Sleeping on the Go: Gear for the traveler without a bed

We’ve all been there: the 6 hour layover, the 3am flight, the realization that night is approaching and you don’t have a hotel room yet…

What you need is a bed. A tent. A sleeping bag. Somewhere you can rest your weary head. And we’ve got the answers. They’re portable, affordable (sometimes) and travel-friendly; some are for airports, some are for anywhere, some are for laughs (because, really, some travel products are too ridiculous to ignore).

Uncomfortable nights spent curled up in your airport waiting area are about to become just a hazy memory.

1. How to sleep at an airport: The Ultralite Sleeping Cot

When it comes to airport naps, there are few products that get the job done better than the Ultralite Cot. Travelers can stow it in a carry-on or backpack and whip it out whenever they want. Well, kind of. The Ultralite is super compact, light and, according to the manufacturer, only takes 3 minutes to assemble. Check out this post by Life Nomadic for a video of some Ultralite experts putting the product to use.

photo courtesy of poshAir

2. How to sleep in an airplane: The poshAir Sleeping Bag

Used to be, you had three options for sleeping in an airplane:

a. Take the window seat from a disappointed 6 year old. Crush his dreams of staring at clouds through the window by pulling down the shade, leaning your head against the hard plastic wall and closing your eyes.

b. Pulling up the hood of your sweatshirt and cinching it shut until 90% of the light is blocked out. Hope that your head doesn’t fall onto your neighbors’ shoulders when you finally doze off.

c. Pull out the tray in front of you, wad up your jacket and lay your head on it, effectively preventing anyone between you and the window from accessing the bathroom.

…all while flight attendants ask you what you’d like to drink, your seat mates turn on and off air vents and the captain makes annoying announcements over the intercom.

Not anymore. For $100.00 the poshAir sleeping bag envelopes travelers in comfort and luxury, with arm holes. Secure in the knowledge that, although you look like a human envelope, you will be warm and relaxed for the duration of the flight. Sleep will come fast and easy in the airplane-version of the Snuggie.

Plus, it comes with a handsome carrying case.

A few more airplane related ideas:

The Skyrest Travel Pillow

The Eagle Creek Travel Gear Compact Comfort Travel Pillow

Eureka Solo Backcountry Tent

3. How to sleep anywhere: a Tent

Step 1. Act like you’re supposed to be there (a beach, a backyard, Trafalgar Square). Confidence is key.

Step 2. Assemble your tent. Practice this before at home so you can impress onlookers with your ease and efficiency.

Step 3: Zip the door shut, curl up with your luggage and enjoy the sound of waves/wind/foot traffic as you drift to sleep.

Tents are the ultimate home-on-your-back and offer unrivaled privacy and independence. However, we have few words of warning: get a compact one, because it will take up some serious backpack/suitcase real estate. And although many tents claim to be “1 man” or “2 man”, if you plan on bringing your luggage inside with you (a good idea, to prevent theft) consider sizing up. If your destination is rainy, be sure to get a rain fly and footprint to prevent wet dreams.

Do you have a sleep-related travel tip? Did we forget your favorite travel-nap product? Leave a comment and let us know.