“Ugghh, my back is killing me,” I groaned, wriggling around the lumpy ground futilely. My partner Brent chuckled knowingly. We’d enthusiastically logged over 15 miles hiking and biking the breathtaking mountain terrain earlier that day. But no roaring campfire, glasses of whiskey or epic stargazing could ease the rocky discomfort we lay upon.
This scene played out trip after trip. We’d return home from adventures out West sore, depleted and cranky from perpetual tossing and turning against unforgiving earth. Sure, packing ultra compact was the outdoor sleep system mantra. But why must comfort get sacrificed?
Then on a late night YouTube rabbit hole binge, an oddly comforting vision flashed across the screen – a woman snuggled inside a plush dog bed but for humans. Its protective rounded edges beckoned like a cocoon. “That’s it!” I exclaimed, shaken from my scrolling stupor. Still, could canine comfort actually improve our wild camping nights? Brent raised skeptical eyebrows but agreed to test my theory.
Blissful Cushioning Quashes Hardship
Arriving at our Payette National Forest campsite, we hurriedly pitched our tent to escape the drizzling gloom. Brent assembled branches for a fire while I excitedly unpackaged our secret weapon – a portable dog bed bundled in compression straps. After spreading its considerable heft across the vinyl ground tarp, I couldn’t resist immediately pouncing into the welcoming abyss.
My entire back – from tender tailbone up between my shoulder blades – sank into soft, cradling memory foam. The water-resistant bolsters ensconced me like a hug, fending off the damp evening. I sighed aloud, realizing after 30 years of makeshift camp sleeping aids, I’d finally discovered glorious respite. This was luxury the woods had never known.
As expected, Brent was reluctant to abandon his trusty self-inflating pad. But 20 minutes squirming atop frozen earth justified swallowing pride. His skepticism melted quickly dozing blissfully as the gentle patter lulled us to sleep. No soreness, shivering or aching distraction – just heavenly stillness and restoration as we woke with the rising sun.
Optimizing Your Mobile Dog Bed Oasis
Our introductory 40 lb 4-inch thick dog bed model served us well for that weekend test run. But maximizing comfort and convenience meant optimizing details in our year since becoming devotees:
- We sized up to a thicker 8 inch mattress allowing side sleeping without bottoming out onto the floor.
- A fully waterproof casing prevents tent floor moisture seeping in.
- Low profile construction in place of looming walls facilitates easy entry and exit.
- Inflatable style beds allow compact transport then plump up thick and voluminous once on site.
- A durable cotton canvas slipcover protects from dirt and is easily removable for washing.
I love personalizing our private refuge with cozy blankets and twinkly string lights. That irresistible sense of security and relaxation before drifting off never ceases to amaze, whatever the weather or terrain outside our protective bubble.
Creature Comforts to Cozy Any Adventure
But beyond cushioning creature comforts, our oversized dog beds gift unexpected bonuses too. The plush barricades pad and perfectly prop feet, knees and back following long days of arduous activity without needing added pillows. The insulation promotes warmth retention, transforming the shelter into a veritable furnace on frigid nights.
We comfortably lounge reading or snacking protected from drips or drafts in rainy, windy or snow conditions that would normally chase us shivering into the sleeping bags. And all contained tidily together rather than juggling myriad pads, cots, chairs hauling excess gear key for keeping hiking distances feasible.
As devotees of many seasons sleeping the dog’s life, we’re hooked. By perfectly fusing beloved camping pastimes with unparalleled recovery and relaxation, human dog beds deliver outdoor luxury once unimaginable for this pair of middle aged adventure seekers. Consider this fair warning – once you camp curling like canine royalty, there’s just no going back!
Frequently Asked Questions About Camping With Human Dog Beds (FAQs):
How do you transport such a colossal, heavy bed on backcountry trips?
Inflatable and foldable compressible foam options with attached straps and handles are key for ultra compact, lightweight travel into remote locations.
Aren’t dog beds prone to collecting dirt, hair and moisture from frequent use outdoors?
Quality designs utilize tightly woven synthetic exterior coatings easily removed for regular laundering as well as waterproof interior casings keeping contents clean and intact.
What about condensation and mugginess in enclosed tents?
Strategically constructed ventilation ports allow airflow between body imprints without sacrificing cozy containment. Some models also integrate temperature regulating gel pods limiting heat and humidity accumulation.
Can dog beds accommodate two sleepers given their enclosed design?
While snug, certain corner sofa or full/queen sizes can fit couples. But be sure to size up adequately and not teeter along perilous edges for safer duo sleeping.
