Camping Mats, Pads, Pillows and Sleeping Gear. Tips on Keeping Warm and Comfortable at Night.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 ก.ย. 2024
- In this video, part three in a mini series on sleep systems, I will be going through the sleeping mats, pillows and other sleep related items I use for camping, bushcraft, canoe tripping and backpacking. There is a huge range of gear out there available to suit all budgets, the items I use range in quality and price - some items being used more often than others and some items being firm favourites that join me on most nights out in the woods. Mats and pads are essential if sleeping on the ground, not only for comfort but also to protect you from the cold ground. I find I get a much better nights sleep if using a pillow or at least some thing to rest my head on, so I always take something! The other items listed in the video will hugely help with warmth and comfort for a night out, away from the comforts of home
I have listed links to the items shown in the video below where I am able to - items no longer in production or available have the closest equivalent item linked.
I hope you enjoy the video and thanks for watching!
Links
British Army Roll Mat
www.britishmil...
Canoe kneeling mat
www.amazon.co....
Thermarest Classic (trail scout closest model)
www.thermarest...
Mountain Equipment Helium 2.5
www.cotswoldou...
Thermarest Neoair Xtherm
www.thermarest...
Snugpak Snuggy Head Rest
www.snugpak.co...
Karrimor Pillow (unavailable - OEX pillow from GoOutdoors closest match)
www.gooutdoors...
Thermarest Pillow
www.thermarest...
Hot Hands Hand Warmers
www.amazon.co....
Sigg insulated bottle
sigg.com/uk/th...
Nalgene Cantene Bottle
www.ultralight...
Tenacious Tape
www.gooutdoors...
Merchandise
Simon, a bloke in the woods - Patch and Sticker
www.etsy.com/u...
Contact me at:
simonablokeinthewoods@gmail.com
Or by mail at:
Simon, a bloke in the woods
PO Box 384
Diss
Norfolk
IP22 9DB
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Music Traveller by The 126ers
I love the fact these films have been about ideas for gear rather than someone banging on about a particular product. For someone like me who is trying to get back in to bushcraft or a beginner its full of information .
This has to be the best gear series I've seen on TH-cam. Thank you!
Great, Laughed lots when you layed on top of all of the mats at once. Just wanted to say thanks for all the videos. They have inspired me to get back out in the woods or on the water more which is much needed some times in our modern busy life style. A massive thank you Simon.
:-) *
Lol! You make this American old lady smile! I love your vids and your channel is one of my top faves!
I thought of The Princess and the Pea seeing you on top of all those 'mattresses'.
Another great one Simon. You're very thorough, and have an excellent presentation. Thanks. amb
Using one's pee to fuel a hot water bottle overnight; what's not to like? :)
Nick Vasey a leaky bottle is what’s not to like!
The smell?
This Miniseries is great Simon! It's really helping me which gear to pick, I suggest doing a video in this series about sleeping in a hammock.
note to self, Never borrow a water bottle from Simon, lol....Simon as always, great video, great info, thank you
Living the dream when you have a hot pee water bottle 🤣
Two suggestions on the call of nature topic. A mini camping hot water bottle with a soft cover, tucked into the top of my merino thermal bottoms, over my lower abdomen, almost always ensures that I am warm but also prevents bladder shrinkage in the night due to cold temperatures. This “arrangement” has even allowed me to get away with a pre-sleep beer without a mid-kip winter excursion.
Another one i learned from an old-school scouter, he half fills a dog poo bag with unscented clay- based cat litter then puts that into a ziploc bag. If nature calls in the night he can kneel in his tent and pee in that bag. Then he ties and seals it and bins or buries it in the morning. It’s smaller than a bottle, still light when dry and has zero risk of a post-pee catastrophic spillage.
Personally, I prefer option 1. 😂
Just a question, in previous videos you have been wearing what looks like a khaki boonie hat, where can I buy one? Thanks and great video as always.
I've always used a closed cell foam pad similar to the one you showed. It's 100% reliable and If I'm wild camping I often gather up some fine dry twiggy branches and lay down a kind of bed/nest under it. Helps to cushion it a bit. That Neoair looks luxurious but I'd probably bring the foam pad along if I had one because I'd be worried about puncturing it.
