Understanding BACKPACKING and CAMPING Sleep Systems! | Miranda in the Wild

Getting a good night's sleep at camp is everything - but it's kind of a delicate process for finding the best sleeping bag and pad for you! This video covers what makes up a "sleep system" for backpacking or camping, and how to understand the different ratings on your sleeping bag and sleeping pad. Temperature ratings for sleeping bags and R-values of sleeping pads can be a little confusing. Hopefully after watching this you'll be able to pick out the best sleeping bag and sleeping pad for your next trip!

What is a sleep system: 0:27
Sleeping bags explained: 1:18
Sleeping pads explained: 4:08

*NOTE: The REI Joule 20 women's sleeping bag was referenced as a recommended option for 3-season backpacking or camping in this video, but this bag is no longer available. Check out the below options as great alternatives to the Joule:

In this video:

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[andysaverageoutdoor]

Miranda, I think you’re the most relatable “backpacking YouTube personality”. Love the non-pretentious approach of your channel. Fun fact, when I was in the Army we commonly referred to our sleeping bags as fart-sacks 😁

[edwardcarutis]

Deserves her own show gosh darn it. She is cute, funny, and has good information. But also the editing is great with all the pop ups and sound affects. Very entertaining.

[m_a_r_i_a_h]

I LOVE THIS CHANNEL. I always learn something new no matter how many times I’ve been camping. I love the tech specs turned into info that’s actually retainable. Thank you so much Miranda for having this channel. I feel like I have my own personal REI consultant!!!! Appreciate this channel so much. Have a beautiful day!

[redunicorn]

I'm just in love with this channel and Miranda in the wild 😂 it's a serious account for a big business and there you all are, farting and burping and being utterly charming whilst also being informative 😂

[whatupsun]

This is Miranda's show gosh, darn!

[stellarxgurl]

Only 8 minutes? I need more Miranda in the Wild 💕

[glendacrouch]

I absolutely love REI and it is totally because of you Miranda! You are extremely informative and it is your personality that keeps people watching. You keeping it realistic! Thank you REI for Miranda’s videos and your wonderful backpacking supplies! We love them!

[dgrfsthrgsergwrtghasefq]

A lager sized or longer sleeping bag than what they suggest for your height can be used to store clothing you wear at your feet so they are not freezing cold to put on in the morning or the middle of the night (or water filter, batteries, shoes anything you do not want to freeze if freezing temps). Great for winter/cold weather camping.

[TheHumanFlag]

Gotta talk up those sleeping bag liners! I love my liners wether it’s hot or cold. Obviously the insulated ones are great for the extra warmth, but even when it’s warm a non insulated one just feels great against the skin!

[elund]

R-1 is the insulating value of 1 inch of clear pine, so a coffin would probably have a value of R-1/2.

[paulbier]

Her bubbly personality makes these videos fun.. Plus, they're really informative

[ThereGoesDan]

I'd love to see some of the technical stuff: the parts of your tent and how to set it up, basic navigation or basic first aid, how to plan out a trail, etc

[backpacker]

Great vid. For those not interested in having a massive collection of sleep gear, I personally get by pretty well with:

- 20 degree bag (or quilt - I prefer a quilt) - you can always zip it open on warmer nights or thow a leg out
- a liner (I like silk, but fleece or microfiber are also really good)
- TWO pads - one uninsulated with an R value around 2-3 and one insulated with an R value of 5-6

These combined with a puffy jacket, a good thermal base layer, and a warm pair of clean dry socks, will keep most people comfortable down to about 20 degrees all the way up to warm summer nights. If you plan to do a lot of camping in near zero lows, or snow camping, I'd recommend adding a synthetic mummy bag rated below zero (mine is for -20 survival rating).

Don't make the mistake I did and wait until you almost die of hypothermia in the back country overnight before investing in sleep insulation. (slight exaggeration, but only slight)

[asmith]

3rd video I've watched from her...have to stop...I think I'm falling in love!

[backwoodstrails]

Great job on this video. Thank you for explaining conductive heat loss - Too many people think their sleeping bag is enough to insulate them against conductive heat loss from the cold ground. Regarding comfort - I do believe a side sleeper will benefit from a thicker pad (R-Value aside) while a back sleeper will be fine with a thinner pad (R-Value aside).

[hectoralers]

Just discovered you and your crazy fun humor and tech talk. What a joy! I will be back!

[gnmatsu]

LOL. Knew all the information but still entertaining. How fun. Thanks for the Monday smiles.

[ainzfern]

I’ve learned so much from you binging your channel, Miranda. You’re relatable and informative and you really make me feel included, even though as a heavy lass, I don’t fit the standard hiking/adventure demographic. Keep up the great work!

[lisajohnston]

I have been binge watching your channel all morning. It's now one of my favorites!!!

[KenFernbach]

You give the best usable information and always in such a fun way- I’m a fan!