](\"https:\/\/www.bergfreunde.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/EXPED-Mars-II-Extreme_8255218-12.jpg\")
<\/a>With the right technique, you can reduce the risk of sliding down the slope at night ;)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nFor a comfortable night<\/strong>, your sleeping spot should be as level as possible.<\/strong> If it isn\u2019t, lie with your feet pointing downhill. A large rucksack at your feet helps to stop you from sliding. This keeps you lying comfortably and avoids the constant battle of slipping off your mat. If you\u2019re sharing a tent, it also prevents you from rolling downhill into your neighbour. Sleeping with your head pointing downhill is rarely a good idea – unless you\u2019re a bat\u2026
You should also make sure the place is as dry as possible.<\/strong> That\u2019s not always easy, especially after rain. Still, try to avoid ground that is completely waterlogged. Ground moisture can eventually seep through the tent floor, especially with older tents. Without a tent, wet ground is unpleasant anyway. A groundsheet helps, with or without a tent, but the drier the spot, the more comfortable your night.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAvoid tall grass and riverbanks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Near rivers and tall grasses, everything gets damp overnight thanks to dew. This is particularly relevant when bivouacking. If you don\u2019t fancy waking up feeling freshly showered inside your sleeping bag, avoid places where heavy dew is likely. Forests or forest edges<\/strong> are usually better than open meadows or small hollows. A large tree with a dense crown can also offer decent protection.
On multi\u2011day hikes, I also like to keep an eye out for pavilions or lookout huts.<\/strong> It\u2019s not exactly \u201cfull outdoors\u201d, but you usually get good shelter from rain<\/strong>, and with a bit of luck a bench from which to enjoy the sunset before heading to sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTip No. 2 \u2013 The right sleeping mat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Finding the perfect mat is a science of its own. The best one for you depends on plenty of factors. I won\u2019t dive into the sleeping\u2011mat rabbit hole<\/strong> here – if you\u2019re interested, check out Simon’s article:<\/p>\n\n\n\nSleeping mats: You make your bed, you lie in it<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nTo keep it simple: a good mat suits you, your location, the season and the conditions. If you\u2019re travelling by car, you can happily take one of those wonderfully thick, delightfully heavy, self\u2011inflating mats. Great for comfort, not so great for hiking or cycling.
So as is often the case, you need a good compromise.<\/strong> Lightweight mats can be uncomfortable yet durable – or durable yet uncomfortable. I wrestled with this problem for ages and eventually found a system that works perfectly for me. Here comes my own personal little trick.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe idea is a second mat\u2026<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019ve got a dodgy back and need a mat that\u2019s both comfortable and as light as possible.<\/strong> Last year on a multi\u2011day tour, I realised that once tired enough, I simply couldn\u2019t rest properly because I was lying uncomfortably. That\u2019s not fun after night three. So: lightweight and comfortable is ideal.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAt the same time, I often sleep on rocky ground.<\/strong> So the mat needs to withstand rough terrain. With very thin air mats, I always worry a single stone might puncture them. A foam mat or thin self\u2011inflating mat would admittedly be best, but my back simply doesn\u2019t tolerate them. A dilemma… but one I\u2019ve solved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Woman](\"https:\/\/www.bergfreunde.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/EXPED-Winterlite_P1050438.jpg\")
<\/a>Sometimes the perfect solution \u2013 a combination of different mats.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nI\u2019ve always owned a relatively thin, but warm and incredibly durable THERM\u2011A\u2011REST mat. It\u2019s practically indestructible. Even the worst conditions never harmed it, and I\u2019m convinced it might just be bulletproof\u2026 who knows. But it\u2019s the opposite of comfortable. So not enough on its own. I also have a second, small lightweight mat that provides comfort. Combined, they\u2019re brilliant.<\/strong> Here\u2019s the trick:<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe durable mat goes on the ground. My sleeping bag goes on top. And INSIDE the sleeping bag goes the second mat. Brands like Klymit<\/strong> make special models<\/strong> for this. My inner mat is more of a grid than a full mat – but it cushions the pressure points at hips and shoulders perfectly. Then, the sleeping bag fills the gaps, which boosts both comfort and insulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAnd the weight? Both mats together are still under a kilo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tip No. 3 \u2013 Keep your head up!