1. Something to Sleep On
The time to find out that the ground is cold and hard shouldn’t be 3 AM. If you’re a budding camper, I’m here to tell you that a sleeping bag provides only minimal cushioning. So you shouldn’t rely exclusively on it. Unless you want to feel every twig, root, and stone digging into your body, get yourself a roll-up or inflatable mattress.
A sleeping mattress also creates a thermal barrier to prevent the cold ground from pulling your body heat away from you. Make sure to also buy an inflatable pillow for sweeter dreams.
There are three key types of sleeping mattresses, so choose the one that’s right for you. Some folks that take different types of journeys and a variety of outdoor activities may have more than one camping mattress. However, if you’re just a first-time backpacker, one all-around sleeping mattress would be a great choice.
