SILVER WOLVES = sleeping soundly in your golden years

here are a few tips for silver wolves to help them sleep better in a over night campout. Choose the right gear: A comfortable sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and pillow can make all the difference in getting a good night’s sleep. Choose a sleeping bag with a style and temperature rating appropriate for your destination. Car camping bags are typically cut wider, offering more roll-around room (good for comfort) but less efficiency for retaining body heat (not so good on extra-chilly nights). Some rectangular styles can be unzipped to use as a quilt on milder nights. Backpacking bags are mummy shaped for a closer, warmer fit, and are usually lighter in weight. Many are filled with goose or duck down, which compresses more readily than synthetic fill. There are three types of sleeping pads-self-inflating, air and closed-cell foam. When car camping, weight is not an issue, so you can enjoy a thicker, wider pad or mattress for comfort. When backpacking, weight is crucial, so a super-lightweight air pad or closed-cell pad may be your optimal choice. Bring one from home or use a small foam or inflatable camp pillow.
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[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

have a safe weekend !

[@stuartmarkman769]

I love living in the country. The only sounds I have is my dog snoring and my cats purring. I can sleep through that. It is so much better than cars going by and neighbors coming and going .

[@seewaage]

I bring a blindfold when the moon is out when camping. It is so bright when it's full that it feels like a flashlight in my face. Thanks for the great video!

[@davidneal6920]

Good video Blackie. Sleep is so important 🇺🇸 🇳🇿

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

thanks

[@edwincathey5260]

A good single malt scotch by the fire will help you sleep just fine🤔

[@hiramhaji7813]

Absolutely

[@keithricketts4867]

Agreed

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

yep the best of times

[@25jasoncburger]

Glenlivet 14 yr Cognac cask select

[@RoyWilliams-n8p]

Great advice 👍

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Glad you think so!

[@prepared-woodsman7157]

Great advice Blackie as always

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

glad to help

[@fortunevive582]

You mentioned you instructed SERE, I went through around 2019 at Fairchild. For the most part I enjoyed the field portion. The first night I woke up in dark with my entire body and bivvy outside my tent. Freaked me out, felt exposed. I figured I had been sliding little by little everytime I wiggled because my shelter was on too steep of an incline; we were on a mountain. Slid feet first right under my Pancho and out till my head was 4 feet from the shelter. Inch wormed back up into place, when I woke that morning only up to my chest was hanging out. Had dew dripping down onto my neck.😂 You learn real quick. Flat is good.

[@bayouflats5054]

That’s funny. Seems if I don’t have flat, I may want to stake more then just my tent. Thanks. It’s in my head now. 👍😆

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

i did that my self a few times go to sleep and wake up with feet out of the tent

[@stevestumpy6873]

Enough time to sleep when I'm dead, can't wait.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

thanks for watching

[@asmith7876]

As a young Army Sergeant 35+ years ago the last thing we’d do before sliding into the sleeping bag is have a cup of coffee and a cigarette. Now at over 60 I have to stop early in the day or I’ll be awake all night. Quit the tobacco decades ago. Some bourbon and a Benadryl and I’ll sleep like a dead man 😂. A hammock still works great for me, but if I’m on the ground it’s my Exped 8R mat, it’s like sleeping on a regular bed.

[@jwgbmp40]

Watching your vids the last 6 months (most of them) especially the silver wolves series, has got me back out in the woods just walking the dog. Recently I found a down cold weather bag for $10, bought a one wind hammock and recently spent two nights in the northern Michigan bear woods.. best two nights sleep Ive gotten in a year! Thx Blackie for all your efforts on "the YT" !

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

glad to help and glad your back in the woods

[@nprwikeepa6082]

This is a lesson I really need. I'm normally too excited to be outdoors and have trouble actually putting myself down. Gonna try some ear plugs!

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

they help

[@adib396]

Yes do, earplugs work for me!

[@amandamiller94]

It's always the small details that makes the biggest difference

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

yes they do

[@jimmysails994]

I would have liked a pair of earplugs my last outing. The whole forest full of crickets started up and it was the same pitch as the ringing in my ears. It was so loud I had a hard time going to sleep. Next time I’ll be prepared. Thanks.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

thanks for watching

[@eschneider8799]

Smoke a little indica & for you fellas that gotta get up in the nite keep a large mouth gatorade bottle handy ; )

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

good advice

[@smoothvern165]

Very good tips! Thanks for explaining about the decongestant. I have slept on a cot in my house to try it out, too. Great advice!