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Can you lie completely flat and sleep comfortably? Me neither. Maybe I\u2019m getting old, whatever. Either way: a pillow is essential.<\/strong> But who wants to carry one on tour? They\u2019re bulky, not ultralight, and it feels very contradictory to trim grams everywhere only to pack a pillow. But sleeping well matters. Here are two solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPack the stuff sack<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The lightweight DIY version:<\/strong> use things you already have. Stuff sacks are always part of your kit – tent bags, sleeping\u2011bag sacks and so on. Choose the one closest in size and shape to a pillow. If you have a soft one<\/strong> (often the sleeping bag\u2019s stuff sack), use that. Fill it with a few clothes – the softer, the better. A down jacket or fleece works great. Make sure the bag isn\u2019t too firm or too floppy; loosely filled works best.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTravel pillow rulez<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
There are also travel pillows<\/strong> that weigh next to nothing and have a tiny pack-size. I\u2019m a self\u2011confessed softie, so I\u2019m a huge fan. Some weigh barely more than a large egg and compress down smaller than a pack of tissues. Tempting, right? That\u2019s the deluxe\u2011softie version:<\/strong> a proper pillow that you simply inflate. They\u2019re usually filled with synthetic fibres, so they don\u2019t become a cold spot in low temperatures. And since they\u2019re only used for sleeping, they stay clean – unlike stuff sacks or clothes.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTip No. 4 \u2013 Clothes maketh the sleeper<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Want a personal confession? Since we\u2019re among friends\u2026 here it is: at home, I always sleep in underwear. Nothing else. No pyjamas, no nightdress (there goes my long\u2011kept secret). When I\u2019m travelling, it\u2019s similar but not quite the same. There are reasons for that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The nightlife of thermal base layers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"Woman](\"https:\/\/www.bergfreunde.de\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/F16_Rafalovich_RoadTrip_C9U3140_RGB.jpg\")
<\/a>Thermal underwear (here in a colourful version) makes a great alternative to pyjamas.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nI think it\u2019s really worth taking clothes specifically for sleeping. I prefer long, dark\u2011coloured thermal base layers.<\/strong> Use them only for sleeping and they stay clean, warm and comfortable even on long tours – especially when hygiene standards inevitably drop without showers. It\u2019s a joy to have something fresh to sleep in.
Thermal base layers also keep you warm, which is useful on cool evenings. I can read in the tent without having to hide in the warmth of my sleeping bag. And another benefit: if you need to nip outside at night, you don\u2019t need to rummage for clothes and wake everyone else. You can simply step out as you are.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBonus:<\/strong> if you\u2019re surprised by a cold snap, you have warm base layers<\/strong> ready for extra insulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTip No. 5 \u2013 Tidying up<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A few years ago, I was travelling through southern France in summer and had a very persistent nighttime visitor.<\/strong> Not only did he want to feast on my leftovers and make a racket, he refused to take the hint. Even after I told him several times that he wasn\u2019t welcome, he wouldn\u2019t leave. Have you guessed yet?<\/p>\n\n\n\nI\u2019m talking about a hedgehog. When I first saw him, he was staring at me from inside my cooking pot. The pot still had food scraps inside but was covered with a lid and weighted down. Somehow he figured out how to open it and was happily munching away on my leftover spaghetti. Little rascal. I carried him into the woods – came back – and there he was again. This happened several times over, until everything was finally hedgehog\u2011proof.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nTidiness is essential<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you don\u2019t want hedgehogs in your pot or mice in your coffee cup, tidy up before you go to sleep.<\/strong> Food leftovers and dirty dishes attract animals. If you don\u2019t want them having noisy late\u2011night parties in your cookware, wash it or store it securely.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFlora can also be annoying. Dew can soak clothes and gear overnight. Anyone who has ever pulled on a dew\u2011damp shirt knows the feeling\u2026 But there\u2019s a simple fix: pack everything away in your backpack<\/strong> or bring it inside the tent. Then it stays dry, and on cold nights you can warm the next day\u2019s clothes inside your sleeping bag. I usually put my shoes on top of my backpack so they\u2019re off the ground<\/strong> and protected from moisture.