How to Stay Warm in Sleeping Bags While You’re Outdoors

Want to know how to stay warm in sleeping bags while you're outdoors? It can get cold when you're out camping with friends or family, stay warm while you sleep with these tips.

How to Stay Warm in Sleeping Bags While You're Outdoors

I've been out camping on more occasions than I can remember and it has always been fun. Hiking, telling stories around the campfire, and so much more—all wonderful memories. The one thing that gets me though is keeping warm when it's time to sleep. I've learned through years of experience that sleeping when camping isn't as simple as covering yourself with a blanket. So if you're going camping anytime soon, read up on these tips on how to keep warm when you sleep.

How to Sleep Warm

Wear a Hat

We lose nearly half our body heat through our head. So sleep with a warm hat on! The old wives tales “wear a hat to keep your feet warm” is true!

Keep Off the Ground

Sleeping on the ground will quickly draw the heat from your body. Create a barrier between you and the ground either with a raised bed, insulated sleep mat, spruce or fir boughs, bracken, dry debris, basically anything that keeps you off the ground.

Your PJs

You may not take your pajamas camping with you, but it is ideal to change into different clothes that you have not been wearing during the day. Your day clothes may be cold and damp from the weather or perspiration. Alternatively you could warm up and dry out your clothes by the campfire before bed.

Shake Things Up!

Get your sleeping bag out of its stuff sack prior to going to bed, as it will be compressed. Give your bag a good shake to redistribute the insulation and allow the air to filter in before you get into the bag.

Sock On

If you get cold feet then stick on a pair of loose fitting woolen or fleece socks. Your night socks should only be worn in your sleeping bag to keep them dry clean and reduce odors.

Go For a Wee!

Go for a wee for before you go to bed. In nature calls in the middle of the night, get up and go! Holding on makes you colder.

Keep Airways Clear

If you are cold don't be tempted to cover your head with your sleeping bag. The moisture produced from your breathing will make your clothes and bag damp.

Hot Water Bottle

Fill your water bottle with hot water, fasten the lid tightly wrap it in some spare clothes and use it to pre-heat your sleeping bag before you climb in.

Keep Hydrated

You may find this a surprise, but you need to be well hydrated to stay warm. Ideally this should be done throughout the day rather than just before bedtime!

Food

If it's been a while since you ate, have a slow burning snack that will give your body the energy to keep warm throughout the night. Avoid caffeine and refined sugars.

Campfire Warmth

Sitting around a glowing campfire will warm your body and soul before you go to bed. If a fire is not available do some brief exercise such as jogging on the spot, but take care not to raise a sweat. If you get into bed cold, it can take a long time for your body temperature to warm up. You might be fortunate enough to have a fire or stove in or near your shelter, although care should be exercised if you do!

Snuggle Up!

Finally, if appropriate snuggle up to your camping companion. There's nothing like sharing body heat to warm up. Just make sure it's not your best mate or you might get kicked out and have a very cold night!

So are you going to use these tips on your next camping trip? Did we miss anything – how do you stay warm? Let us know below in the comments! 🙂

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Need some ideas for your next campfire? Try out these recipes: 25 Genius Campfire Recipes for Homesteaders