![\"Sleeping](\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Sleeping-in-bag-next-to-dog.jpg\" "\\"Pulling")
<\/p>\nIs your sleeping bag failing to keep you warm during the winter months?<\/p>\n
Do you remember it being\u2026warmer? Does it seem\u00a0to have\u00a0lost its warmth over the years?<\/p>\n
Maybe you have a sleeping bag that\u2019s better suited to the summer months, you\u2019re about to head out\u00a0in winter, and don\u2019t want to buy another sleeping bag?<\/p>\n
If this sounds like you, this blog lists 5 toasty tips for a warmer sleep \u2013 but first, let\u2019s bivvy down and learn a little more about the humble sleeping bag\u2026<\/p>\n
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Brrrr, winter camping can get positively arctic if your sleeping bag isn’t warm enough! Credit: Sea to Summit\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Sleeping bags<\/a>\u00a0are one of the only\u00a0products on the market that have a temperature rating. Think about it, it\u2019s not common to buy a jacket or even a quilt for your bed at home with a temperature rating.<\/p>\n As a general rule, if we feel cold we put an extra jumper on or another blanket on the\u00a0bed. Despite this, we\u00a0expect that a sleeping bag with a \u2018temperature rating\u2019 of 0 degrees will keep us toasty warm in the snow, no matter what type of person we are.<\/p>\n The reality is that this temperature rating is only a guide. We all feel the cold differently, so we simply cannot expect a sleeping bag to reflect such science \u2013 or that one temperature rating fits all.<\/p>\n So, what does temperature rating mean? How can we use this roughly equated number to help us choose an appropriate bag for the job?<\/p>\n We all feel the cold differently. Credit: Sea to Summit<\/em><\/p>\n Before delving in \u2013 ask yourself:<\/p>\n With those considerations in mind, let\u2019s talk sleeping bag ratings:<\/p>\n A\u00a0+5 to +10<\/a>\u00a0is considered a \u2018summer\u2019 bag. It is roughly as warm as sleeping with a sheet or light blanket on\u00a0your bed at home.<\/p>\n A\u00a00 degree bag\u00a0<\/a>is a great all-rounder, but won\u2019t keep you warm in the snow or frost \u2013 it\u2019s about the same as having a regular doona on your bed at home.<\/p>\n A\u00a0-5 to -10 degree bag\u00a0<\/a>is considered a \u2018winter\u2019 bag for typical Australian climates \u2013 it should be similar to having flannelette sheets and an extra blanket or two on your bed at home.<\/p>\n The temperature rating is the point at which you will likely wake up to.\u00a0You will feel cooler as the external temperature approaches this rated temperature, so it\u2019s important to allow yourself a temperature buffer. The below factors are worth considering to help select the right bag for you.<\/p>\n You will feel cooler as the external temperature approaches the sleeping bag’s rated temperature. Credit: Sea to Summit<\/em><\/p>\n Sleeping bags must be independently tested by the manufacturer to obtain this rating.\u00a0The rating is often based on an R-value, which is a measurement of insulation \u2013 just like the insulation in the walls of your house.<\/p>\n Some manufacturers will do real world testing on one sample of their insulation, and apply a formula to the different sleeping bags. On the other hand, sleeping bags tested to an\u00a0EN (European) Standard (or an ISO or international standard as of 2016),\u00a0<\/a>are the most accurately tested bags.<\/p>\n That said, keep in mind that this testing is done in a controlled and static environment where a dummy is placed inside the sleeping bag with temperature sensors. So, unless you\u2019re a motionless dummy sleeping in an environment void of variables, you\u2019ll need to allow for your own physiological makeup and the equipment you are using.<\/p>\n There are no testing guidelines here in Australia, so look out for bags that have been tested according to EN Standards.\u00a0The EN Standard for\u00a0sleeping bags is marked EN13537, which was superseded by the ISO 23537-1 international standard in 2016<\/a>.<\/p>\n The standard measures three temperature ratings:<\/p>\n The temperature at which a standard woman can expect to sleep comfortably, without feeling cold and in a relaxed position.<\/p>\n The temperature at which a standard man inside the bag sleeping in a curled position is starting to feel cold, but not shivering. This is the limit of performance for the sleeping bag.<\/p>\n At this temperature, anyone can expect to feel particularly cold with a risk of hypothermia. You should only use the sleeping bag in this range for an emergency.