Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Using tent alternatives
• Method 2 of 2: Protect yourself from the weather
• Tips

Camping is fun in itself, but sleeping without a tent can make it even more exciting and adventurous. It also saves you carrying a lot of heavy stuff! If you want to try tent-free camping, look at tent alternatives for staying safe and snug while you sleep. You also need to take extra precautions to protect yourself from insects and the weather.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Using tent alternatives

1. Buy a bivvy bag for warmth and protection. A bivouac bag is a cross between a tent and a sleeping bag. It's made of waterproof, breathable material - just like a tent - so it will protect you from insects and the elements. It's just big enough for one person to sleep in, but doesn't give you room to change clothes or store your belongings.
   • If you choose a bivouac bag you can give yourself extra warmth and comfort by putting a sleeping bag in it.
   • Bivy bags are a good alternative to tents as they offer the same protection but are much lighter.
2. Use a tarp if you want to sleep in the open but expect rain. If you find a bivvy bag too tight, and you don't want the hassle of carrying and pitching a tent, a tarp is a good option. If you are camping in a tree-lined area, you can attach at least one corner of the tarp to a tree for quick and easy shelter and secure the rest of the tarp to the ground.
   • You must bring rope and pegs to keep the tarpaulin in place.
   • If the ground is wet, put a waterproof sheet or a second tarp on the ground to keep you dry at night.
   • A tarp protects you from the rain (if the rain isn't too heavy or wind-powered) and from the sun, but it won't keep out insects or cold air.
   EXPERT TIP

   If the weather is good, try a hammock. If it's a beautiful night and you want to sleep under the stars, a hammock is a fun and cozy option. You need to find a place that has trees or posts to attach your hammock to, and enough shelter to protect you from nighttime temperatures. You can also hang a tarp or tent cloth above you for extra protection against the weather.

   • To get a good night's sleep, you may need to line up your hammock with a sleeping mat and sleeping bag. If you lie diagonally in the hammock, you can also avoid feeling uncomfortable at night.
   • Make sure there is enough space between the trees or posts so that you can stretch your lines at a 30 ° angle. A sharper angle will put stress on the hammock and trees.

   Tip: Some hammocks come with mosquito netting, so consider buying one if you're camping somewhere with lots of insects.

   
   
3. Build a lean-to if you have branches and leaves. If you'd rather not bring a pre-made shelter, you can try making your own. There are several ways to build a lean-to, but the easiest way is to put a sturdy branch against a tree and lean against it. Cover the branches with a layer of leaves or small twigs for extra protection.
   • If you have a tarp, you can put it over the canopy to create a waterproof layer, or put it on the ground under the canopy to keep you warm, dry and relatively protected from insects.
   • If you really want to make it wild, you can also make a "bed" of leaves under the canopy.
   • You may need twine to hold the branches in place.
4. Camp in a vehicle for extra safety and comfort. If you are looking for a more luxurious tent-free experience, you can camp in a caravan, a camper or even in your car. Check in advance whether camping with vehicles is allowed on your chosen campsite.
   • If you have a pick-up you can put a pillow and sleeping bag in the back. If your pick-up has a luggage rack, you can throw a tarpaulin over it for extra protection against wind and rain.

Method 2 of 2: Protect yourself from the weather

1. Check the weather forecast before camping. Before starting your tent-free adventure, check the weather forecast for the period and location of your camping trip. If it is cold, wet or windy, you need to prepare well.
   • If there is a chance of inclement weather, consider bringing a tent as a backup plan. Even if the forecast is good, it is a good idea to bring a sail in case of unexpected rain.
2. Choose an elevated area to avoid flooding and humidity. Even if you don't expect rain, it is a good idea not to sleep in low-lying areas. Sleeping at the bottom of a slope can expose you to unexpected flooding, humidity and even rocks or mudslides. Try to find a relatively high, level surface.
   • If you sleep on a slope, you should orient yourself so that your head is up.
3. Choose a spot where the ground is not too rocky. Even with a pillow and a soft sleeping bag, sleeping on rocky or bumpy ground is very uncomfortable. Look for a spot where the ground is flat without sharp rocks and branches.
   • If possible, remove any sharp objects on the ground before setting up camp.
4. Apply bug spray to repel pests. One of the biggest disadvantages of tent-free camping is that you have to deal with insects. Before going to sleep, spray yourself and your equipment with a powerful DEET-based bug spray, preferably at a concentration of at least 30%.
   • You can also protect yourself from insects (while still getting an outdoor experience) with a mosquito net or a small mosquito tent.
   • For extra protection against mosquitoes and ticks, consider pre-treating your belongings and clothing with permethrin spray. Follow the label instructions carefully and allow all items to dry completely before using.

   Warning: Permethrin spray is dangerous for some animals. If you have any equipment and clothing that has been treated with permethrin spray, keep it away from cats. You should also avoid it near water as it is highly toxic to fish.

   
   
5. Wear appropriate clothing for the weather. Even when it is relatively warm, temperatures can drop significantly at night. Pack comfortable clothing that protects your skin from the weather, and bring some extra layers to wear overnight. If you expect cold temperatures, you can protect yourself by:
   • Wearing wool or synthetic fabrics, such as polyester or polypropylene. These materials keep you warm and wick away moisture more effectively than cotton.
   • Protect your limbs with warm socks, gloves and a cap.
   • Dress lightly enough so that you don't overheat and start sweating in your sleeping bag.
6. Bring a sleeping bag and pillow for warmth and comfort. No matter what type of camping you do, you will be most comfortable if you have a soft pillow to sleep on and a sleeping bag to keep you warm. Make sure you have this stuff with you, even if you plan on sleeping directly under the stars.
   • Having a sleeping bag under you not only provides extra padding, but also protects you from cold and moisture on the ground.

Tips

• Many campgrounds have strict regulations regarding where and when to start a fire. Make sure you comply with all safety rules to protect yourself, your fellow campers and the campsite.
• If you are setting up your camping spot under a tree (eg If you are camping in a hammock), carefully inspect the tree to make sure there are no large, dead branches directly above you. In general, it is safer not to set up a camping spot under large trees.