How to make spike camps more comfortable?

[mad_angler]

At base camp, I had an Argali Yukon (8 person) and a wood stove. I also had a cot and long/wide Exped camping mat. It was a castle for one person.

At spike camp, I had a Big Agnes 2 person Copper Spur and a normal Exped mat. It was decidedly less comfortable. It also sucked getting started in the morning.

Do you guys have any tips to make spike camp more comfortable without adding too much weight?

 

[IdahoBeav]

How much weight are you packing in food?

I prefer to sleep better and hunt hungry, so I pack little food and bring a backpacking cot and a really good pad.

 

[mad_angler]

How much weight are you packing in food?

I prefer to sleep better and hunt hungry, so I pack little food and bring a backpacking cot and a really good pad.

What cot do you like?

 

[justinspicher]

My spike camp, if I spike camp, is a hammock. One of the best decisions I have ever made when staying in the backcountry.

 

[*zap*]

Pillow and a good meal.

 

[ReaptheHeat]

My spike camp, if I spike camp, is a hammock. One of the best decisions I have ever made when staying in the backcountry.

Justin what else is a part of your system. Underquilt, bag, tarp?

Im a hardcore side sleeper so idk if hammock would be my best option but always looked more comfortable.

 

[NEPkaspot]

Pillow and a good meal.

This and I'll bring hot tea or make a hot cup of WA Hydrate and Recover. Upgraded to a Nemo Fillo XL. Along with a good pad, eat a great meal, make a hot cup and hit the hay. I bring a small paperback book (Hunting Muke Deer by Dwight Shuh) to read and help me get to sleep if needed.

 

[IdahoBeav]

What cot do you like?

Helinox Lite

 

[justinspicher]

Justin what else is a part of your system. Underquilt, bag, tarp?

Im a hardcore side sleeper so idk if hammock would be my best option but always looked more comfortable.

I’m also a side sleeper and don’t have any issues in a hammock.

I cut a thermarest foam pad in half and use that in the hammock, it gives it some “structure” as well as an insulation layer.

I use a 30° quilt and as it gets colder I just use my puffy jacket and pants. I’m already carrying them.

I try and put my hammock about an arms length of the ground and my tarp is about an arms length above me.

 

[mad_angler]

I’m also a side sleeper and don’t have any issues in a hammock.

I cut a thermarest foam pad in half and use that in the hammock, it gives it some “structure” as well as an insulation layer.

I use a 30° quilt and as it gets colder I just use my puffy jacket and pants. I’m already carrying them.

I try and put my hammock about an arms length of the ground and my tarp is about an arms length above me.

Interesting...
No underquilt?

 

[justinspicher]

No, they are too bulky. I’m also lazy and don’t like to carry or set up more than I have to.

 

[GunsAreFun]

I’m also a side sleeper and don’t have any issues in a hammock.

I cut a thermarest foam pad in half and use that in the hammock, it gives it some “structure” as well as an insulation layer.

I use a 30° quilt and as it gets colder I just use my puffy jacket and pants. I’m already carrying them.

I try and put my hammock about an arms length of the ground and my tarp is about an arms length above me.

You cut the pad in half long ways to create a long skinny piece or in the middle to make more of a square?

 

[justinspicher]

I cut it across the middle making a long rectangle into a shorter rectangle. Once I’ve cut it, it covers from my shoulders to my knees. I can fold it and stick it between the frame and my pack.

 

[Yooper]

Being cold or wet (or both) will really do a number on me. So I always have the insulated sleeping pad, dry base layers, and a quilt rated for a lot lower than I normally plan on encountering.

 

[mad_angler]

Do you have any tips for getting started in the morning? Everything was coated with frost and it sucked getting started.

I'm thinking that I need to have my pack fully packed the night before. I need to just put on my boots and start walking. It will still suck but for just a little while.

 

[Fireflyfishing]

I’m also a side sleeper and don’t have any issues in a hammock.

I cut a thermarest foam pad in half and use that in the hammock, it gives it some “structure” as well as an insulation layer.

I use a 30° quilt and as it gets colder I just use my puffy jacket and pants. I’m already carrying them.

I try and put my hammock about an arms length of the ground and my tarp is about an arms length above me.

Down to what temp are you comfy…or what temp do you call it quits on this setup?

 

[justinspicher]

So far I’ve been down to about 15°, I’m not sure I’d take it much past that. I don’t do much backpacking camping as I live pretty close to my hunting areas.

 

[hunthikecamp]

Do you have any tips for getting started in the morning? Everything was coated with frost and it sucked getting started.

I'm thinking that I need to have my pack fully packed the night before. I need to just put on my boots and start walking. It will still suck but for just a little while.

Honestly, it always sucks getting started in the morning for me. Haha. But yeah having the bag packed and ready to go makes it easier instead of trying to fumble around with cold fingers. If you know you'll be pulling up camp in the AM pack up as much as you can the night before.

Ive also gotten in the habit of just slugging 8-16oz of water as soon as I get up and eating a pro bar. Helps get the body fired up a bit and get me moving.

 

[wildwilderness]

Do you have any tips for getting started in the morning? Everything was coated with frost and it sucked getting started.

I'm thinking that I need to have my pack fully packed the night before. I need to just put on my boots and start walking. It will still suck but for just a little while.

I always bring a stove, worth the weight to me to get started in the am. Start the stove and heat the water for a hot breakfast from your sleeping bag in the tent. It will warm it up, and a hot breakfast (I usually do oatmeal, added protein scoop, dried fruit and/or nuts ) and hot drink and I am ready to get up and out.

 

[spike camp]

Definitely all your food made, water bladder filled and bar in pocket.
All your gear situated and ready to go.
If you can sleep with your clothes on, that’ll help.
The Helinox cot is awesome.
So is the neoloft pad by thermarest.
The xl pillow mentioned above is sweet, there’s another nice Nemo pillow to, can’t remember the name.
I prefer a quilt over a sleeping bag, much less constrictive.
It’s taken a long time to whittle my way through so many different types of sleep systems and even though I’ve found the most comfortable, warm and cozy way for me…I don’t sleep and it’s always miserable.
Even with bulls bugling out of the tent, it’s still rough.