| The opportunity for a restful night is appealing to | | | | Full inflating beds offer even more warmth and |
| campers today, as people realize their need for a | | | | protection, but their weight and bulk restricts |
| good night's sleep. Camping beds come in a wide | | | | usage to groups who are car camping. These |
| range of sizes and comfort levels. Now campers | | | | inflatable beds are a luxury for campers, who |
| can choose from an ultra-light backpacker to the | | | | bear the burden to transport them to their |
| creature comfort car camper. Models of camping | | | | campsite. Nevertheless, sleeping in these beds out |
| equipment, with exciting new features, emerge | | | | under the stars is as comfortable as any bed in |
| daily. With the right choices, spending the night in | | | | your home. When inflated, these beds occupy as |
| the woods can include the same comforts | | | | much space as a standard mattress. It takes a |
| enjoyed at home. Thanks to the increased | | | | lot of air to fill them and they are susceptible to |
| development of quality camping beds, campers | | | | punctures. A night on the cold, hard ground could |
| have dismissed the fear of a possible sore back | | | | be a possibility. |
| with each camping venture. They are free to | | | | The Classic Cot |
| concentrate on their enjoyable camping | | | | Another alternative to the inflatable camping bed |
| experiences. | | | | is the classic cot. It is appreciated by car campers |
| Foam Camping Beds | | | | and base camps, as well, for it is comfortable, |
| For years backpackers have used rolled foam | | | | sets up quickly, and maintains the camper at a |
| camping beds. These beds are durable enough to | | | | high level, well above the cold. These cots are |
| be used for cooking in camp. They double for a | | | | much too heavy for backpackers. They are |
| table when needed to keep cookware free from | | | | perfect for family-sized or wall tents. They take |
| dirt and sand. These reasonably beds are light and | | | | up too much space for smaller tents. |
| warm, a gentle comfort for backpackers. | | | | Hammocks |
| Self-Inflating Camping Beds | | | | Hammocks are light and make a small bundle. |
| Thermarest, a line of self-inflating camping beds, | | | | With the right rain fly, a good hammock might |
| provides more warmth than foam mats, and they | | | | even replace a tent. A hammock is great for a |
| are of comparable weight. A layer of air, held | | | | backpacker, who can easily assemble a rain fly |
| between two layers of insulation, keeps a camper | | | | using a tarp and a few pieces of rope. It is not |
| warm. Self-inflating beds give extra cushion, sorely | | | | wise to use a hammock during cold weather, as |
| needed when rocks and sticks lie beneath the | | | | hammocks do not store heat. Heat escapes from |
| tent. | | | | hammocks and is absorbed by the surrounding air. |
| Full Inflating Beds | | | | Summer is the time for using hammocks. |