Under the stars

[AZCPP]

I have a lot of time to think about..well, stuff! I was just curious how many people prefer sleeping under the stars when camping? My self I would rather be open-air but, here in AZ. we have the creepy-crawlers that like to stow-a-way in our bags. This has brought me to my latest "Best Idea Ever". Now I'm not going to divulge the details of my "BIE" as it could be the one you know. HEHE

Anyway, If you could sleep under the stars, on the ground, and have the option of protection from the rain if needed would you have an interest? It would be a very light packer as well.

Just curious!

[4RUNAMOK]

Exactly why I bought a rooftop tent (or bed top, in your case)???

It solves ALL of those problems!

[AZCPP]

Well, I find it very fulfilling to sleep on the ground and with nothing but air between my face and the stars. There is nothing better than to lay on the earth and open your eye's to see all those stars shining bright. I am a cowboy history buff so I guess that maybe I am looking for a little of the cowboy romance along with my love of the outdoors.

[4RUNAMOK]

Well, I can do that... I'm just not on the ground, the tent has openings on both ends, with a screen if necessary. And I'm high enough up that someone/something would have to put a lot of effort into peeking into my tent, and if they/it have ill intentions, they'll find they're peeking into a barrel :D

I'm a hotel person, she's a camping person! This is my compromise!

[AZCPP]

I'm a hotel person, she's a camping person! This is my compromise!

WOW, it's the opposite here I think hotels are kinda creepy. Teresa doesn't like to camp. But she will do it.

[4RUNAMOK]

It's amazing what we do to accomodate our spouses! That tent was not cheap, but it was worth it, we get to be together in a way we can both enjoy it.

I'm a bit of a paranoid when it comes to the outdoors, and this is how I'm able to share her fun with her.

[Spike Pretorius]

I love sleeping on the ground. But like you say, sometimes some interesting creatures come cruising past in the night. I've learnt to ignore them though. The trick it to not camp when it's full moon cos if it's dark you can't see what crawling around you :wink:

When I was on Ops in the military our method was to walk till well into the dark, then just lie down right where you are and sleep (still in your formation and no matter what you happen to be standing on- it's dark remember) and get up in the early hours and walk till after sunrise. When the sun was up we'd then stop and eat and shake out the scorpions etc. They seem quite docile when you're not hassling them.

But back on topic! Yes I'd be interested to see your invention

[4RUNAMOK]

I must be brain dead. I had no idea he was making an inquiry of some kind.

My apologies, Chuck.

There are many kinds of camper type people I suppose. "Got an old coat for a pillow, and the earth was last night's bed" As Bon Jovi sang in Blaze of Glory... No way I could do that without being forced into it, like in the military or in survival.

My nephew in Iraq would dig a body-deep shallow hole in the sand and sleep in that. And they have those crazy camel spiders! ACK!

Rain to me would mean packing up and finding a Motel6.

[Ursidae69]

Anyway, If you could sleep under the stars, on the ground, and have the option of protection from the rain if needed would you have an interest? It would be a very light packer as well.

Just curious!

I think there would be a market for such an idea with backpackers. I hate carrying my tent when I go backpacking. It's easier to just sleep on a pad and tarp, but in inclement weather or when you have scorpions, it gets interesting.

[AZCPP]

Thanks for the replies guys. I am still refining my idea at this point.


Chuck, you are a snake guy. How high can a snake (say a rattler) bring his head up and slither over an object?

[karstic]

Got cot?

[RidgeRunner]

Yes, I've always preferred sleeping out in the open and have done it for many years. When I was young my folks slept in their station wagon when we were camping and I slept on the ground. I can remember a lot of T-storms waking me up in the middle of what started out as an Idaho star-studded night. I didn't have a tent back then but sometimes I'd remember to throw a tarp over my sleeping bag for a little protection.

When I switched over to lighter backpacking due in part to a bad knee, I started using a sil nylon tarp that weighs 14 oz and have spent many nights under it if it looks like rain. Otherwise, I still like to sleep out in the open. If I'm in the 4Runner, I'll usually sleep in it if weather looks like an issue.

I'm curious also to learn what your idea protection is. Love to learn new tricks.:yeah:

Mick

[JackSilb]

I am sure we will love to see and comment on your idea. I know a couple of people that like to pack light and sleep on the ground or top of their trucks open to the sky.

Keep us posted.
-JACK

[7WT]

I have always slept in a tent with few exceptions but those were my best memories. I had to use a tent due to the critters in Texas, Florida and California. Now that I am in Connecticut, it seems like I can do the whole ground mat and sleeping bag thing or maybe a tarp when it rains.

[Ursidae69]

Thanks for the replies guys. I am still refining my idea at this point.


Chuck, you are a snake guy. How high can a snake (say a rattler) bring his head up and slither over an object?


Oops, I missed this question earlier Chuck, sorry about that.

They can inch up and over something probably half their length of their body, so a large snake 2-3 feet.

Chuck...

[JackSilb]

I knew Chuck would come here to comment. I had him in mind when talking about sleeping on the ground, back and or top of truck.

-JACK