Purchased a 40’ roll of the Reflectix insulation and on a particularly cold night and on a whim stood in a single layer tube that went up to jus below my hips and could feel my torso get warmer IMMEDIATELY. Question- How on earth did you get it to fold? lol
Simon:
Another great video full of very useful information... Being an "old fart" I have been thinking about nighttime nature calls... I was considering the plastic bedside urinals but they only come with plastic snap on lids (a disaster waiting to happen in a tent or car) the plastic bottle with screw on cap is a brilliant idea. I remember the last trip was freezing and the colder I got the more times I had to pee...lol
Thanks for making and sharing these videos...👍👍
ATB
Plastic milk bottle with screw on top. SORTED my night time wonders. And no spills when you recap the milk bottle
Had to smile as I’ve also got two of the original thermarests and they are both in great condition. I now use a Thermarest X-therm which is simply fantastic. Super comfortable and warm; I use the 25” wide and long version and swear by it. I use a 3mm foam ‘thinny’ under it to stop it sliding around. Pillows, I’ve got a couple of large Thermarest down filled pillows - sadly, no longer available. Instead of a conventional ground sheet I use a piece of Tyvek. For extra winter warmth I use my Nalgene water bottle as it can take boiling water. Put a couple of chemical hand warmers into your boots. Yes, I use a 1.5 litre Nalgene roll up bottle for bathroom calls.
I have a Mountain Equipment Helium in the 3.8 thickness. It impresses the heck out of me. I can actually feel the heat bounce back out of it as I lie on it, even when fully clothed...
... and it is JUST thick enough (or is that *stiff* enough?) to prevent my hips bottoming out against the ground. Highly recommended... (and I am an old bloke, 73)
Right: I also felt your most 'real' tip was seeing you use ALL the mats. The older I get, the more 'cushion' I need.
I have a theory about the “dislikes.” I think that they are just upset at the absence of Mags! Thank you for sharing your ingenious experience!
Thank you , Simon .
🐺 Loupis Canis .
Another reason being a man is easier than being a lady. When ladys are hot to trot we still have to squat!!! Thanks for the info loving the series
We also have complete wiping freedom! Back to front, side to side, round in circles. Even figure of 8s if we please!
One of the pleasures of finding a channel like this is watching the archive videos. Easily one of my favourite channels and deserves way more followers. Keep up the good work Simon.
Thank you for including weights! I’m hoping to hike the Appalachian Trail and never even thought about pillows.
Another great video Simon. Here's another gross comment. When you take Maggie out for her nightly walk, pic up her poo in a plastic bag, and hey presto you've got a free hand warmer ROFL .
🤢
This and the bivy reviews are really good informative vids.
I’d love to see a review on them Vida pros you wear and also the knives you use please.
Excellent review and great suggestions !4/18/24
Yep! Don't waste any bodyheat! That's one of the times that I wish that I was a guy! Winter camping at night when you've got to pee! Don't even have to leave the comfort of your sleeping bag! It must be nice!🤣😂🤣🤣😂😂🤣👍👍
:-) Sarah Tree...I'm with you on this * Sending best wishes from Scotland
i honestly dont see how people sleep on a sleeping mat. i got a 25 inch one and even that has your arms falling down . How does someone sleep in a 20'??
Can I ask where I can get hold of the tube thingy that you keep your repair items in? Thanks
I've been camping and winter camping in Canada for over 25 years. You hit on just about all the little things I've learned in that time that make the difference between a good or passable night cold camping, and a terrible night! Well done.
Thanks again for showing your stuff.
Cheers Simon .. i enjoy watching and learning from your channel
Nice video Simon, thanks for showing your mats, interesting and relaxing to watch cheers👍
Hello like your TH-cam videos
I thoroughly enjoyed this series. If I ever wanted to sleep outdoors, I would want to be in your care.
We see your feet walk past and wait anxiously to see if four fuzzy, black paws follow...
Good to see the storms seem to be letting you guys get a break over there. My best to you and Maggie.
Gidday Simon, thanks for making such a thorough video. Little things mean a lot (!) such as the pillow and putting on dry thick socks to keep warm. I suppose you're so practical seeing you actually use these things - experience is a wonderful teacher. 🇦🇺
What a great video Simon! All the best
Tim
If I meet you in the woods and need a drink please pass me your metal bottle not the plastic one Simon 😝👍
Simon, I popularised the pee bottle amongst our wild camp and hammocking group. Would hate to be without one now, especially as I'm mid-40's! Bill Bryson wrote about using them as a child, so we call it as he did, they're 'toity jars'. Good name I think. Thanks for another great video :]
No matter how much gear Simon shows us I always think oh there’s more.
