Tips for staying warm when cold weather camping, with Luno!, by LUNO on YouTube. 1 min 4 s.
- Video length
- 1 min 4 s
- Time to do it
- 15 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 7
What you need
Steps
Start with what is under you. A cot leaves empty air below it, and that space pulls heat away from your body all night.
Swap the cot for a sleeping pad, or lay a pad on top of the cot. Pick a pad with a higher R-value, since that number measures how well it blocks heat loss to the ground.
Boil water and pour it into a hard plastic bottle like a Nalgene. Screw the lid on tight and check it does not leak.
Toss the bottle into the bottom of your sleeping bag before bed. Your hands and feet get cold first, so that is where the heat helps most.
Read the tag and specs on your sleeping bag closely before you buy. Men's and women's bags are rated differently, so a men's 15 degree bag is not as warm as a women's 15 degree bag.
Choose a bag rated well below the coldest temperature you expect, and look at women's-rated bags if you sleep cold.
Change into dry base layers and dry socks before you get in the bag. Damp clothing from the day will chill you overnight.
Tips and common mistakes
Wrap the hot bottle in a sock or shirt so it does not feel too hot against bare skin.
Test the bottle lid over the sink before it goes anywhere near your sleeping bag.
Wear a warm hat to bed, since a lot of heat leaves through an uncovered head.
Do not breathe inside your sleeping bag, as the trapped moisture makes it colder.
Questions
What R-value sleeping pad do I need for fall camping?
Aim higher than a basic summer pad. Look for a pad with a higher R-value than you would use in warm weather, since cold ground drains heat fast.
Is a hot water bottle in the sleeping bag safe?
Yes, if you use a hard plastic bottle made for hot water and seal it well. Check for leaks first and wrap it so it is not directly on your skin.
Why does a women's sleeping bag feel warmer at the same rating?
Men's and women's bags are rated on different standards, so the same number does not mean the same warmth. A women's 15 degree bag is generally warmer than a men's 15 degree bag.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
