Ashwin Lewis
A good sleeping bag is essential for a comfortable night's sleep when camping or backpacking. Sleeping bags come in different shapes and sizes, and choosing the right one depends on various factors, such as the purpose of your trip, the expected temperature, and your personal preferences for space and weight. In addition to selecting the right sleeping bag, there are several tips and tricks to enhance your sleeping bag experience, such as using insulation pads, wearing appropriate clothing, and ensuring proper ventilation. Whether you're car camping or backpacking, understanding how to supplement your sleeping bag can make a significant difference in your overall comfort and quality of sleep during your outdoor adventures.
How to supplement a sleeping bag
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleeping bag type | Mummy-style bags are snug and lightweight, ideal for backpacking. Rectangular bags offer more room to move around, and are better for car camping. |
| Sleeping bag insulation | Down-filled bags are lightweight, warm, and compressible, making them ideal for backpacking. Synthetic-filled bags are cheaper and suitable for car camping. |
| Sleeping bag temperature rating | Pick a bag with a lower temperature rating than the lowest expected temperature at your campsite. Bags with a rating of 0 °F to 30 °F are available, but most bags sleep 20 °F colder than their rating. |
| Sleeping bag size | Choose a bag that is lightweight and packable for backpacking. For car camping, you can opt for a roomier bag. |
| Sleeping bag shape | Mummy-style bags have a snug fit, while rectangular bags offer more room for legs and arms. Semirectangular bags are a compromise between warmth and roominess. |
| Sleeping bag accessories | Use an insulated pad or air mattress for added warmth. Stick a water bottle filled with hot water in the foot of the bag. Wear a hat, socks, and extra layers inside the bag. |
| Sleeping bag storage | Sleeping bags can be stored inside or outside a backpack. Attaching the bag to the outside can improve weight distribution but may affect balance. Using compression straps can help consolidate the load. |
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What You'll Learn
Wear a hat and socks
While there are differing opinions on the best way to stay warm in a sleeping bag, wearing a hat and socks is generally recommended. This is because your extremities and head are where a lot of heat loss happens. It is best to wear a warm hat, such as a knitted hat, a fleece hat, or a wool hat, to bed.
It is also a good idea to wear socks to bed. You can always kick them off if you get too hot. Make sure your socks are dry and clean, as wearing damp or dirty clothes to bed can make you colder. Wool or synthetic socks are a good option, and you can double up with two pairs if needed.
Some people also recommend wearing a base layer or long underwear in addition to a hat and socks. This can help to keep your sleeping bag clean and manage moisture. However, avoid wearing too many layers, as this can compress your sleeping bag's insulation and restrict your blood flow, making you colder.
In addition to wearing a hat and socks, you can also supplement your sleeping bag with a liner, an insulating pad, a tent, and a well-chosen campsite to reduce heat loss.
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Avoid excessive clothing
While it may be tempting to bundle up in lots of layers to keep warm in your sleeping bag, this can actually be counterproductive. Wearing too many layers can compress the insulation in your sleeping bag, reducing its ability to trap warm air. This can lead to heat loss and make you feel colder.
The key is to find the right balance between clothing and insulation. Instead of relying solely on clothing to keep you warm, utilise the insulating properties of your sleeping bag. Choose a sleeping bag with an appropriate temperature rating and augment it with a few strategic layers. This way, you can avoid excessive clothing while still staying warm.
Opt for lightweight, breathable base layers that will allow your body's heat to disperse throughout the bag. Look for materials such as polyester or wool, as these fabrics can retain warmth even if they become slightly damp from perspiration. Avoid wearing too many layers that restrict movement and circulation, as this can lead to cold hands and feet.
It is also important to manage your sleeping environment. Ensure your sleeping bag is dry, as moisture can compromise its insulating abilities. Additionally, consider using a sleeping bag liner, which can add extra warmth and help keep your bag clean. By focusing on efficient layering and managing your sleeping environment, you can avoid excessive clothing and still stay comfortable and warm in your sleeping bag.
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Use a hot water bottle
Using a hot water bottle is a great way to supplement your sleeping bag, especially in cold weather. It is a simple, effective method to stay warm and toasty when camping or backpacking. Here are some tips on how to use a hot water bottle to supplement your sleeping bag:
Firstly, ensure you have a sturdy, plastic bottle designed to hold hot liquids, such as a Nalgene bottle. Avoid using cheap plastic bottles, as they may split open due to the heat, creating a potentially dangerous situation. A stainless steel water bottle is another good option. Fill the bottle with hot water—some suggest heating the water just before it boils to prevent gas formation, while others recommend using water at a lower temperature to avoid making the sleeping bag too warm. Place the bottle inside a sock for added comfort and to prevent direct contact with the plastic.
