What Is A Bedroll And How To Use It

← Camping Essentials & Setup | Shelter & Sleeping Gear

Quick answer

• A bedroll is a simple, portable sleeping system, usually a blanket or quilt wrapped in a tarp or canvas.
• It’s minimalist camping at its finest. Think old-school cowboys and explorers.
• You can DIY one with gear you might already own.
• It’s great for fair weather, car camping, or as an extra layer.
• Practice using it before you head out. Seriously.
• Keep it dry. That’s rule number one.

What to check first (do this before you drive out)

Before you even think about packing, get a handle on the basics. This isn’t rocket science, but ignoring it can ruin your trip.

• Land manager / legality: Who owns this patch of dirt? Is it National Forest, BLM land, a state park, or private? Each has its own set of rules. A quick call or website check can save you a headache. Some places require permits, others have specific dispersed camping rules. Don’t assume.

• Access/road conditions: Can your rig actually get there? Is it a paved road, a well-maintained gravel track, or a rutted mess that needs high clearance and 4WD? If you’re planning to hike in, know the trail conditions. Mud, snow, or washouts can turn a simple drive into an adventure you didn’t sign up for.

• Fire restrictions + weather + wind: This is huge. Are campfires allowed? Check for burn bans. Always check the forecast for rain, but also for wind. High winds can make a bedroll a pain, or worse, a hazard. Know the temperature swings too; mountain nights get cold fast.

• Water plan + waste plan (Leave No Trace): Where will you get water? Is there a reliable source, or do you need to pack it all in? And what about your waste? Pack it in, pack it out. That includes human waste if you’re in a sensitive area. LNT principles are non-negotiable.

• Safety (wildlife, distance to help, comms): What kind of critters share this space? Bears, snakes, you name it. Know how to store food and what to do if you encounter wildlife. How far is the nearest ranger station or town? Cell service is usually a distant memory. Bring a satellite messenger or let someone know your exact itinerary and when you’ll check in.

Step-by-step (field workflow)

This is how you make a bedroll work for you. It’s not complicated, but focus is key.

1. Choose your spot: Find a flat, sheltered area. Look for natural windbreaks like rocks or trees. Avoid camping directly under dead branches or in low-lying areas that might flood.

• Good looks like: A clear, dry patch of ground, protected from the worst of the elements.
• Common mistake: Picking a scenic but exposed spot. You’ll regret it when the wind howls.

2. Lay out your ground cloth/tarp: This is your first line of defense against damp ground. Extend it a bit beyond where your bedroll will be.

• Good looks like: A taut, well-placed tarp that covers your sleeping area and then some.
• Common mistake: Not using a ground cloth, or having one that’s too small. Ground moisture is relentless.

3. Place your sleeping bag/blankets: This is your insulation. Arrange it neatly on top of the ground cloth. If using multiple blankets, layer them strategically.

• Good looks like: A clean, dry, and evenly spread sleeping surface.
• Common mistake: Shoving a damp sleeping bag down. It won’t dry overnight.

4. Position your bedroll tarp/canvas: This is your shelter. Drape it over your sleeping gear. You want it to shed rain and block wind.

• Good looks like: A well-fitted cover that creates a dry envelope.
• Common mistake: Leaving it too loose, allowing wind and rain to get underneath.

5. Secure the bedroll: Use stakes, rocks, or cordage to anchor the edges of your bedroll tarp. This keeps it from flapping and blowing away.

• Good looks like: A snug, secure setup that stays put in the breeze.
• Common mistake: Not securing it well enough. A flapping tarp is a miserable experience.

6. Create an entrance: Leave one end partially open or create a flap for easy entry and exit.

• Good looks like: A functional opening that lets you in without letting too much weather in.
• Common mistake: Sealing yourself in completely. You’ll want to get out for nature calls.

7. Add a pillow (optional): A stuff sack with clothes or a dedicated camp pillow makes a big difference.

• Good looks like: Comfortable head support for a better night’s sleep.
• Common mistake: Forgetting a pillow and trying to sleep with your head on a rock.

8. Get in and get cozy: Slide into your bedroll. Tuck in any loose edges to minimize drafts.

• Good looks like: Feeling snug, protected, and ready to rest.
• Common mistake: Wriggling around too much and creating drafts. Be efficient.

9. Ventilation: Crack the entrance slightly if condensation is building up, especially if it’s humid or you’re breathing heavily.

• Good looks like: A balance between warmth and fresh air.
• Common mistake: Sealing yourself up like a mummy and waking up in a sauna.

10. Morning routine: When you wake up, pack your sleeping gear first. Then, take down your ground cloth and bedroll tarp, shaking off any dew or moisture.

• Good looks like: A clean campsite with all gear neatly packed.
• Common mistake: Leaving damp gear out to dry later. Do it now.

