20 EASY Ideas To Stay Warm As You Sleep (Camping In Comfort)

If you have spent some time in the backcountry camping you likely know how miserable it can be when your unable to fall into a much needed deep sleep, due to how cold and uncomfortable you are…  Well, I can totally agree with you, as I’ve experienced the same, many times before.

So I figure in an attempt to help myself, I’d also like to take the opportunity to help you as well! Consider yourself cured of the Cold sleeper syndrome when your camping! Only Better camping experiences from here on out!

As the title says, “Easy Ways to stay warm as you sleep”. The goal here is to make these Ideas Simple and Easy to Implement. Now, I do have to say some of the Concepts below may cost some money as there will be items you’ll need to purchase in order to make the Concept happen. However, many of the ideas below are Free from cost to implement and do not require much in order to do so.

Here is an overall list of all 20 Ideas to help you stay warm and Cozy as you sleep out in the backcountry:

1. Upgrade Your Sleep System
2. Fill A Bottle With Warm Water
3. Warm A Rock Near Your Fire Before Bed
4. Isolate Yourself From The Cold Ground
5. Keep Yourself Dry
6. Fluff Your Bedding
7. Use A Mummy Bag
8. Start Up Your Digestive System
9. Fill Empty Space
10. Insulate The Inside Of Your Sleeping Bag
11. Don’t Put Your Head Inside Your Bag
12. Avoid Sleeping Naked
13. Wear Dry Clothing To Bed
14. Wear layers
15. Cover Your Extremities
16. Exercise To Generate Heat
17. Use Friction To Generate Heat
18. Pee Before Bed
19. Use Chemical Heat Packets
20. Snuggle Up With Your Partner

If you’d like to learn more about each Concept? Be sure, to continue on down the page. As we will be going into greater detail. But first, there are a few Items that need to be covered as they will greatly impact your overall camping experience.

Factors To Consider For Staying Warm

First off, when it comes to staying warm there are 3 main factors

1. How Much Body heat your body is able to produce
2. How Well you are able to retain that body heat
3. How Long you are able to retain that body heat

Obviously, all 3 of these factors have to be working together in order for you to stay in a comfortable state. Nonetheless, if they are working too well together you could begin experiencing discomfort from the other side of this coin, so to say. Which could result in you overheating, causing your body to sweat, which in turn will likely cool you down but could also put you in a dangerous situation simultaneously if it extends past a certain point.

Sweating when you’re out in the backcountry during a cold front can be dangerous. As when you sweat, that’s obviously the body’s way to cool you down, right? Well, the problem occurs after your body has then cooled down. If your clothing, or in this case your bedding is wet/moist from your sweat, that moisture will likely continue to cool you down. This is where it can get dangerous.

As this can cause you to become cold, and if the situation continues to head downhill, you could end up with hypothermia or worse… But to get this point it will likely take a lot of exposure to the cold…

So You not only need to worry about keeping yourself warm, but also, you need to keep your self from sweating. Basically, you need to find a happy median between these two different extremes. Which really isn’t that hard, but I do think it’s worth mentioning all this before we get into all the ideas for staying warm at night. As with too much keeping you warm it can be easy to overheat, and begin sweating.

How Your Sleep System Could Be Impacting Warmth

Sleeping Platforms

Now, when it comes to sleeping platforms they can have a large impact on your warmth when it comes to sleeping in colder weather, or even just camping in general. As often times temperatures tend to drop quite drastically during the night.

The big thing you want to pay attention to when it comes to sleeping platforms for cold-weather camping is the platform’s ability to Isolate you well from the cold ground, or cold air circulating around.

As you may have been able to guess we are talking about insulation in a sleeping platform and the importance of it.

First off, there are many different sleep platforms, as well as sleep systems that are used today. From simple stand-alone Cots, or Pads. To Hammocks, or Portaledge.But whatever platform you use it needs to have insulating factors if you are planning to use it during the colder months. Insulation in these different sleep platforms ranges from simply air to foam, or even no Insulation at all.

As an example: Cots and hammocks typically don’t have any insulating factors as they are quite thin and made of lightweight material. Nonetheless, air mattresses and/or inflatable pads that use Air in an attempt to isolate you from the ground too good during the Warmer months.

