Today I want to offer you 9 simple, cheap (or free), and effective ways to enhance your comfort at your camp site or while backpacking. Most of these tips will be technique based, rather than plugs for additional gear. If you already have your basic backpacking setup, then you should be well-equipped for a comfortable experience.
Comfortable Camp Tip #1: Have a set of socks/underwear solely for sleeping while backpacking
Ditching your crusty intimates for some that are fresh and soft is a tried-and-true way to boost your comfort at the end of day. This is also a solid hygiene practice if you're doing a multi-day trek. Feeling clean and comfortable are often one and the same.
Comfortable Camp Tip #2: Bring a pair of sandals or comfy camp shoes
In a similar vein, having a light and comfy pair of shoes to put on once you reach camp can make a big difference for your sweaty, achy feet. Even the best hiking boots can feel like a burden after a full day of slogging miles. Putting on something that is not only fresh, but simply different, can help when your dogs are barkin'. The additional benefit to secondary footwear is that it gives your main hikers longer to air out/dry out. This leads me to the next tip…
Comfortable Camp and Hike Tip #3: Hike in light and fresh footwear
I personally like to wear the lightest shoes or boots possible, given the expected terrain. I think we've all seen those overzealous day-hikers wearing near-alpine boots on an easy path – not a comfortable or necessary approach. When the conditions are reasonable, I prefer a light, breathable hiking shoe, or even a slick trail-runner. They not only feel more comfortable but they also mitigate the risk of blisters. Yes, if it's going to be exceptionally cold, wet, or rugged, then I will upgrade to something more robust, but there are degrees of footwear, and I'll always strive for the lightest option that can still get the job done.
Comfortable Camp Tip #4: Bring your comfort food while backpacking
Mine is a big ol' jar of peanut butter! Yours can be anything that is packable and relatively non-perishable. Comfort foods are good for the body and the soul. After a hard day of hiking you deserve a treat, and if it's something that makes you feel good, or reminds you of home, then it'll be easier to will yourself on the next day. Comfort food will stoke your love for the backcountry, even on those miserable days.
Comfortable Camp and Hike Tip #5: Add trekking poles to your repertoire
I used to think that trekking poles were only for the uninitiated. Boy, have I ever changed my tune since trying them for myself. I feel lighter, agile, and more confident about staying on my feet during unstable sections. I can almost guarantee that every thru-hiker in the world now uses trekking poles because they distribute the perpetually heavy load more evenly. This saves the knees and shoulders, and it even gives your arms/hands something to do, which can help with circulation and alleviate cramping/numbness.
Comfortable Camp and Hike Tip #6: Lighten your load
Once you get everything laid out for your next adventure, do yourself a favor and ditch some of those nonessentials like electronics, chargers, chairs, various indulgents, etc. You will be glad you did after those first few miles, and certainly come that first big climb. Backpacking is a game of ounces. Never underestimate the cumulative impact of each superfluous piece of gear. I suggest a pack-weight of 20% of your bodyweight. Though essential, water and food are the two main burdens any backpacker has to carry. It's a good idea to stock some redundancies, but don't overdo it. A bit of meal-planning and water source scouting can go a long way to lighten your load.
Comfortable Camp Tip: #7: Bring a camping pillow
This is the second and final equipment suggestion. For years, I made due with just balling up a jacket or some shirts to rest my head on at night. When I finally tried a lightweight, packable pillow, my sleep quality improved to the point where I will no longer go backpacking without one. This sucker won't cost you much and it may greatly improve your comfort, and therefore, overall hiking experience.
Comfortable Camp Tip #8: Wear loose-fitting clothes for sleeping
Sometimes sporty apparel can be a little tight. What perhaps felt supportive during the day could become restrictive at night. Loose fitting bedtime clothes can improve circulation, which will in-turn increase your warmth. Plus, if you weren't able to bathe before hitting the hay, looser clothes will prevent you from sticking to those tight layers or your sleeping bag.
Comfortable Camp Tip #9: Eat a warm meal before you go to bed
Eating well and sleeping well generally go hand-in-hand. This is especially true in the backcountry. I know sometimes it can be tempting to just crawl into your sleeping bag after a long, hard day of hiking. But I promise you, if you can take the extra time to prepare a warm meal, your body will thank you.
Eating hot food on a cool evening is like throwing logs onto your metaphorical fire. It will replenish those much-needed calories, and it will give your body something to use to keep you warm and satiated throughout the night. Warm, tasty food also does wonders to boost your morale, particularly when compared to yet another granola bar.
So there you have it! Those are my simple hacks to improve your comfort in the great outdoors. If any of you are sitting on some nuggets of wisdom, please do share them below. Comfy campers make for better neighbors, so do whatever you can to spread the love to yourself and others.
I hope you enjoyed this article. For more information, check out all my gear reviews and tips on BackpackingTV.