Always brings a smile to my face when I see a new video from you. Thanks Simon😎
First time I've seen you. Good review on your subject......... didn't wander off the subject I think you covered it very well, and I will be back
Maybe a practice of the pee bottle before you use in the field 😏
:-) very wise
Yep. I learned the hard way the other night.
Still have one of the first produced thermarest and it’s fine but when you get older, it seems you need (want) more comfy. So I got me an Exped DownMat, it’s expensive but I will never buy another mat again. It’s thick very warm but still pretty small in size when packed. Peebottle - got a small old camelbak...👍🇨🇭
As normal Simon cracking video love the pee bottle idea folding bottle would be best for me normally I go at least twice a night so would be ideal option for me keep up the good work look fwd to your nxt video.
Great and informative video Simon. I've never tried the pee bottle and probably never will as I remember a friend used a pee bottle in his hammock and fell back to sleep immediately after peeing, hed had a few beers and soaked his sleeping bag, pad and hammock.
Great Mini Series Simon ! Love the playlists too Thanks Earl 👍🇺🇸🛶 Have you seen the Klymit Hammock pad looks awesome I just ordered one
I find placing my inflatable pillow UNDER my sleeping mat is much more comfortable. Actually, now that I think about it, anything placed under a sleeping mat can be a pillow. Bundled clothes, a rock, pee bottle etc.
Love the hot pee bottle idea lol
Dugh saved my life. Put it under under tent now.
Many "outdoorsies" push this myth about the mylar-covered insulated mats "reflecting" heat. The body loses very little heat by radiation, almost all being lost by convection and conduction, conduction very much so below the body, so putting a reflecting layer underneath is not going to improve insulation at all. Some years ago, I read a report by the RAF Mountain Rescue service which tested the space blanket against an ordinary poly bag. The latter was more effective.
BMC Backed that up too
This is a great series. Leaves me wanting for a nap. Always great to see options and alternatives before spending my knife money on other camping gear. Of course, I then go in for one of each. Thanks Simon!
Thank you Good Job Ed
Hello my camping buddy. It's great to see you again! I hope the family is well.
Great series Simon, thank you. As a woman, answering the call of nature overnight is certainly more difficult. Or anytime of day out in nature, away from human-made toilet systems. After far too many times of exposing my rear end to squat down to pee (with far too often hitting my shoes), I have purchased a couple different items that allow me to pee standing up. My favorite is called The pStyle - just Google search and you'll find the website. I am not associated with this company in any way but do like the product a lot. No need to expose myself, no peeing on my shoes. Item is light, easy to carry. Just checked their website and price of the pStyle is $12 USD plus $11 for a cotton carry case that comes with a carabiner. Both items easy to clean, easy to carry with you at all times. Still need to get out of the sleeping bag and go somewhere to pee, but easier overall. Just my two cents. And congrats on now 51,000 subscribers!
Hi Pacific NW Girl - I have a "she-pee" I believe it is much the same item.I cannot trust it completely.So I am "back to basics" So glad you have found a way around this :-) Sending well wishes from Scotland *
@@nseight These things absolutely take practice, that's for sure. Used the pStyle in my home bathroom before taking it on the trail, and sometimes it isn't perfect, but much better than dropping my pants :-) Well wishes back to you from Oregon!
@@omneignotum :-) I tried 3 times whilst in the bath & each time was a fail.Thank you for your reply & I shall try again as it will be" so very worth it ".x
I utilize 3 different pillows in my kit, a head, cuddle and knee pillow system. The head "pillow" has been a bit of my kit that has simply frustrated me to no end. I have tried many options but I have not ever found a suitable solution. In cold weather camping, I have either had whatever pillow I select radiate heat to where I end up with a sweaty head or I end up with a stiff neck, or both! In warm weather camping, its worse. The Thermarest foam bit pillow to me is a sweaty head blob radiator. I stuff that one between or under my knees. For my head, I have settled on a stuff sack with a fleece liner I pull inside out and stuff with some spare clothes. The silky bag liner is just a sleeping bag Anaconda system...but it does work really well for me when I keep it inside of another reversible stuff sack and use it as a chest area body warmer cuddle pillow. I tend to utilize my mummy bag as more of a top blanket with a separate fleece throw as an under blanket on top of a ground pad. I tend to foof and fuss all that up into just the right mess to manage my heat. I am loving your blog Simon! Give my regards to your boy Fury from the USA! :-)
hahaha love the pee bottle and double use!!!