However, air isn’t a very good insulator. As air will typically match the temperature that it paired next to. For example, if you have an inflatable pad and you lay that pad on the ground with you on top of it, that bad either absorbs your body heat and the temperature inside the pad matches the temperature your body is giving off.

Or, the air inside of that pad absorbs the temperature of the ground, then making the temperature of the air inside the pad very cold. Hence, causing you to freeze as your body begins to absorb the cold from Below.

As you can see, inflatable pads or air mattresses don’t do a very good job when in colder temperatures, as air doesn’t work very well as an insulator.

Same goes for no Insulation at all. However, self-inflating pads that have foam inside them as well it’s definitely a step up from a strictly air filled pad. As foam does a great job at isolating you from the cold ground, or cold air circulating around.

But to go even A step above that would be by using a complete foam pad or another insulator alike. As foam typically does not absorb and conduct temperature very well. Which makes it great for cold-weather camping. As it will provide you with a nice barrier between the Surface you are laying on, and that, that is below.

When it comes to selecting they sleeping pad pay very close attention to R-value. R-value is basically a way of measuring how insulative a material is. The higher the R-value the more insulative it is.

Impact Of Layers

Sleeping Bags

Assess Your Sleep System

Gauge Explanation:

Now, From here on out you will come across what looks like a gauge (As shown below). This gauge is basically the simplest form I Could think of that will Provide you with a quick overall worthiness score for each idea.

In order to make this article easy for you to see the impact of each Idea. I have Included next to each Concept a Gauge that is used to dictate the Impact of each specific idea. Below is an explanation or “Key” if you will as to what each gauge states.

As you can see it ranges from Warm to Hot. Warm basically means the idea works but the impact is Minor. Hot means the idea works great and the impact is Massive. And anything in-between is rated accordingly.

20 Hot IDEAS To Help You Sleep Warm As You Camp

1) Upgrade Your Sleep System

2) Fill A Bottle With Warm Water

In order to accomplish this, it is best that you place your water bottle NEAR your campfire 15 to 30 minutes before you plan to head to bed. Now I say “near your campfire” instead of in your campfire, because you likely don’t want to damage your water bottle, and frankly, you don’t want the bottle getting too hot.

For the same reason, it’s a great idea to keep a close eye on how hot your water bottle is getting. By simply placing your water bottle on the outer ring of your fire pit, or even farther if your fire pit is small you can avoid damage done to your water bottle by the fire. As well as make it easy for you to temperature test the water bottle as it is heating up.

Once you have your water bottle warmed to a temperature you like, be sure the way it is on tight so you avoid any leaking, wrap it in a spare piece of clothing or inside a sock, and take it with you to bed.

Many suggest you place the water bottle between your legs next to your femoral arteries. By doing this you can warm your overall body quicker due to the high blood flow through the femoral arteries.

Nonetheless, it is totally up to you how you use it

Now, this idea is quite simple and easy to do. However, There are obviously some risks.

Be sure not to overheat the water as this could result in burns. As well, some water bottles are unable to withstand Heat.

Have you ever heard someone say “Never drink from a plastic water bottle that has sat out in the sun?” Well, this is because as the water begins to warm it starts to leach chemicals from the material the water bottle is made from.

Nonetheless, by simply using the right water bottle you can avoid this completely and still use the water bottle for drinking later on.

If you intend to drink out of the water bottle later on during the duration of your trip it is best to use stainless steel or other heat friendly water bottle that does not have any coatings or paints inside. As these to can Leach harmful chemicals into the water and contaminate your water bottle

3) Warm A Rock Near Your Fire Before Bed

This idea is pretty much the same as the last. However, you don’t need to worry about reuse of The Rock’s like you would with a water bottle.

Nonetheless, you do need to pay close attention to how hot the rock/s are getting when in the process of warming the rock/s. As rocks tend to heat up quicker than a water bottle full of water.

First, you are going to need a decent sized, and decent shaped Rock or Rocks. Me personally, I prefer one that’s kind of shaped like an oval. And probably about the size of a mini football, maybe smaller.