Place one or two bottles inside your sleeping bag a few minutes before you get in. Start with one bottle at the foot of your bag, and if that's not enough, add a second bottle in the middle of the bag. You can also wrap the bottle in a sweater or extra clothing to distribute heat more slowly and evenly. If you have a second bottle, you can swap it out when the first one starts to cool down, providing continuous warmth throughout the night.
For longer trips, consider bringing a warmer sleeping bag or additional insulation instead of relying solely on hot water bottles. Additionally, make sure to empty your bladder before crawling into your sleeping bag, as a full bladder will cause you to cool off faster. It is also beneficial to keep your sleeping bag clean, as dirt can act as a heat conductor, reducing its effectiveness in retaining warmth.
Using hot water bottles is a convenient and effective way to supplement your sleeping bag and stay warm during cold nights. However, always prioritize your safety and be cautious when using hot water to avoid any potential hazards.
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Air out your sleeping bag
Airing out your sleeping bag is an important step in maintaining your gear. It helps to remove moisture and odours, and can also help to decompress the bag after it has been stuffed or rolled up.
Firstly, choose a suitable location to air your bag. If possible, hang the bag outside in the wind or indirect sunlight. If you don't have access to an outdoor space, you can hang the bag in a dry, temperature-controlled indoor area. Avoid hanging the bag in direct sunlight, as this can degrade the fabric over time.
When camping, it is recommended to air out your bag as often as possible. Unfurl the bag and lay it out as soon as you are able to. This will help to remove any moisture that the bag has collected from your body, clothing, or other sources. If you are unable to lay the bag out, hanging it in the wind or sun before stuffing it into your backpack is a good alternative.
When you return home from a trip, it is important to hang your bag for at least 24 hours before storing it. This will ensure that the bag is completely dry and that the fibres have fully decompressed. If your bag has a waterproof shell, remember to turn it inside out for the first 4 hours, as this will help to dissipate any moisture trapped inside.
Airing out your bag is also a good alternative to washing it after light use. Washing your bag can be time-consuming and labour-intensive, so simply airing it out can help to prolong the time between washes.
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Attach to backpack
Attaching your sleeping bag to your backpack is a great way to free up space inside your backpack. However, it is recommended to carry your sleeping bag inside your backpack, as this is where it will be best protected from damage and from getting wet. If you are unable to fit your sleeping bag inside your backpack, there are several methods to attach it to the outside.
Firstly, ensure your sleeping bag is wrapped in something waterproof, like a trash bag, rain cover, or dry bag. This will protect your sleeping bag from damage and getting wet.
Secondly, consider the positioning of your sleeping bag. The bottom of your backpack is a good option, as it frees up internal space for other essentials. However, attaching a sleeping bag to the bottom can affect your centre of gravity, so ensure the sleeping bag is light enough not to cause balance issues.
Thirdly, consider the attachment method. If your backpack has built-in straps designed for attaching sleeping bags, you're in luck! Simply lay your backpack flat on the ground, front side down, with all straps unbuckled and untangled, and attach your sleeping bag. If your backpack does not have built-in straps, you can use the following methods:
- Compression straps: Loosen the compression straps, slide your sleeping bag in, and tighten them again.
- Gear loops: If your sleeping bag stuff sack has adjustable straps, attach them to the backpack's gear loops.
- Bungee cords: Hook the cords into the loops on your backpack and wind them around both the backpack and sleeping bag.
- Tie points: Many backpacks have tie points at the bottom, which can be used to secure your sleeping bag.
- Lid: Fasten your backpack's lid over your sleeping bag, holding it securely in place.
By following these steps, you can securely attach your sleeping bag to your backpack, ensuring it is snug and tightly secured.
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Frequently asked questions
Wear a hat, socks, and extra layers on your body, but avoid bundling up too much, which can prevent your body and sleeping bag from exchanging heat. If you need more warmth, lay an insulation piece over your torso and hips inside the bag. You can also fill the empty space around your feet with clothing or roll up your clothes and use them as a pillow.
Car camping bags offer plenty of room to move around in, while backpacking bags tend to be lighter and more snug. If you're car camping, choose the warmest, roomiest bag in your price range without worrying about bulk or weight. If you're backpacking, pick the lightest, most packable bag within your budget.
If there's no room inside your backpack, you can store your sleeping bag under the hood, or "lid," of your pack. This frees up external storage points and helps keep your sleeping bag dry. Alternatively, you can use compression straps to carry your sleeping bag, but make sure the straps are long enough to accommodate the bag and balance out the weight on the other side.
Sleeping bags come in three basic shapes: rectangular, semirectangular (or "modified mummy"), and mummy. Rectangular bags allow plenty of room for your legs and arms to stretch out, while mummy bags have a snug fit to boost warmth and cut weight. Semirectangular bags offer a compromise between warmth and roominess.
Sleeping bags can be insulated with down fill or synthetic fill. Down-filled bags are lightweight, warm, and compressible, making them ideal for backpacking. Synthetic-filled bags are suitable for car camping since they are fine in warmer temperatures.
