The KEY To Warm Winter Camping

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Want to try Winter Camping but don't want to spend big money on a zero degree or warmer sleeping bag? I can show you how you can be warm while winter camping using gear you probably already have. Even if you have never been winter camping before you can use these tips to help you stay warm and safe.

Please keep in mind that extreme cold camping requires some experience as well as additional insulation for your head and face. Also keep in mind that no sleep system will insulate properly without an adequately rated sleeping pad. If you use this information to camp at temperatures below freezing you do so at your own risk.

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[MyLifeOutdoors]

Correction: The Xtherm does not have the highest R-Value on the market. But to the best of my knowledge it has the highest warmth to weight ratio.

[andredeketeleastutecomplex]

As a homeless guy I've been layering my sleep system for years. I use a reactor xtreme in my husky -26C sleeping bag, and fixed my cold feet problem by keeping my ski trousers around my underlegs. For the rest I recommend buffs and beanies made from merino whool. A sweater at the bottom of the sleeping bag can also help in addition to filling excess space in your sleeping bag with clothing (but keep some room to trap air). Keeping some handwarming heatpads from decathlon in your luggage can be very helpful too when it gets colder than anticipated. But remember that what's best to keep you warm is fast calories.

[TheJohnreeves]

I like the idea that "most people don't know you can put on another blanket to get warmer" :)
But it's good to know the specifics / not to compress things.

[greysonosterberg]

You’re the only person I’ve watched who teaches skills so technically. I love it, it clicks in my head way better. Thank you!

[peterhewitson]

That got me thinking, I had a quilt for my hammock but never thought about taking it and layering with the sleeping bag , thanks so much . Pete western Australia 👌👌😎😎

[deannilvalli]

In fact, sleeping bags come in different sizes and widths. I have had no trouble putting a lofty down bag inside a roomier synthetic bag, and the effects were fantastic. The down is kept dry by the wicking of the synthetic bag, and if hte ziipers are offset with each other, you don't get cold spots. I had 2 sleeping pads as well. This set up was fine in -25°C for a few weeks above the Arctic Circle.

[emkro]

I love the formula of short, 5-6 minute videos. You put the same amount of information into them as most of youtubers would in 20-30 minute.

[danielhurst]

You can layer sleeping bags, I've done it for decades. The key is either one bag must be much smaller, or the inner bag is not down sleeping bag. Some sleeping bags compress very little, so they can be the inner bag. Plus, your ground insulation does not have to be outside your bag. Wool blankets do not compress (to any meaningful amount) so you can have it under you for warmth when you sleep, plus use it outside when you are at camp. Another layer is especially valuable if you are glassing, as you are not moving, so you are not generating body heat. Then you use that glassing blanket to help with insulation at night.
Even cheap small down blankets can be useful as a layering device, CostCo often sells them and for less than $100 you have a small versatile blanket, just don't lay on top of it, but having it wrapped around your body, inside your sleeping bag can add several degrees to your bag's comfort level.

[midlifetravelers]

You are the first person, in all my YouTube watching, that talks about layering for sleeping bags and pads. Very interesting! I've had all the equipment all along, but never knew it. I figured because I had a bag only rated at 20degrees, I would freeze. Now I'm excited about cold weather camping again. Thanks!!

[helpfulcommenter]

My personal favorite solution for any camping below 30ºF is: Wait till Spring :)

[thatkippy]

You could also try making a sleep pad by arm crocheting with plastic shopping bags. A local volunteer group makes them for the homeless during winter where I live.

[hawkins]

I use a down blanket in between myself and my quilt. My 60 dollar blanket and 120 dollar quilt get me well below freezing. And the best part is the blanket has clasps to turn into a poncho so when I wake up I don't dread getting up as much.

I find sleeping in winter to be warm, but those mornings man

[ICantBelieveItsNotJesus]

I don't know what the Army uses now but when I was in we had the modular sleep system.

It consisted of two different sleeping bags and a gore tex bivy. I'd use my woobie as a pillow or if needed, an extra layer of warmth.

In Korea, this system proved itself to me. With temps well into the negatives, on the side of mountains covered in snow, and laying directly on the ground, were some of the best nights of sleep I have ever experienced.

It wasn't light, but it kept us warm and acted as our tent while being absolutely mission critical in cold weather settings.

[dangaspar]

Layered pads for a couple of years, and added a silk liner for my bag. Good down to 10F even in a 20F bag.

[returningtoearthtv]

Another secret weapon against the cold is a Nalgene bottle filled with boiling water thrown into the sleeping bag/quilt situation a few minutes before you dive in. THe pre warm is key! And the bottle can be stored at the feet or up on your belly or wherever you need it. Some folks use two - one for the feet the other for the belly. Make sure you don’t have metal zippers on your PJs anywhere as they can heat up and burn you if they come in contact with the hot Nalgene.

[gefginn]

Great post my friend. I appreciate all the information you are sharing here. 🏃‍♂️

[JesperNap]

Agreed! Add proper nutrition and mindset to this and you'll never be cold again.

[miken]

Being from Texas, I have to defer to your knowledge. I have handled down to 17F in a hammock with regular down blanket, 20F underquilt, and I wear my layers. For layering, I wear down puffy ski pants and down puffy jacket, plus clothes and thermal base layer. Wearing warm clothes to sleep is handy when I have to get up in the middle of the night to pee. I have also stuck one of those "Hot Hands" hand warmers in my groin overnight. There are major arteries passing through the groin and warmers heats up the blood passing throughout my body. Plus it keeps my balls from freezing off.

[sk-wxcf]

I have been layering for a long time. I like to put a down blanket inside my sleeping bag. Very cozy. Adds a lot more warmth than a liner and does not get all tangled up.

[CornishColin]

A good meal before sleeping really helps too - digestion is exothermic. Usually a slightly fatty meal like cheese, sausages or something with olive oil etc can really keep you warm as your body slowly digests it through the night. An old mountaineering tip ..