Next, you are going to Simply place the rock near your “Before Bed” campfire. Do not place the Rock inside the fire pit, as, it will make checking the temperature of the Rock tough, it will get the rock dirty, and it will likely get the Rock Way Too Hot… Next to the fireplace is perfect.

Once The Rock has reached your desired temperature (Warm) place The Rock/s inside of a sock. This will keep the rocks together if you have multiples. As well as, provide you with a barrier between you and the rock, because well rocks are quite hard.

4) Isolate Yourself From The Cold Ground Below

A big problem people run into when they are out camping is the ground sucking heat from them throughout the duration of the night. This can result in you becoming very cold and having a miserable night…

The best way to combat this is to insulate between you and the cold ground by using a sleeping pad. Now when it comes to sleeping pads there are many available out there on the market today. However, not all will work well in this situation.

There are three different types of sleeping pads you can get:

1. Inflatable Pad / Air Mattress
2. Self-Inflating Pad
3. Foam Pad

Now like we discussed a little bit above, inflatable pads don’t really do much when it comes to insulating properties. Because well, the pad is filled with air which then takes on the temperature how’s the ground below… Basically leaving you with no insulation.

However, self-inflating pads, yes they contain are but they do also contain foam which works as a great insulator. But they do contain air… So they won’t insulate quite as well as a completely solid foam pad.

Now foam pads, These are the best ones that you can get when it comes to camping in cold weather, or with the cold ground. Foam pads, even though they are bulkier than your regular inflatable pads. They are well worth the extra space they take up given the fact that they insulate so well.

By simply swapping out your current inflatable pad or air mattress with a foam pad you could save yourself a lot of lost Heat throughout the night.

Nonetheless, there are also layers you could put underneath or inside of your tent that will help build up insulation between you and the cold ground below. Click here If you’d like to learn more about insulating the floor of your tent otherwise carry on!

5) Keep Yourself Dry

Simply Staying Dry Can have a massive role in staying warm for the night. Follow the below rules so you can enjoy a warmer night!

Try To Avoid Condensation

Obviously, the last thing you want to happen in the middle of a cold night is moisture build-up around you. Condensation becomes a big problem when you’re camping in the cold. And it can affect quite a bit even in the summer months, as temperatures drop quite drastically during the night.

Do what you can to prevent condensation buildup inside your tent. This may sound counterproductive, but by simply allowing your tent to vent by opening a few of the windows slightly, you can lessen the likelihood of condensation buildup.

On that same note, by protecting your self and sleeping gear from dripping, or frozen condensation he will stay warmer.

By placing some rain gear, or plastic wrap over your sleeping bag you can prevent moisture from dripping on you.

Try To Avoid Rain

As well you need to do everything you can in order to keep moisture from seeping Up From Below. Now given, most tents have a waterproof floor. However, tents that can be used often tend to have holes and small punctures in the floor to which water can seep through.

By simply placing a tarp underneath your tent you can avoid the likelihood of moisture seeping up from below.

Nonetheless, if you are stuck in a massive downpour you likely will have to get more creative, as a simple tarp laid out flat won’t be able to handle flowing water coming toward the 10th. However, this can likely be avoided with a simple weather forecast check before you head out on your trip.

Try To Avoid Sweating

Sweat can become a big problem if you bundle up to warm to go to bed. I’m sure you have likely heard when doing really anything out in the cold weather you need to make sure you pull off layers as you start to sweat.

Otherwise, you run the risk of sweating too much which then moistens your clothes or even soaks them to the point that once you start cooling down you then continue to cool down past the point that is comfortable and possibly into dangerous territory all because your clothing is still wet from the sweat earlier.

Well, tying that same concept into sleeping in your sleeping bag. The more you sweat, the wetter your sleeping bag or blankets become and once you’ve cooled down you’re moist wedding begins to freeze you.

Sweating tends to become worse if people sleep with little to no clothes on. Kind of like how wearing Shoes without socks causes your feet to sweat more than normal, and it makes your shoes stink. That by simply wearing socks you don’t sweat near as bad and your feet are much more comfortable. Well, at least in my opinion.

6) Fluff Your Bedding

By doing something as simple as fluffing your bedding, you can help the insulation inside your sleeping bag/blankets doing much better of a job in retaining your body heat.

