Gina Johnson
Mummy sleeping bags are the best choice for camping in cold weather. They are designed to fit snugly, with a hood and a shape that follows the contours of the human body, maximizing heat retention. The smaller the air space in a bag, the quicker a human body can heat it, which is why mummy bags are warmer than rectangular bags. However, some people find mummy bags uncomfortable due to their confined nature. To stay warm in a mummy sleeping bag, it is important to defend against heat loss by using a bag liner, an insulating pad, a tent, and choosing a suitable campsite. Additionally, simple tricks like wearing dry clothes, covering your head, and avoiding a full bladder can help maintain warmth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shape | Tapered towards the feet, leaving just the face exposed |
| Hood | Yes, mummy hoods keep warmth in |
| Weight | Lighter than comparable barrel or rectangular bags |
| Heat Retention | Maximises heat retention due to the fitted shape |
| Warmth | Warmer than rectangular sleeping bags |
| Size | Mummy bags are more fitted than rectangular bags |
| Wind Protection | Protects against windchill |
| Clothing | Dry clothes, avoid sweaty clothes |
| Headwear | Wear a hat or use the mummy hood to avoid losing heat through the head |
| Bladder | Empty bladder before sleeping to avoid losing heat |
| Food | High-carb snacks before sleeping |
| Exercise | Light exercise before sleeping to generate body heat |
| Sharing | Sharing body heat by sleeping with a partner |
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What You'll Learn
Wear dry clothes and a hat, and empty your bladder
Mummy sleeping bags are the best choice for cold-weather camping. They are designed to fit snugly, with a hood, and follow the contours of the human body, maximising heat retention. Their fitted shape means there is minimal air space around your body in the bag, which means your body will quickly heat the air inside.
To stay warm in a mummy sleeping bag, it is important to wear dry clothes and a hat, and to empty your bladder. Wearing sweaty clothes can cause moisture to evaporate, which siphons off heat. Wool or synthetic long underwear can be a good choice for sleepwear. It is also important to cover your head, as heat escapes through exposed body parts. If your bag has a mummy hood, use it. If not, put on a beanie before you get into your sleeping bag.
Additionally, your body uses heat to warm your pee, so it is a good idea to empty your bladder before you get into your sleeping bag. Following these simple tricks will help you maintain warmth throughout the night.
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Do light exercise and eat high-carb snacks
To stay warm in a mummy sleeping bag, it is recommended to eat a high-carb snack before bed. High-carb snacks provide a steady supply of energy that is released over time as your body slowly digests them. This helps to keep your interior furnace stoked. Examples of high-carb snacks include energy bars or other foods with whole grains. You can also have a hot drink with sugar in it, like hot cocoa.
It is also important to make sure you have eaten enough throughout the day. If you haven't eaten enough, your metabolism will be running slower, which means you will be generating less heat.
In addition to snacking, doing some light exercise before bed can help keep you warm. The trick is to do enough to get warmed up, but not so much that you break a sweat. For example, you could try doing a few sit-ups to help your body produce a little energy for the night.
Combining these strategies of light exercise and high-carb snacks can help you stay warm in a mummy sleeping bag by boosting your body's energy and heat production. These methods are most effective when combined with other strategies such as wearing dry, warm clothing and using a sleeping bag liner or insulating pad to reduce heat loss.
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Choose a tent site with a natural windbreak
When choosing a tent site, it is important to consider natural windbreaks to reduce heat loss. Wind can quickly sap heat from your tent through convection, so avoiding its path is crucial. Here are some tips to choose a tent site with a natural windbreak:
- Look for natural barriers: Trees, shrubs, and bushes can act as excellent natural windbreaks. Choose a campsite with these features to shield your tent from the wind. A healthy stand of trees can provide significant protection from the wind and keep your tent warm.
- Consider the terrain: Besides trees and bushes, look for natural windbreaks such as an outcropping of boulders, rock faces, or a fallen tree. These natural formations can provide additional protection from the wind and keep your tent warmer.
- Check the weather forecast: Before your trip, check the weather forecast, including wind direction and speed predictions. This information will help you choose a campsite that is sheltered from the wind. By setting up your tent in a protected area, you can minimise heat loss and maintain a comfortable temperature inside your tent.
