Sleeping Warmly

Temperature ratings for bags are best looked at as guidelines. If you generally get cold when you sleep, you should choose a warmer bag (a bag with a lower temperature rating). If you sleep warmly, you should consider a bag rated for warmer conditions. However, it's always best to choose a bag for the most extreme conditions you think you'll encounter.

There are also several things you can do to assure a comfortable night's sleep in your bag. Here are some suggestions:

• Always unstuff your sleeping bag at least an hour before bedtime. This will allow the sleeping bag to loft fully. Even better, unstuff it when you set up camp.
• When camping in cold conditions, store your clothes in your sleeping bag while you sleep. They'll be toasty when you get up in the morning and provide additional insulation through the night.
• Always use a quality insulation pad under your sleeping bag. It will insulate you from the cold and protect you and your sleeping bag from unnecessary wear on the hard ground.
• Your diet and activities before sleeping will make a big difference in how warmly you sleep. Eating plenty of long-burning carbohydrates as part of your evening meal, drinking warm liquids and doing some mild exercise - like a brisk walk around camp - before turning in for the night, will all contribute to sleeping warmly.
• The way you dress can also make a difference in how warmly you sleep. It's a myth that you sleep warmer when naked in your bag. Clothing is insulation, provided it's dry. So bring a spare set of undies to sleep in.