For example, Sleeping bags that are constructed using duck or goose Down as insulation tend to clump when moist, or if the sleeping bag has been rolled up tight for a long period Of time.

This will create thin spots throughout your sleeping bag, meaning the insulation (Down) has shifted and/or clumped up, making some insulation thicker and other spots thinner throughout your sleeping bag.

This can cause cold spots in your sleeping bag, where cold air is able to get in, and warm are able to get out. A simple fluff of your bedding can help.

7) Use A Mummy Bag

Sleeping bags come in how many different shapes and sizes. And it is very important that you get the correct size and shape for the trip that you have planned.

The three typical shapes he will see you in a sleeping bag are:

Rectangular / Square
Barrel
Mummy

Rectangular / Square: Basically is exactly as it sounds it is shaped in a rectangular fashion

Barrel: Arrow is basically a cross between a rectangular and a mummy shaped sleeping bag. Though it is better than a rectangular sleeping bag, the barrel sleeping bag still leaves quite a lot of empty space.

Mummy: If you have ever seen a mummy you may have noticed how tightly wrapped they are. Well, that’s basically the idea here. You see mummy bags are made to Contour did the shape of your body. By using a mummy bag you lessen the empty space that would otherwise be throughout a rectangular-shaped sleeping bag.

This will require your body less space to heat in order to keep you warm. Hence, keeping you warmer

Use a Woman’s specific Mummy

It said that women-specific mummy bags will give you more space around the hips, and are bit narrower around the shoulders. Since most women tend to sleep colder than men a women’s specific mummy bag we’ll also typically include extra insulation in the foot box, chest and Hood sections of the sleeping bag.

8) Start Up Your Digestive System

They say that by simply consuming some carbohydrates along with some fats you can start up your digestive system which will then help raise your core body temperature. And well going to bed on an empty stomach isn’t any fun either.

So, consume some carbohydrates along with fats about 30 minutes before going to bed. As this will start up your digestive system and get it working for a period of time. Which will help you to get a boost of warmth, so start off the night on a good note.

Me personally, I typically but chill out by the fire and roast some marshmallows, and have some chocolate before heading to bed. But it’s totally up to you! just be sure have a snack before heading to bed.

9) Fill Empty Space

This one kind of touches on the same subject as “use a mummy bag” above. As the idea behind both is to remove empty space inside your sleeping bag so that your body doesn’t have to warm it.

However, this one involves just simply using any sleeping bag. The only downside to this idea is that you need to take either extra clothing or a blanket, or you will need to unpack all of your clean clothing you plan to use throughout the duration of your trip and use that to stuff inside your sleeping bag…

Either way, you will need Something that can be used to fill the empty space inside your sleeping bag as by feeling some of the empty space inside your sleeping bag you will be minimizing the amount of air inside the sleeping bag that needs to be heated. In return making it easier for you to stay warm.

Also, a great technique if your sleeping bag is too long for you. By simply rolling up a blanket or stuffing some clothes in the bottom of your sleeping bag you can fill that empty space which will also make it easier for you to stay warm.

Typically those who experience cold, or freezing feet while they sleep have too much empty space around their feet. Which leads to struggles when trying to heat that space, resulting in cold feet…

I personally have this problem on a regular basis, and I have come to find that by simply tucking my feet in a blanket, or folding the bottom of my sleeping bag underneath me (overall reducing the empty space) I can typically get my feet to warm back up.

10) Insulate The Inside Of Your Sleeping Bag

By using a sleeping bag liner, or for those who don’t have a sleeping bag liner and are not interested in purchasing one simply rolling yourself up in a blanket will do.

Anyway, using some sort of sleeping bag liner can definitely impact warped inside your sleeping bag. Some say that by simply using a sleeping bag liner this can up the sleeping bag rating of any sleeping bag as much as 10 to 20 degrees.

Or I guess I should say lower the rating so it would be better for colder temperatures.

Anyway, sleeping bag liners provide an excellent and still very easy source for added warmth. However, if you do decide to purchase one thing to keep in mind is that they can be made using different materials. And Well, some materials prove to be better than others. So be sure to do your research.

