Colin Snow
When it comes to camping, getting a good night's sleep is essential, and choosing the right sleeping bag is crucial. But what about what goes underneath your sleeping bag? Whether you're car camping or backpacking, weight and space considerations will impact your decision. Some options include a simple mat, a mini air mattress, or a sleeping pad. If you're car camping, you have more flexibility to choose plush and roomy options, while backpacking requires a focus on lightweight and compact gear. Additionally, the temperature ratings of your sleeping bag and the climate you'll be camping in will influence your choice of base layer.
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping mats or mini air mattresses
When choosing a sleeping mat or mini air mattress, consider the following factors:
- Warmth: Select a product with an R-value suitable for the conditions you expect. The R-value indicates the insulation capacity of the pad, with higher values indicating greater insulation. For example, the Z Lite Sol pad has an R-value of 2.6, making it an effective insulator for its size.
- Size and Weight: If you're car camping, size and weight may not be as much of a concern, allowing you to choose thicker and larger options. However, if you're backpacking, consider ultralight pads or closed-cell foam pads, which offer a good balance between weight and insulation.
- Ease of Inflation: Look for pads with high-volume inflation and deflation valves that speed up airflow. Some pads have alternative inflation methods, such as pump sacks or integrated hand pumps, which can save you from having to inflate the pad manually.
- Durability: Opt for mats or air mattresses made with sturdy materials that can withstand punctures and damage from sharp surfaces.
- Comfort: Consider the thickness and firmness of the pad. Some pads offer customisable firmness by allowing you to adjust the amount of air inside. Textured or brushed-fabric surfaces can also enhance comfort and keep you from sliding off the pad during restless nights.
- LuxuryMap Pad: This pad offers a soft yet sturdy top fabric and a hardy bottom fabric that protects against punctures and dirt. It is easy to set up and take down, making it a convenient choice.
- Z Lite Sol Pad: With an R-value of 2.6, this pad is an effective insulator despite its relatively thin profile. It is lightweight and comfortable, making it a good option for backpackers.
- MegaMat Duo Mat: This double sleeping pad has an impressive R-value of 8.1, making it suitable for all four seasons. It provides excellent stability and comfort, even for side sleepers or pregnant individuals. The soft polyester outer fabric repels dirt and moisture, ensuring durability.
- Self-Inflating Budget ALPS Brand Pad: This option, priced around $30-$40, is a favourite among campers. It is quick to set up and provides decent comfort.
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Clothing: thermals, socks, jackets, pants, and base layers
There are differing opinions on whether to wear clothes underneath a sleeping bag. Some believe that sleeping with minimal clothing will keep you warmer, while others argue that jackets, pants, and base layers are necessary for warmth. The decision depends on your outdoor experience, the time of year, and personal preference.
If you decide to wear clothing underneath your sleeping bag, it is important to choose the right materials and layers. Here are some tips for selecting the appropriate clothing:
Thermals: Thermal layers are essential if you expect cold temperatures. Merino wool or synthetic long underwear can help keep you warm. Merino wool is a popular choice for its warmth and comfort, even when sleeping in grubby conditions. Silk is another option for a lightweight and compact thermal layer.
Socks: It is recommended to wear socks, especially if your feet tend to get cold. Wool or synthetic socks are best for warmth, and you can always remove them if your feet get too hot.
Jackets: A down jacket can provide extra warmth, especially if you plan to spend time outside before sleeping. It can double as a pillow to keep your head warm, especially if it has a hood.
Pants: Long pants or leggings can provide warmth and comfort, especially if you don't want your legs to feel sticky or grubby. Merino wool or synthetic materials are good choices.
Base layers: A base layer is essential, especially if you plan to be active during the day. It can help regulate your body temperature and manage moisture. Merino wool or synthetic materials are recommended.
Remember, the key to staying warm is to avoid heat loss. This can be achieved by wearing dry, moisture-wicking clothing, covering your head, and managing your fluid intake before bed. Additionally, a sleeping bag liner can add extra warmth and protect your bag from getting dirty.
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Sleeping bag shape: rectangular, semi-rectangular, or mummy
When choosing what to use below your sleeping bag, you should consider the type of sleeping bag you have, as well as factors such as the temperature, your sleeping style, and whether you will be camping or backpacking.
Rectangular sleeping bags are spacious and comfortable, allowing for more freedom of movement, which is ideal for those who move a lot in their sleep or prefer different sleeping positions. They can be bulky, so they are more suitable for car camping rather than hiking.
Semi-rectangular sleeping bags, also known as "modified mummy" or "barrel" shapes, offer a compromise between warmth and roominess. They have a slightly tapered shoulder area to prevent draughts, while providing a little more room than mummy bags around the feet. This style is a good option for campers who want more warmth than a rectangular bag but find mummy bags too restrictive.
Mummy bags are tapered towards the feet, wider at the shoulders, and narrower at the feet, resembling a mummy’s shape. They are excellent insulators in cool conditions due to their draught-resistant design and optimal warmth-to-weight ratio. Mummy bags are lightweight and packable, making them a popular choice for backpackers and hikers who need to save space. However, the form-fitting design can feel restrictive, particularly for those who sleep on their sides or move around a lot.
