Photo: Caiaimage/Paul Bradbury (Getty Images).
Skip the tent and fall asleep with the stars as your nightlight. Only during these warm summer months is it actually conceivable to not bring shelter with you when you head to the forest. Granted, due to bugs or even shade, you may very well decide that the tent is coming, and that’s fine. But either way, we suggest taking advantage of the climate and setting up a place to lay your tired head outside.
Some of our favorite camping brands have you covered for summer camping, ensuring maximum comfort when sleeping outside. The Maine Heritage Cot from Byer of Maine looks like something you might see in an episode of Mash, but this pop-up is totally modern. Designed to keep you about 2 feet off the ground, the wood frame has a covering of strong polyester to create a comfortable sleeping surface.
Also: Summer Camping | Pick Up This Gear & Put The City In Your Rearview
If you’re really up for a sleeping situation out of the ordinary, make sure to pick up a pro-grade hammock. The Roo Hammock, by Kammok, is made of proprietary fabric, called LunarWave, that is lightweight, tear-resistant, breathable – and it can accommodate two people. Add the Dragonfly Ultra Light 360 Insect net (designed to perfectly accommodate the Roo) to keep the bugs away, and catch some Zs in the trees.
Whether it just be for a nap, or all night, sleeping out in the open space will be a relaxing treat you will surely be glad you took advantage of.
Camp City | Make Your Bed.. Outside
-
Byer of Maine, Maine Heritage Cot
The Maine Heritage Cot, $149.95, by Byer of Maine, is a great way to sleep under the stars. It easily collapses to be travel friendly, but will offer a comfortable way to camp out, without sleeping on the ground.
Photo: Byer of Maine
-
Teton Sports, 12x18
Make your camp bed just like you do the one in your urban apartment. With 12"x18" Camp Pilllows, $17.99, by Teton Sports, you can lay your head to rest on a super soft, super portable, landing.
Photo: Teton Sports
-
Exped, Megamat Duo 10 Foam Insulation
Pegged as being the closest you can come to sleeping on your own bed while sleeping outside, the Megamat Duo 10, by Exped, about $350, has high quality foam insulation and a stretch tricot top which allows for amazing support.
Photo: Exped
-
Sea to Summit, UltraLight Insulated Mat
Toss the UltraLight Insulated Mat, about $130-150, by Sea to Summit, under your sleeping bag for premium comfort.Photo: Sea to Summit
-
Sea to Summit, Escapist Tarp
It's nice and warm out - skip the tent (at least during the day.) Toss your bed under the Escapist Tarp, about $170-200, by Sea to Summit and nap under the perfect covering.
Photo: Sea to Summit
-
Kammok, Roo Hammock
Sleep in the trees. Whether you mount the Roo Hammock, $99, by Kammock, high up, or just a few week from the ground, it will be the ultimate overnight camping experience. But what about the bugs?
Photo: Kammok
-
Kammok, Dragonfly Ultra-Light 360 Insect Protection
Sleep safely, by keeping the bugs out, in the Roo Hammock when you pair it with the Dragonfly Ultra-Light 360 Insect Protection, $75. It's ultra light, built to be mostly see-through, but will keep mosquitos and other disease carrying bugs out.
Photo: Kammok
-
Power Traveller, Powermonkey Extreme 12v
Power Traveller's Powermonkey Extreme 12v, about $132, keeps the important devices 'on' - like a light source, GPS tracker and.. ok, your phone.
Photo: Power Traveller
-
Mountainsmith, The Takeout Cooler
The Takeout Cooler, about $18, by Mountainsmith, is the perfect traveling cooler for when you go out on a hike.. or need a little refreshment next to your new napping spot.
Photo: Mountainsmith
-
Crazy Creek, Hex 2.0 Original Chair
Talk about highly packable - the Hex 2.0 Original Chair, by Crazy Creek, $53.50, actually rolls up (like a yoga mat.)Photo: Crazy Creek
-
Pendleton, Yakima Camp Blanket
The Yakima Camp Blanket, $129-169, by Pendleton, is the perfect covering to use as a base layer for your bed, or cover up with. Made of 86% wool/14% cotton, it's made in the USA and designed to handle wear and tear, offering years of comfort.
Photo: Pendleton
-
Parks Project, Parks Advocate Keychain
Stand up for your parks. The Parks Advocate Keychain, $34, by Parks Project, allows you to wear every good campers' mission statement right on your hip.
Photo: Parks Project
-
Rumpl, Beer Blanket
The Beer Blanket coozies by Rumpl, $7, offer premium beverage insulation. Plus, they fold up to a tiny size and come with their own little carrier.
Photo: Rumpl
-
Black Diamond Equipment, Apollo Lantern
Let the stars guide your way - but always have a back up. Try the Apollo Lantern, $49.95, by Black Diamond Equipment.
Photo: Black Diamond Equipment
