Herbie Murray
Sleeping bags are an essential part of camping gear, providing warmth and comfort during outdoor adventures. However, using a sleeping bag properly is crucial to ensure a good night's rest. The key to staying warm in a sleeping bag is understanding how to minimise heat loss. This involves choosing the right sleeping bag, using a liner for added insulation, wearing dry clothes, covering your head, and selecting an appropriate campsite and sleeping pad to prevent heat loss through conduction. Additionally, maintaining and caring for your sleeping bag is important, including regular washing, proper storage, and handling zippers with care. Knowing how to pack your sleeping bag efficiently for backpacking or camping trips is also part of using your sleeping bag correctly.
Characteristics and Values of Proper Sleeping Bag Use
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleeping bag type | Mummy-shaped bags are the norm for mountain conditions as they trap air for insulation. Rectangular bags are cheaper but not suitable for mountains. |
| Sleeping bag liner | A liner can add warmth and keep the bag cleaner. Cotton liners are great for humid climates. Synthetic liners can be used as standalone bags. |
| Sleeping pad | A sleeping pad is necessary to insulate you from the ground. Closed-cell foam mats are light but bulky and less insulating. Inflated mats are more comfortable and insulating. |
| Tent | A tent keeps warmth from escaping and protects against windchill. |
| Campsite | Pick a natural windbreak like a stand of trees to reduce heat loss. |
| Clothing | Wear dry clothes and a hat. Avoid too many layers that isolate your core. |
| Food and drink | Eat a high-carb, high-fat snack before bed and drink something hot and sugary. |
| Exercise | Do some light exercise before bed to generate body heat. |
| Sleeping bag care | Air out your bag daily and after a trip. Wash periodically with non-detergent soap. Dry on low heat and store in a cool, dry place. |
| Packing | Pack the sleeping pad first, then the bag. Compress the bag and use a waterproof stuff sack if rain is expected. |
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What You'll Learn
- How to stay warm: add a liner, insulating pad, and wear dry clothes?
- Sleeping bag care: how to wash, dry and store your bag
- Sleeping bag shapes: mummy-shaped bags are best for mountains
- How to pack: use a compression stuff sack to save space?
- How to zip: be patient with two-way zippers, practice at home?
How to stay warm: add a liner, insulating pad, and wear dry clothes
Staying warm in a sleeping bag requires you 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, and help you preserve body heat as you sleep.
A bag liner can add 5 to 15 degrees of warmth to your bag and help keep it clean. Liners are made from various materials, including cotton, synthetic fabrics, Thermolite, fleece, wool, or premium silk. They can also include a layer of bug repellent, which is ideal if you're camping in areas with lots of mosquitoes or other biting insects.
An insulating pad is essential to place between you and the cold, hard ground. Your sleeping bag cannot insulate you from the ground beneath you, so an insulating pad is necessary to prevent heat loss through conduction. The Nemo Tensor Insulated pad is a good option for side sleepers, effective down to 2 to 7°C (35 to 45°F). If you're using a short air mattress or foam pad, you can also place your empty pack beneath your feet to insulate them from the ground.
Wearing dry clothes is crucial for staying warm. Moisture evaporates and siphons off heat, so always sleep in dry clothing. Wool or synthetic long underwear is a good choice for sleepwear. Additionally, if your bag has a mummy hood, use it to cover your head, as heat escapes through any exposed body parts. If your bag doesn't have a hood, consider using a hooded sleeping bag liner or a knit hat.
By combining these strategies of using a liner and insulating pad, wearing dry clothes, and covering your head, you can effectively retain body heat and stay warm in your sleeping bag.
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Sleeping bag care: how to wash, dry and store your bag
To keep your sleeping bag in good condition, it's important to wash, dry and store it properly. Here are some tips to help you do that:
Washing
Before washing your sleeping bag, check the seams, zippers and drawcords to ensure they are in good condition. If you've been camping, make sure to unzip the bag and air it out to ensure it's completely dry before washing. When washing, use a gentle, non-detergent soap made for washing down- and synthetic-filled items. You can wash your bag by hand or by machine, but never use a top-loading machine with an agitator as this can strain or rip the seams. Instead, use a front-loading machine or wash your bag by hand in a bathtub with cool or warm water. If using a machine, zip up all zippers before washing and select a delicate wash cycle with a temperature of no higher than 40°C/100°F. If washing by hand, knead the bag in the water to force the water through the fabric. Drain the water, then carefully roll up the bag to squeeze out the excess water. Refill the tub with clean water and repeat this process until there are no more suds.
Drying
Drying your sleeping bag can take a while, especially if it's a down bag. Synthetic bags will dry quicker, usually taking at least an hour, while down bags can take several hours. If using a tumble dryer, set it to low heat or 'delicates' and place the sleeping bag inside a large cotton sack to protect it. If drying without a tumble dryer, lay the bag flat on a clean surface in an area with low humidity and no direct sunlight, or hang it up, being careful to distribute the weight so as not to put too much stress on the fabric. To speed up the drying process and prevent clumping in down bags, put a couple of clean tennis balls into the tumble dryer or laundry sack.
