Having a good and restful sleep is essential on a long bicycle tour. That’s what I have with me to have a relaxing and enjoyable time off the bike respectively in my tent.
sleeping pad
A good sleeping pad which is comfortable and has a good isolation (R-value) against the cold from the ground, is fundamental for a good sleep next to the sleeping bag. I use my Therm-a-Rest Prolite Plus since years and I’m very satisfied to this day!
For the part through the Scandinavian winter I bring an extra Therm-a-Rest Ridge Rest isolation mat for the extreme cold.
sleeping bag
I bought a Latitude III from Sea to Summit which is one of the warmest down-sleeping bags on the market. This bag has a lot of internal wriggle room what is very important to me as I’m not a calm sleeper, turning around all the time from one to the other side.
The Latitude III has a lower temperature limit of -17 degrees and together with a thermo liner, I can use this bag for extreme conditions up to -30 degrees. Another plus: the sleeping bag can be opened all around for using it as a blanket in warmer conditions.
sleeping liners
Whether against bedbugs in some unfortunate hostels or to keep your sleeping bag clean from sweat and dust, a simple sleeping liner is a must have. I’m using a light silk liner by Sea to Summit.
As another warming layer, I use a Sea to Summit Thermolite Reactor thermo-liner, which adds up to 8°C of warmth to my Latitude sleeping bag or can be used alone as a warm weather bag.
pillow
Before I used a camping pillow for the first time, I never thought it would add that much to the sleep quality. Some years and camping nights later with a Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow I can say it’s definitely worth the extra 79 grams!