Spending time in the fresh air and being active is the most beautiful thing for every outdoor fan. Multi-day tours are the new trend among all hikers who are looking for a new challenge and want to be close to nature - even at night. Sleeping under the open sky is becoming more and more popular and easier. Because not only the equipment for a cozy open-air bed is becoming more and more comfortable and affordable, but also the offers around guided tours are growing from year to year.
But what should hiking fans look out for when planning an overnight tour? What should be packed in any case and which equipment is necessary to be able to enjoy the night in the open air so properly? All these questions will be answered in this guide so that the vacation or weekend highlight under the open sky becomes an unforgettable experience.
Weatherproof clothing is a must
A great outdoor and hiking experience stands and falls with the right clothing. Suitable cuts and materials can be enormously helpful in surviving even strenuous tours well - even when wind, weather, sun and rain alternate.
In addition, when you spend the night outdoors, you have to reckon with enormous temperature fluctuations. While it is sunny and warm during the day, it can get really cold at night. But increasing wind or rain showers should also be planned for.
List of functional clothing that should not be missing on any multi-day tour:
- Comfortable, breathable clothing: Comfortable and breathable outdoor clothing is an absolute must on any multi-day trip.
- Sports underwear/ski underwear: Depending on the season, sports underwear (sports or hiking socks for men and women, a sports bra for women and a sports undershirt for men) can also provide additional comfort. On cold days it is advisable to put on or take with you also ski underwear à ski underwear is also the ideal clothing for cool nights and can also be combined with a sweater or additional pants. For better sleeping comfort, a pair of thick cuddly socks can be used at night instead of sweaty sports socks.
- Multifunctional clothing: On warm days, airy, long trekking pants are recommended, which can be shortened to shorts thanks to a zipper.
- Rain jacket: A breathable rain jacket is essential on any hike. If it gets stormy and cold, a pair of matching, breathable rain pants is also recommended.
- Proper hiking boots: Good and suitable hiking boots are the prerequisite for a demanding or longer hike. If you have bought new hiking boots, you should always break them in thoroughly to avoid nasty surprises, blisters and pain later on.
Tip: Despite this, blister plasters, disinfectant spray and wound ointment should not be missing in any "hiking first aid kit".
Tent, sleeping bag and co.
Depending on the weather and what's on offer, there are different ways to sleep outdoors.
In good weather:
- Sleep in a hammock
- Sleep on a sleeping mat
- Sleep in an open "beach shell" that protects from wind
In bad weather:
- Sleep in a tent
- Rent a shelter (no special outdoor experience)
- A prerequisite for a successful hike with an open-air overnight stay is, of course, good weather. A reliable weather forecast as well as a guide can be helpful to better appreciate the unknown nature.
But how can you prepare for your overnight stay if you go hiking without a tour guide? What equipment should not be missing so that the nature experience becomes a real highlight?
- A proper sleeping bag: If you want to spend the night outside, you need a good sleeping bag. Thin sleeping bags from discount stores are often not enough. Depending on the season and temperature, a suitable sleeping bag should be selected. In outdoor stores and on the Internet, hiking and camping enthusiasts will find a huge selection of high-quality sleeping bags that are even suitable for temperatures as low as -30 °Celsius. So it is important to inform yourself about the nightly temperatures in the place of your choice in order to be able to choose the right sleeping bag.
- A comfortable mattress: A mattress is not a must, of course, but it increases sleeping comfort many times over. Nowadays, there is a wide range of self-inflating air mattresses that can be folded to save space. Then, when the caster is opened, a valve is simply turned on and the "luma" inflates all by itself. A big plus: modern, self-inflating air mattresses have the same size as a sleeping pad when folded, but are a lot cozier.
- A good tent / hammock: If you don't want to sleep directly on the ground and want to protect yourself from animals, you can use a tent or a hammock. Since it is also about the fact that all sleeping utensils must also be carried is called: The smaller, lighter and more space-saving, the better.
Tip: If you want to spend the night in a hammock, you should use a mosquito net (except in winter) to protect yourself from mosquitoes and other small animals.
Other helpful options
There are, of course, many other utensils that should not be missing on an overnight hike. In addition to a first aid bag, emergency phone, sunscreen and a comfortable hiking backpack, there are a few things that should not be forgotten:
- Sufficient water and food.
- A small toiletry bag with a toothbrush, toothpaste
- Toilet paper and wet wipes
- Anti-mosquito lotion
In addition, the following should be ordered or purchased at the outdoor store:
- A headlamp: Headlamps are enormously practical. Instead of having to carry a flashlight, the light source follows your gaze and allows both hands to be used at all times - perfect for eating, setting up the tent, and going to the bush toilet in the dark. You can take a closer look at various models at vergleich.org/stirnlampe/.
- A pocket knife: A pocket knife helps when preparing meals, but can also be very helpful in other situations.
Conclusion
A multi-day hiking tour with an overnight stay outdoors is a great experience for hiking and outdoor fans. However, it is important not to embark on the adventure rashly, as there are a few things to consider. In addition to suitable clothing, good equipment is a matter of course, with which the trip becomes an unforgettable nature experience. Important information about the weather, the environment and wild animals should always be obtained in advance, possibly (if you have little experience) a guide should be consulted.'=
