Here’s my solo sleeping setup.
So, let’s break it down. What do you really need to get a comfortable night’s sleep? A tent, a sleeping pad and a sleeping bag. That’s sorta the bare minimum. But those 3 things come in all shapes and sizes. I’ve sold and used all sorts of variations over the last 30+ years so I like to think I know a thing or two. Here’s what I carry.
It all fits in the tail bag
I keep moving things around depending on the actual trip, but currently using an Enduristan Base Pack. I have the 6l and 12l size, and the larger one is just perfect for a minimal sleep kit. The welded seams and the simplicity of the Endurisan gear is one of the things that I like the most. Clean and waterproof, and it all works together. Dualsport-Plus is the Canadian distributor for Enduristan, so get all the goodness there.
What all is in there?
Just the basics, and maybe a little luxury…
Tent: Naturehike Vik 1 A slick little 1 person tent.
Sleeping Bag: Tecnically, it’s a quilt. Sierra Designs down Quilt
Sleeping Pad: Big Agnes
Inflation bag: No more blowing up via your lungs.
Pillow: Yes, a pillow!!
Buff: I carry a few, they can be used for everything. A toque and in this one, as a pillowcase!
Jacket: Just a simple, well used down jacket. Worn around camp and as an insulation layer on cooler nights.
Base Layers: (not shown) Synthetic and merino long tops and bottoms. Worn at night or under the armour if it’s really cold!
Sleeping Pad
There’s alot of great sleeping pads out there these days. If you spend a few bucks it’s pretty easy to get something that’s light, packs small and darn comfy. This time of year I don’t have to worry too much about the R value, so that makes it even easier. Right now I’m using a Big Agnes pad, it’s one of a pair that goes with the couple’s bag that I use with @missvelocity. But if I had to go buy one today, I’d grab this one from Naturehike.
And my favourite thing with the newer pads is the option of an Inflation bag. No more puckering up and blowing…
Sleeping bag
Traditional sleeping bag or quilt? I’m currently using a down quilt from Sierra Designs. Why? Because I have it! It’s a carryover from when I was primarily using a hammock (and that’s a whole different debate!). When it’s a bit cooler and I’m sleeping in a baselayer, the quilt works. But honestly I’m not really excited about my skin against the nylon sleepingpad. So, if I had to replace the quilt today I’d go with this down bag from Naturehike.
Pillow
I know, don’t judge me! This packs down to basically nothing so I’m good with the extra few ounces to get a good sleep. I’ve been using this pillow for a few seasons now, works fantastic. Then topped off with a Buff as a pillowcase. Luxury!
The Tent
I have a number of tents of different sizes, always the right thing for the right job. But right now my new go-to solo tent is the Naturehike Vik 1. This is a slick little 1 person tent. It’s a sil-nylon, single-wall unit with a single door but 2 vestibules. Nice short pole sections so they actually fit inside the tailbag. If you’ve never used a single wall, external pole tent, they are about as simple to put up as it gets.
Inside, there’s enough room for me and my sleeping kit, with space on the sides to keep my armour and such. Boots with the helmet on top goes in the little vestibule on the backside. Everything else stays on the bike in the waterproof panniers.
The tent is still only a dozen nights or so, and not in any real rain yet. But so far, this is almost as light as my Gore-tex bivy, just as easy to use and waaaaaay more comfortable.
Variations
The kit varies depending on the time of year and if I’m solo or not. But you get the idea. I always have a baselayer and jacket that can be part of the sleep system if needed, or on the bike if it’s cold.
What’s your system like??
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Yes I agree a pillow a must- as a bigger guy I needs a good pillow. I bought a memory foam one and took out most of the stuffing to make a good tenting pillow.