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Thanks for watching!

[@WhirlwindJenn7123]

Melatonin works well for some and its natural.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

i use it as well

[@robertevans8126]

Small thing of JD sounds good😅

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

thanks for watching

[@rachealstinnett5829]

Mt man here u wanna sleep nights stay away from the sugar mt dews

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

they will make ya go for sure

[@jeffrichards5106]

Hi Blackie, I've been a ground pounder for over 40 years. I was thinking of trying a cot instead of the self inflating mattresses that I've always used. I have 2 cots that I bought over the last year and a half. Good thing I tried them at home and found out they are too narrow. I sleep on my back or my left side. The cots that might be wide enough are really expensive. I'm not a huge guy, I guess I just have wide shoulders and my elbows keep hitting the side bars of most cots. Great video, lots to think about.👍

[@canadafree2087]

I would stay away from cold meds and look into melatonin, you don't need a doctor's note but I would make sure it doesn't conflict with meds you are taking.

[@00Klingon]

Melatonin is a more natural way to fall asleep if you don't like the feeling of being drugged by antihistamines. Magnesium supplements can also be helpful for some people.

[@johnbryant_]

Great video with great insight on things we don't think about until we are at camp. I'd add that this isn't just good info for Silver Wolves, but for younger folks too.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Thanks for sharing!

[@ScottCarlson-cz7wj]

Thanks Blackie. I'm at the campsite right now. 37 year old solo tent, 9 x 9 sil nylon tarp in plow point, held up with lashed X-C ski poles, surplus thermorest, wool blankets and tomahawk. I'm 60 yrs old; wish me luck. -ha

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Have fun!

[@MiClLC]

If you're paranoid about wildlife at night, pee around your camp. A good safe distance of your choosing

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

lol not too worried bout them just they can be noisy

[@MiClLC]

@@BLACKIETHOMAS Man I forgot to hang my food bag one time and a thief in the night tried pulling it out of my plow point/shed setup haha

[@adib396]

As usual all good advice Blackie. Especially the earplugs! As soon as I started taking earplugs with me I started getting sleep whilst camping out. It is all very nice laying in your hammock, bivi bag or tent in the evening listening to nature, but when you want to get some sleep, the screeching Foxes, Owls, badgers, mice rustling around (in the UK and Europe) and the rumbling of a nearby river is no fun when you are so tired.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@toddvance4592]

Great timing Blackie. I have been testing my equipment in preparation for the Ohio silver wolves and found things that absolutely do not work for me. Very interested in how to manage (smooth it) all aspects of camping. After the first night ear plugs are a definite.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Perfect!

[@kevinlott9626]

You're spot on regarding ear plugs. I, however.... wear only ONE ear plug on my right side. Also... I have found several different manufacturers who offer materials to muffle sounds.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Thanks for sharing!

[@billg7101]

🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@irmuggle]

Not only just the smoke of being in a different part of the country I know my Sinuses Get jacked up just driving across the state

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

true the pollen is different from area to area

[@russelrogers2540]

I don't need ear plugs. I just take out my hearing aids. I drink 12 ounces of water before bed or wake up early with leg cramps. Might need to get up once during the night to drain, but that is better then cramps. Good advice for many.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

yep your all set

[@michaels3429]

Hey blackie dig your gig bro keep it up but i got a small bone to pick, mostly toungeincheek. I thought the hardware on the blackbird haversack was brass but it aint. Ive been riding my bike to work on account of car trouble and the haversack's been holding my notebook, gloves glasses smokes coffee and phone Well long story short i had some directions in a baggie magneted to my tank and during my ride home today the haversack D ring stuck to one of the magnets and drug it all around my tank.. scratches and all... luckily i keep things til they break and i dont care about looks... 😅

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

wow sorry glad it did not make a bigger problem

[@MrAvidOutdoorsman]

Hey Blackie thanks for you time. Do you have any opinions and maybe suggestions for a trench coat for out in the field? Thanks

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

i like the m-65 field jacket for most of my winter camping long coats and me dont usually do to well

[@unclebobsbees4899]

Good deal Blackie. I've got a multi night drive coming up and these hints would also apply to hotel rooms. Thank you.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Have fun

[@colbyg.8261]

Great advice, thanks. I work night shift and Its not to hard to fall asleep after working all night. If I go to bed at a different time I have trouble going to sleep. So most of the time I like to read before bed. It helps every time. I have black out curtains and a sleep mask that helps me during the day.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

night shift have to have blackouts or your not gonna sleep well

[@kenbarrett6466]

