Sleeping Bags

     Staying warm while camping can be challenging at times. It takes the right clothes and techniques and anyone can be comfortable in the coldest conditions.

Clothes:

• Do NOT wear cotton. Once cotton gets wet it will actually keep you colder then if you did not have anything on at all.
• Wool, polypropelene, fleece and down are all great materials to wear. A down jacket keeps you warm around camp and can double as a pillow.
• When sleeping, wear a loose beanie and wool socks. My head pops out of my sleeping bag hood and my  beanie has saved me. Make sure it is loose so it stays comfortable.

Techniques:

• Boil a pot of water and pour it in your Nalgene. Place the Nalgene in your sleeping bag and it will help radiate heat. If the Nalgene is too hot, place a sock around it.
• Use a sleeping pad. The ground will drain all the heat out of your body. By using a foam pad or sleeping mattress, you will keep the cold out and stay insulated.
• Eat! You are most likely exerting a lot of energy during the day. Trail mix is great around camp and so are dried fruits. I like to eat a high calorie treat, like half a Snickers, right before hitting the sack. This will keep your metabolism churning and naturally warm your body.