How To Stay Warm In A Sleeping Bag (Camping Tips)
Knowing how to stay warm in a sleeping bag on cold nights will make or break your camping trip. It is important to get a good night of sleep while you’re camping so you can enjoy your whole trip. These tips will help you know exactly what to do to stay warm in your sleeping bag at night.
This page contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See full disclosure here.
How To Stay Warm In A Sleeping Bag
When it comes to how to stay warm in a sleeping bag, you need to focus on several factors:
- Choosing the right sleeping bag
- Knowing how to properly care for the sleeping bag
- What you can add to the sleeping bag
- Other gear to use with your sleeping bag
- The best surroundings to camp in
- Practices that help your body stay warm at night
When you know how to use all of these, then you’re guaranteed to get a good night’s sleep in your sleeping bag.
Choosing The Right Sleeping Bag
There are so many factors to think about when you’re choosing the right sleeping bag for your camping situation. Sleeping bags can get expensive, so it is important to choose one that will work for you on all of your camping trips.
A few things you want to think about when you’re sleeping bag shopping:
- Shape
- Size
- Type of Insulation
- Temperature Rating
These 4 factors will determine how well your sleeping bag will perform based on your personal needs.
Sleeping Bag Shape
There are two main shapes when it comes to sleeping bags: mummy or rectangular. Knowing which shape works best for your situation is going to make a huge difference in how well you sleep.
In general, mummy sleeping bags are designed to maintain your body temperature. They do better in colder temperatures than rectangular sleeping bags.
If you plan to sleep with your significant other (which will also help to keep you warm!), then you might consider buying two rectangular sleeping bags to zip together to make a double. Or you could purchase a double sleeping bag to share.
Sleeping Bag Size
The size of your sleeping bag is more important than you think. When it comes to keeping warm, you don’t want extra space in your sleeping bag.
You need to choose a sleeping bag that fits your height and weight appropriately. You don’t want to be too tight in your sleeping bag, but your sleeping bag should be close to your body contour for optimal performance.
Make sure to check what sizes are available when you are sleeping bag shopping. You can typically find sizes for women, sizes for tall people, or just regular sizes that fit the average body type.
Type Of Insulation
Choosing the right insulation in your sleeping bag is going to make a big difference when you’re cold-weather camping.
There are two main types of insulation to choose from for sleeping bags: down vs. synthetic.
Down insulation will typically keep you warmer with less insulation, but you can find synthetic sleeping bags with the same temperature rating. They just require the use of more synthetic insulation.
The insulation choice really depends on your needs. A few things to consider:
| Down Insulation | Synthetic Insulation |
| Warmer insulation | Requires more insulation for warmth |
| Weighs less | Weighs more |
| Requires special washing care | Easier to maintain |
| More expensive | Less expensive |
| Lasts longer | Wears down more quickly |
Temperature Rating
When learning how to keep warm in a sleeping bag, you need to know how to choose the right temperature rating for your sleeping bag.
Based on the coldest temperature you plan to camp in, you should choose the appropriate sleeping bag temperature rating.
Most sleeping bags will list their “survival rating” on the tag, but that doesn’t mean you will be comfortable at that temperature while you sleep.
In general, it’s a good idea to have a sleeping bag that is rated 10-20 degrees lower than the temperature you plan to sleep in.
For example, if the outside temperature is going to be 20 degrees Fahrenheit at night, then you typically want your sleeping bag to be rated for 0-10 degrees to ensure you have a warm night of sleep.
Choosing the right temperature for the cold conditions you camp in is going to make a huge difference when it comes to keeping warm in your sleeping bag at night.
Caring For Your Sleeping Bag
After you choose the right sleeping bag, you want to properly care for that sleeping bag so it performs properly.
Not only will caring for your sleeping bag help it last longer, but it will help the insulation perform better.
Washing Your Sleeping Bag
When your sleeping bag gets dirty it can prevent the insulation from fully performing. The oils, dirt, and moisture can affect the insulation, which will allow for heat loss while you’re sleeping.
I recommend washing your sleeping bag occasionally throughout the year to keep the insulation clean & functioning. If you have a down sleeping bag vs. synthetic sleeping bag the washing process will look different.
Always follow the care instructions for your specific sleeping bag to ensure you aren’t damaging the materials.
Fluff Sleeping Bag
Fluffing your sleeping bag often is one of the best ways to help your insulation perform better. You want to make sure the insulation inside of your sleeping bag hasn’t become packed down or grouped up in one area, because it won’t hold in your body heat as well.
You can fluff your sleeping bag by tumbling it in the dryer with tennis balls, or you might just give it a good shake with your hands to help fluff the insulation. Again, always look at your sleeping bag’s care instructions to ensure you can place it in the dryer.
If you notice that your insulation isn’t fluffing well anymore, then it might be time to get a new sleeping bag.
