When I sleep outdoors it is mainly because of one of two reasons. Either it's part of a several days long hike, or it's because I simply want to go out and enjoy a night in nature somewhere usually close to home - falling asleep and waking up outdoors, in places I like, and in weather conditions I prefer. Besides from the actual nature values, I also feel a lot calmer, not having so much to think about and stuff that I let steal focus. And after a night out, I always feel a little more badass!
Up until about a year ago I was sleeping outside a couple of times a month, also in the middle of the work week. Since moving to Finland I've felt there are other ways I enjoy my daily life and nature better, but earlier this week I really felt an urge to sleep outdoors again.
After spending Easter in Sweden with the best friend and trying out her Jervenduk I decided to get one of my own. Not optimal to use as a tarp, but versatile enough for that! I usually have one or two dogs with me outdoors, and tent (& dogs inside) has always felt like the solid option because then I don't have to worry about them. Turns out tarp wasn't a problem either, I had both dogs on leashes, but it wouldn't have been necessary, they calmly slept in their places beside me.
Anyway, I thought I'd share how I approach a few things about sleeping outdoors. Usually I avoid resistance as much as possible. For me, the key to actually going out is simplicity.
If you are thinking about sleeping outdoors, but haven't yet started, maybe some, all or none of these will help:
• Go somewhere close to home. Earlier this week I was 10 minutes from the car, and the car 10 minutes from home. I knew if it wouldn't work with the dog-tarp combo the car would be an easy out. Just start somewhere, and you can progress from there if you want.
• Go some place you are familiar with and like, and maybe where you've already envisioned where to pitch the tent, tarp, hammock or simply mattress and sleeping bag. I usually find the spots I want to sleep in during daywalks, sometimes scouting maps beforehand. I also return to places I like.
• Go out late. A lot of the times I go out around 10 pm. Less time to contemplate is sometimes good. If it's gonna be dark, make sure you are really familiar with the equipment and have a good headlight, otherwise go earlier so you have time to set up before dark (if it gets dark).
• Eat something at home and brush your teeth before you leave. This actually saves me a lot of mental energy!
• Bring breakfast or just have it after getting home. Sometimes I make normal outdoor breakfast, bringing the gas stove to heat water for oat porridge and freeze dried coffee (sometimes I make real coffee as well, but that's another pot to bring so mostly I don't). Sometimes I bring a thermos bottle with hot water from home to accomplish basically the same, sometimes I have breakfast at home or at the office, or I just eat a banana or something on the fly.
• Usually I don't feel I need to shower straight after. Maybe I smell, who knows? My guess is, less than if I would have been indoors anyway 😂 Normally, staying somewhere close to home, I can be at the office the same time as usual. But more badass.
• Pack light. Bring only the necessary stuff. If you stay close and have a way out, you'll be fine, also mentally. And I think it's really nice not to have to focus on stuff! Bring enough clothes so you won't freeze, though. I really dislike freezing, it is not worth it!
• Check the weather, go out only when there seems to be the kind of weather you want and be flexible if the forecast changes! Full moon is becoming more and more of a personal favourite, other's are clear sky, good aurora prognoses, not much wind, untouched snow, possibility of fog... Also check times for sunset and sunrise, so you have an idea of what to expect. Also the wind direction during the night (prognosis) will be useful to know before setting up the tent or the tarp. Sometimes I've gone out in bad weather as well, because I have wanted to test the equipment under close-to-home circumstances.
• If you have new equipment, always get used to it at home first! Make sure you know howto put it into use!
• One night with bad sleep or none isn't gonna break you. Even a bad night's sleep will give you the benefit of enjoying the nature. Don't stress about it. Either you'll sleep well right away or you'll learn to relax. I always sleep with ear plugs, cause I feel it helps me. Nature is sometimes very loud! When I sleep outdoors I actually wake up a lot, but recovery mostly is good anyway!
Hope some of that can be useful!
Give it a go!