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nTip No. 6 \u2013 Don\u2019t drive yourselves mad<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Sleeping outside – especially in the woods – often triggers associations like \u201cscary\u201d, \u201cdangerous\u201d, or \u201ccreepy\u201d. Fairy tales don\u2019t help: robbers in the woods, wolves stalking children, mysterious night creatures\u2026 But here\u2019s the truth: there\u2019s nothing out there. Nothing threatening, at least. Even if it rustles, whistles or cracks: there\u2019s nothing evil lurking.<\/strong> You can sleep outdoors peacefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMidnight snack for wild animals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
People often claim wild animals see sleeping humans as easy prey, with wolves attacking hikers or scavengers making mistakes. But in Central Europe, the danger from wildlife is practically zero.<\/strong> No wild boar is going to nibble your toes off; no wolf is going to attack you in your sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWild animals only attack when threatened, cornered, or protecting their young. If you’re sleeping quietly, you\u2019re not a threat. In fact, humans usually scare them off<\/strong> before we even notice them. If you want to be extra cautious, check your camping spot for tracks, as wild boar leave obvious signs. Avoid watering holes and areas near hunting stands depending on the season.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAnd creepy\u2011crawlies? Spiders, insects and similar creatures<\/strong> don\u2019t usually crawl on you at night. Humans simply aren\u2019t that interesting to them – except maybe mosquitoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSo, off you go!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
As you can see, with a few tricks you can massively improve your sleep outdoors.
\u201cHang on\u2026 Lisa, you\u2019ve not mentioned sleeping bags!?! This is all about sleeping, and the sleeping bag is the essential bit of kit, and you say nothing? Highly suspicious\u2026\u201d Thanks, imaginary heckler. True, but there\u2019s a reason. First: I simply don\u2019t have any special tips regarding sleeping bags. Second: Stephan and Simon have already done a fantastic job explaining everything in their articles. So, my imaginary friend, there you go:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Finding a good campsite<\/strong> isn\u2019t always easy. Depending on where you are, wild camping or bivouacking may be allowed, tolerated, or even completely forbidden. How this is handled across different countries and regions<\/strong> can be hard to navigate. Anni and I gave it a try anyway. If the topic interests you, have a look at our posts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Looking for a place to sleep \u2013 What\u2019s allowed when wild camping in Germany?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Hotel Europa \u2013 Where is wild camping permitted?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Aside from legalities, there are still a few things worth considering when choosing your spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For a comfortable night<\/strong>, your sleeping spot should be as level as possible.<\/strong> If it isn\u2019t, lie with your feet pointing downhill. A large rucksack at your feet helps to stop you from sliding. This keeps you lying comfortably and avoids the constant battle of slipping off your mat. If you\u2019re sharing a tent, it also prevents you from rolling downhill into your neighbour. Sleeping with your head pointing downhill is rarely a good idea – unless you\u2019re a bat\u2026 Near rivers and tall grasses, everything gets damp overnight thanks to dew. This is particularly relevant when bivouacking. If you don\u2019t fancy waking up feeling freshly showered inside your sleeping bag, avoid places where heavy dew is likely. Forests or forest edges<\/strong> are usually better than open meadows or small hollows. A large tree with a dense crown can also offer decent protection. Finding the perfect mat is a science of its own. The best one for you depends on plenty of factors. I won\u2019t dive into the sleeping\u2011mat rabbit hole<\/strong> here – if you\u2019re interested, check out Simon’s article:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sleeping mats: You make your bed, you lie in it<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n To keep it simple: a good mat suits you, your location, the season and the conditions. If you\u2019re travelling by car, you can happily take one of those wonderfully thick, delightfully heavy, self\u2011inflating mats. Great for comfort, not so great for hiking or cycling. I\u2019ve got a dodgy back and need a mat that\u2019s both comfortable and as light as possible.