Bed sharing
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Buy bedding one size larger than the mattress to reduce competition for space.
Larger sheets and duvets save years of blanket fights.
4 people, independently
Use a comforter one size larger than your fitted sheet (e.g., a king comforter on a queen bed) to ensure ample coverage.
Using a larger top layer rarely causes issues with coverage.
3 people, independently
Use two separate blankets or comforters for each partner instead of sharing one.
It eliminates fighting over covers, prevents waking up cold or overheated, reduces disturbance from movement, and allows regulation of warmth.
- Some partners dislike it because they want to cuddle or touch without separation.
- A 'blanket hog' might still steal the other person's blanket.
21 people, independently
- Overlap two smaller blankets in the center of the bed when making it.2
- When cuddling while using separate blankets, throw your personal blanket aside to create space, then retrieve it when you need warmth.1
- Add an extra blanket dedicated to the colder partner to prevent them from stealing the main covers.1
- Allow partners to use different types of blankets based on their temperature preferences, such as thin versus fluffy.2
Designate one blanket as a 'cuddle blanket' while keeping separate base layer blankets.
It allows for holding hands or partial cuddles and warmth from body heat without overheating the base layers.
- You can ditch one temporarily if you want to be closer.
2 people, independently
- Overlap separate blankets slightly at the edges to help with cuddling while maintaining individual coverage.3
For long-distance hiking trips of around eight days, consider hammock camping with tarps to reduce carried weight and increase comfort.
It reduces the weight and mass you carry and increases comfort.
one person who lived it
Use twin-sized sheets and comforters on a queen-sized bed, assigning one set to each person.
This prevents issues where one partner hogs all the covers while the other needs them tucked in.
one person who lived it
Buy a tent rated for one more person than the number of sleepers to allow space for gear and comfortable sleeping positions.
Manufacturer ratings assume no gear storage and rigid sleeping postures.
one person who lived it
Store dirty packs and gear in the tent vestibule to keep the sleeping area clean.
The vestibule acts like a mud room, keeping filthy items out of the sleeping bag.
one person who lived it
Assert your preference for a larger bed if you are physically larger, arguing that your need for space is daily rather than occasional.
A larger person needs the extra space every day, whereas a partner's need for guest space may be less frequent.
one person who lived it
5 more on this
Use blankets smaller than the bed size to accommodate individual preferences.
This approach works well for couples who prefer different blanket sizes, such as using a twin XL and a queen blanket on a king-sized bed.
one person who lived it
Tuck the extra fabric of an oversized sheet or comforter under the mattress.
It avoids wrestling with fitted sheets that don't fit well.
one person who lived it
Avoid storing gear inside your tent to prevent punctures from sharp objects and to avoid attracting wildlife with scents.
Sharp objects can puncture the protective bottom of the tent, causing it to fail against ground moisture and rain; storing gear introduces scents that attract wildlife.
one person who lived it
Choose lightweight quilts with low loft to wash and dry them easily in a standard machine or on a rack.
Lack of loft allows them to fit in regular washing machines and eliminates the need for dry cleaning or special dryer instructions.
one person who lived it
Match duvet covers so that separate blankets blend together visually when the bed is made.
Matching colors make the separation of blankets almost unnoticeable.
one person who lived it