11) Don’t Put Your Head Inside Your Bag

Simply breathing inside your sleeping bag can cause a lot of condensation, which will result in the inside of your sleeping bag moist or even wet. Instead, use the hood that is built into your sleeping bag and cinch up the drawstrings. This will pule they opening up your sleeping bag closed around your face yet still provide you with a small hole for your nose and mouth. That you can breathe through.

If done correctly basically your entire body will be covered except for your nose and mouth. This is great because then you can be basically completely covered yet still able to breathe well, and best of all your breathing won’t be soaking you.

12) Avoid Sleeping Naked

Now this one is definitely an interesting one as there is much controversy on the topic. Many say that sleeping naked is warmer, but also many say it is not.

Me personally, I don’t buy it. The fact that people say you will be warmer with less just doesn’t make sense to me, and well, too many too.

Honestly, you’ll probably be best off sleeping in a mildly thick garment of sorts, that covers your body well. But this is totally up to you to decide.

13) Wear Dry Clothing To Bed

This is kind of a no-brainer. However, it can be quite easy to head to bed with slightly moist clothing. Heck, you may not even notice your clothes may be slightly moist, but you likely will once you lay down. If this is the case it’s best to change your clothes.

Otherwise, as discussed above when dealing with excessive sweating that then moistens or even soaks your clothing. You could end up very cold due to the moisture in your clothing.

Clearly, I am not talking about soaking wet clothes that are dripping. As it is common sense to avoid wearing clothes like that to bed. Rather I am talking about slightly moist clothing.

Simply feel your clothes thoroughly to make sure parts or even all of them I dry.

Oh, and of course, be sure to have an extra pair of clean, dry socks you can wear to bed. Often times this is overlooked, which is kind of ironic because socks typically tent to be the first thing that gets wet. Given how often many of us come across puddles, rivers, ponds, lakes… I mean, simply the wrong step and you have damp or soaked socks… So, be sure to have an extra clean pare for sleeping in.

14) Wear Layers

Me personally I like to sleep wearing thermals, as thermals are typically thin, but do a great job keeping you warm. I’m sure if you have spent much time out in the snow, Snowboarding, or Skiing you know exactly what I’m talking about. As Snowboarders and Skiiers typically use them often.

But if I’m struggling to stay warm I’m at I’ll throw on a pair of sweatpants, and a pullover hoodie, over the top of my thermals.

Thermals are great to use as a base layer when it’s cold out because thermals are made using Merino Wool or Silk Fabric because these materials wick moisture well, it’s lightweight and quite warm.

And they are very comfy as well.

But if you do decide to start building layers, do be careful not to overdo it. As I have heard some say that wearing bulky clothing inside of a sleeping bag can actually reduce the bags ability to effectively trap heat (That is if you are staying in a sleeping bag). Sounds like it has something to do with compressing the insulation of the sleeping bag.

But I mean at that point you likely can’t move inside your sleeping bag which wouldn’t be very comfortable in my opinion… But again I’m not sure how true this is, just something to note.

15) Cover Your Extremities

They say upwards of 40% of your body heat is lost through your head so why not do something about that?

By simply wearing a hat or face mask you can easily trap in a lot more heat that would typically escape otherwise. Although, face mask would be more preferable in very cold climates. In most situations, a face mask would be a little over the top. But, is definitely worth trying out.

You could also take a little more of a simplistic approach by simply wearing a wool hat.

On that same note, hands and feet often time tend to get forgotten when it comes to sleeping in colder climates. But by simply putting on a pair of socks, and/or a pair of low profile gloves you will likely sleep better. Given the fact that your hands and feet will not be freezing.

Me personally, I experience cold feet on a nightly basis and by simply wearing a pair of socks to bed my feet don’t get anywhere near as cold as they do without.

Now, I have heard some say that they feel weird about wearing socks to bed. As it just feels strange to them, which I totally understand. I felt the same way when I initially started wearing socks to bed, but I was able to get used to it, and well, the discomfort I was experiencing as my feet got very cold was not worth the strange, awkward feeling I had when I initially started wearing socks to bed.

This is totally up to you, but I can honestly say wearing socks to bed can definitely help. So I am not so sure about wearing gloves, as I have never done this. But it totally makes sense it would work.

