BY TIM HEDGLEY, GROUP TRAVEL EDITOR
As autumn begins to paint the British countryside in stunning colours, thousands of families will be heading outdoors for cosy camping adventures.
But while the crisp air and golden leaves can create picture-perfect moments, campers too often unknowingly sabotage their own sleep with one simple mistake, one expert is warning.
Andy Halliday, CEO of Lexrope, a UK-based company specialising in outdoor camping gear, has seen this problem countless times during his years in the industry.
“Every autumn, we hear from frustrated campers who’ve had terrible nights outdoors,” says Andy.
“They think it’s just part of camping in cooler weather, but usually it comes down to where and how they’ve pitched their tent.”
The expert is sharing his knowledge to help fellow outdoor enthusiasts avoid the pitching blunder that turns peaceful nights into restless ordeals, along with practical solutions that he says will make all the difference.
The Autumn Pitching Mistake That’s Ruining Your Sleep
The problem that’s keeping campers tossing and turning isn’t what most people expect. Instead of noisy neighbours or uncomfortable sleeping bags, it’s the seemingly innocent decision to pitch tents directly on autumn’s carpet of fallen leaves and damp ground.
“Those beautiful fallen leaves might look like nature’s own cushioning, but they’re actually a recipe for a miserable night,” explains Andy. “Leaves trap moisture underneath, which creates a cold, damp barrier between you and dry ground. Perhaps worse, they rustle with every movement, turning your tent into a noisy leaf pile that amplifies every sound.”
The combination leads to maximum discomfort, with moisture seeping through tent floors, cold transferring directly from the damp earth below, and the constant rustling keeping light sleepers awake for hours.
Why Wind Direction Matters More Than You Think
Another often overlooked factor is wind direction, which becomes particularly important during autumn’s unpredictable weather patterns. Campers tend to simply find a flat spot and set up without considering how gusts could hit their tent throughout the night.
“Wind is not only noisy, but can also turn your tent into a sail,” says Andy. “Position your tent wrong, and you’ll spend the night listening to fabric flapping and guy ropes straining. Get it right, and the same breeze that would have kept you awake becomes barely noticeable.”
Four Simple Fixes for Better Autumn Camping
Andy offers four ways to create a better camping experience in Autumn.
- Choose Higher, Clearer Ground
Look for slightly elevated spots that naturally drain water away. Even a gentle slope can prevent moisture from pooling underneath your tent. Clear away leaves and debris to create a clean, dry foundation.
- Invest in a Proper Footprint or Groundsheet
A quality groundsheet creates a barrier between your tent and the damp earth. “It’s one of the most underrated pieces of kit,” notes Andy. “A good footprint keeps moisture out, while also adding an extra layer of insulation that makes a noticeable difference to warmth.”
- Position Your Tent with Wind in Mind
Point the narrowest end of your tent into prevailing winds. This reduces surface area catching the breeze and creates a more stable, quieter setup. Before pitching your tent, check weather forecasts to understand which direction the winds will come from overnight.
- Test Your Spot Before Committing
Press your hand into the ground where you plan to pitch. If it feels spongy or water seeps up, find somewhere else. “Thirty seconds of testing can save you a whole night of discomfort later,” says Andy.
The Importance of Seasonal Awareness
Autumn camping requires different thinking than summer adventures. Ground that seemed perfect in July might be completely unsuitable by October, as fallen leaves accumulate and seasonal rains saturate the earth.
“People often use the same pitching strategies year-round, but autumn demands more careful site selection,” explains Andy. “The weather’s more unpredictable, the ground’s wetter, and you need to think about things like morning frost and condensation.”
Understanding these seasonal changes allows campers to adapt their approach and choose gear and techniques that work with autumn conditions rather than against them.
Andy Halliday, CEO of Lexrope, commented:
“I see first-time autumn campers make the same mistakes every year. They get excited about the beautiful scenery and rush to set up without properly assessing their pitch. The biggest error is assuming that if the ground looks flat and feels comfortable to walk on, it’ll be fine to sleep on.
“Another common mistake is not thinking about the bigger picture, i.e. what happens when dew forms overnight, or when that light drizzle turns heavier? Experienced campers know to look for natural drainage, check for overhanging branches that might drip, and consider how their chosen spot will perform in different conditions.
“The secret is to take five minutes to examine your potential pitch properly. Walk around it, press the ground with your foot, and look at where water would naturally flow. These simple checks separate comfortable nights from miserable ones. Remember, you’re not simply camping, but camping in British autumn, and that requires a bit more thought than summer adventures.”
credit with a link to the Lexrope website (https://lexrope.com/). Doing so will help us offer more stories and studies in the future.
About Lexrope
Lexrope is a UK-based company specialising in outdoor camping gear and accessories. They offer a curated selection of durable and reliable products designed to withstand the UK’s diverse weather conditions.
They are dedicated to enriching family camping experiences with valuable tips and guidance for camping with children.
Additionally, their website features informative articles on topics such as selecting appropriate sleepwear for camping, addressing tent leaks, and repurposing old sleeping bags, aiming to equip campers with the knowledge needed for safe and enjoyable outdoor adventures.