<\/p>\n Look out for bags that have been tested according to EN Standards. Credit: Sea to Summit<\/em><\/p>\n Not all manufacturers will list all three ratings \u2013 ensure you\u2019re considering the correct one. Ultimately, no amount of laboratory testing is going to be 100% accurate to your body. Less expensive sleeping bags will advertise a more generous rating that may not be accurate. Bags that list the EN\/ISO Standards will be more accurate and provide a good point for comparison between bags. As that process is expensive though, it will affect the price tag.<\/p>\n You can always shed a layer or unzip your bag if you\u2019re hot – but if you wake up freezing cold in the middle of the night, there won\u2019t be much you can do to get warm!<\/p>\n On that note, below are five ways to improve the warmth and therefore quality of your sleep on those colder camping trips:<\/p>\n If your sleeping bag is on the \u2018well-used\u2019 side and doesn\u2019t seem to be as warm as it once was, you may need to simply give it a good wash. Over time, the oils from your skin together with moisture caught in the filling can cause the stuffing to clump together. This prevents it from \u2018fluffing up\u2019, which keeps you insulated and warm.<\/p>\n The filling in the sleeping bag needs to \u2018puff up\u2019 and expand with air, which then traps the body heat of the person sleeping inside. Washing your old sleeping bag will clean the filling and enable it to do this more effectively, thus trapping more warm air and increasing the insulation between the person inside and the cold air outside.<\/p>\n Wash your sleeping bag to restore its warmth.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n In an ideal world, you would have a sleeping bag for every season. But in reality, you can make one sleeping bag a lot more versatile with a few of these hacks. Credit: Sea to Summit<\/em><\/p>\n If your sleeping bag isn\u2019t rated low enough for the conditions you\u2019re using it in, or if you\u2019ve discovered you\u2019re a cooler sleeper \u2013 rather than purchasing another sleeping bag, consider adding a\u00a0silk,\u00a0cotton, or\u00a0fleece liner<\/a>.<\/p>\n A\u00a0thermal liner<\/a>\u00a0is made of the\u00a0same material as thermal underwear, specifically designed and rated to boost the warmth of your sleeping bag. While there are many on the market, the\u00a0cotton\u00a0and\u00a0silk\u00a0liners by Sea to Summit are a personal favourite. On the contrary, avoid adding extra blankets on top of your bedding. The weight will crush the filling, rendering it ineffective for trapping the air. Use them beneath you, or under your mat instead.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re heading away for a particularly cold weekend, it may be worth packing a good ol\u2019 fashioned hot water bottle too. You can also use a regular water bottle \u2013 just ensure it has a quality seal so it won\u2019t leak, and the water inside isn\u2019t too hot. If oyu are using squeeze style water bottles make sure it has a lockout feature to avoid it leaking all over your gear. Checkout the range of water bottles at Snowys here.<\/a><\/p>\n Heat the billy before bed and pour the hot (not boiling) water into your bottle. Tuck it into your sleeping bag with you \u2013 and enjoy some seriously snug comfort! Better yet, if you prepare it ahead of time, you\u2019re pre-heating your bed so it\u2019s warm by the time you officially hit the sack!<\/p>\n Layer thermals under your clothes while you sleep. Credit: Sea to Summit<\/em><\/p>\n Thermal underwear<\/a>\u00a0are the warmest pyjamas you will ever need when camping in cold conditions! Known as a \u2018base layer\u2019, they will trap warmth directly against your skin and make a huge difference to your comfort in cold conditions. Layering clothes on top of your thermal<\/a> base will trap air between the fabric, keeping you warmer than simply adding a single thick layer of clothing.<\/p>\n Ensure you add your layers and warm up by the campfire well before lights out too, so the heat has time to build. This will also have it easier to maintain, as it will be trapped with you when you slide into your sleeping bag.<\/p>\n Keep your extremities warm on a cold winter’s day. Credit: Sea to Summit<\/em><\/p>\n Humans lose about 30% of their body heat through their\u00a0heads! By wearing a\u00a0beanie<\/a>\u00a0to bed or tightening the hood of\u00a0your sleeping bag, you\u2019re trapping more warmth. Simply keep your mouth and nose free so you\u2019re not breathing into your bag \u2013 this creates moisture throughout the night.