<\/strong> Last year on a multi\u2011day tour, I realised that once tired enough, I simply couldn\u2019t rest properly because I was lying uncomfortably. That\u2019s not fun after night three. So: lightweight and comfortable is ideal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the same time, I often sleep on rocky ground.<\/strong> So the mat needs to withstand rough terrain. With very thin air mats, I always worry a single stone might puncture them. A foam mat or thin self\u2011inflating mat would admittedly be best, but my back simply doesn\u2019t tolerate them. A dilemma… but one I\u2019ve solved.<\/p>\n\n\n I\u2019ve always owned a relatively thin, but warm and incredibly durable THERM\u2011A\u2011REST mat. It\u2019s practically indestructible. Even the worst conditions never harmed it, and I\u2019m convinced it might just be bulletproof\u2026 who knows. But it\u2019s the opposite of comfortable. So not enough on its own. I also have a second, small lightweight mat that provides comfort. Combined, they\u2019re brilliant.<\/strong> Here\u2019s the trick:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The durable mat goes on the ground. My sleeping bag goes on top. And INSIDE the sleeping bag goes the second mat. Brands like Klymit<\/strong> make special models<\/strong> for this. My inner mat is more of a grid than a full mat – but it cushions the pressure points at hips and shoulders perfectly. Then, the sleeping bag fills the gaps, which boosts both comfort and insulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And the weight? Both mats together are still under a kilo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Can you lie completely flat and sleep comfortably? Me neither. Maybe I\u2019m getting old, whatever. Either way: a pillow is essential.<\/strong> But who wants to carry one on tour? They\u2019re bulky, not ultralight, and it feels very contradictory to trim grams everywhere only to pack a pillow. But sleeping well matters. Here are two solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The lightweight DIY version:<\/strong> use things you already have. Stuff sacks are always part of your kit – tent bags, sleeping\u2011bag sacks and so on. Choose the one closest in size and shape to a pillow. If you have a soft one<\/strong> (often the sleeping bag\u2019s stuff sack), use that. Fill it with a few clothes – the softer, the better. A down jacket or fleece works great. Make sure the bag isn\u2019t too firm or too floppy; loosely filled works best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are also travel pillows<\/strong> that weigh next to nothing and have a tiny pack-size. I\u2019m a self\u2011confessed softie, so I\u2019m a huge fan. Some weigh barely more than a large egg and compress down smaller than a pack of tissues. Tempting, right? That\u2019s the deluxe\u2011softie version:<\/strong> a proper pillow that you simply inflate. They\u2019re usually filled with synthetic fibres, so they don\u2019t become a cold spot in low temperatures. And since they\u2019re only used for sleeping, they stay clean – unlike stuff sacks or clothes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Want a personal confession? Since we\u2019re among friends\u2026 here it is: at home, I always sleep in underwear. Nothing else. No pyjamas, no nightdress (there goes my long\u2011kept secret). When I\u2019m travelling, it\u2019s similar but not quite the same. There are reasons for that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I think it\u2019s really worth taking clothes specifically for sleeping. I prefer long, dark\u2011coloured thermal base layers.<\/strong> Use them only for sleeping and they stay clean, warm and comfortable even on long tours – especially when hygiene standards inevitably drop without showers. It\u2019s a joy to have something fresh to sleep in. Bonus:<\/strong> if you\u2019re surprised by a cold snap, you have warm base layers<\/strong> ready for extra insulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A few years ago, I was travelling through southern France in summer and had a very persistent nighttime visitor.<\/strong> Not only did he want to feast on my leftovers and make a racket, he refused to take the hint. Even after I told him several times that he wasn\u2019t welcome, he wouldn\u2019t leave. Have you guessed yet?<\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019m talking about a hedgehog. When I first saw him, he was staring at me from inside my cooking pot. The pot still had food scraps inside but was covered with a lid and weighted down. Somehow he figured out how to open it and was happily munching away on my leftover spaghetti. Little rascal. I carried him into the woods – came back – and there he was again. This happened several times over, until everything was finally hedgehog\u2011proof.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you don\u2019t want hedgehogs in your pot or mice in your coffee cup, tidy up before you go to sleep.