Gina Johnson
There are many ways to stay warm when sleeping outdoors. Some people recommend wearing a hat, socks, and thermal underwear, while others suggest sleeping naked to allow for radiant heat exchange between different body parts. It is generally agreed that damp clothes will make you colder, and that you should avoid getting so warm that you start sweating. If you're camping with a partner, you can also try spooning to stay warm.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wear a hat | If your sleeping bag has a mummy hood, use it. Otherwise, wear a beanie. |
| Clothing | Wear dry clothes. Wool or synthetic long underwear is a good choice. |
| Some people suggest wearing minimal clothing to allow your body's radiant heat exchange to warm up the bag. | |
| Others suggest wearing more clothing to add insulation. | |
| If wearing more clothing, ensure the layers are loose and non-constricting to allow good circulation. | |
| If wearing fewer clothes, consider using a sleeping bag liner to keep the bag clean and add warmth. | |
| If wearing more clothes, consider placing the next day's clothing inside the bag to warm it up. | |
| Drink and eat | Avoid drinking too much liquid before bed to minimise the need to pee during the night. |
| Eat a snack before bed, such as complex carbohydrates or energy bars, for a steady supply of energy. | |
| Sleeping arrangements | If camping with a partner, use sleeping bags that zip together or use a couple-size bag to share body warmth. |
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What You'll Learn
Wear a hat and socks
When preparing for a cold night in a sleeping bag, it is important to consider wearing a hat and socks to bed. While it is not true that a significant amount of body heat is lost through the head, any exposed body part will lose heat. Therefore, it is a good idea to cover your head, especially if your sleeping bag does not have a mummy hood. A fleece hat, beanie, or a woollen hat will do the trick.
Wearing socks to bed is also highly recommended. Merino wool socks are an excellent option, as they will keep your feet warm and are less likely to cause blisters on long hikes. They are also ideal because they can absorb a lot of water without feeling wet, so you don't have to worry about damp socks in the morning.
Some people prefer to sleep in just their underwear or base layers in a sleeping bag, as it allows their arms and legs to touch, facilitating radiant heat exchange. However, if you are hiking for multiple days, you may prefer to wear clothes to keep your sleeping bag clean. In this case, it is a good idea to wear a lightweight base layer that you can also use for extra warmth around the camp in the evenings and early mornings.
If you are camping in extremely cold weather, you may want to consider wearing thermal socks and a hat, along with other insulating layers, to ensure you retain as much body heat as possible.
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Exercise before bed
While it was previously believed that exercising before bed negatively impacts sleep, recent studies have found that this is not the case. In fact, some research has shown that exercise can reduce the amount of time it takes to fall asleep, as well as increase sleep time and quality. However, it is important to note that vigorous exercise within an hour of bedtime can have the opposite effect, increasing heart rate, body temperature, and adrenaline. Therefore, it is recommended to stick to low-impact exercises and gentle stretching before bed.
- Standing Quad Stretch: This stretch targets the quads, the large muscle group at the front of the thighs. From a standing position, bend your right knee and hold your ankle or foot with your right hand behind you. Gently pull your foot toward your buttocks until you feel a stretch in the front of your thigh. Hold for 30 seconds, then lower your leg and repeat three times before switching sides.
- Standing Calf Stretch: The calves are another area that tends to be neglected. To stretch them, stand nice and tall and keep your legs straight. Gently bend your right knee and lean forward, keeping your left leg straight and your heel on the floor. You should feel the stretch in your calf. Hold for 30 seconds, then switch sides and repeat.
- Upper Back Stretch: This stretch works the rhomboids and trapezius muscles of your upper back and helps alleviate discomfort or pain in the shoulder blades. Stand tall and inhale as you open your arms out wide. Exhale as you cross your arms, placing your right arm over your left and then your left over your right to give yourself a hug. Breathe deeply as you use your hands to draw your shoulders forward. Hold this stretch for 30 seconds, then inhale to open your arms back open wide. Exhale and repeat with your left arm on top.
In addition to these stretches, some light exercises such as sit-ups can help your body produce a little extra warmth if you're trying to stay warm in a sleeping bag. Just be sure not to overdo it to the point of breaking a sweat.
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Sleep naked
Sleeping naked in a sleeping bag has its proponents, but it is generally agreed that it is not the best idea. The human body has a Clo value of zero, meaning that sleeping with clothes on will keep you warmer than sleeping without them. This is because clothes add an extra layer of insulation that traps hot air and keeps it close to your body.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. Firstly, if all of your clothes are wet, it is better to sleep naked. This is because wearing wet clothing will compromise the insulation in your sleeping bag as the heat from your body dries the clothes. The moisture in your clothes will be trapped by the sleeping bag's insulation, reducing its effectiveness. In this case, sleeping naked will prevent the moisture from your clothes from degrading the insulation in your sleeping bag.
