This post is an important one for us. Sleep. Proper rest and recovery is imperative on a backpacking trip. So, we want to teach you how to sleep comfortably in a tent by disclosing our best sleep system for backpacking. This system has been perfected over the years and is ideal for car camping, an overnight backpacking hike or for thru-hiking.
OK, embarrassing story alert! When we moved to British Columbia from the east coast, we were extremely naive about how wild this part of the world can be. Our very first overnight hiking trip was a difficult 9 km trek up a mountain to Garibaldi Lake. The hike has an elevation gain of 1164 m. It was the middle of the summer and being the novices that we were, we assumed it would be a hot night. We had no lightweight sleeping bags at the time so we packed small fleece blankets and no extra layers. 🤦 Well, the temperature ended up dropping to below 10°C/50°F that night. Needless to say we were freezing and in incredible pain due to carrying too much weight in our packs. Many tears were had that night and we vowed to learn as much as we could about backcountry safety and comfort.
I am proud to say we have taken some giant strides since then. We have researched, talked and trialed our way to a pretty perfect backpacking setup. And the very last thing we got right was our sleep system. We have tried out dozens of sleeping bags, sleeping pads, mattresses and pillows in order to find the perfect setup we have now.
We put a lot of effort into our sleep system because we feel this is the most important thing (next to safety) while in the backcountry. Without rest and a proper night’s sleep, you will not be prepared to continue on your trek. Proper rest means physical and mental recovery which allows you to have a successful, comfortable, safe and happy hiking experience.
So let us take you through what we believe is the best sleep system for backpacking including the ultimate lightweight cot for backpacking, quality sleeping bags, roomy tents and more.
What is the one thing that helps you sleep well in the wilderness? Let us know in the comments below! ⬇️
Best Lightweight Cot for Backpacking
I don’t even think there is any debate here. When it comes to comfort, your backpacking sleeping mattress is the most important piece of gear. We have tried them all – closed-cell foam sleeping pads, self-inflating pads, air mattresses. And we have found faults with all of them. Either they were too bulky, too heavy, got damaged too easily or did not provide enough cushioning.
In the back of our minds, we knew that a camping cot would be the perfect answer for us. The biggest benefit with a cot is its ability to take you off the ground. This pretty much eliminates any form of discomfort. Once you get up off the ground, there is no need for thick, bulky padding. But we never pulled the trigger on buying a cot because we figured they would be too heavy for a backpacking hike.
That was until we found the Therm-a-Rest Ultralight Cot. We didn’t even realize that a backpacking cot was ever an option. This cot is lighter and packs smaller than any other cot on the market. It only weighs 2 lbs 10 oz 😲 That is only 10 ounces heavier than our old sleeping pad. That extra 10 ounces is completely worth it for the amount of comfort we receive in return.
The first time we used this cot was on a backpacking trek up into the mountains. We excitedly set up our cots to test them out and immediately passed out. In the middle of the day. These cots are so incredibly comfortable and provided us with our very first restful sleep in the backcountry (even for a side sleeper like me).
The 2 lbs 10 oz setup will support up to 325 lbs of weight. But there is also a ‘lightweight setup‘ option that weighs even less and will support up to 175 lbs. The regular-sized cot has a large surface area that will accommodate most people. Its dimensions are 24 inches wide by 72 inches long. There is a large-sized cot for anyone who needs some extra space.
The Therm-a-Rest Ultralight Cot raises you 4.5 inches up off the ground for superior comfort. The material of the cot is made with a reflective ThermaCapture material that helps retain your body’s radiant heat for a warmer, more insulated night at camp.
There are literally no downsides to this cot, which is such a rare thing to say when you are talking about lightweight gear.
We absolutely love Therm-a-Rest for all things camping and hiking. I have been using their products ever since my parents took me camping at 6 months old. We love them because they focus on comfort. Their motto is ‘the better you rest, the better you play’. They are committed to making your time outdoors more enjoyable and more accessible.
Check out their high-quality, top rated outdoor gear and create your own version of the best sleep system for backpacking ➡️ Therm-a-Rest.
Best All Around Sleeping Bag
It is no surprise that the sleeping bag you choose can make or break a good night’s sleep while camping. What we have learned to look for in a sleeping bag is that it is made of high-quality fabric and has a dense but compressible filling. We also want to ensure warmth so we prefer a mummy-style sleeping bag with an attached hood and built-in liner. And it is also suggested to look for a water-resistant or waterproof sleeping bag to avoid any dampness from reaching your body.