- Be mindful of potential dangers: Avoid setting up your tent near dead or dying trees, especially on steep snowy slopes, as these can pose an avalanche risk. Your safety should always come first, so make sure to assess the surrounding environment for any potential hazards.
- Create your own windbreak: If natural windbreaks are scarce, consider building your own. You can use a heavy-duty tarp and sturdy rope to create a windbreak. Secure the tarp between two trees that are upwind of your tent, providing a barrier against the wind. Alternatively, you can pile snow and shape it into a wall to block the wind.
By following these tips and choosing a tent site with a natural windbreak, you can effectively reduce heat loss and stay warmer in your mummy sleeping bag during your camping trip. Remember to also pay attention to other factors, such as wearing appropriate layers and using insulating pads and liners, to maximise your warmth while sleeping outdoors.
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Use a bag liner, insulating pad, and sleeping bag rated for the temperature
Mummy sleeping bags are designed to keep you warm by wrapping tightly around your body, eliminating cold air pockets and keeping warm air close to your body. However, if you want to ensure you stay warm throughout the night, there are a few things to consider.
Firstly, invest in a good-quality bag liner. A liner can add anywhere from 5° to 15°F of extra warmth to your sleeping bag, depending on the material. Liners made from synthetic materials, such as CoolMax®, are moisture-wicking and breathable, making them ideal for humid conditions. They also offer some stretch, which is perfect for restless sleepers. If you're looking for something with more insulation, Thermolite® liners add up to 25°F of warmth and dry 50% faster than cotton. Silk liners are also a great option, as they are lightweight, compact, and can insulate in cold weather while remaining absorbent and breathable in warm weather.
Secondly, don't skimp on an insulating pad. A good insulating pad will protect you from the cold, hard ground and prevent heat loss through conduction. Make sure the pad is large enough to extend fully under all pressure points, as gaps can let cold air in. If you're car camping, you can even add a fleece or wool blanket between the tent floor and the sleeping pad for extra insulation.
Lastly, make sure your mummy sleeping bag is rated for the temperature you'll be sleeping in. All quality sleeping bags will have a comfort temperature rating, with warmer bags typically costing more. If you're a cold sleeper, consider choosing a bag rated 10-15°F warmer than the manufacturer's recommendation.
In addition to the above, there are a few other things to keep in mind to stay warm in your mummy sleeping bag. Always sleep in dry clothes, as moisture can evaporate and siphon off heat. Cover your head, either with a mummy hood if your bag has one, or with a beanie. Finally, make sure to empty your bladder before bed, as your body uses up heat to warm your pee.
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Cuddle up with someone or use a hot water bottle
Cuddling up with a partner or friend is a great way to stay warm in a sleeping bag. Not only is spooning good for you emotionally, but it also allows you to share body heat. If you are camping with a loved one, consider using sleeping bags that can zip together or opt for a couple-sized bag.
If you are camping alone, you can use a hot water bottle to stay warm. Place one or two hot water bottles at the bottom of your sleeping bag a few minutes before you get in. You can then move the bottle(s) to wherever you need extra warmth. Make sure to use a tightly sealed, sturdy bottle designed to hold hot liquids, such as a stainless steel or Nalgene bottle. Do not use boiling water, as this can cause burns if the bottle leaks or splits. Instead, fill the bottle with hot water, and put the bottle inside a sock for added comfort.
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Frequently asked questions
Mummy sleeping bags are the best choice for cold weather camping. They are shaped like an Egyptian mummy, tapered towards the feet and have an attached hood to keep warmth in. The smaller the air space in a bag, the quicker a human body can heat it.
It is important to get warm before getting into a sleeping bag. Some light exercise like star jumps, sit-ups or press-ups can help your body produce some energy for the night. Drinking something hot before bed can also help.
It is important to defend against the major sources of heat loss. A bag liner, an insulating pad, a tent and a well-chosen campsite can help reduce the heat-sapping effects of radiation, conduction and convection. Avoid wearing sweaty clothes to bed as moisture evaporates and siphons off heat.
If you camp with a partner, you can share body heat by using bags that zip together or a double-size bag.
