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Camping is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. But, nothing will bring that good time to a halt faster than having to sleep on cold, lumpy ground. Being uncomfortable will hamper sleep and make everyone irritable and tired. Using good quality bedding however, will help make sleeping outdoors much more comfortable, allowing a good nights sleep. You can wake up refreshed and ready to start your day hiking or canoeing or just relaxing.

Sleeping bags are the traditional method of sleeping outdoors, but putting even the best sleeping bag on the hard ground can prove uncomfortable. Using a camping bed in conjunction with a sleeping bag can provide comfort and warmth. Camping beds are sold in outdoor sporting goods stores and can also be found by shopping on the Internet. There are a variety of camping beds available and one is sure to meet your needs.

Inflatable beds are beds that are cushioned with air. These require use of an air compressor or pump to inflate. There are also self inflating beds available which provide convenience but cost a little more. The beds provide a comfortable sleeping area. Some inflatable beds are bulky, though, and may be also be heavy. Because they are inflatable, there is also chance for puncture. Ensure they are used on flat ground with no sharp objects in the way. Inflatable beds come in single sizes all the way up to king size to fit more than one person.

Cots are a great way to stay off the ground. Because they are raised, these are ideal for use in wet weather or cold weather. Adding a sleeping bag on top of the cot will provide warmth and a bit more cushion. Cots are portable and fold up easily to store in small areas. However, they may be awkward to carry long distances. Cots typically are for single use and have weight limitations.

Sleeping mats are foam liners that are set beneath a sleeping bag for added comfort. These mats are quickly becoming standard gear for camping use. The foam absorbs any rocks or hard surfaces that may prevent a restful sleep. These mats come in varying thicknesses and roll up for convenient storage. Sleeping mats are generally easy to carry and are a good option for use when not near a permanent camp site. Smaller thickness mats may provide minimal padding, so it advisable to invest in a high quality, thick mat.

Choose a camp bed with care. Consider the type of environment you will be in and weather conditions before making a decision. If you need to walk a distance from your parking area for sleeping, consider the weight and portability of the type of bed. Use of a camping bed can provide a much more restful sleep than sleeping on hard, rocky ground.

Gray Rollins is a featured writer for CampingEarth.com. Be sure to stop by and check out our definitive guide to travel trailers and read our guide to buying a used popup camper. These are just a couple of the great things you'll learn about camping when you visit CampingEarth.

The health benefits of saunas have been well documented. They improve circulation, keep the skin soft and supple, and promote relaxation: all key to a healthy lifestyle.

Are there any drawbacks? Yes -- they arent accessible enough! Until recently, you either had to go to a spa or health club to use a sauna, or have 1 installed in your home.

Now there's an alternative. You can take a portable sauna almost anywhere you go: home, business trips, vacations, even to your office.

Portable saunas come in 2 basic styles. The first, which is truly portable, is a folding box-like structure that 1 person can sit in. The second type is the pre-built, which is portable only in the sense that your desk is portable -- you can take it when you move, but you wouldn't take it for a weekend trip.

The Folding Sauna

The folding sauna is both economical and practical. It collapses quickly into a compact package that can be carried anywhere. It sets up easily, and doesn't need any special plumbing or electrical connections. Just plug it into a normal wall socket.

You sit in the sauna with your head and hands protruding from the unit. It fits snugly around your neck and has slits for your hands. You can sit in the sauna and read, watch TV, or talk on the phone: all things you couldnt do with a regular sauna.

Heated by Invisible Light

This sauna uses Far Infrared (FIR) as its heat source. FIR is different from other heat sources because it heats people and objects without warming the air in between. Infrared is part of the natural spectrum of light, but its outside the visible range. This is the type of radiation that provides most of the warmth from the sun.

FIR heat passes deep into the body tissues where it can promote increased blood circulation and metabolism. Many proponents of FIR claim that it allows the body to break down toxins and promote healing. Whether or not this is true, FIR offers an efficient heat source that is ideal for portable saunas.

Pre-Builts

There's no doubt about the convenience of portable saunas. But if you want a "real" sauna experience, you don't have to go through the hassle of permanently installing a spa-grade sauna in your home. Pre-built saunas are 2- or 3-piece units that can be assembled in less than half an hour, and can fit almost anywhere. They have the look and feel of a traditional sauna, right down to the wooden benches. They simply plug into a regular wall outlet to supply electricity for the heaters and the lights.

Like portable saunas, these pre-builts usually use Far Infrared (FIR) heaters as their heat source. Pre-builts are available in sizes for 1 person or up to 5 people.

Have Sauna, Will Travel

The advantages of portable saunas are obvious -- you can take a sauna wherever you go. When used at home, a portable sauna is a big space-saver because you can fold it up and store it under the bed.

Pre-built saunas also have their advantages. Even though they are less portable than true portable saunas, they still offer the possibility to take the sauna with you if you move.

Disadvantages? The portable sauna can't approach the heat level of a regular sauna. The thin walls dont provide the insulation to support this level of heat build-up. Pre-built saunas provide heat build-up similar to regular saunas, but the box-like structure, particularly the 1-person units, make some people feel claustrophobic.

Still, if you don't want the expense and hassle of installing a permanent sauna in your home, portables and pre-built saunas allow you to get all the sauna benefits with very few drawbacks.

Visit Sauna to learn more. Copyright 2005 Ron King. Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact.