Caching a tent and sleeping bag – Should I do it?

Jay ValenciaContributor - November 3, 2020

AdviceScenarios

I was browsing through Reddit and saw a post titled: “Advice whether to cache tent and sleeping bag?”

At first glance, this seems like a wonderful idea! Tents are heavy, sleeping bags are bulky. I’m just thinking about how compact and light my BOB will be if I don’t have to carry these two items.

I’m not quite sure how I would create a cache though that would be durable and waterproof. 

What are your thoughts? Is this something you can see yourself doing?

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I wouldn’t rely on your tent and sleeping bag cache as your only shelter and sleeping arrangement. Make them a backup at your location. Plans change, that route may be inaccessible, water might get into your cache, other people could find it, you may not have time to dig up your cache, so many ‘what-if’s’. Do not rely on your cache, but it could be a good backup.

I would carry a sleeping bag and tarp in my BOB, and that can be a lighter weight shelter than a tent. And if you can get to your tent cache, then great! You can have an upgraded solution.

Burying a tent and sleeping bag in a cache can be a creative way to be more prepared. But also be prepared for that preparation to not work out.