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Sleep System Basics
from the ground up

Sleeping Pad

  • We strongly recommend an inflatable pad for comfort and warmth
  • You may wish to use a foam pad underneath your inflatable pad.
    • Acts as another layer of insulation
    • Helps stop your inflatable pad from sliding around
    • Helps prevent punctures.

Sleeping Bag

  • Down is not recommended since it doesn't insulate well when it gets wet and we work in a damp area!
  • Rated to at least 0 degrees for spring or fall crews. We frequently get snow during spring training or end of fall season.
  • Summer crews can do a 30-40 degree bag or some of the alternatives below, but if you're planning to do this kind of work long-term, it is worth investing in a good cold-weather bag!

Pillow

  • An often-overlooked part of your sleep system!
  • Frontcountry crews can bring a full size pillow (or two). We have plenty of space for gear in our trucks/trailers
  • If you have a backpacking pillow that you like, that is fine as well.

Tent Setup 101

Types of pole attachments

How to set up a tent

​Can I use a hammock?

Short answer? Maybe.
Most of the sites where our crews camp can accommodate a hammock, but not all sites can and many campsites have only one good spot for a hammock. We recommend bringing a tent each hitch just in case and are happy to set you up with a loaner tent as a backup. ​
Before committing to hammock camping, ask yourself the following questions:
  • Have I slept in a hammock before?
  • Have I slept in a hammock for multiple nights in a row before?
  • Do I have appropriate gear for warmth in a hammock setup (underquilt, sleeping pad, etc)?
  • Will I be able to stay dry in a hammock setup?
  • Do I have a plan to keep my gear dry in a hammock setup (dry bag, trash bags, second hammock for gear)?
  • Will I be able to avoid bug bites in a hammock setup?