When using a rectangular or semi-rectangular sleeping bag, a sleeping mat or mini air mattress can provide additional comfort and insulation from the ground. If you have a mummy bag, you may not need additional padding as the bag already provides insulation, but a thin mat can still be useful to protect from the ground.
Other factors to consider when preparing for a good night's sleep outdoors include wearing appropriate base layers, bringing a hot water bottle, and eating before getting into your sleeping bag.
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Sleeping bag insulation: down or synthetic
When choosing a sleeping bag, one of the first steps is to consider the insulation type. The two main options are down and synthetic insulation. Down sleeping bags are made from the soft, wispy plumage found underneath the exterior feathers of waterfowl, such as geese and ducks. Synthetic sleeping bags, on the other hand, get their insulation capabilities from man-made materials, usually some form of polyester fibre that mimics the natural lofting and insulating properties of down.
There are several factors to consider when deciding between down and synthetic insulation for your sleeping bag. Firstly, down sleeping bags are known for their excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, making them a preferred choice for backpackers and trekkers who need to conserve weight. Down bags are also highly compressible, making them ideal for situations where pack space is limited. Additionally, down bags are typically more comfortable as they adjust better to temperature fluctuations.
However, one of the biggest disadvantages of down is its performance when wet. When down gets wet, the feathers stick together, causing it to lose its loft and insulating properties. It also takes a long time to dry completely. Synthetic sleeping bags, in comparison, are less absorbent and retain some insulation even when wet. Synthetic insulation dries faster than down and is generally considered superior in terms of water resistance.
Another factor to consider is the ethical aspect of down insulation. The process of harvesting down can be controversial, and it is important to research and choose sleeping bags from reputable companies with ethical standards. Synthetic sleeping bags, on the other hand, do not have the same ethical concerns as they are made from man-made materials.
Lastly, synthetic insulation will generally be more affordable than high-quality down. However, synthetic bags may not last as long as down bags, as they can lose their loft over time with many uses.
In summary, both down and synthetic insulation have their advantages and disadvantages. Down sleeping bags offer superior warmth-to-weight ratios, compressibility, and comfort, while synthetic bags excel in water resistance and affordability. Ethical considerations and longevity may also play a role in your decision. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences.
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Sleeping bag temperature rating
The temperature rating of a sleeping bag is an important factor in choosing the right one for your needs. The rating is an estimate of the lowest temperature at which the bag will keep you warm. It is based on an "average sleeper" and is meant to be a guideline for comparison between different bags.
There are a few things to keep in mind when considering the temperature rating of a sleeping bag. Firstly, it is based on lab testing, which uses a test dummy dressed in base layers and a sleeping pad. While this ensures consistency across brands, it does not account for individual variations, such as clothing, body type, and weather conditions. Therefore, it is important to consider your own needs and preferences when choosing a bag.
Secondly, the temperature rating is just one factor in the overall warmth of your sleeping system. The type of sleeping pad and liner you use, as well as your clothing and the environmental conditions, will also impact how warm you feel. A good rule of thumb is to choose a bag with a rating slightly lower than the coldest temperature you expect to encounter. This will ensure that you have enough warmth and can always unzip the bag if you get too warm.
Additionally, the shape of the sleeping bag also affects its warmth. Mummy bags, for example, have a snug fit to boost warmth and cut weight, while rectangular bags offer more room to move around but may not be as warm.
Finally, there is ongoing debate about whether to sleep with more or fewer layers of clothing inside a sleeping bag. Some argue that sleeping with minimal clothing allows the bag to do its job, while others find that using additional layers helps boost warmth. The best approach may depend on your outdoor experience and the time of year you typically camp.
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Frequently asked questions
The two main options are a mat or a mini air mattress. If you're camping in temperatures of 40°F-60°F, you can get either of these options for under $40.
There are two schools of thought on this. Some say you will be warmer if you sleep with as few clothes on as possible, while others believe you should use jackets, pants, and base layers to boost warmth. If you're wearing clothes, make sure they're the right fabric—breathable polyester underwear is recommended.
This depends on the season and your personal preference. Rectangular sleeping bags are great for summer camping as they allow plenty of room for your legs and arms to stretch out, but they are less effective at retaining heat. Mummy-style sleeping bags are better for warmth and weight but have a snug fit. If you're car camping, you can go for a warmer and roomier bag, whereas if you're backpacking, you'll want a lighter and more compact bag.
Pick a sleeping bag with a lower temperature rating than the lowest nighttime temperature you expect to encounter. You can always unzip the bag if you get too hot. The comfort rating indicates the temperature at which a cold sleeper might feel comfortable, and the lower limit rating indicates the temperature at which a warm sleeper might still be comfortable.
Consider the shape of the bag and whether you want a double sleeping bag or a single one. Double sleeping bags are designed for two people but can also be used by a single person who wants more room. Also, think about the type of insulation—down insulation is lightweight and very warm, but synthetic insulation is more resistant to moisture and less expensive.