Secondly, if you wear too much clothing to bed, you can over-compress the insulation in your sleeping bag, reducing the amount of warm air it can trap. In this case, it may be better to sleep with fewer clothes on or with just your underwear, as this will prevent the insulation from becoming compressed.
Thirdly, if you wear very tight-fitting clothing to bed, this can reduce blood circulation to your extremities and make them feel colder. In this case, sleeping naked or with looser clothing would be a better option.
Finally, some people may prefer to sleep naked for comfort reasons. For example, after a long day of hiking, some people may not want to feel constricted by their clothing while they sleep. In this case, sleeping naked or in loose-fitting clothing can provide a more comfortable option.
Overall, while there are some exceptions and personal preferences, it is generally recommended to sleep with at least a base layer or long underwear on while using a sleeping bag to maximize warmth.
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Wear thermals
While some people believe that sleeping naked in a sleeping bag will keep you warmer, this is a myth. The idea is that your arms and legs can touch each other, allowing for radiant heat exchange between them. However, overall heat loss from your body will be less when you have additional layers on inside the bag.
Wearing thermals or long underwear in a sleeping bag will keep you warmer than sleeping naked. Thermals act as an extra layer of insulation, trapping hot air and keeping it close to your body. This is the same principle as a house, which has insulation to prevent heat from escaping in cold weather.
It is important to wear the right type of thermals. They should be loose-fitting to prevent a loss of circulation and help trap warmer air near the surface of your skin. They should also be made from a breathable fabric, so as not to trap sweat, which can degrade the insulation in your sleeping bag.
It is also important to remember that wearing too many layers in a sleeping bag can be counterproductive. If you wear so much extra clothing that you compress the insulation in the sleeping bag, you will reduce the amount of warm air it can trap.
In addition to thermals, you can also wear a hat, socks, and extra layers on your body, but avoid putting on so many layers that you isolate your core from your extremities, which get cold more easily.
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Use a sleeping bag liner
Sleeping bag liners are a great way to improve your sleeping bag's warmth, cleanliness, and comfort. They are lightweight inserts that act as a sheet for your sleeping bag, and they come in various types and materials.
Firstly, sleeping bag liners can add a little extra warmth to your setup, especially in humid conditions. Synthetic liners, such as those made with CoolMax®, are moisture-wicking and breathable, making them ideal for humid climates. Insulated liners, such as those made with Thermolite®, can add a significant amount of warmth, up to 25°F, and dry 50% faster than cotton. If you're expecting extremely cold temperatures, a fleece liner is a good option to add considerable warmth, although it will also add weight. Silk liners offer a balance between warmth and weight, being lightweight and providing a little extra warmth.
Secondly, liners are excellent for keeping your sleeping bag clean. They help keep dirt, body oils, and grime from building up in your sleeping bag, making it easier to maintain and prolonging its lifespan. This is especially useful if you're travelling or backpacking and don't have easy access to laundry facilities. Liners are also useful when sleeping in questionable or shared bedding, providing a clean and comfortable barrier.
Thirdly, liners can enhance your comfort while sleeping. Some people find the feel of their skin on the nylon shell of a sleeping bag uncomfortable, and a liner can provide a softer, more familiar sensation akin to sheets at home. Mummy-shaped liners are designed to slip inside your sleeping bag, following the contours of your body, while rectangular liners can be used on their own or inside a rectangular sleeping bag, offering more room to move around.
When choosing a liner, consider factors such as weight, warmth, comfort, and ease of laundering. While liners can add extra weight to your pack, they can also help you pack lighter by keeping your sleeping bag clean, reducing the need for frequent laundering. Additionally, if you're a restless sleeper, consider a liner with some stretch for added comfort.
Sleeping bag liners are a versatile and useful addition to your camping or travelling setup, providing warmth, cleanliness, and comfort. They are an excellent way to improve your sleeping experience and get the most out of your sleeping bag.
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Frequently asked questions
It is generally recommended to wear clothes in your sleeping bag, as this will help you retain heat. The key is to wear the right clothes—base layers made from wool or synthetic materials are good options, as they will keep you warm even if they get wet. It is also important to avoid wearing constricting clothing, as this can restrict blood flow and make you feel colder.
If your clothes are damp, it is best not to wear them in your sleeping bag, as they will cool you down. Instead, try to dry them first or sleep in a separate base layer. You can also use a sleeping bag liner to keep your bag clean and add extra warmth.
There are several ways to stay warm in your sleeping bag without wearing lots of layers. Firstly, make sure you are well-fed and hydrated before bed, as your body needs fuel to produce heat. You can also try doing some light exercise to warm up your body, but be careful not to break a sweat. If your sleeping bag has a hood, use it to prevent heat loss from your head. Finally, if you are camping with a partner, consider using bags that zip together to share body heat.
