If someone told you that they were going camping, you’d presume that they were taking a tent with them. But, if that person said that they were going tentless, you’d probably think they were crazy.

However, many people choose to go camping without a tent thanks to the amazing experience that it provides them with.

If you’re a backpacker, and you’re going on a camping adventure, by not bringing a tent, you’re eliminating a huge amount of weight from your back. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll probably love the idea that there’s no barrier between you and nature.

No-tent-camping gives you a great feeling of freedom and allows you to observe things that you’d usually get sheltered from if you were in a tent. If camping without a tent sounds appealing, here are some tips to help you out.

Choosing The Right Location

When you go tentless camping, it’s important that you choose the right location to ensure your safety. When you’re sleeping in the open, with stars above you and nature all around, it’s very likely that you’ll bump into some wildlife. Whether that’s a harmless rabbit, a fox or a bear, you need to respect that this is their habitat and not all of these animals will be happy to see you.

Rather than setting up camp in a remote area, where not many people camp, opt for a state park or campground where security patrol the vicinity. These types of places are the safest to sleep. You can also check with your local authorities to locate which areas are safest to camp in.

Picking A Suitable Time

The last thing that you want when you’re going camping without a tent is to wake up soaking wet from rain or cold and covered in snow or ice. Tentless camping should only be carried out if the weather is suitable. With no protection from the harsh elements during Autumn and Winter, you’re better off going towards the end of Spring and throughout the Summer.

Using Tent Alternatives

You don’t need a tent to sleep outside; many other alternatives weigh a lot less than a tent. Check them out below:

Hammocks

Hammocks are a great alternative to having a tent. They’re easy to carry, they require no poles or tent pegs, and they’re simple to set up. All you need is two well-spaced trees, mild wind, and some knot tying practice. A hammock is a lot warmer as you’re not on the ground and being elevated means that you can have a much comfier sleep.

Build Your Shelter

This options may be a bit more time consuming than putting up a tent, but at least you don’t have to carry any shelter around with you. If you’re a true outdoor enthusiast, making your own protection out of the nature around you should be right up your street.

Tarps

When you use a tarp instead of a tent, you’re getting the same amount of shelter, but without the bother. Ever found the perfect spot to camp but your tent is that little bit too big to fit? With a tarp, you never have to go through that hassle again – you can make it fit into any area that you like. All you need to do is use your hiking poles or some tree branches to make your tarp into a tent.

You’ll Need To Update Your Essentials List

When you don’t have a tent while camping, you’re going to need a few extra essentials that you wouldn’t need during normal camping. You’ll need a bug net to keep mosquitoes and other insects away.

It doesn’t matter what weather or season you go in; bugs will be everywhere. You’ll also need a sleeping bag that’s rated 20 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. You don’t want to forget to pack these items!