Staying Warm on those Cool Nights

For some, this is the perfect time of year for tent camping. In most parts of the country insects are not a problem and wildlife is easier to spot with less undergrowth. Daytime temps can be nearly perfect, yet when the sun dips below the horizon the air can get quite cold.

But never fear, there are ways to stay snug on those chilly nights. By following a few guidelines on staying warm, and by taking the right gear, you should have no problem catching your Z’s on those frosty nights. The first culprit could be your sleeping bag. Sleeping bags have a rating system that is designed to give campers an idea of how warm they will keep you. The rating system works like this… If a bag is rated at 20°F, this means the bag will generally keep you warm until the temperature drops below 20°F. Generally is the key word here. Some people sleep cold, and some sleep warm. You should always buy a sleeping bag with a rating that suits your style of camping. Some campers buy multiple bags for the different seasons they enjoy.

Another important barrier to those frosty nights is your tent. Tents are rated differently than sleeping bags, by season. Some tents are designed specifically for summer sleeping, while others can be 3-season (Spring, Summer, and Fall), still others are 4-season (year-round). Putting the rain-fly on a tent, even when the weather looks clear will also help you retain heat inside when you need it most.

Air mattresses create a buffer between our bodies and the hard earth we sleep on when camping. But, air mattresses are filled with air…when the air outside is cold, the air in the mattress can be too. This can be particularly frustrating when you have a perfectly warm tent and sleeping bag, yet you can’t stay warm because you are resting on a layer of cold air! An inexpensive alternative when camping in mild weather can be a foam pad. Foam pads are on-average smaller, but it may make for a warmer night.

Here are a few more ideas that may keep you cozy when temperatures drop….

● Drinking a warm cup of decaf coffee, tea, or hot cocoa can be a great way to relax around the fire, and can warm you up at the same time.

●Wear clothing to bed. Synthetic blends are better since they wick moisture away. Cotton will hold moisture, and is generally a bad idea.

●Doing a few jumping jacks or jogging in place just before you get into your tent can get your blood flowing.

● Wearing a fleece cap, or toboggan can keep you surprisingly warm during the night. According to the National Safety Council, the head and neck lose heat faster than any other part of the body!

● Wool or synthetic socks will keep your feet warm.

Heaters are usually a bad idea for tent camping. Heaters pose a major fire hazard, and require a power source, which is not always readily available. Forget setting up camp on a ridge or in an open area if you want warmth. Try to find a campsite with a natural windbreak like trees or boulders. Good campgrounds are usually designed with these in mind. Ask the attendant which sites are warmer at night.

Common sense is usually your best guide to staying warm. Your body will tell you when it’s time to bundle up, and you should listen. Lack of sleep can put a major damper on a family outing, and can be easily avoided if you bring the right gear, and the know-how to use it. By following these guidelines you should get plenty of shut-eye and be fueled for the next days adventures.