Are you tired of getting poor-quality sleep while on a backpacking trip? Well, those days are over my friend. Endless nights of tossing and turning and some solid research sessions have led me to completely overhaul my sleep system. I'll tell you about my new dynamic duo (ZORP!) that knocks me out better than I ever could have dreamed. No more counting sheep, just deep sleep, free of regreets.
Step 1: Use the best sleeping bags
Big Agnes Lost Ranger UL 3N1 Review
If you follow along with Backpacking TV, then you've heard me recently brag about this brand new sleeping bag. When I first saw it, I hardly knew what to think. I had never seen a sleeping bag like this. Probably because the Lost Ranger Ultralight is more of a comprehensive system, rather than a single unit that you haphazardly climb into at night. This 3-in-1 package was originally rated to 20-degrees fahrenheit. It has recently been revised to 15-degrees, due to its exceptional performance.
The first thing to note is that you essentially get 2 sleeping bags when you buy this system. There is the inner, mummy bag, which on its own is rated to 35-degrees. So in a good range of conditions, this is all you will need.
When the occasion calls for it, the inner bag easily slides into the outer layer, which ends up looking more like a cozy quilt. The outer bag, on its own, is rated to 50-degrees. If you're a fan of fastpacking and you have the right weather-window, this baby will be your best friend.
What's even better is that the quilt wraps around and attaches to your sleeping mattress. AND it has a pocket for your pillow! No more wrestling with your balled up bag, or blindly searching for your errant pillow in the middle of the night. Cursing your one cold leg and stiff neck in a fit of frustration will no longer be required. This whole system stays in place for that REM-inducing goodness.
Another fun fact about the Big Agnes system is that the full-length side zipper can attach to a 2nd unit, if you feel like expanding the slumber to 2 people. Oh, how we have been historically misled about the potential romance of backcountry camping. But no more! Just don't eat too much of those dehydrated meals before bed (if you catch my drift).
A final hot-tip about the Lost Ranger 3N1
is that you can rotate in your existing sleeping bags for even more refined temperature ratings. The updated limit of 15-degrees is certainly impressive, but I'm no stranger to winter camping. I sometimes will need that extra boost. I have another 20-degree bag that I've leaned on a lot in the past. The other night when I saw that the nighttime low would drop to a mere 14-degrees I used this mix. This turned out to be a great call as I slept comfortably through the night.
The bottom line is that the core elements of the Lost Ranger make me feel like I'm at home in bed. At first glance, I had my reservations, but now I'm a tried-and-true convert. I do recognize that the price point ($549.95 USD) might be a bit intimidating for the average camper.
Going with the non-ultralight version is still a great choice and will save you a few extra bucks. The Big Agnes Lost Ranger 3N1 will give you excellent range and a comfortable homebase, which will ultimately lead to improved sleep.
If you want more info on this sleep system, check out my video: Gear I'm Stoked About.
Step 2: Use wider sleeping pads
How wide should a sleeping pad be?
A quality sleeping bag is only part of the equation. Don't discount the power of the sleeping pad/mattress. I used to strictly prioritize minimalism, which led me to balancing on a piddly 20-inch-wide mattress. Lately, I've upgraded to a 25-inch one, and I can't believe the difference it has made. That increase in width means that my arms can rest comfortably at my side, rather than slipping off the edges onto the cold, hard ground. And more importantly, in the middle of the night, my inevitable adjustments don't send half my body confusingly into no-man's-land.
The funny thing about this discovery is I happened upon it by accident. I went with the Big Agnes Q-Core SLX Insulated Sleeping Pad, which was definitely the one I wanted. When I got home, I realized that I accidentally bought the 25-inch version, rather than the intended 20. Taking this as a sign from the Sandman, I decided to give it a whirl. I awoke 3 days later in an unexpected reverie. I knew that I had been living a lie up to that point. Screw the slight extra bulk and miniscule weight difference, a good night's rest is well-worth other sacrifices.
Best night sleep backpacking
Usually getting through the night is just a grind-it-out means to completing otherwise incredible hiking trips. But nowadays, I'm legitimately enjoying my time in the tent. When you actually catch some zzzs, it makes recovering from the previous day's efforts that much easier. Therefore, sets you up for a noticeably better day 2, 3, and beyond. Once you figure out your best set-up, just get someone to read this article to you in their best ASMR voice and you'll be all set! Sleep well friends.
If you enjoyed this rundown and want to learn more, check out all my gear reviews and other tips on BackpackingTV.
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My favorite backpacking gear list
NOTE: These are affiliate links where I’ll earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you, but it’s a great way to show your support. Thanks!
Fleece Mid-layer | ALL-PACA Fleece Hoodie
Down Puffy Jacket (lightweight)
