Gina Johnson
Combining two sleeping bags is a great way to save money and stay warm during cold-weather camping. The process involves layering one bag on top of the other, with the thinner bag on the inside to maximise insulation. This method is especially useful for couples, as it allows them to zip their bags together for a cosy night's sleep. However, combining bags may result in compromised breathability, bulkiness, and weight, so it's important to consider the potential drawbacks before nesting your sleeping bags.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Why combine sleeping bags? | To save money on buying a new bag, to make a warmer bag, or to accommodate two people. |
| Types of sleeping bags to combine | Down and synthetic sleeping bags, summer and three-season bags, or bags with different temperature ratings. |
| How to combine | Place the thinner or down bag on the inside to maximize insulation and minimize compression. Combine bags from the same brand or model for zipper compatibility. Drape one bag over the other or unzip and nest at the foot area to maintain breathability |
| Considerations | Combining bags may result in bulkiness and weight issues. The overall warmth depends on the combined loft and insulation of the bags. Breathability may also be affected. |
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What You'll Learn
Combining sleeping bags for warmth
Combining two sleeping bags is a great way to stay warm when camping in cold weather. Here are some tips and techniques to help you combine sleeping bags effectively for maximum warmth:
Firstly, when combining two sleeping bags, it is generally recommended to put the thinner bag inside the thicker one. This is because sleeping bag insulation works by trapping dead air, which keeps you warm. By placing the thinner bag inside, you maximise its loft (fluffiness), allowing it to better trap air and create insulation. Additionally, if you are combining a down sleeping bag and a synthetic bag, the down bag should be on the inside. This is because synthetic bags can handle moisture better, and placing it on the outside will help keep the down bag dry by preventing condensation from reaching it.
Before zipping up the bags, open them up and layer them one on top of the other. Measure the loft (fluffiness) of each bag, then layer them together and measure the combined loft. This will give you an idea of how warm your combined sleeping bag will be. The more loft, the warmer it will be.
When combining sleeping bags, you can either zip them together or drape one over the other. Some sleeping bags, like those from NEMO, are designed to zip together, making it easy to combine them. If your bags don't have compatible zippers, you can drape one bag over the other. This method may create larger air gaps, but it maintains breathability and helps prevent you from getting too hot and stuffy inside the bags.
If you're looking for an even warmer option, consider adding a lightweight vapour barrier liner to your combined sleeping bags. This can further enhance the insulation and take your setup to a lower temperature rating. Additionally, wearing insulated clothing layers underneath your combined sleeping bags can also increase warmth and protect against air infiltration or drafts.
Finally, keep in mind that combining sleeping bags may result in a bulky and heavy setup. This might be something to consider when planning your camping trip, especially if you need to carry your gear over long distances. Balancing the warmth and weight of your combined sleeping bags is essential for a comfortable camping experience.
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Zipping compatible bags together
Zipping two sleeping bags together is a great way to create a double sleeping bag for couples or families. This method is also useful for creating a versatile camping sleep system, allowing you to meet changing needs without constantly buying new sleeping bags. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to zip together compatible sleeping bags:
Firstly, check the zippers of the sleeping bags to ensure they are compatible. The zippers should be the same type, size, and length. Additionally, make sure that one bag has a left-hand zip, while the other has a right-hand zip. This will ensure that the hoods of the sleeping bags are oriented correctly when combined.
Once you have confirmed zipper compatibility, fully unzip both sleeping bags. At the very bottom of the zipper, you will find that it separates into two pieces, similar to a jacket zipper. One side of the zipper will have the slider, which allows you to open and close the bag.
Place the sleeping bags side by side. Ensure that the slider on one bag is on the bottom side of the zipper, while the other bag's slider is on the top. This step is crucial for successfully connecting the zippers.
Now, carefully connect the bottom zippers of both bags. Zip them all the way up to create a single large bag with two hoods at the bottom. Then, connect the top zipper sections in the same manner. Get inside the bag with your partner or family member, and you now have a spacious and cosy double sleeping bag!
It is important to note that not all sleeping bags are designed to be zipped together. Some brands, like NEMO, design their sleeping bags to be compatible with specific models, such as matching men's and women's versions. Always check the product specifications and compatibility before attempting to zip two sleeping bags together.
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Nesting bags: thinner bag inside
Nesting two sleeping bags, one inside the other, can be a good way to increase warmth when camping in cold weather. However, it is difficult to know exactly how much warmer the combination will be, and there are some potential drawbacks.
Firstly, the inner bag may be compressed by the outer bag, reducing its loft and therefore its ability to trap heat. This means that the combined bags may not provide warmth equivalent to the sum of their individual temperature ratings. To minimise compression, ensure that the inner bag has ample room to expand within the outer bag. It may be worth choosing an outer bag specifically designed to combine with other bags, with a looser cut. Alternatively, consider laying one bag over the other, rather than nesting them.