Prince and the pea????? A 2020 story... Nebraska deluge Gear... British deluge? Pillow number one for old lady turning gray hair looks good and slippery silk like..dual purpose is best. Oh no.......I am a nurse ......just get up. Lol... I thought I was a realist. You have out done me by far......Thanks
I so look forward to Simons videos. As soon as the fire season is over, Im going camping!.....woo hoo!
Thanks Simon, great information! Cheers!
another great vid Simon, thanks. Does your mechanics mat absorb water in the canoe?
Absolutely love your work. This is a brilliant series. You are an excellent teacher. Thank you.
I am trying to decide on a sleeping pad and am summoning up the courage to pay silly money for a thermarest neoxair. Do you bear in mind R values?
I like the ground sheet.
I got a mammut air pillow, its so small and light (150 grams?). Not expensive either.
Simon, Great educational camping videos. Being new to the whole adventure, these videos are helping me to put together some gear for the spring. Thank you! Jeff/Boston MA
Thanks Simon, I have enjoyed this series. I even went out and bought the Snugpak hammock quilt from the first video, which is the piece of gear that completed my sleeping kit, even though I hadn't heard of this until you featured it. Thanks again Simon, take care 👍🙂
Great review of pads Simon, I prefer the old bombproof closed foam, I have one over 40 years old, still good.
The downside of putting a groundsheet under your bivi is that if it rains you are sleeping in a puddle.
I put my clothes in a dry bag and use that as a pillow - creses your clothes up yeah, but bikepacking/ wild camping ain't for the snobs and some peeps want their tent to be a penthouse
Simon, ever tried using a reindeer skin for a sleep mat ? Try it . Bulky , but very very comfy . 1000 s of Sami can’t be wrong ;)
Hello 🖐 I am learning so much from your channel. I'm on a budget so I have to choose wisely what I'm gonna shell out for and what I can save on so ta very much for your most excellent advise👍Happy Camping to you.
See that Neo bag inflater is just not compatible with my Neo air light. They did supply a little 2xAA battery inflater but it puffs me out manually. I have a blow up pillow great for a seat and a pillow. I use an east coast bivvi as its all fly mesh and groundsheet. A tarp does the rest. Fresh air and dry is all I am really looking for. I sleep better in the woods than my bed at home. - Good stuff Simon.
Regarding liners - as a hardened world traveller; I recommend a silk liner in any bed. It doesn't allow the bed bugs to bite. Outside of that a mossie net. Keep those flying biters away!!
Great video and advice for any one in the market for a sleep pad or mat well done mate
I've never really got why sleeping pads go right down to your feet. After a long camping trip, it's always the hips and showlders that get sore/fatigued. I have a sea to summit pad and had to fix 2 X punctures this year, it stil has a 4 hrs leak I can't find, they always puncture in the end. Thank you
The Exped down filled air mattress is the best bit of kit i have ever purchased. Greatly improved my sleeping all year round.
lol, yeah top tip never mixup your drinking bottle with your pee bottle, upon delivery and withdrawal.
I have a half size 500ml rubber hot water bottle designed for carp fishermen
I pee'd myself with laughter!!
Great series pal. I have the exact same Thermarest. To much nostalgia to get rid. With reagrd to the ground sheet, do you not find rain water pooling under you?
Another brilliant video! Inflatable for me thank you..
I,ve enjoyed every one of your videos. Thank you.
I never mouth inflate my mat. Your breath is moist and creates condensation which can get nasty down the road on the inside of your mat( which aren't cheap) using a bag is the best way to protect your investment
Like your videos, well presented, and you come across realy well, but I will never borrow a water bottle off you lol.
0:59 - Simon, a bloke with next generation comfort.
17:25 Good idea and energy efficient. Just hope it doesn't leak :)
A warm bottle of pee is less gross than a SAS hand warmer (it involves plastic bag).
As always, thanks for sharing!
wkwkwkwk you still talk calmly when you explain all of the ridiculous hacks (which also makes sense to me) ahaha
Just found your channel. Glad I ran across it. I was sure to 👍 and subscribed.
A pee hot water bottle. Wait till my wife sees this lmao
Enjoying this series Simon.
Buble foil is not insulation, It is a vapour bariier and radiant heat reflector.
Brilliant, nothing beats experience, thanks for sharing.
Do you have a link for the coat you use as a pillow?
Loved the series you have done
Thanks for sharing these tips, Simon!
9 people didn't like the last section😳🤣
That original Therm-a-Rest looks brand new. Well done, as usual.
It lives permanently in a Thermarest chair kit - acts as a protector for it. 👍
Excellent reviews! 😉🇨🇦
Thanks for talking about the pee bottle!