4 Summer Camping Recipes

Q: What are the different kinds of sleeping pads?

Two main types: self-inflating pads (foam core draws itself full of air when valve is opened) and air pads (need to be inflated). Self-inflating Sleeping Pads: comfortable, relatively inexpensive but heavier and bulkier than air pads. Air Sleeping Pads: lighter, smaller but higher cost.

Q: What is a "pump sack"?

A pump sack is an inflator bag which can be connected to an air sleeping pad for quick and easy set up. Sea to Summit air pads have a pump sack which is integrated into the stuff sack. The pump sack helps with easy inflation and reduces moisture from condensation in the sleeping pad.

Q: How thick should a sleeping pad be?

In a self-inflating sleeping pad, the thicker the foam core, the more comfortable it is. 2" is comfortable, 3" is luxurious. In an air pad, stability (not thickness) is key. The more points of suspension, the more stable the pad.

Q: How do I care for my sleeping pad?

Store a sleeping pad with the valve open to dry out any moisture from condensed breath. Store the pad unrolled (perhaps folded once or twice) so the foam of a self-inflating pad or the insulation of an air pad is not compressed.

Q: How do I keep a sleeping pad from sliding?

Certain tent floors are slippery - if your mat slides, add some squares of (3M) non-slip tape to the hip/shoulder areas.

Q: What's the difference between a synthetic and down sleeping bag?

Synthetic Sleeping Bags: still insulates when wet. Up-front cost is lower, but heavier and bulkier and have a shorter lifespan. Down Sleeping Bags: not ideal in very wet environments. Higher up-front cost, but lighter, packs smaller and lasts much longer.

Q: Can you sleep on your side in mummy sleeping bag?

The cut of mummy sleeping bags varies between brands - some are really tight. Sea to Summit Spark & Flame fit snugly but still allow side sleeping. Ascent, Altitude, Trek, Journey, Traverse and Venture sleeping bags have a broader mummy cut that is perfect for side sleepers.

Q: Is this sleeping bag machine washable?

Do not wash a sleeping bag in a top-loader washing machine - a front-loader with a wool or silk program is OK. Use down soap (supermarket detergent residue sticks insulation fibers together). Dry the bag in a dryer (cool or warm) with a couple of clean tennis balls.

Q: How do I care for/ store my sleeping bag?

Make sure your sleeping bag is completely dry before storing (in a cool, dry place) in a bag or pouch that will allow the bag to loft up. Pro tip - use a liner to reduce frequency of washing.

Q: How to pack a sleeping bag in a backpack?

Pack bulkier sleeping bags in a compression sack (compression dry bag for wet environments). Pack compact sleeping bags in an eVac Dry Bag. Pro-tip: always have your sleeping bag inside your pack at the bottom: mounted externally, they can snag on branches.

Is the great outdoors calling you this summer? Whether you’re going deep into the wilderness or pitching a tent closer to home, the experience of sleeping under the stars and waking up in the fresh open air is incomparable. Deciding what to bring—and cook—is half the adventure. With a little planning, you can prepare summery meals that go beyond basic hot dogs and hamburgers.

Here's the perfect menu for summer camping trips (or backyard barbecues), including make-ahead Honey-Granola Cookies and crowd-pleasing Crispy Grilled Chicken. Time to fire up the grill!

Try the recipes:

Written by Better Nutrition Editors for Better Nutrition and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.