Getting a Good Nights' Sleep
Mats, Hammocks, Sleeping Bags and Lighting
Expeditions l Overland l City l Jungle l Desert l Trekking
Expeditions
Sleeping equipment Depending on how and where you are travelling as part of an expedition, you can choose between a hammock/basha/mosquito net combination, the new Hennessy System or the heavier tent option. A hammock gives the best air flow in humid conditions, but a tent gives privacy, somewhere to unpack your rucksack and protection from the elements in non-humid climes. A pillow is a luxury worth considering, alternatively fill a stuff sack with some dry clothing.
Sleeping bag Night time temperatures are the issue here. If your expedition is to a hot climate, take a Tropical Quilt on its own or combined with a cotton liner. If your expedition is to cooler climes or will incorporate higher altitudes, a sleeping bag is cosier. If your expedition is to cooler dry areas, a down bag will be more heat efficient for its size.
Lighting A powerful head torch plus small backup hand torch gives versatility. A lot of your activities - getting ready for bed, cooking, going to the toilet etc will be two handed tasks in total darkness. Plus a head torch is great for reading.
Overland
Sleeping equipment As lightweight and versatile as possible. A mat is a great idea. We've used ours to sleep on the deck of a boat, transform an uncomfortable train seat, sitting on the ground waiting for a bus… A lightweight self-inflating mat takes up the least space. A treated mosquito net is essential. Use it every night in malaria zones. A hammock is also useful if you are venturing into the jungle and you can't beat it for relaxing on a beach or verandah. Use a compression sack to compact down bulky items to save even more space.
Sleeping bag If most of your journey is in warmer climes, take a 5C - 15C comfort rating bag or a Tropical Quilt combined with a silk/cotton sleeping bag liner. If you end up on a high altitude trek, you can usually hire a warmer sleeping bag at major trekking centres. Alternatively you can buy a local blanket for an extra layer and sleep in your clothing.
Lighting Take a bright hand held torch that you can convert into a head torch. In addition, carry a few candles to save your batteries.
City
Sleeping equipment Unless you are going five star with air conditioning it's always a good idea to travel with your own treated net to countries with insect born diseases. Sleeping bag A tropical quilt can be used to cover the bed in suspect hotels. Some people just prefer to use their own sleeping bag wherever they go - a comfort rating 0C 10C should be adequate for hotels unless you're going to a very cold area. Lighting It's worth carrying a small torch in your pocket in case you find yourself in an unlit area. In addition, power cuts can be frequent.
Jungle
Always pack your sleeping bag and equipment in a watertight stuff sack particularly during the tropical wet season. Air-flow is the key to a good nights' sleep so a treated net with a medium mesh is preferable to an untreated net with fine mesh. To combat insect-borne diseases in the tropics, treat your night time sleeping equipment with permethrin.
Desert
Your three potential elemental enemies at night are freezing cold temperatures, wind and dust, dust, dust. As you cannot guarantee to find suitable trees, a hammock might only be partially useful. Your mat needs to be comfortable - self inflating give the best cushioning but are prone to puncturing so take a repair kit. If you carry a tent you will have protection from wind.
Trekking
Unless you are very experienced, you will more than likely be trekking with guides who will organise your night time accommodation for you. You will probably need your own sleeping bag (comfort rating will depend on where you are going). If you are likely to encounter rain or river crossings, make sure it is packed in a watertight stuff sack.
Sleeping Bags & Accessories
What the comfort ratings mean:
7C to 20C
Hot
5C to 15C
Warm
0C to 10C
Temperate
-5C to 5C
Cold
-10C to 0C
Freezing
Manmade fibres versus down & feather
Down will give you a better heat to weight ratio for travelling light in cooler climates. For wet conditions manmade wins.
Choose a sleeping bag to cater for the majority of your journey.
Wear clothing, combine with a sleeping bag liner and locally bought blanket to upgrade a summer weight bag
Take a pillow case to make your own pillow or cover suspect hotel pillows
Lighting
Maglite Torches
AA and AAA Maglites have been travellers favourites for a long time. Made in lightweight, corrosion resistant, anodized aircraft grade aluminium, both models have an adjustable beam and can be used as a ‘candle' by unscrewing the top lens unit. Bright halogen bulbs are supplied as standard including spare.
Petzl Torches
Extremely reliable. For mountain climbing, camping and trekking, a fully adjustable head torch makes life a lot easier.