Throughout 2026, the Finland, Naturally team is embracing the Sleep Outdoors for a Night challenge, inviting members to step out of their comfort zones and into the great outdoors. Kicking off the year was Maarit, who braved a chilly January night along the banks of the Ounasjoki River in Rovaniemi, Lapland. As a service provider and customer advisor for Finland, Naturally, Maarit is often seen at the Finnish Nature Center Haltia in Nuuksio National Park, where she assists visitors and guides school groups. For her overnight adventure, she chose a spot that held deep personal significance: the campsite was set in the yard of her childhood home, right by the river.
The night promised excitement, particularly for Maarit, who although familiar with the location, had limited experience with winter camping or sleeping outdoors.
– “I typically sleep in a tent while hiking,” Maarit confesses.
Fortunately, she wasn’t alone; her spouse joined her for this frosty venture. Having a backup plan was essential—if conditions turned too harsh, a quick dash indoors was always an option.
– “The moonlight was bright, and it was about nine degrees below zero when we arrived. Thankfully, it warmed slightly during the night, settling at around minus six, with a gentle snowfall,” Maarit recalls.
Creating a Shelter
– “Our shelter was based on a simple philosophy: build a bed using whatever materials you have on hand,” she explains. Rather than a conventional structure, they crafted a sleeping area in the snowdrift, laying under the vast, starry sky.
Materials they used included:
- 2 pallets
- 1 large plywood sheet
- 2 three-season inflatable sleeping pads, strapped together
- 1 three-season double sleeping bag
- 1 single sleeping bag for emergencies or added warmth
- 1 tarp for extra protection
- 2 pillows
Bedtime Adventures
The setup of Maarit’s campsite wasn’t without its challenges; they only began practical testing as night fell.
– “We built the bed during the day, but as evening set in and it was time to sleep, we introduced the sleeping pads and bags. We really didn’t get a chance to assess the comfort until bedtime,” she recounts.
Yet, as she climbed into the sleeping bag, it soon became apparent that their bed wasn’t quite level. “I started sliding off!” Maarit laughs. Adjustments were needed before they could settle in. Crawling out of a warm sleeping bag into the biting cold was not ideal, but necessary.
– “We had to dismantle part of our setup to level the snow underneath. After a good bit of adjusting and some jumping on the pallets—wearing only our merino wool layers—we finally got it right,” she added.
The Essential Gear: A Cozy Double Sleeping Bag
For Maarit, the key piece of gear that made their night possible was undoubtedly the three-season double sleeping bag.
– “Sharing a double sleeping bag makes it much easier to stay warm,” she explains. This bag, a recent addition to her gear, features two sides—blue for cooler nights and red for warmer ones. Still, extra measures were in order.
– “Since we hadn’t yet camped in winter with this bag, we also packed a single sleeping bag to use as an extra layer. It turned out to be a great decision; I think I claimed most of it for myself,” she chuckles.
A double sleeping bag requires either a two-person sleeping pad or two individual pads fastened together. Maarit typically favors single pads for solo trips.
– “For situations like this, we use straps to connect them for a shared experience,” she notes, having initially been anxious about their stability atop the plywood. Thankfully, everything stayed put throughout the night.
Despite all their preparations, Maarit insists that one of the most crucial items for sleeping outdoors is a proper pillow. “I brought two,” she shares.
A Backup Just a Stone’s Throw Away
Camping in one’s own yard is an excellent way for anyone to explore different outdoor sleeping methods. If issues arise, it’s only a short walk indoors to regroup and try again another night, wiser and better prepared. This was the experience for Maarit and her spouse during their night by the Ounasjoki River.
– “Honestly, I didn’t sleep particularly well. I might have worn too many clothes—two sets of merino layers—because they started to itch, which disrupted my rest. Eventually, we decided to retreat inside to avoid tossing and turning,” Maarit explains.
– “Even though the distance was just a hundred meters, I believe we would have tried to stay out if it hadn’t been so convenient to get inside. This time, comfort was the priority.”
What was the highlight—and the low point—of the night?
– “The highlight was definitely the teamwork involved in setting up camp and building the bed. It was enjoyable to experiment with our snowdrift creation,” she reflects. “The downside? Having to crawl out of my cozy bag to level our bed.”
What insights did this night provide about outdoor sleeping—or yourself?
– “Winter camping may not be my forte. I can manage it, but I can’t say I genuinely enjoy it. I adore being outdoors in winter, but I also cherish crawling into a warm, comfortable bed at the end of a day.”
Nevertheless, Maarit encourages anyone who likes crafting and trying new things with friends or partners to give this kind of experiment a shot.
One final question: did any spooky creatures show up?
– “Thankfully not! I didn’t expect anything of the sort anyway.”
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