David Meyers Your camping companion or your partner proposes impromptu camping. You’re not sure about it. However, you’re not able to resist the incredible beauty and serenity of the natural world. What are you going to do?
You’re faced with a considerable dilemma. However, you’re unsure whether your sleeping bag is adequate as temperatures fall in the evening. To ensure that you don’t get frozen through the night, I’ll give you some tips on creating an ideal sleeping bag warmer I use to my advantage.
What can I do to increase the temperature of my bag? Follow these simple steps to ensure you stay warm inside the sleeping bag.
How To Stay Warm In Your Sleeping Bag
Sleeping Bag Liners
It’s probably one of the lesser-known equipment available for camping. Many people say that it’s a complete sham and is a waste of money, whereas others claim it works well.
Do sleeping bag liners help increase the warmth? The answer is simple – yes. But, the efficiency depends on the type of material used in the liner. Thermal synthetic, microfiber Thermolite, and merino wool reactors are the most effective to add comfort to bags.
Apart from boosting the comfort that your bags provide, liners will prolong the lifespan of your bags by keeping them tidy. In addition, you can make use of it as a bedsheet in filthy hotels or as a separate sleeping bag during the hot summer months.
Wear Warmer Clothes
Sorry, but this is a no-brainer if you are camping somewhere cold at night.
This is an easy one in the end. However, most people don’t realize that nature’s plans are unique, and it is possible to change them at a glance. Make sure you have your long johns and thick gloves, socks, beanie, waterproof raincoats, and clothes that can keep you warm during the night. It’s always good to have a plan for any possibility.
There’s no reason to go out into the wilderness to relax and have fun, only to be miserable and cold. Tragic.
I strongly suggest wearing multiple layers of clothing, rather than just one jacket or sweater. Air, which acts as an insulator for heat, is trapped between the layers, keeping your body warm. Furthermore, it is possible to take off or add another layer in the event of a weather change.
Pro tip: Don’t wrap yourself too tightly, or you’ll sweat. The moisture will make you feel like a cold cocoon and less warm.
Hot Water Bottles
A classic hot water bottle can accomplish numerous things, including increasing the temperature of your sleeping bag is just one. It has proven to be effective for me time and again. I would highly recommend using spill-proof quality bottles with solid seal-like Nalgene water bottles. Nalgene containers for water.
If possible, try to avoid disposable plastic bottles because they are prone to expand and leak if subjected to heat.
Fill the bottle up with hot water that is not greater than three-quarters capacity, then close the cap. To avoid burns and premature degradation of the bottle, do not use boiling water. The water should be heated, then allow it to sit for an hour or so for it to chill before pouring it into your bottle.
Place the bottle on the bottom of your sleeping bag before hitting the sleeping bag. It keeps you cozy and toasty during the coldest night. If you’re not warm enough or you’re not a warm sleeper, you can put another bottle inside your backpack to ensure more warmth during the night.
High-Quality Sleeping Pad
You require a high-quality mattress to prevent the cold ground from taking your body’s heat. The amount of insulation that the pad can provide differs from the bag. An R-value typically categorizes the pad’s quality rating.
Therefore, the more R-value your pad has, the warmer it keeps you. It is recommended to choose a mattress with an R-value of at least 2.
I generally place two sleeping pads in a row in colder temperatures to form a double insulation layer. It’s like magic. I recommend using a closed-cell foam pad under an inflatable pad to shield your inflatable pads from punctures.
If you do not have two pads for sleeping, put your clothes on top of the sleeping pad to create additional protection between the sleeping pad and the ground.
Are you without an appropriate sleeping pad or even your clothes are damp? No worries. Take as many green leaves as you can and set them under you in your bag to sleep.
Pro tip: Avoid inflatable mattresses. They’re not insulated and will not do your body any good when temperatures drop.
Please take a look at our online store NorthernHikers.com for sleeping pads.
Eat A Warm & Substantial Dinner
Do not sleep on an empty stomach while camping in freezing weather. Our bodies are constantly working all night long. It is essential to fuel it to maintain our body temperature at a high level.
Pre-prepare meals rich in protein and carbs and healthy fats at dinner. They require longer digestion and increase the temperature of your body.
It’s an excellent idea to consume energy bars or nutritious snacks before going into bed to boost your metabolism.
Do not drink that shot of whiskey; opt for a hot drink like ginger tea or coffee instead.
Another thing to remember is to take a break when the call of nature comes – holding it inside requires more effort to maintain the temperature. Make sure you have a poop bottle in case you must.
Grab A Camping Buddy
This is self-explanatory…more bodies, more heat. What you might not realize is that dogs are excellent snuggle buddies.
Try it out and find out what I mean.
How To Keep Your Feet Warm In A Sleeping Bag
If your feet feel cold and cold during the night, here are a couple of toasty tips to assist you to beat the chills in the sleeping bag:
- Utilize the classic hot bottle trick in the manner described above. It keeps your feet warm and comfortable.
- Then, put your feet on the floor like you would on your body. Two layers of light-wicking socks are sufficient. If the temperature is colder, you can consider three layers. Wear dry, clean socks for the journey before going to bed.
- Add extra clothes to the bottom of your sleep bag to provide your feet with additional insulation.
- Always keep your feet dry.
Does Wearing Hand-Warmers Help When In Your Sleeping Bag?
Yes, absolutely. Place the hand warmers in the socks of a pair, place one in one end of the sleeping bag and another in the middle before you fall asleep.
How Much Warmer Does A Liner Improve Your Sleeping Bag?
Although it depends on the liner’s material, it will add approximately 5 to 15 degrees F warmth to your bed. The three options mentioned above are the most effective for giving you an additional layer of warmth.
Written by David Myer, verified and edited by Den Kyle.