Young hunters used to be able to sleep in the dirt, against a tree, without a blanket, and no pillow required. When we were tired, we laid down a slept. As we aged, comfortable sleeping became more of an issue.
Older hunters, campers, and fishermen need more comfort. Our days of sleeping in the dirt are over. Now we need a cot. Sleeping bag, pajamas, soft sleeping mat, in a tent, camper, or cabin, with a couple pillows.
We never used a camp pillow as we grew up. As a lifelong Scouter, I never packed a pillow. The sleeping bag was a luxury item. A sheet of plastic was my ground cloth that could be folded overtop in case of rain or snow.
A ground cloth, or foam mattress, is also a good idea. If you are on a cot, you need some insulation under you to stay warm. Wearing night clothes is also smart. Trying to sleep in sweaty or soiled clothes just makes things less comfortable. Fresh clothes smell and feel better.
The pillow is an important and often overlooked comfort item. You will sleep better with some pillows than without. It comes down to physiology. The human body needs to be in a comfortable spinal alignment. The windpipe/trachea needs to have free and open passage for air. The pillows need to be supportive enough to raise the head and spine, while keeping the windpipe open.
Some sports sleep on their sides. Others like to be on their backs while some are belly sleepers. The best way to get the best sleep is to be on your back. The head can be raised enough to align the air and spine. There will be no discomfort or restricted breathing. A slight back tilt of the head will finish the position and prevent snoring.
Snoring happens when the airway is compressed or restricted. We used to have a guy at camp that snored so loud… At high altitude, in thinner air, it was worse. I found a contour pillow, like the one people use on airplanes. I gave it to him to use. When he wrapped it around his neck, and kept his chin tilted up, the snoring ceased. It was like a gun suppressor.
Side sleepers are fine as long as they stay aligned. The pillow helps to do this. Belly sleepers compress everything and are usually tired when they get up. You will also get a stiff neck or back if not naturally aligned.
You don’t have to pack in a pillow. Just take an empty pillowcase. Fill it with folded, clean clothes for the next day. Now you have a pillow and are organized to get dressed. Just don’t fill the case with soiled and dirty clothes or underwear.
Air pillows and mattresses just don’t work for me. I tend to roll off them. If you have room to take a pillow, take 2. You can easily adjust them to find the right spot for comfort and air.
The more comfortable you are the better you will hunt, fish, hike, and enjoy the outdoors.
ZZZZZZZ!!!
Montana Grant