So after a lifetime of camping and much trial and error, we have become picky people when it comes to choosing a sleeping bag. We want it to be warm, lightweight, compressible, high quality and come in at a budget price.
The TETON Sports TrailHead Sleeping Bag is a great option and one of the best all-around sleeping bags we have found. It is a mummy-style sleeping bag that is ultralight coming in at only 2.9 lbs. It has a comfort temperature rating of 20-35°F and is comfortable in all 4 seasons. Other great features are the draft tubes along the zipper to help keep drafts out, is water-resistant and has a lifetime warranty. All of this and it comes in at a very budget price.
For more about sleeping bags, take a look at our post on our Top 10 Budget Sleeping Bags for Camping and Backpacking.
Looking for more quality backpacking gear? Here are our top 5, must-have lightweight accessories to bring on your next backcountry camping trip:
- BAFX Products Trekking Trail Poles – do not attempt an advanced trail without trekking poles. These things will save your joints from high impact which will keep you hiking longer, safer and happier.
- Elmchee Rechargeable Headlamp – flashlights are so last year.
- BRS Camping Stove – our choice for an ultralight, super-powerful gas burner.
- Trekology Camping Chair – the ultimate luxury item but light enough to pack along!
- Sawyer Products Water Filtration System – lightweight and effective!
Lightweight Tent
Choosing the proper tent is crucial for creating the best sleep system for backpacking. When we think about comfort in a tent we think of two things – water resistance and space.
Moisture is a huge issue when you are tent camping. This dampness can cause body temperature regulation issues and lower your body temperature which makes you feel colder than necessary. Moisture in a tent will also dampen your clothes and your gear that you want to stay dry.
Space is also a top concern when you are backpacking. You need enough space in your tent for your body, your sleep system and your backpacks. Without enough space, you will not be given the comfort you need to rest.
That is why we love the Kelty Salida 1 Person
Foam Pillow
When we first started backpacking, we went with an inflatable pillow simply because it was the lightest and smallest option. But a pillow filled with air can feel unnatural and really interrupt your sleep.
We recently decided that a foam pillow may be a better option for us. Although it is bulkier than an air pillow, it provides a much more comfortable place to lay your head.
The Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Pillow is the best foam camping pillow we have found. There are 3 available sizes that all provide a comfortable 4 inch cushion. And they are still lightweight ranging from 9 to 13 ounces and come with their own compression bag to keep them compact in your backpack.
Noise Machine App
I use a noise machine at home and I use it on the trails. This is one of my secrets to a good night’s sleep.
When you are in the backcountry, every noise you hear makes you wonder what is outside your very thin walls. Using a noise machine app on your phone will drown out all of that outside noise and allow you to sleep more soundly.
I use the Sleep Sounds App. It is free and available on iPhone or Android.
Are you an outdoor enthusiast like us? While you’re here, check out our other outdoor posts:
- ‘Your Day Hiking Essentials Packing List’
- ‘How to Get in Shape for Hiking’
- ‘The Essential Backpacking Packing List’
- ‘Hiking Food Ideas for Healthy Snacks and Meals’
- ‘The Ultimate Camping Packing List – With FREE Printable’
Earplugs
If you are not into the idea of a noise machine app or perhaps you don’t hike with your cell phone, earplugs do a great job of silencing the outside world.
Sleeping Aids
On our first week-long thru hike, we had still not found our best sleep system for backpacking. Our air matresses kept popping and we got very little sleep the first half of the trip.
Luckily, we had packed a bottle full of different medications. One of those was Gravol. We decided to split a Gravol before bed and it gave us just what we needed to get to sleep and stay asleep throughout the night.
If you are taking a long thru hike, consider packing a sleep aid with you. GRAVOL , Melatonin and CBD products are great options.
Dress in Layers
The irritating thing about tent camping is that the temperature you are sleeping in can change dramatically overnight. We fight this by dressing in layers or having extra layers available to us if we need it.
We always have a t-shirt, a long sleeved tee, a fleece, a toque/beanie, socks and gloves available to ensure we stay comfortable all night long.
Have you found your best sleep system for backpacking and hiking? Tell us your story in the comments below!
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