Camping Hack #1: Inflatable Water Beds Are Better Than Sleeping Bags or Mats

Isn't this one just FUN?

When we went camping for two wet and windy nights at altitude near a lake months ago, some of my back issues flared up. It was my first "real" camping experience, and it was only then I realized how it was to sleep on newly threshed, uneven ground. 

I could feel every bump and pebble and grass clumps underneath my tent, the base of which was covered with tarp and black plastic garbage bags. I could also feel the coldness of the rainwater seeping into the ground and wondered if anyone got pneumonia from lying on clammy ground. There's also the anxiety over whether any water had leaked or seeped into my plastic-laden nest while I slept.

I tossed and turned and even used my backpack to elevate my legs in an effort to find a comfortable position and sleep well. At some point, the thought of never doing the camping thing again passed through my mind. But when I think of how passionate my significant other is about the outdoors and camping out, I resolved to find a way to make the experience better for me. 

Enter the inflatable-water-bed-as-sleeping-bag idea.

Credits to www.bikepacking.com

No, not those super-expensive ones (costs about Php 5-6K at ROX, but some of those on Lazada cost Php500-1K). THIS ONE. 

Not a Minnie fan or that into pink but this one's the cheapest on the shelf, so... #justbeinpractical

I will not explain the thought process that led to this eureka moment. Simply put, this thing is simply golden when it comes to helping you get a good night's sleep while camped out in the wild. Hey, the (looow) price (read: Php 299) also got me starry eyed. 

It's plastic, which tends to be hot-ish to the feel, so it can keep me warm through the cold night. It's also got this big bump that acts as a pillow (it's actually comfy, and that's coming from a person with back and neck issues). And it withstood my weight and fidgety sleeping habits on 2 camping trips (total of 2 nights). 

I did buy patches (Php 70) just in case it leaked. Thank heavens it didn't. :D 

Now you know where I got this from. This post is in no way sponsored by this store, btw.

I also bought a hand pump (not the kind you blow balloons with!), which is slim enough, light, and costs just Php 120. 

This makes a wheezing sound during inflation, which may puzzle neighboring campers.

Another great thing about this water bed option is that I can just lay it on the tent's floor without having to be OC about wiping off sand, dirt, or moisture beforehand or even covering the ground with tarp or trash bags. I don't have to worry when the rain pours or when it seeps in because the elevated plastic inflatable will keep me dry and above the wet surface. In case it floods, this bed can also double as a flotation device. Ha!

Also, it's very portable as it collapses into a small square of plastic when deflated. It's lighter than a 500 ml tumbler filled with water, methinks.

Didn't I say these are hand-y?

I don't find the inflating and deflating hassling, though, as it doesn't take long to inflate this thing. Deflating, with the assistance of a long, thin object pushed into the water bed's nozzle, is also quick. Yeah, folding up a mat is quicker, but I find more pros than cons with the inflatable water bed option. 

By the way, I bought the kiddie size (which only supports a third of my 5'4" body - up to my thighs) because it's lighter and fits smaller tent sizes. I just blew up two neck pillows, interlocked them, and put them under my calves as extension. Works perfectly fine for me. If you can get an inflatable throw pillow or something like that, it will be useful as extension. 

This thing isn't good to use directly on really rough, uncovered surfaces. Tall campers looking to reduce costs may also have to get the adult-size water beds, which still cost less than the expensive models at about Php 350-400+ (and above). If you get the adult-sized ones, make sure those things fit your tents!

Palompon - Mind Over Matter: What's a post about camping without a shot of the vista?

Wow, didn't think this post would be this long! After all, it's just about an inflatable water bed! Well, not really. Think of this as something that helps preserve your sanity on your hike. My own mountain-mad brother (he's already gone up Mt. Apo, Mt. Pulag, and Mt. Talomo) is now seriously considering bringing a water bed as his sleeping bag on his next climb. :D 

So, yeah, why don't you give this a shot? Let me know how it went. You're welcome.