The Perfect Sleep System for a Multi Day Hike

Set in the beautiful backdrop of the Cooloola Great Walk, this video/article offers a brief run-down of the gear that makes up my go-to sleep system for multi-day hikes.

One of the most important things on a multi-day hike is your sleep. Hiking day after day with a heavy pack can take its toll on your body, even after just the first day, so making sure that you get a good sleep each night & wake up well-rested is vital for your body to recover. Personally, sleep is something I struggle with in a tent environment & I find it particularly hard to get a good night’s rest at the best of times, let alone on an inflatable 10cm thick sleeping mat snuggled up to a tent buddy.

Believe me when I say that I’ve tried many variations in my sleep systems to achieve a heavy slumber on the trail, but the system I use now has to be the best balance I have found yet. Obviously the importance you will put on certain aspects of your sleep system will have personal bias, & so if you’re one of those people who have the ability to fall asleep instantly on a tea towel in a bear cave, then you could probably shed some more weight & go with some super slim ultralight sleeping pad & use your trash sack as a pillow, but if you’re like me, this video might be of actual use to you.

Set in the beautiful backdrop of the Cooloola Great Walk, this video offers a brief run-down of the gear that makes up my go-to sleep system for multi-day hikes, as well as a few tips & tricks that I have picked up over years of adventuring on various levels. These little tips & tricks will help you be more efficient, more comfortable & allow you more time to soak in the beauty of wherever your multi-day adventure takes you!

The Cooloola Great Walk can be done South-North or North-South so depending on your preference you can either start at Rainbow Beach or at Noosa North Shore. The 88km trek will see you through some lush coastal forests, dense wetlands as well as gaining high ridgelines with endless ocean views over 5 days. The trail is well maintained & the pace on most days allows you time to stop & enjoy any points of interest & relax around the well-equipped campsites. If you want to know more about the Cooloola Great Walk head to https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/great-walks-cooloola as bookings are essential. 

Sleep Systems Gear

TENTS

Marmot Tungsten UL 2P

More space per ounce than any other freestanding ultralight tent, the Marmot Tungsten UL 2 Person tent with a two-door, two vestibule tent with a seam-taped flysheet that won’t stretch and sag when wet and will resist UV damage. With two vestibules for gear, storage keeps the tent clear of sand and dirt and spacious. The Tungsten will be you go to for room and packability.
 

Big Agnes Copper Spur 2UL Platinum

Big Agnes’ lightest, full-featured, free-standing tent with two doors, the Copper Spur 2 Platinum is the gram counter’s epitome of having cake and eating it too. With features previously only found in heavier counterparts, the Copper Spur 2 Platinum’s comforts include a nylon rip-stop fly with two vestibules, interior storage pockets, and a sleek two-tone mesh body that provides privacy while allowing for night-time star gazing.

MATS

Nemo Tensor Alpine

This pinnacle mountaineering pad offers lightweight, compact, extreme warmth without sacrificing comfort. Three layers of suspended metalized film and a unique construction efficiently retains your own body heat. Tensor Alpine brings warmth and comfort to cold weather camping.

Nemo Astro Insulated Sleeping Pad

Ultra lightweight and simple, the Astro series offers a plush 3.5-inch thickness, a premium fabric suite, and lateral baffles. Lateral baffles are more comfortable than vertical baffles, and prevent the sides of the pad from curling around your body.

Nemo Vortex Pump Sack

Vortex™ pump sack provides easy and fast inflation, saves breath at elevation, and minimizes moisture entering the pad. Compatible with 2019 Nemo sleeping mats.

PILLOW

Nemo Fillo Elite Pillow

The integrated stuff sack in the Nemo Fillo Elite is about the size of a tennis ball, ideal for the backcountry or even keeping in your pocket for an emergency nap.

SLEEPING BAG

Sea To Summit Trek TKII Down Sleeping Bag

Traditional comfort and value, with an anything but traditional design approach, the Trek Series sleeping bags are what we grab for globe-trotting adventures on a budget.

TOWEL

Sea To Summit Pocket Towel

The Pocket Towel is the lightest and most compact towel we make and it still absorbs three times its own weight in water.
 

DRY SACK

Sea To Summit Ultra Dry Sil Dry Sack

Winner of Backpacker magazine editors choice awards!
How about this for a dry sack - Feather light, bone dry! Not only is the weight revolutionary, but the hypalon roll top and siliconised finish eliminates wicking to ensure a dry seal.

Planning an overnight hike? Make sure to share your adventure with us by tagging @wildearthaustralia and #mywildearth

Writer: Nathan is an avid adventurer, photographer and filmaker, give me a follow at @setinstoneseq.