More sleep, more comfort: are dark tents worth it?

Some people like to wake up with the first rays of sunshine when camping, whilst others like to sleep in – every camper has different preferences and needs. We’ll explain the differences between the various sleeping cabins, as well as the pros and cons of each option. That way, you’re sure to find the right solution with us, whether you’re an early riser or a late sleeper.

A tent with a dark sleeping compartment has a separate, internal area which reduces the amount of light entering thanks to special fabric. Depending on the material and coating, the sleeping compartment is darkened to a greater or lesser extent. This ensures greater sleeping comfort, particularly in early morning sunlight or during a midday nap.

The various coatings and materials used in the sleeping cabin can be broadly divided into three categories:

With the standard sleeping compartment, you get a thin, light-coloured fabric that is the same as, or similar to, the rest of the tent. This provides privacy but lets light through, as it isn’t specially coated. However, if you’re an early riser anyway, or if you can sleep well even when it’s light, this option is usually perfectly adequate.

In these sleeping pods, a **silver coating is applied to the *inside of the outer tent in the sleeping area*. This *reduces* the amount of light entering considerably, but still allows some light through, so that the pod is not completely dark.

Skandika Sleeper Technology consists of sleeping compartments specially developed by us that block up to 99 per cent of external light. This means you can sleep peacefully in the dark, even in bright sunshine. Here too, much like with the silver coating, a coating is applied to the inside of the outer tent, with the difference that this lets through even less light.

To ensure that the inside of the tent remains dark and cool, Skandika Sleeper Technology has two functions: blackout and heat protection. As the material effectively blocks out sunlight, it also reduces the build-up of heat inside the sleeping compartment, which is particularly important in summer for keeping the tent cool. This means you’ll stay cool and in the dark for longer, even in the sun. So you can sleep in even when the sun rises early. At the same time, the fabric is breathable to ensure a comfortable indoor climate inside the sleeping compartment and the tent.

Dark sleeping compartments offer significant advantages for many campers, depending on how they are used:

• Families with children: A family tent with a dark sleeping compartment is ideal for afternoon naps, especially for young children.
• Festival-goers: You go to bed late, but thanks to the complete blackout, you can sleep in undisturbed.
• Light sleepers and those who sleep late: You won’t be woken up straight away by the sun in the morning and can get up at your own pace.
• Summer campers: The tent stays cool and comfortable, especially in the mornings.

As well as the obvious advantage – reducing light inside the tent – sleeping compartments with blackout features also offer further benefits:

• A cooler indoor climate: The coated fabric reflects sunlight and heat, keeping the inside of the tent cooler.
• Greater privacy: Dark sleeping compartments separate the area more clearly from the rest of the tent and create a sheltered retreat.
• A homely feel: The secluded, dark atmosphere makes the sleeping compartment feel like a proper bedroom – perfect for unwinding.

So if you like to sleep in, want a bit more privacy whilst camping, and are heading to warm climates, a tent with dark sleeping compartments like our Skandika Sleeper Technology is ideal for you. However, if you like to be woken up early by the sun and are a morning person anyway, then a standard sleeping compartment will be enough for you. So it all depends on your sleeping habits and what makes you feel most comfortable whilst camping.