<\/p>\n When your body becomes cold, it takes blood from the extremities such as your feet and hands to instead keep it surrounding your vital organs. By heading to bed with warm\u00a0socks\u00a0and\u00a0gloves<\/a>, you\u2019re keeping your feet and hands warm, which maintains the blood flowing to them. This makes for a better night\u2019s sleep!<\/p>\n Tuck into a large dinner before bed. Credit: Coleman<\/em><\/p>\n Your body uses a lot of energy to digest big meals. In the case of a large dinner, all this energy will produce heat and keep you warm come bedtime. By eating a decent sized dinner packed with low GI carbohydrates, your body will continue to burn fuel all through the night!<\/p>\n Two-minute noodles give you enough energy for\u2026 well, two minutes. On the other hand, a big bowl of\u00a0spaghetti Bolognese<\/a>\u00a0will ensure a good night\u2019s sleep! Just don\u2019t eat too<\/em> much\u2026and go easy on the garlic, or you\u2019ll be awake with indigestion! Contrary to popular belief too, if nature calls during the night you are better off surrendering to it; holding on will override your kidney\u2019s signal to your brain. Through a chain of technical temperature regulation measures, our bodies feel colder when our bladder is in need of relief!<\/p>\n Hopefully, this advice will help keep you snug while you sleep. Credit: Sea to Summit<\/em><\/p>\n No matter the age or quality of your\u00a0sleeping bag, these tips will help you achieve the best from it.<\/p>\n It\u2019s worth noting too that your sleeping bag is part of a whole sleep-system. This means that your choice of sleeping mat will also influence how cold or warm you will be throughout the night.<\/p>\n An airbed is not one to keep you warm, as the air within the mattress will remain cold. Instead, choose a closed-cell\u00a0foam or filled mat<\/a>, which traps air and helps insulate. Sleeping inside a smaller tent that is double-walled (ie. using a fly) and having decent ventilation to reduce moisture build-up are also tips worth bearing in mind.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s hoping you can get a good night\u2019s sleep, even on those freezing cold winter\u00a0nights! With the above tips, you\u2019re less likely to resort to the dangerous (and not recommended) tactic of using a heater inside your tent\u2026 or to the ancient Native American method of creating a hot rock bed!<\/p>\n Your sleeping bag is part of a whole sleep-system. Credit: Sea to Summit<\/em><\/p>\n Do you practice any of these tricks?\u00a0Got any more to add? Comment below.<\/strong><\/p>\nThe Sleeping Bag<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/3-Sea-to-Summit.jpg\" "\\"We")
<\/em><\/p>\nSleeping Bag Temperatures<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n
+5 to +10-Degree Bags<\/strong><\/h3>\n
0-Degree Bags<\/strong><\/h3>\n
-5 to -10-Degree Bags<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Choosing Your Sleeping Bag<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/8-Sea-to-Summit.jpg\" "\\"You")
<\/p>\nEN\/ISO Temperature Rating<\/strong><\/h2>\n
What is the EN or ISO Standard?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Comfort<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Lower Limit<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Extreme<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Google-Image.jpg\" "\\"Look")
<\/p>\n1. Wash Your Sleeping Bag<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"An](\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Wash-Your-Bag.jpg\" "\\"To")
<\/p>\nHow to Wash Your Sleeping Bag:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Thermal-Liner-STS.jpg\" "\\"Ideally,")
<\/p>\n2. Thermal Liners and Hot Water Bottles<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Thermal Liners<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nBy adding a liner to your bag, you not only have a sufficient winter sleep system but can still use the sleeping bag on its own in average conditions. The liner can then be used on its own in warmer weather! A removable liner also keeps your sleeping bag cleaner, and thus your filling in better condition.<\/p>\nHot Water Bottles<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Wear-Thermals-STS.jpg\" "\\"Thermals")
<\/p>\n3. Thermal Clothing<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Wear-A-Beanie-STS.jpg\" "\\"Wearing")
<\/p>\n4. Beanie and Socks<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Eat-A-Big-Dinner-Coleman.jpg\" "\\"Your")
<\/p>\n5. Eat a Big Dinner!<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Stay-Warm-STS.jpg\" "\\"These")
<\/p>\nKeep Warm on Your Next Adventure!<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Two](\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/End.jpg\" "\\"Your")
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