Camping is an exciting adventure for everyone, but it can get rough out there for anyone without the right equipment - and the right equipment can be hard to come by for us tall people.
Everything seems to be designed for 5’5”-5’10” people, which is a tight fit if you're vertically gifted. So here are some suggestions to make sure your camping is one size fits all (or at least the size fits your all):
Where to Sleep
Your first line of defense against uncomfortable camping situations is going to be research.
Unfortunately for you, the extra height your tall frame allots you also means you must find specialty gear. I’m not talking specifically clothing (although it does help with comfort, so make sure to pick up some of our t-shirts and a warm jacket before you head out). You won’t just be able to buy the first tent or sleeping bag you see on Amazon.
Sleeping Bag
Research the exact dimensions of any sleeping bag and compare them to your own size. The average sleeping bag will have you sticking out the top from the chest up, so aim for something a good foot or so longer than that.
Remember, it's always better to get a sleeping bag that's a little too big than a little too small. Extra length and fabric is honestly more comfortable anyway - but being cold throughout the night in the wilderness isn't fun for anyone.
Tent
Your tent has a little more leeway on its dimensions and will vary greatly depending on your camping style. Most rough-and-tumble tents aren’t going to be particularly tall. Their goal is prevent the elements from coming in. As such, they’re going to be relatively small and fit only one person.
Larger, more comfort-oriented tents are designed with multiple people in mind, but are much more spacious and might even have room for you stand. Larger tents also take up more storage and time to assemble, so plan according to how much space you need versus how much time you want to invest in camp setup.
The important part is finding a tent you can sleep comfortably in. Make sure the tent has a large enough footprint so you can zip it up without your feet sticking out the front door. It's not essential to stand up inside the tent (and finding one that tall would be expensive), so aim for finding a tent with a larger footprint first.
Hammock
If you’re not tent camping, there’s still some struggle ahead. Hammocks are especially popular these days, but again, they’re designed for the average person. It's easy to find a good quality hammock and discover your limbs dangle out of it like an adult in a children’s bed.
As with any tall camping equipment, go as big as possible. Even the largest hammocks won’t swallow you whole, unless you’re clearing seven feet. You can apply the same logic with camping mats—which aren’t strictly necessary, but some people don’t sleep well on the uneven ground, even with a tarp or tent floor between them.
Car Camping
Another way to avoid dangling feet is car camping. SUVs and other larger vehicles tend to have space in the rear to lay down back seats, providing a good spot for an alternative sleeping arrangement.
Depending on the vehicle’s technology, you can even shoot for a compact SUV. If you enjoy the open air, opt for a truck bed. Just make sure you bring enough cushion to lay in the bed of the truck.
Storing Food
The rest of your camping trip probably won’t frustrate you because of your height, thankfully. Most other activities and campsite options are doable for anyone, and you might even have a bit of an edge.
A common camping practice is to hang food and other belongings from a tree limb to prevent a bear (or other wildlife) from snooping in the middle of the night. The recommended height is 8-10 feet off the ground and at least eight feet from the trunk of a tree, which is much easier manage when you’re already tall.
You may also be in high-demand from your fellow campers, especially those with oversized tents who need a good reach to set up properly. Be prepared to be Mr. Popular around the campsite.
Packing
As with any trip, make sure you pack well! Double and triple-check your supplies before heading anywhere. Lists are your best organizational tool, even for the road trip alone.
Toiletries and food are usually things you run out of quickly, so prioritize those for your extras. Create a meal plan for each day and stick to it strictly! That’s where the extras will come in; you’ll be able snack if you want to without cutting into your lunch or dinner. Bring plenty of water, too, and avoid any sort of sugary or carbonated drinks. Camping involves a lot of physical activity, and those sorts of drinks can dehydrate you more than anything else. It’s important to stay well-fed and hydrated.
Those are all the camping tips we have for tall guys today! Make sure to check out our best tall clothing for camping below - happy camping!
^^ Our Tall Athletic Joggers are a great option if you're looking for a comfortable, breathable, but warm pair of pants - great for camping! Order a pair here.
^^ It gets chilly in the wilderness, and long sleeves are always the way to go. Our tall & slim long sleeve shirts are a great option - pick your favorite style here!
^^ Stay warm out there wearing one of our Tall Quarter Zip Sweatshirts - they're insulating, soft, and well-fitted for your body type. Order one here!