16) Exercise To Generate Heat

By simply doing some exercises before you hop in the bed can greatly increase blood flow which in turn will help increase body heat. Now the only problem with this is you are exposing yourself to the air circulating around while doing these exercises.

So rather than doing exercise such as jumping jacks, opt for exercises that can be done inside your sleeping bag as of this will not only help you to warm up but will also warm up the inside of your sleeping bag in the process.

Exercises such as sit-ups, push-ups, or planks that do not require large movement from your legs work great.

17) Use Friction To Generate Heat

Now, this idea when used in conjunction with the idea above “Exercise To Generate Heat” you’ll be able to heat your upper body, core, and a lower body. As with sit-ups and push-ups, you’ll be able to heat up your upper body and core.
By simply using friction you will be able to heat up your legs and feet.

Simply move your legs back and forth as if you’re doing a snow angel but careful not to push too hard up against the walls of your sleeping bag as you could damage it. But by simply moving your legs back and forth he will be utilizing the laws of friction which will then generate Heat.

Overall, by using this idea and the one above, you should be able to get your overall body temp up, as well as the inside of your sleeping bag. Same goes for those who are camping with blankets. But do be sure to get a little bit creative if need be.

Oh, and it doesn’t only need to be your legs. Theoretically, you can use any body part you like for generating Heat using friction such as your arms or simply just your feet.

18) Pee Before Bed

Some say having a full bladder can result in lost body heat, due to the body working harder to keep your urine warm. By simply peeing before you got to bed, you’ll lessen the likely hood you’ll need to use the bathroom during the night, which in turn keeps urine from pulling heat you may desperately need.

However, If you need to pee at some point during the night be sure to do it, don’t wait. Obviously, you should go before you lay down for the night to lessen the likelihood you may need to go. But I mean, We are all human, and some times things just don’t go as planned no matter what we do.

So if the need to pee comes up randomly throughout the night? It’s ideal that you go right away, as discussed above it’s just going to be extra liquid in your system that will be pulling body heat from you.

19) Use Chemical Heat Packets

Chemical heat packets are a great addition to anyone’s camping kit. They don’t use any electricity, They come designed for hands, feet, and your body, and they are easy to use. Some even come with adhesive to make it easy to stick wherever you would like.

These heat packets will start working in as little as 20 minutes and can work for upwards of 18 hours (depending on the package you buy)!

That right there is probably the biggest reason why I like these so much, because they last longer, and are so simple and easy to use.

This idea is basically the exact same idea as the “Warm water bottle” and “Warm Rock”. But this is much simpler and easy to do. However, it will cost more. Given that a rock doesn’t cost much, and a water bottle is a necessity you need when you’re out in the backcountry

But they super costly, I believe you can get a pack of 16 for somewhere around $30. But they come in so many different makes and models that price and pack size can vary.

If you’d like to check them out here is a link to my favorite ones on Amazon “Hand Warmers”, “Toe Warmers”, “Insole Foot Warmers”, “Body Warmers”

20) Snuggle Up With Your Partner

It has been said that 2 bodies heat better than one, and I agree with this statement.

By simply snuggling up with your partner you will both be able to heat each other, as well as the space under the covers much better then if it was you all alone.

Still Experiencing a Chill?

Check out this article on how to Insulate and heat your tent.

Conclusion

In ending, there are many different ways to which you can warm yourself up during the night. But probably the first thing you should look at if you are struggling with “Cold camper syndrome” each night is your sleep system. Make sure you have a sleep system that is rated to withstand the temperatures you are staying in.

And by Sleep System, I mean your sleeping bag, as well as your sleeping platform. And for those who are using blankets when camping, and you struggle to warm yourself throughout the night. I’d suggest you get a sleeping bag or something alike, as they do a much better job when it comes to heat retention.

Once you have addressed your overall Sleep System. Now would be a good point to start using some of the ideas above for a little added warmth. As many of the ideas are not a fix for a broken down sleep system.

I hope the above ideas and information or helpful to you. If you have any other ideas that were not included in the list above please do be sure to put them down in the comments, as we all would love to hear your ideas!