Secondly, the combined setup may be heavier and bulkier than a single bag of an equivalent temperature rating. This may be a significant consideration if you are backpacking and need to carry your gear.
Thirdly, combining two sleeping bags can result in a loss of breathability, leading to a hot and stuffy environment. This can cause sweat to become trapped, leading to evaporative heat loss and a higher risk of freezing. To mitigate this, some campers drape the second bag over the first, or unzip it almost entirely and nest only the foot area.
Despite these potential drawbacks, nesting bags can be an economical way to increase warmth when camping in cold weather, especially if you already own multiple sleeping bags. It is recommended to test out your setup before relying on it in the backcountry.
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Moisture control and breathability
Combining two sleeping bags can be a great way to increase warmth, but it's important to consider the potential trade-offs in breathability and moisture control. When you layer two sleeping bags, the insulation of the inner bag can become compressed, reducing its ability to trap heat. This compression can also lead to a decrease in breathability, making the setup feel hot and stuffy.
To optimize moisture control and breathability when combining sleeping bags, consider the following strategies:
- Choose the Right Materials: Select sleeping bags with breathable and moisture-wicking materials. Synthetic sleeping bags, for example, are often recommended for the outer bag to manage moisture build-up effectively.
- Minimize Compression: Ensure that the inner bag is not too constricted within the outer bag. Loft, or fluffiness, is crucial for insulation, so aim for a setup that maximizes loft in both bags. Place the thinner bag inside and avoid squashing the puffiness of either bag.
- Layer Strategically: Experiment with different layering configurations to find the optimal arrangement. Typically, the bag with the slimmest profile should be used as the inner bag. If using a down and a synthetic bag together, place the down bag inside to keep it dry, as synthetic materials tend to manage moisture better.
- Drape or Unzip: Instead of fully nesting one bag inside the other, consider draping the second bag over the first or unzipping it almost entirely and nesting only the foot area. This technique helps maintain breathability by creating larger air gaps between the bags.
- Test in Advance: Before relying on a two-bag setup in the wilderness, test it out in a controlled environment, such as near your car. This way, you can bail out to a heater if the combination doesn't provide adequate warmth or breathability.
By following these suggestions, you can enhance the moisture control and breathability of your combined sleeping bag setup while still benefiting from the increased warmth. Remember to consider the specific characteristics of your sleeping bags and the environmental conditions you anticipate encountering to make informed decisions about your configuration.
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Calculating warmth of combined bags
Combining two sleeping bags will definitely make them warmer than a single bag. However, it is challenging to calculate the exact warmth of the combined bags, as it depends on various factors such as the type of insulation, the loft or fluffiness of the bags, and the bag's construction.
The warmth of a sleeping bag is primarily determined by the amount of loft or thickness the fill provides. A good 20°F down bag, for example, should have around 4-5" of loft. Theoretically, combining two such bags would result in 8-10" of loft, which could provide a temperature rating of around −10°F or lower. However, in reality, when you stuff one bag inside the other, the inner bag may get compressed, reducing its insulating capability.
To calculate the warmth of combined sleeping bags, you can use the CLO value, which is a measure of thermal insulation. A higher CLO value indicates greater warmth. A 15°F bag has approximately 8 CLO, while a 40°F bag has approximately 5.25 CLO. Adding these together gives a combined CLO of 13.25, which corresponds to a temperature rating of around −10°F.
Another approach to estimating the warmth of combined sleeping bags is to consider the amount of insulation or fill in each bag. For example, two bags with 20 oz and 310 g (10.9 oz) of down, respectively, would have a total of 31 oz of insulation. By comparing this to the insulation weight of bags with known temperature ratings, you can estimate the warmth of your combined bags.
It's important to note that combining sleeping bags can lead to breathability issues, causing you to sweat and then freeze due to evaporative heat loss. To mitigate this, some people drape one bag over the other or unzip it and nest only the foot area, creating more air circulation. Additionally, the inner bag should be thinner to avoid compressing the insulation of the outer bag.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few ways to combine two sleeping bags. If your sleeping bags are compatible, you can zip them together. Otherwise, you can put one sleeping bag inside the other, or layer one on top of the other.
Combining sleeping bags can save you the expense of buying a warmer bag. However, this method can be bulky and heavy, and it may not provide the warmth you expect. Combining sleeping bags may also result in a loss of breathability, leading to a stuffy and sweaty situation.
When combining sleeping bags, it is generally recommended to put the thinner bag on the inside to maximise loft or fluffiness, which is what keeps you warm. If you are using a down sleeping bag and a synthetic sleeping bag, put the down bag on the inside for better moisture control. If you are combining sleeping bags to stay warm, consider wearing insulated clothing as well.