Storing
Once your sleeping bag is completely dry, you can store it. Do not store your bag compressed in its stuff sack as this will damage the fill over time. Instead, store it loosely in a large cotton or mesh storage sack, or use a large pillowcase or a cotton bag that you've sewn yourself.
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Sleeping bag shapes: mummy-shaped bags are best for mountains
When preparing for a camping trip, it's important to consider the conditions you'll be facing and the type of sleeping bag that will best suit your needs. If you're planning a trip to the mountains, a mummy-shaped sleeping bag is the best option for staying warm and comfortable.
Mummy-shaped sleeping bags are specifically designed for mountain conditions. They are shaped to trap air for insulation, making them highly effective in cold environments. The bag's tapered design minimises the amount of internal air, making it easier to warm up and maintain warmth. This is especially important in mountainous areas where temperatures can drop significantly at night.
The distinctive shape of a mummy bag also offers greater efficiency in terms of weight and packing size. They are typically lighter than rectangular bags, making them ideal for backpacking and hiking. Their compact size means they take up less space in your pack, leaving room for other essential gear. This weight and space-saving advantage can make a significant difference when traversing challenging mountain terrain.
Mummy bags usually feature a zip and drawstring, allowing you to tighten the top around your body. This feature helps retain heat and prevents it from escaping through the top of the bag. It also ensures that your head remains covered, which is crucial for retaining body heat, as heat loss through the head can be significant. Additionally, mummy bags often include a built-in hood, providing extra warmth and protection from the cold.
While mummy-shaped sleeping bags excel in warmth and weight considerations, they may not be the preferred choice for everyone. Some people find them restrictive, particularly those who tend to move around or toss and turn during sleep. The close-fitting design can feel confining for side sleepers or those who experience claustrophobia. In such cases, a rectangular bag or a specialised backpacking quilt may offer a more comfortable alternative, providing more room to shift positions without sacrificing too much warmth.
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How to pack: use a compression stuff sack to save space
When packing a sleeping bag, it's important to consider the type of bag you're using and the space you have available. If you're using a down sleeping bag, it's crucial to keep it dry, as wet down will not maintain warmth and is challenging to dry. A compression stuff sack can be an excellent solution for saving space and protecting your sleeping bag.
Compression sacks are stuff sacks with straps that allow you to compress a larger sack into a smaller size. They come in various sizes, styles, and weights, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs. It is recommended to get a bag with a looser fit to avoid over-compressing the sleeping bag, which can damage the insulation. Some sleeping bags even come with a compression sack included.
To use a compression stuff sack effectively, follow these steps:
- Start with the footbox: Grab the end of the sleeping bag and stuff it from bottom to top. This method prevents the bag from getting twisted or wrapped tightly around itself, reducing the risk of tears.
- Keep stuffing: Push the sleeping bag in as far as you can, adding more with each handful. Avoid rolling or folding, as this can create creases that lead to cold spots and wear out the insulation over time.
- Compress: Once everything is inside, pull the loose straps evenly over the ends. You can press your knee into the sack as you pull the straps to make it easier. Tighten the straps until they are all evenly tight.
- Add extra gear: If needed, you can place soft gear, like pillows, pajamas, or extra clothes, inside the compression sack to save even more space. Just be sure to distribute the weight correctly, with the heaviest gear in the middle of the pack.
Using a compression stuff sack is a simple and effective way to save space when packing your sleeping bag. It's important to choose the right size and avoid over-compressing the bag to maintain its insulation. With this method, you can confidently fit your sleeping bag into your backpack without taking up too much valuable space.
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How to zip: be patient with two-way zippers, practice at home
When it comes to zipping up your sleeping bag, it's important to be patient, especially if it has a two-way zipper. These zippers can sometimes snag or come apart, which can be frustrating, especially if you're trying to zip up in a dark tent. To avoid this, take some time to familiarise yourself with the zipper at home. Practise zipping it up and down, so you get a feel for how it works. This will make it easier when you're out camping and need to zip up your sleeping bag with ease.
It's also a good idea to set some ground rules for yourself and others when using your sleeping bag. For example, if you lend your sleeping bag to a friend, show them how the zippers work and ask them to use a liner. By taking the time to understand and care for your sleeping bag, you can ensure a more comfortable and frustration-free experience when you're out in the great outdoors.
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Frequently asked questions
To stay warm in a sleeping bag, you should defend against the major sources of heat loss. Use a bag liner, an insulating pad, a tent, and choose an appropriate campsite to help reduce the heat-sapping effects of radiation, conduction, and convection. You should also avoid sneaky types of heat loss by wearing dry clothes, covering your head, and emptying your bladder before you sleep.
When packing your sleeping bag, it is important to protect it from water. You can use a waterproof stuff sack or rucksack, or use a pack cover and line the interior of your pack with a trash compactor bag. If you are using a stuff sack, do not roll the sleeping bag up first—instead, stuff it in from the bottom.
You should never permanently store a sleeping bag by compressing it. Only compress your sleeping bag into a stuff sack for camping trips or hiking adventures. To store your sleeping bag, first air it out and then loosely pack it into a cotton or mesh sleeping bag storage sack. Store it on a shelf in a cool, dry place.