A pro tip is to give your sleeping bag a good shake out before bed to help fluff up the insulation before you get into it.
Adding To Your Sleeping Bag
Having a good sleeping bag is the first step to knowing how to keep warm in your sleeping bag. Next, you should know all of your options for what you can add to your sleeping bag to help keep you warm at night.
Some items you might use to keep you warm in your sleeping bag are:
- Sleeping bag liner
- Hot water bottle
- Hot packs/hand warmers
- Extra blanket
- Extra clothing
- Emergency blanket
Sleeping Bag Liners
A sleeping bag liner is a great way to add warmth to your sleeping bag. Sleeping bag liners are an extra layer designed to add an extra 5-25 degrees of warmth to your sleeping bag.
If you know that you’re going to be camping in a colder climate than what your sleeping bag is rated for, then adding a sleeping bag liner will help to add extra insulation through the night.
They are also a great way to keep the inside of your sleeping bag clean, so it’s a win-win!
Hot Water Bottle
Filling a water bottle up with hot water before bed can make a huge difference in keeping warm in your sleeping bag.
Use a water bottle like a Nalgene bottle that isn’t insulated, but can handle hot water. Keep it close to your core throughout the night and enjoy the extra warmth in your warm sleeping bag.
Later in the night, if it gets cold, simply set it outside of your sleeping bag so it doesn’t make you colder while you’re sleeping.
Hot Packs Or Hand Warmers
One easy way to add extra warmth to your sleeping bag is to use hot packs or hand warmers in your sleeping bag.
Hand warmers usually last 10-20 hours depending on the brand you buy. This is perfect for a full night of sleep. Plus, you don’t need to do anything, except crack open the package and start enjoying the warmth.
Reusable hot packs are another great option that require no waste. The heat from the hot pack will not last as long as the hand warmer, but it’ll give you a heat boost in your sleeping bag for a few hours.
You’ll also need to place them in boiling water before bed to heat them up.
Both hot packs & hand warmers are a great option when it comes to deciding how to stay warm in your sleeping bag.
Extra Blanket
If you’re car camping and have room for it, you might just bring an extra blanket with you. I like this option because it allows you a little extra comfort while you’re sleeping with your favorite fuzzy blanket.
You can either sleep with the blanket inside your sleeping bag, or use it as a top layer over you while you’re in your sleeping bag.
Sometimes, we even bring a large duvet with us to share over our sleeping bags. Having an extra blanket is an easy (and free!) option when you’re trying to find a little extra warmth in your sleeping bag.
Extra Clothing
If you don’t have room to bring an extra blanket with you, then you could stuff your extra camping clothes down in your sleeping bag with you.
This will give you more insulation while you’re sleeping. I usually use my extra clothes in the foot box of my sleeping bag to give my feet some more warmth.
Emergency Blanket
Emergency blankets are designed to warm you up in an emergency. They are also an easy, lightweight item that can be used to keep you warm in your sleeping bag.
You could wrap the emergency blanket around you or you could even use it under your sleeping bag and pad for an extra layer of protection from the cold ground.
Choose Your Surroundings
Being aware of your surroundings is another factor you should focus on when you’re trying to stay warm in a sleeping bag.
One of the easiest ways to stay warm while you sleep is to make sure you’re not out in the open where cold air can circulate easily.
Having a campsite with tree coverage is going to make a big difference in keeping your tent & you warmer throughout the night.
You also should choose a more insulated type of ground, if possible. You’ll lose a lot of warm air from your body when you sleep on a hard surface. If you can find grass or leaves to put your tent on, it will help reduce the amount of heat loss you experience throughout the night.
Proper Gear
Having the right gear that is designed for colder weather will make a huge difference in how well you stay warm in a sleeping bag.
Besides choosing the right sleeping bag, you also want to have a good tent & sleeping pad to help you stay warm throughout the night.
Using The Right Tent
Choosing a 3-season tent can work for some, but if you’re going to be frequently camping in below freezing temps, you’ll really want to find a 4-season tent. The 4-season tent is designed to trap heat better to keep you warmer in freezing temperatures.
3-season tents work well in different temperatures because they usually only insulate the inside temperature to be about 5-10 degrees warmer than the outside temperature. So, if you’re camping when it’s below freezing outside, then you’re going to have a harder time staying warm in your 3-season tent & sleeping bag.
No matter which tent you choose, you should make sure to properly set up your tent for optimal performance. You want to make sure the walls are pulled out tightly so the fabric is perfectly stretched for performance. This will assist with the insulation of your tent.
You should also make sure there is some form of ventilation in your tent so condensation doesn’t build up. The more condensation and moisture that is inside your tent will result in colder temperatures inside your tent.
Choosing the right tent & using it properly will make a huge difference in how well you can stay warm in your sleeping bag.
Choosing Your Sleeping Pad
Your sleep system has a huge impact on how warm you stay throughout the night. Choosing a good sleeping pad can help you stay warmer in your sleeping bag.
