ActiveOutdoorsCampingCold weather camping hacks: 5 ways to stay snug as a bug in your sleeping bagFrom not wearing too many layers to doubling up your sleeping mat, an outdoor expert shares five hacks to keep the cold at bayWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
ActiveOutdoorsCampingCold weather camping hacks: 5 ways to stay snug as a bug in your sleeping bagFrom not wearing too many layers to doubling up your sleeping mat, an outdoor expert shares five hacks to keep the cold at bayWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
From not wearing too many layers to doubling up your sleeping mat, an outdoor expert shares five hacks to keep the cold at bay
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Nothing will ruin your camping trip quicker than getting cold, especially at night time. During the autumn-winter months, this is almost guaranteed, which is why it’s key to know how to keep yourself warm and toasty in yoursleeping bag, not only for a comfortable night’s sleep, but for your safety too. So, what do you do?
You may be thinking ‘layers, layers, layers’ is the answer but, according to the founder ofThe Outdoor Gear ReviewYouTube Channel, Luke, this isnotwhat you want to do (more on that later). Below are five cold weather camping hacks that he’s shared in a YouTube video that’ll help keep the cold at bay and ensure a cosy night’s sleep.
How to Stay Warm and Safe While Camping in the Cold - Cold Weather Camping Tips - YouTubeWatch On
How to Stay Warm and Safe While Camping in the Cold - Cold Weather Camping Tips - YouTube
How to Stay Warm and Safe While Camping in the Cold - Cold Weather Camping Tips - YouTube
1. Don’t wear too many layers to bed
This may sound counterproductive, but if you wear too many layers to bed you’re at risk of sweating. If you sweat your body will then start to cool down and you’ll be left damp and cold, and will struggle to get warm. “Your sleeping bag should be adequate for the conditions that you’re sleeping in, it should be taking care of you as far as warmth goes, not your clothing,” Luke says in the video. Instead, he recommends getting into your sleeping bag with less clothing then adding layers as you need to.
2. Make your own hot water bottle
(Image credit: Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Hunkering down with a hot water bottle in your sleeping bag is a godsend when camping in the cold. To create your own, all you need is a stainless steel water bottle, some hot water, and voilà! However, instead of cuddling it all night, Luke says that the best area to place it is actually between your legs. “You have numerous arteries down there that will pump blood all over your body,” he says. Just make sure the lid is on tight and, if you’ve popped boiling water in there, wrap it up in something if needs be, so that you don’t burn yourself.
3. Use a face mask
As tempting as it may be to tuck your head into your sleep bag, don’t. Breathing into it is a one-way ticket to create moisture in your sleeping bag so, while it may warm you up temporarily, just like with the layering, you’ll be left feeling cold later on. A Luke says “The death of a sleeping bag is moisture build-up”. Instead, his advice is to keep your face out of your sleeping bag and to wear a face mask, or neck buff instead. This will keep your face warm throughout the night.
4. Assess your sleeping setup
(Image credit: Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Asleeping matis essential for any camping trip because it provides insulation and stops the ground from conducting heat away from your body. However, when camping in the cold, you may want to take additional measures when setting up camp. In his video, Luke suggests having two layers underneath you instead of one, such as a foam mat, and then placing your sleeping mat on top of this. “This works incredibly well and helps with the heat loss from the ground,” he says.
5. Pop hand warmers…in your socks
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
This case turns your iPhone or Android phone into an e-reader, but there’s a catchActually, there are a couple…
Actually, there are a couple…
Traeger’s new Woodridge pellet barbecues have got me excited for grilling seasonTraeger debuts three new wood pellet grills
Traeger debuts three new wood pellet grills
Change my mind: the smaller, the better with portable power stationsPut your portable power station to work when you’re not using it
Put your portable power station to work when you’re not using it
MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack 2 review: Lightweight, storm-proof shelter with room to stretchA superb tent, tweaked to make it perfect for pedal-powered adventurers
A superb tent, tweaked to make it perfect for pedal-powered adventurers
Olpro Stafford 2.0 review: 2-person backpacking tent made from plastic bottlesGood for backpacking couples, this mid-range, 3-season shelter is constructed from recycled trash
Good for backpacking couples, this mid-range, 3-season shelter is constructed from recycled trash
Outdoor chef shares 5 fall camping meals to keep you full and energisedWarm yourself up from the inside out with these hearty autumn recipes
Warm yourself up from the inside out with these hearty autumn recipes
What is bivvying? A night under the stars without the tentWant to take a trip on the wild side? It doesn’t get much wilder than bivvying
Want to take a trip on the wild side? It doesn’t get much wilder than bivvying
7 not-so-obvious items you should never forget for fall camping, according to an outdoor expertGoing on an autumn adventure? You won’t want to forget these
Going on an autumn adventure? You won’t want to forget these
Outdoor chef shares 7 easy camping meals for your next adventureWarning: you’ll be left feeling very hungry
Warning: you’ll be left feeling very hungry
6 gadgets that will transform your camping kitchen for your next outdoor adventureFrom a Cobb cooker, to a travel coffee maker, these six gadgets will elevate your camp kitchen
From a Cobb cooker, to a travel coffee maker, these six gadgets will elevate your camp kitchen
