How to extend temp rating of sleeping bag

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Mar 31, 2020
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Looking for recommendations on how to extend the temp rating of my 20* mummy bag. Possibly going to be camping in colder temps in the first week of December and wondering what my options are.

Currently considering sleeping in a puffy jacket and also sticking the 20* sleeping bag into a 40* sleeping bag.

Would this work? Are there better ways out there? I don’t really have much expendable cash I’m willing to spend on a a 0* or -10* bag so want to try and use what I have.

I’ll be camping at the truck for additional context.


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WyoKid

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Aug 6, 2019
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Nemo bag liner or similar will add 10 degrees but incredibly uncomfortable to get in and out. Wearing fresh socks, your base layers and puffy jacket and a hat is much more effective. Making sure you go to bed warm is also important (drink some hot water). If it is still cold, I use disposable 8-12 hour hot hands in my socks and the large stick on hot hands on my kidneys. This has kept me relatively warm in single digit temps in a tepee tent without a stove or heater. Avoid a propane heater as they have caused a lot of carbon monoxide deaths if you fall asleep with it on.
 
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OP
Dakota_Rookie
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Mar 31, 2020
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Thanks. I will have a teepee and wood stove but that warmth only last about 45 min to an hour if I’m lucky. Plan on also sticking a Nalgene of boiling water at bottom of bag.


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Team4LongGun

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As Wyokid said, FRESH socks and undergarments. Nalgene of hot water at feet helps as well. Biggest factor is your sleeping pad. Make sure is R value is 7+
 
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Thermarest foam pad under your normal pad helps. These are cheap! Not sure what your current pad is?

Sleeping with puffy layers on helps.

Putting a heavy blanket or another bag over your sleeping bag.

Using hot hands body warmers in your bag also helps.
 
OP
Dakota_Rookie
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Thermarest foam pad under your normal pad helps. These are cheap! Not sure what your current pad is?

Sleeping with puffy layers on helps.

Putting a heavy blanket or another bag over your sleeping bag.

Using hot hands body warmers in your bag also helps.

Should have mentioned my pad(s). Current pad that gets most use is thermarest trailpro with an R rating of only 4. Did plan to supplement this on top of a thermarest Z-lite and/or a Cabelas large outfitter air pad (not sure of R value).

I did worry about multiple pads and constantly wanting to slide out from under one another.


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180ls1

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Should have mentioned my pad(s). Current pad that gets most use is thermarest trailpro with an R rating of only 4. Did plan to supplement this on top of a thermarest Z-lite and/or a Cabelas large outfitter air pad (not sure of R value).

I did worry about multiple pads and constantly wanting to slide out from under one another.


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I had a thread on the same ting. Double bagging is VERY effective.

Also, if you have to the roam pad is more effective on top of your air mattress and the reflective side goes down. Good luck!
 
OP
Dakota_Rookie
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I had a thread on the same ting. Double bagging is VERY effective.

Also, if you have to the roam pad is more effective on top of your air mattress and the reflective side goes down. Good luck!

Could you link that thread?


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100%DIYazCOUES

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If truck camping, double bag 100%.
If backpacking just sleep in your puffys.
A couple weeks ago I used a lower quality 25 degree rated quilt, puffy jacket , and down booties, and was almost too warm in 15 degrees. Never needed the puffy pants. First time using down booties, but they were AWESOME. $15 Amazon buy, 3 oz if that matters to ya
 
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Should have mentioned my pad(s). Current pad that gets most use is thermarest trailpro with an R rating of only 4. Did plan to supplement this on top of a thermarest Z-lite and/or a Cabelas large outfitter air pad (not sure of R value).

I did worry about multiple pads and constantly wanting to slide out from under one another.


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Pads slide, but you will want both. Sounds like you are prepared though!
 

Matt5266

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SW Idaho
If your truck camping double your sleeping bags or take some blankets. Good pad. Also liners are good to out inside they add some warmth and protect your bag from sweat and dirt that can decrease and breakdown fill inside your bag.
 

Koda_

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Dec 24, 2023
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PNW
Looking for recommendations on how to extend the temp rating of my 20* mummy bag. Possibly going to be camping in colder temps in the first week of December and wondering what my options are.

Currently considering sleeping in a puffy jacket and also sticking the 20* sleeping bag into a 40* sleeping bag.

Would this work? Are there better ways out there? I don’t really have much expendable cash I’m willing to spend on a a 0* or -10* bag so want to try and use what I have.

I’ll be camping at the truck for additional context.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
All the above works, but for me what works best is to add a down or synth quilt inside the bag to take up any dead air spaces, add a closed cell foam sleeping pad.

 

WyoKid

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Thanks. I will have a teepee and wood stove but that warmth only last about 45 min to an hour if I’m lucky. Plan on also sticking a Nalgene of boiling water at bottom of bag.


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Depending on the size and type of your stove, you can extend the burn time by stacking it full of large pieces of wood (hard wood lasts longer) and open the air intake fully for just a few minutes to make sure you have a solid fire, then close the damper and air intake down to 1/4 to let it smolder all night. I have also thrown in lump coal if it is brutally cold, which will burn all night but you have to first make sure it has started to burn before you close down the air intake and damper.

+ on good or double ground pad - use duct tape to hold two 1 inch closed cell foam pads together (bought mine from Walmart) to avoid them sliding off each other.
 
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Montana
In a 15 degree big agnes bag plus sea to summit thermo liner, good socks, long John’s and a puffy I’ve went to -10 ambient -30 windchill. Pitch the tent the right direction helps greatly.
 
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