Sleeping pads, like sleeping bags, also have temperature ratings (called the R-Value). The higher the R-Value, the better you’ll be insulated from the cold ground.
Even if you have the best sleeping bag, your sleeping pad could make or break your camping trip. You want both your sleeping bag and sleeping pad to work together with the right temperature ratings. (Watch this video as I compare 3 different sleeping pads).
What Clothes To Sleep In While Camping
Choosing the proper clothes to sleep in will make a huge difference in how well you regulate your body temperature at night.
In general, you want a base layer made of a moisture-wicking material, and then a mid layer & top layer.
Depending on the temperatures, you might not need all 3 layers, but start with the base layer and work your way up.
One of the most important things to focus on is that you go to bed in dry clothes. Wet clothes will make it really hard to have a warm night of sleep.
Base Layer
Your base layer might be the most important piece of clothing to focus on while you’re figuring out how to stay warm in a sleeping bag. This could be long johns (long underwear), or any tighter-fitting clothes that work best for you.
You want to choose a base layer that is made of moisture-wicking, temperature regulating material (like merino wool) so you don’t get sweaty throughout the night.
If you are sleeping in wet clothes, then you’re going to have a really hard time staying warm in your sleeping bag.
My Sleep Clothes
base Layer
mid layer
top layer
pants
socks
Mid & Top Layer
If you need more insulation after your base layer, then you can add on a mid layer and top layer.
Your mid-layer can be a thicker sweatshirt and your top layer could be your puffy jacket.
If you’re a cold sleeper, then adding extra layers is a good idea. But if you’re a warm sleeper, then make sure these layers aren’t going to keep you too warm, because you don’t want to break a sweat while you’re sleeping.
Socks
Having warm, merino wool socks is also another good idea while you’re trying to stay warm in your sleeping bag.
You want your feet to be insulated, but not break out in a sweat.
I sleep with a nice pair of thick merino wool sock at night because I easily get cold feet. My husband, on the other hand, sweats easily, so he opts not to wear socks at night.
This is something you’ll need to experiment with to see what works best with your body temperature.
Hat, Scarf, & Gloves
If all else fails, you might want to wear a hat, scarf, & gloves. There might be situations where you’re colder than you expect at night, so it’s always a good idea to have a warm hat & gloves nearby that you can put on.
If you are using a mummy sleeping bag, then you should wear your hood to help trap the heat around your head and prevent heat loss.
Other Practices That Help You Keep Warm In A Sleeping Bag
There are a handful of practices that you can use to help you keep warm in your sleeping bag at night while camping.
- Use the bathroom before bed – If you have a full bladder throughout the night, then your body is going to have to work harder to keep you warm because it is also trying to heat up your urine. It is best to use the bathroom before bed & also in the middle of the night if necessary. This will give your body more energy to focus towards keeping you warm.
- Eating before bed – Eating a meal of carbs, fats, & protein before bed will give your body the boost it needs to work harder in cold temperatures. Your body will have fuel to help keep you warm while you’re asleep.
- Do light exercise – You don’t want to break a sweat, but if you can get in a little movement before bed it will help to heat up your body. This could be a quick walk or maybe a nice bed-time stretch routine.
- Stay Dry – Make sure that inside your tent, your sleeping bag, & your clothes are all dry before you go to bed. This is really important to help you stay warm throughout the night. Air out your gear during the day so that it is ready for you to sleep in at night.
- Don’t overheat – Be extra mindful of your body temperature while you’re sleeping in cold weather. If you overheat, then your blood vessels will dilate and allow more heat loss to help your body cool down. This could make you even colder in the long run.
Tent Heater
If you’re worried that you won’t be able to keep warm enough in your tent, then you might opt for an electric or propane heater (that is safe to use in a tent).
We use a propane heater when we’re sleeping in below-freezing temperatures, which has really given us more opportunities to go camping in the winter time.
Conclusion
The last thing you want to deal with on a camping or backpacking trip is a long, cold night of sleep. Using these tips will help you learn how to stay warm in a sleeping bag, even in the coldest temperatures.
Our Favorite Must-Have Camping Gear
Gazelle T4
Hub Tent
Jackery Solar
Generator
Qomotop Self-Inflating Mattress
THERMACELL MOSQUITO REPELLER
Related Posts
Car Camping vs. Backpacking (Which Is For You?)
Ways To Charge Phone & Devices While Camping
How To Attach Sleeping Bag To Backpack
How To Roll Up Your Sleeping Bag
Why Is Camping Fun? All The Reasons To Love Camping
Solo Camping Checklist (Beginner’s Guide)
The Ultimate Guide To Pack Food For Camping
Basic Camping Packing List
If this is your first time camping, or you need a refresh, then here is a free download for our Basic Camping Packing List. It is a full list of the basic items you need to bring for a successful camping trip.
