“A bad day camping is still better than a good day working.” If you’ve seen this bumper sticker or the popular meme, you know why camping is such a beloved pastime. Spending time outdoors, surrounded by nature, isn’t just fun — it’s great for your health and well-being.
In 2019, over 40 million people in the US went camping, a number that’s held steady for decades. Whether you prefer “roughing it” under the stars or staying in a cozy trailer at a well-maintained campground, camping offers something for everyone.
During the pandemic, many countries encouraged camping by offering free campsites to help people safely get outdoors. In Iceland, for example, families took advantage of year-round free camping on open land to reconnect with nature.
Why Camping Boosts Your Mind and Body
When camping, you naturally get more active. Setting up your tent, fetching water, hiking, canoeing, or biking all replace hours usually spent sitting in front of screens. This “green time” outdoors and reduced screen time are powerful for your mental and physical health.
Camping also removes everyday stressors — no work emails, traffic noise, or household chores, just peaceful sounds like rustling leaves, flowing rivers, or birdsong. This natural quiet helps your mind relax and recharge far better than many luxury vacations.
Fresh air is another major benefit. Being surrounded by trees means you breathe more oxygen and less pollution compared to the city, reducing strain on your body. This oxygen boost also triggers the release of serotonin — the hormone that makes you feel happy and calm.
Plus, time spent in the sun helps reset your circadian rhythm and raises vitamin D levels. Adequate vitamin D supports bone and teeth health and may reduce risks of some diseases.
How Camping Improves Your Sleep
One of the best perks of camping? Better sleep. Many campers find themselves looking forward to bedtime, falling asleep faster, and waking up refreshed. Natural light exposure during the day and reduced blue light at night help your body maintain a healthy sleep-wake cycle.
But comfort matters. Even the most experienced campers can struggle with sleep if their gear isn’t right. A thin pillow or an uneven surface can ruin a night’s rest, leaving you sore and stiff.
The Best Sleep Gear for Camping: Why a Buckwheat Pillow is Essential
Your sleep setup is crucial, especially your pillow. A buckwheat hull pillow, also called a sobakawa pillow, is ideal for camping. Filled with natural buckwheat hulls, these pillows offer firm, supportive comfort and come encased in soft, breathable fabrics like bamboo or cotton. Read more about how buckwheat pillows work.
Benefits of Buckwheat Pillows for Camping
- Highly breathable: The unique shape of buckwheat hulls allows air to flow freely through the pillow, preventing sweat, bacteria, and mold buildup. This is especially important outdoors, where pillows can get damp from dew or weather. Check --> the full benefits list.
- Keeps you cool: Unlike memory foam or synthetic pillows that trap heat, buckwheat pillows promote airflow. For hot sleepers, cooling pillowcases add an extra layer of comfort by staying cool through the night.
- Firm, adjustable support: Rough, uneven ground is no problem. Buckwheat hull pillows provide firm support to keep your head, neck, and shoulders aligned. Plus, you can adjust the filling by adding or removing hulls to find your perfect fit. Learn how to use your pillow for best comfort.
- All-natural and hypoallergenic: These pillows contain no synthetic chemicals or allergens. Made with 100% US-grown organic buckwheat hulls, they’re a healthy choice for nature lovers who want to avoid toxins.
If you’re packing light, consider a travel size buckwheat pillow (10” x 14”), or the bamboo version at 12” x 18”. For those with more space, the Japanese size (14” x 20”) or standard size (20” x 26”) offer even more comfort. See our full size guide here.
Sleep Mats and Sleeping Bags: Completing Your Setup
A comfortable sleep mat or mattress is just as important. While air mattresses are popular, they often lose air and don’t provide consistent support. Instead, ergonomic sleep pads come in various thicknesses and sizes, offering reliable comfort without taking up much space. Prices typically range from $50 to $300 depending on features.
Temperature matters too. Nature tends to get colder at night than urban areas, especially in forests or mountains. Look for sleeping bags with adjustable layers so you can easily regulate warmth to suit your camping environment.
Make Camping Your Best Sleep Experience Yet
To truly enjoy the health benefits of camping and get the best sleep, pack quality gear: a supportive buckwheat pillow, a durable sleep mat, and a versatile sleeping bag. Together, these essentials will transform bedtime into your favorite part of the camping adventure.
Next time you hit the outdoors, bring a buckwheat pillow — your body will thank you.