<\/strong> Food leftovers and dirty dishes attract animals. If you don\u2019t want them having noisy late\u2011night parties in your cookware, wash it or store it securely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Flora can also be annoying. Dew can soak clothes and gear overnight. Anyone who has ever pulled on a dew\u2011damp shirt knows the feeling\u2026 But there\u2019s a simple fix: pack everything away in your backpack<\/strong> or bring it inside the tent. Then it stays dry, and on cold nights you can warm the next day\u2019s clothes inside your sleeping bag. I usually put my shoes on top of my backpack so they\u2019re off the ground<\/strong> and protected from moisture.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sleeping outside – especially in the woods – often triggers associations like \u201cscary\u201d, \u201cdangerous\u201d, or \u201ccreepy\u201d. Fairy tales don\u2019t help: robbers in the woods, wolves stalking children, mysterious night creatures\u2026 But here\u2019s the truth: there\u2019s nothing out there. Nothing threatening, at least. Even if it rustles, whistles or cracks: there\u2019s nothing evil lurking.<\/strong> You can sleep outdoors peacefully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n People often claim wild animals see sleeping humans as easy prey, with wolves attacking hikers or scavengers making mistakes. But in Central Europe, the danger from wildlife is practically zero.<\/strong> No wild boar is going to nibble your toes off; no wolf is going to attack you in your sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wild animals only attack when threatened, cornered, or protecting their young. If you’re sleeping quietly, you\u2019re not a threat. In fact, humans usually scare them off<\/strong> before we even notice them. If you want to be extra cautious, check your camping spot for tracks, as wild boar leave obvious signs. Avoid watering holes and areas near hunting stands depending on the season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And creepy\u2011crawlies? Spiders, insects and similar creatures<\/strong> don\u2019t usually crawl on you at night. Humans simply aren\u2019t that interesting to them – except maybe mosquitoes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As you can see, with a few tricks you can massively improve your sleep outdoors.Flat and dry<\/h3>\n\n\n
<\/a>
You should also make sure the place is as dry as possible.<\/strong> That\u2019s not always easy, especially after rain. Still, try to avoid ground that is completely waterlogged. Ground moisture can eventually seep through the tent floor, especially with older tents. Without a tent, wet ground is unpleasant anyway. A groundsheet helps, with or without a tent, but the drier the spot, the more comfortable your night.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAvoid tall grass and riverbanks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
On multi\u2011day hikes, I also like to keep an eye out for pavilions or lookout huts.<\/strong> It\u2019s not exactly \u201cfull outdoors\u201d, but you usually get good shelter from rain<\/strong>, and with a bit of luck a bench from which to enjoy the sunset before heading to sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTip No. 2 \u2013 The right sleeping mat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
So as is often the case, you need a good compromise.<\/strong> Lightweight mats can be uncomfortable yet durable – or durable yet uncomfortable. I wrestled with this problem for ages and eventually found a system that works perfectly for me. Here comes my own personal little trick.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe idea is a second mat\u2026<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Tip No. 3 \u2013 Keep your head up!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Pack the stuff sack<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Travel pillow rulez<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Tip No. 4 \u2013 Clothes maketh the sleeper<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The nightlife of thermal base layers<\/h3>\n\n\n
<\/a>
Thermal base layers also keep you warm, which is useful on cool evenings. I can read in the tent without having to hide in the warmth of my sleeping bag. And another benefit: if you need to nip outside at night, you don\u2019t need to rummage for clothes and wake everyone else. You can simply step out as you are.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTip No. 5 \u2013 Tidying up<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Tidiness is essential<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Tip No. 6 \u2013 Don\u2019t drive yourselves mad<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Midnight snack for wild animals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
So, off you go!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHang on\u2026 Lisa, you\u2019ve not mentioned sleeping bags!?! This is all about sleeping, and the sleeping bag is the essential bit of kit, and you say nothing? Highly suspicious\u2026\u201d Thanks, imaginary heckler. True, but there\u2019s a reason. First: I simply don\u2019t have any special tips regarding sleeping bags. Second: Stephan and Simon have already done a fantastic job explaining everything in their articles. So, my imaginary friend, there you go:<\/p>\n\n\n\n