11. Dry your gear: Find a sunny, breezy spot to lay out your bedroll components to dry thoroughly before packing them away long-term.

• Good looks like: Bone-dry gear ready for storage.
• Common mistake: Packing damp gear. Hello, mildew.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Not checking weather	Getting soaked, hypothermia, miserable sleep	Always check the forecast and pack accordingly.
Ignoring fire restrictions	Fines, wildfires, damaged ecosystems	Check official sources for current fire bans.
Using a damp sleeping bag	Cold, uncomfortable night, potential mold	Dry all gear thoroughly before packing and storing.
Poor site selection (low spot)	Waking up in a puddle, wet gear	Scout for flat, well-drained spots, away from obvious water flow.
Inadequate ground cover	Dampness seeping up, losing body heat	Use a tarp or ground cloth that’s larger than your sleeping area.
Bedroll tarp too loose	Wind and rain intrusion, flapping noise	Stake down edges securely and ensure a snug fit.
Not securing the bedroll	Gear blowing away, potential damage	Use stakes, rocks, or cordage to anchor the entire setup.
Forgetting basic hygiene/waste disposal	Unpleasant conditions, environmental impact, fines	Pack out all trash, use WAG bags if needed, follow LNT.
Not letting someone know your plans	Delayed rescue if something goes wrong	Always leave a detailed itinerary with a reliable contact.
Overpacking for a bedroll setup	Unnecessary weight/bulk, defeats the minimalist goal	Pack only essentials; a bedroll is about simplicity.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If the forecast calls for heavy rain, then add an extra tarp or consider a more robust shelter because a simple bedroll might not keep you dry.
• If winds are predicted to be high, then reinforce your bedroll stakes and consider a more sheltered camping spot because wind can shred a poorly secured bedroll.
• If temperatures are expected to drop below freezing, then use a properly rated sleeping bag and consider adding an insulated sleeping pad because a bedroll alone might not be enough.
• If you’re on public land with no facilities, then plan to pack out all waste, including human waste, because LNT is critical for preserving these areas.
• If you’re new to using a bedroll, then practice setting it up and sleeping in it at home or in your backyard first because field experience is invaluable.
• If you’re camping near water sources, then store food properly and keep your sleeping area clean to avoid attracting wildlife because you don’t want unwelcome visitors.
• If you’re traveling on rough roads, then check your vehicle’s clearance and tire condition before you go because getting stuck is no fun.
• If you plan to have a campfire, then check for current fire restrictions with the land manager before you even think about striking a match because burn bans are serious.
• If you’re in bear country, then use a bear canister or hang your food properly, and keep your sleeping area clean because bear encounters are dangerous.
• If you’re going solo, then ensure you have a reliable way to communicate in an emergency, like a satellite messenger, because help can be far away.

FAQ

What’s the main advantage of using a bedroll?

It’s simple, lightweight, and offers a direct connection to the outdoors. It’s minimalist camping at its core.

Can I use a bedroll in cold weather?

Yes, but you’ll need a good sleeping bag and possibly an insulated pad underneath. A bedroll itself is primarily a wind and water barrier, not the main insulator.

What’s the difference between a bedroll and a sleeping bag?

A sleeping bag is the insulated inner layer. A bedroll typically refers to the entire system, often including a sleeping bag wrapped in a tarp or canvas outer shell for protection.

Is a bedroll good for backpacking?

It can be, especially for lighter packers in fair weather. Many modern ultralight tarps and quilts can be configured similarly, offering a very packable sleep system.

How do I keep my bedroll dry?

Use a waterproof tarp or canvas outer layer, ensure it’s properly pitched to shed water, and always dry it thoroughly before packing it away.

What if I don’t have a canvas tarp?

A good quality waterproof nylon or polyester tarp will work fine. Just make sure it’s large enough to cover your sleeping gear completely.

Can I make a bedroll from scratch?

Absolutely. A sturdy blanket or quilt, a large waterproof tarp, and some cordage are the basic ingredients. Old-school cowboys did it all the time.

What are the biggest downsides?

It’s less insulated than a modern tent and can be trickier to keep completely dry in prolonged heavy rain. It also offers less privacy than a tent.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• Detailed instructions on building a custom bedroll from raw materials. (Next: Research specific materials and sewing techniques.)
• Specific campsite reviews or availability. (Next: Check official park or forest service websites for your desired location.)
• Advanced wilderness survival techniques using improvised shelters. (Next: Look into survival training courses or books.)
• Recommendations for specific brands or models of camping gear. (Next: Browse outdoor gear retailer websites and read product reviews.)
• Legal requirements for dispersed camping in every specific region. (Next: Consult the US Forest Service, BLM, or state park regulations for your chosen area.)