How to Make a Sleeping Bag Warmer

Camping out in nature can be a very exciting prospect. But one of the challenges you might face when sleeping outdoors is dealing with the cold of night. A sleeping bag would usually suffice, but sometimes you can still feel a little bit chilly in one.

So, how can you make your sleeping bag feel warmer? The following are some methods you can follow to achieve this:

In this guide, we have created a list of eight things you can do to make your sleeping bag feel warmer. We hope that at least one of our methods helps you have a much cozier time on your next camping trip.

Ways You Can Make Your Sleeping Bag Warmer

Wash your sleeping bag.

A straightforward way you can increase the warmth provided by your sleeping bag is to wash it. After multiple camping trips, your sleeping bag will steadily build up dirt and grime. Also, constantly lying in your sleeping bag will cause it to absorb sweat and oils from your skin.

The accumulated dirt can affect the insulation ability of your sleeping bag. Your bag becomes less fluffy, meaning it is not able to trap as much heat as before, resulting in less warmth provided to you. If this is the case, you should wash your sleeping bag as soon as possible.

It would be best if you washed your sleeping bag at least every six months. If you’re a regular camper, you might want to wash your sleeping bag every time before you store it for an extended period.

Use a thermal sleeping bag liner.

Another way you can increase the warmth of your sleeping bag is to add a sleeping bag liner. This type of gear is typically used for keeping away dirt from your sleeping bag, with some providing a thin layer of insulation.

There are many kinds of sleeping bag liners you can choose from. Thermal liners are made specifically for providing you with extra insulation when you find that your sleeping bag is not providing enough warmth. Also, thermal liners help keep your sleeping bag clean, so it maintains its insulating ability for a much longer time.

Furthermore, thermal liners are lightweight and easy to pack, which is good news for backpackers.

Place a sleeping pad in your sleeping bag.

While a sleeping bag can help keep you warm, not all parts of your body receive the same amount of heat. When you are lying in your sleeping bag, your back is closest to the ground, which can feel cold when temperatures are low.

Also, your weight compresses the bottom part of the sleeping bag. As a result, less heat gets trapped, and your back can feel colder than your sides or your upper body.

You can place a sleeping pad inside your sleeping bag to address this. A sleeping pad will put some space between your back and the ground. Furthermore, a sleeping bag by itself also provides you with extra insulation.

Put an inflatable air mattress under your sleeping bag.

Like with a sleeping pad, you can also use an inflatable air mattress to add more warmth to your sleeping bag. You can put an air mattress underneath your sleeping bag to put some distance between you and the cold ground. Also, an air mattress can provide you with some warmth through the bottom of your sleeping bag.

An extra perk of an air mattress is that you can sleep on it if you want to relax on something softer or more comfortable.

Eat some snacks before going to bed.

Did you know that eating before you go to sleep can keep you warm? During digestion, your body burns calories which in turn generates body heat. So, the more food you eat, the more calories you burn, and the more body heat is produced.

You can choose food with plenty of carbohydrates, such as energy bars and crackers. Carbohydrates are digested faster and can warm you up much quicker. If you want the warmth that lasts longer, though, choose foods rich in proteins and fats, like nuts, seeds, and peanut butter. Fat and protein digest longer, so you are provided with longer-lasting heat while you sleep.

Place hot water bottles or heated stones around your sleeping bag.

You can use hot water bottles to keep you warm in your sleeping bag. First, boil some water in a pan over your campfire or a portable stove. Then, pour the hot water into some metal or Lexan water bottles. Wrap each container in a towel or shirt to keep them warm for much longer and avoid getting burned. Finally, you can place them in your sleeping bag.

You can do the same for stones. After heating the rocks, carefully pick them up with gloves or a towel to avoid getting burned. You can then wrap them in some clothes and place them around or in your sleeping bag.

Wear several layers of clothing.

If you’re still feeling a little cold in your sleeping bag, you can wear several layers of clothing while in it. More clothes will not only add more insulation, but your sleeping bag will trap the heat that you generate as a result. So, you can stay much warmer in your sleeping bag through the night.

You can also wear additional protection for your extremities, such as gloves or mittens for your hands and socks for your feet. You can wear a balaclava or even a ski mask for your face. And for your head, you can wear a wool beanie.

Do some exercises before going to sleep.

If your sleeping bag doesn’t feel warm enough for you, you can produce heat by doing some exercises before going to bed. When you get in the bag after doing some light aerobics, the heat you were able to generate will get trapped, keeping you warm for a longer time. A simple exercise you can do is doing 20 to 30 jumping jacks.

Make sure that you get in your sleeping bag straight away after your exercise, so you don’t lose much heat.

FAQs

What is the best sleeping pad to use when you sleep in a tent?

The best type of sleeping pad to use in a tent is an open-cell pad. These types of camping beds use a combination of both foam and air to act as a cushion, providing you with much comfort and excellent insulation.

The only downside with open-cell sleeping pads is that they are relatively heavier and bulkier than other types of camping beds. But if your priority is comfort and warmth, then an open-cell pad is definitely worth it.

How can I sleep in a tent more comfortably?

There are several ways you can make sleeping in a tent feel more comfortable. One way is to prepare all the sleeping equipment you need. Such items include your preferred type of camping bed, a pillow or pillows, an eye mask, and earplugs.

Another way is to set up your surroundings properly to serve your needs. Some examples include having your camping tent heater ready, keeping a water bottle within reach, and following the bedtime routine you have at home.

Conclusion

There are several methods you can follow to feel toastier in a sleeping bag. You can place a sleeping pad in your bag, eat some snacks before going to sleep, or use heated water bottles or stones. You can even wash your sleeping bag to restore its insulating ability. Whatever method you choose, you can be sure that you will have extra warmth to sleep comfortably through the night.