Listen to the hum of the choppers from ft Rucker .. so soothing I’ll be out like a light in just a few minutes .. but up almost hourly on fire watch .. ( aka watering the tree ) lol

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

very true

[@FrozenHawkHunter]

My mom has a place in the county about a mile or 2 from the nearest town. And about an hour from the larger towns. I built her a porch on her art studio last year and screened it in. When it was so hot up here I slept out on the porch with 3 full sized wool blankets folded over under me and s cotton sheet on top I wrapped up. For the past 8 or so year I lived in a bigger city in an apartment. So sleeping on the porch was great. There's a lot of coyotes around here and a small pond close by with bullfrogs even a few cicadas. I've not slept as go as I did out there in years. I forgot how much I missed those sounds

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

at one time when i was wearing a suit to work every day i had gone to a favorite camping spot and did a 8 hr recording of the night sounds to play when i went to bed at home to help me relax

[@ahabstar]

Those heading to Ohio, it was 47 F this morning at 7am. Cold is another of those sleep factors. So an extra poncho liner isn’t gonna hurt.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

good advice

[@kennethwilson8633]

Yep ear plugs don’t stop you from hearing just makes things a little quieter used them for years in the Army. Have fun stay safe.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

i agree

[@robertevans8126]

Eye shades

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

yep they do help

[@VonTeutoburg]

As I mentioned in my last post (under "Silver Wolves Here Is My Problem), I get 4-5 hours of broken sleep because of severe arthritis. My sleep generally lasts 45-90 minutes before pain from shoulders, knees, hips or back along with prostate wake me. Vacation hours make getting rest more possible sometimes lengthening those 45- hours to 6-7! I too limit fluids, sometimes it works, sometimes not. Fluid elimination is not entirely a one to one ratio with fluid intake. I use ear plugs most of the time at home but never in the woods. I'm a super light sleeper but deeply accustomed to forest sounds. When sleeping out there, I want to remain alert to my surroundings. Arthritis has made camping less appealing. When young, I never used any sort of pad, just slept on sheet of plastic against moisture. Now, even at home, I need three pillows, one for the head and one for each elbow because of bone on bone shoulders. I can relax in a hammock... but sleeping in one for anything more than a brief nap is inconceivable. Melatonin is a double edges sword. Sometimes it works well, other times it amps me up. And though I won't shoot crows as one commenter suggested, I can relate to his frustration, same for certain woodpeckers and cardinals in spring. From Blackie's ideas, I can tell my sleep issues run deeper. His target audience appear to be urban beginners. My only advice for those who, like me, cannot sleep but also do not take high power sleep drugs like Ambien or Trazadone, is daytime napping. (But if you're like me you likely already discovered that!) Both camping and at home, I nap about eight hours after waking from night sleep. I nap for an hour as soon as I come home from work.

[@tomritter493]

Yup 39 45 sucks my prostrate and pain is hr on the hr .😊

[@VonTeutoburg]

I'm with ya! Joint pain and prostate tag team me throughout the night. If one doesn't wake me, the other does. Napping during day is the only solution. Best of luck to you!@@tomritter493

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

i can relate on those days when i have a flair up my bones hurt so bad it a few min of sleep then wake more to not hurt then doze will that hurts

[@beaumarty405]

Benadryl causes drowsiness.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

yep well for me anyway

[@MichaelR58]

Good video Blackie, thanks for sharing, God bless !

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Thanks, you too!

[@apar1560]

👍👍👍 Thanks ! ...Alan in 🇨🇱

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

glad to do it

[@PitchBlackForge]

I’m not a silver wolf yet, but a thing I see that’s common with people who sleep poorly (everywhere) is that they may be tired, from being awake for a certain amount of time, but they don’t get enough exercise to be EXHAUSTED. Nothing (except drugs, which I’m no fan of) will help sleep like consistent physical effort.

[@adib396]

This is a fair point, if I have made a long slog in to where I am camping it does help with sleep. I walked the Camino Santiago in Europe and wild camped some of it, I was so exhausted by the end of the day it helped with sleep at night, I soon forgot about the snakes and poisonous toads and spiders etc...as too tired to care. ;-)

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

i have been that tired as well just let me lay down and i do care beyond that

[@GordonCodyDixon6591]

Melatonin gummies

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

that sounds good

[@baronedipiemonte3990]

Benadryl/Diphenhydromine... pill, capsule, or liquid. Hot tea... Camomile, "Sleepy Time", or don't laugh... Catnip tea - from a health food store/online .. Not the pet shop

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

good stuff

[@williamdroom5789]

We have black bears so I don't use ear plugs. If I'm within range of my truck I sleep with my keys (panic button).

