Last updated on February 9th, 2023 at 05:34 pm
When camping at high altitudes or during winter, staying warm can make or break your experience. Having a warm sleeping bag is not only crucial for comfort, but can also be necessary for survival. To avoid a night filled with chattering teeth, we’ve compiled the best tips on how to increase sleeping bag warmth.
This post will show you how to increase the warmth of your sleeping bag. We will cover insulation methods and unique tricks to get you through the night.
1. Wash Your Used Bag Before the Trip
Firstly, a clean sleeping bag is essential. Over time, moisture and oil from your skin collect in the filling and cause it to clump together.
And, in order for a sleeping bag to insulate you properly, the filling needs to puff up to capture warmth from your body heat. By washing your blanket, you will assist in puffing up the filling and removing dirt and grime.
To wash your sleeping bag correctly, follow these steps:
- Put your sleeping bag in a pillowcase to protect the outer material.
- Be sure to choose a gentle/warm cycle.
- Dry in a tumble dryer on the lowest setting. You can add a dryer ball to help fluff up the filling even more.
- If you don’t have access to a dryer, dry your bag in the sun. Just make sure to shake it or smack it every hour or so to fluff the filling.
2. Add a Liner
In addition, a great way to warm your current sleeping bag is to add a liner. Thermal liners trap warmth and can make a hot-weather bag winter ready.
Liners are easily removed for summer camping or if you get too hot. Plus, silk options are available if you want insulation but don’t want to sweat.
Additionally, you can layer a summer sleeping bag inside a cold weather sleeping bag to greatly increase warmth. Simply fold the summer bag inside your winter bag, and crawl in.
3. Use a Hot Water Bottle
Water bottles can be excellent heating tools… with just a little hot water!
In fact, a standard rubber hot water bottle is best for this because it can pack flat and hold hot water easily. All you have to do is add it to your bag for warmth throughout the night.
Furthermore, a regular water bottle or hydroflask isn’t ideal, but if it’s all you have it works in a pinch. However, make sure to only add warm water (not boiling) and that the lid is fully sealed.
4. Layer Up
Importantly, insulation is essential when it comes to staying warm. This is why it’s also super important to layer up your clothing when you sleep.
For instance, adding a base layer of thermals will trap warmth closer to your body, which makes a huge difference in insulation. Then, cover this layer with another layer or two to ensure you stay toasty.
However, you’ll also need a beanie and socks, since we lose a lot of heat through these areas.
5. Keep it Dry
Additionally, any bit of dampness can keep your bag cold. After all, the reason we sweat is to help cool our bodies faster. When cool air comes into contact with sweat or water, the water cools, which then cools our skin.
Drying your sleeping bag in the sun or near your fire can help dry any wetness and insulate more efficiently.
Furthermore, promptly towel up any spills, dampness from dew, snow or sweat, as they will take a long time to dry in colder weather.
6. Put on Clean, Dry Clothes
Moreover, for the same reason you want to keep your sleeping bag dry, you also want to keep your clothes dry. Dampness can hold cold and cool your skin, which can ultimately drop your body temperature.
If your clothes are wet, be sure to dry them in the sun or change into dry clothes before bed.
7. Insulate Underneath
If you’ve ever touched the ground when it’s chilly out, you’ve likely noticed that it is pretty frigid! This is why adding a layer of material beneath your bag or tent will help insulate you from the cold ground.
Adding a layer of pine needles or leaves under your bag can greatly increase comfort and warmth. Alternatively, an inflatable or foam sleeping pad will act as a barrier, and is arguably easier. Additionally, a tent footprint under your tent will add additional protection and warmth. Furthermore, check out our related post How do I Make my Tent Warmer.
8. Use Mylar Blankets
Additionally, mylar blankets (also referred to as “space” or “emergency” blankets) are a great tool to have around in cold conditions.
Mylar blankets weigh only a few ounces and can be folded up. They may seem like they wouldn’t provide warmth, but their materials effectively trap heat.
In addition, Mylar is also waterproof and windproof, which is useful in damp environments.
Furthermore, you can bring a Mylar blanket inside your bag, or even place it around the outside or on top. This will add a superior level of insulation.
9. Hot Rocks
When in doubt, utilize your environment! Rocks make excellent heaters when they are warmed up by the fire.
All you need is a few rocks of manageable size rolled to the edge of your fire where they can collect warmth.
Scatter these throughout your tent or next to your sleeping bag to add warmth.
Additionally, you can also wrap your clothes around a hot rock, and curl up against it in your bag. This will be like sleeping with a mini heater.
One thing to remember with rocks: don’t heat river or wet rocks. Also, try to warm them slowly. Rocks can expand with heat and explode if they are wet or get too hot.
And, if you’re in frigid temps and desperate, you’ll want to take a look at our How To Start A Campfire With Wet Wood post.
10. Don’t Overheat
Unfortunately, in your efforts to get warm, you may heat yourself up too much.
You’ll want to avoid this, since sweating can cause you to rapidly cool back down.
Then, it will be hard to get rid of this moisture in your clothes and sleeping bag, which will leave you colder than before.
If you start feeling overheated, remove a layer of clothing and/or move some hot rocks away from you. Try to do this before you get hot.
11. Snuggle
Additionally, combining body heat is an excellent and comfortable way to stay warm. If you have a partner, snuggle up together to help you both stay warmer and cozier.
This is made easy with a 2-person sleeping bag. We love this one from Kelty.
12. Empty Your Bladder
This one may seem odd, but it’s effective!
When your bladder is full, your body has to use more energy to keep the liquid warm. So, when your bladder is empty, there is less liquid to keep warm.
In fact, a quick trip to the bathroom can keep you both warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
13. Eat a Big Meal Right Before Bedtime
Finally, there are other methods, like eating more, that are fun.
Making sure to eat a big meal before bedtime can increase your metabolism, which increases your body temperature.
When we burn calories as we eat and while we’re digesting, our bodies generate more heat. Consuming a carb and healthy-fat rich meal before bed will carry this warmth with you into your sleeping bag.
Get Ready for a Cozy Night's Sleep
Campers are tough but sleeping while your teeth chatter is nearly impossible. And, staying warm during the night can be essential for survival. Whether you’re camping at high altitudes, in the winter, or on the tail end of fall, sleeping at night will be cold with inadequate gear.
But fret not, campers looking for a backup plan for gear that isn’t rated for the cold can rest easy with the above tips and tricks.
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