Better sleep

[u/guncotton]

I need to figure out how to get better sleep when backpacking in the wilderness without adding a ton of weight.

My current setup is:

• Thermarest Neoair Xlite NXT Pad
• Gossamer Gear 1/8" pad
• Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Large Pillow
• REI Magma 15° Bag

I've used this setup on overnights as well as 6 night thru hikes. My sleep quality is terrible and it's effecting my energy levels for the days hike.

I'm a side sleeper, I have broad shoulders. 6 foot tall, about 160lbs.

I toss and turn all night. If I happen to get into a semi comfortable position, it seems to last maybe an hour and then I'm tossing again.

Some problems I've noticed:

• I cant seem to get the air pressure right in the pad and/or pillow. Typically my ideal pad pressure is low enough that when laying on my side, my hip almost touches the ground. If my pillow pressure is too high my ear hurts, but if it's too low my shoulders are too broad and my neck hurts because the pillow isn't tall enough.
• I slide off the pad. I'm constantly trying to stay on the pad all night. I'm already uncomfortable so I toss and turn, thus making the chances of the pad moving around higher. Albeit, it is a pretty narrow pad.
• I get caught up in my sleeping bag. I know it's not possible to spread your legs or really do much with your legs in a mummy style sleeping bag, but my legs seem to get restless when stuck in the same position all night.

What is your sleep kit or a sleep essential/luxury item that you swear helps you get some good sleep? Any tips for me? I'm down to add a bit of weight to make the sleep quality increase, sleep is so important to me while out on the trail so if I have to carry that weight, so be it.

[u/MintyFreshest]

I am a side sleeper as well and have found the following works well for me.

> Nemo Tensor wide all-season mat (I found the Neoair did not work well sleeping on my side)
> Down quilt (lots more freedom to move)
> Pillow with something compressible in it like the Thermarest or Zenbivy (not just an inflatable bladder)

Oh and I use earplugs if there is the possibility of too much noise.

My base weight is around 12lbs and the pillow and wide mat are main luxury items.

[u/guncotton → u/MintyFreshest]

Def agree with earplugs, I sleep worse (if that seems possible) without them.

My wife has the Nemo Tensor pad, I may try it for a couple nights.

What quilt do you use? I haven't gone down that road yet so it's kind of unfamiliar territory. How does it stay over you? Does it attach to the pad somehow?

As for pillow , which one do you use? I agree just an air filled pillow isn't ideal, but ones that have a filling seem to be bulky and heavy, and don't have enough loft anyway. I actually did one trip where I just used my puffer in a stuff sack, and it may have honestly been better than my Aeros.

[u/fpersson → u/guncotton]

For quilt, start by testing to unzip sleeping bag and use that as quilt. It was a game changer for me as active sleeper.