[@dontfearthereaper9528]

Yeah this one is a touchy subject cause I know there are some things in the woods that most people don't believe. And I don't give a sh*t if anyone believes me. I know and that's all that matters to me. Thanks for the tips BLACKIE

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

safe journeys

[@JohnnyHildebrand1969]

Haha. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I recall lying on the ground with a rock for a pillow and being just fine, but that feels like eons ago. Age has caught up with me and I am so grateful for your tips. God bless you and your family.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Thanks for sharing!

[@57WillysCJ]

Thanks for the common sense suggestions. I believe you should do the same even if you have a camper. Try it at home to see how it works for you and yours. Same with set up. You are such a greenhorn if you have practised setup. People use to laugh that my grandpa kept a bottle of whiskey in the barn and partook first thing in the morning and just before bed. It really made sense, in the morning it loosened him up for milking cows and other chores. At the end of the day he would check on the animals in the barn before bed, that shot relaxed him for bed. It works for some the same with camping. I worked with an old WW2 vet that carried a cocktail type kit whenever he traveled as it relaxed him when everything is different.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

thanks for watching

[@BeSeeP]

I have a new sleeping pad that tested well in my home. But I never tested it in my tent. That darn thing slid all over the place and woke me up multiple times every night. Lessons learned! Test test test.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

Thanks for sharing

[@trynsurviven2440]

I love listening to the tree frog lullaby it puts me to sleep every time.

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

it is soothing

[@i_am_a_freespirit]

I love sleeping in a hammock, but find that my underside/behind ALWAYS gets cold at between 1:30 AM to about 4:00 AM, through the hammock 😭. So i am trying to make my own underpinning to Velcro on the underside of my hammock. I tried using a sleeping bag underneath my body, but that keeps getting bunched up and i am still cold from the underside. So your videos are helping me to voice my view and through it I find sometimes solutions...like using Velcro on the outside of my hammock to attach a rectangle piece of micro cloth/blanket. They are cheap to buy, and i bet it would keep the cool night air at bay...🤔🧐🤔

[@kenbarrett6466]

Depending on how warm you sleep usually anything below 70 degrees starts cold butt syndrome .. either a factory made underquilt or a homemade underquilt with something rated to keep you warm down to your expected temps you’ll encounter will be your best choice . Sleeping bag is a good choice for a homemade underquilt .. you want it capable of blocking the wind and trapping your body heat to be effective .. hope this helps

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

onewindoutdoors has underquilts at a good price they work well but they are a bit bulky

[@davidlee9299]

Hello all silvers wolves. As for me I have bad hearing problems as well as tinnitis Betwen the 2 I dont have problems with hearing noises... I use a breathing method which helps tremendously.. Dont ask me to explain, I found it here on YT. So. When relaxing and goingto sleep. Dully exhale and breath normally..dont overdo it or you will come short on breath... Normally after about 7 full exhails you should feel sleep coming on. Took me a few nites to learn it so comfortable.. ut yeppers helps this old silver wolf.. good luck and get in the woods!!

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

good advice

[@davidlee9299]

You have to be ready to sleep... not actively thinking... tho I do use that also... just keep rehashing blue prints in my head... I making a wood stove from scratch.. and letting my brain work thru all the possibilities.. eventually I get tired and fall asleep ... I also do the breathing technique laying my back... gravity will help with full exhales .. then when you feel like sleep is close... get comfortable and let it happen.. next thing ya know it's sun up... well for normal ppl I wake at 4 AM. Then have to go back to sleep till 6 to sleep in... drives my better half crazy...lol

[@fernandomartinez2886]

I need a CPAP to sleep with. It's a challenge to go camping for a few days and take all the CPAP stuff and the camping gear. I have a small teardrop trailer for camping which helps me get out or overnight trips sleeping on my sailboat. Sleeping is a must!

[@davidlee9299]

@@fernandomartinez2886 hopefully you have a solid power source for CPAP... can be beautiful make..

[@tomritter493]

Meletinon. Mucinex dm .congestion .form ear plugs work 8 pair dollar tree .saline nasal soraay works decent to wash out your nose .get the right decongestant and it will make you drowsey enough

[@BLACKIETHOMAS]

yep i can take one and be snoring in 20 min