Sleeping with layers or w/o

[welpro222]

When you guys buy a sleeping bag, are you guy choosing the temp rating based on sleeping with your layers or naked?

Last year I used a Kifaru 20 slick bag, but because I was too lazy to remove my layers, I ended up sleeping in all layers but my soft shell jacket. I was plenty warm in 35 degree weather. For this year, I am reducing my pack weight as much as possible and have bought a Montbell down hugger #3 rated at 30-40 degrees (1 lb lighter then the slick bag). I plan on sleeping in my layers again this year. I have tested the is setup in 36 degree temps outside at home, and I think with a warmer pad I should be good to go.

What sleeping bag/layering system at what temp do you guys use?

 

[Poser]

I have a EE 20 degree quilt. I always sleep in my base layers when it's cold out and will add extra layers as needed. Took it down well into the single digits recently. With everything cinched down tight, sock liners, 210 weight bottoms , 210 weight too, merino balaclava and a down beanie, and I was quite comfortable. I feel like I could go to zero or so before I would have to add outerwear.

I do prefer not to sleep in socks unless necessary. I do like to have my base layers on when it's chilly out as its easier and more comfortable getting up in the morning, so I'll sleep in them and just keep my quilt loose if it's not especially cold. Essentially, my base layers are built into my temp rating.

 

[Justin Crossley]

I almost always sleep in my long sleeve top because I get too warm in my quilts, and like to have my arms out. Bottoms, I'm probably 50/50 on wearing them or not.

 

[airlocksniffer]

Always for me in the fall. Hat, tops and bottoms and socks. If I get too hot I can unzip and not get chilled as quickly than if I just had bare skin.

 

[mdog]

My base layers are part of my sleep system. I use a 40 degree quilt that is comfortable to 30 with the base layers. The base layers (1) reduce overall weight of your sleep system, (2) Increase the comfort level...I just don't like the sticky feeling in a nylon bag ,(3) can add or remove layers as temperatures require ie refine your comfort level, (4) keeps the bag much cleaner/less smelly which is big after a couple of weeks, (5) it's easier to climb out of a warm bag on a freezing morning and pull on cold pants and jacket with a layer already on.

 

[cocky84]

Base layer. Socks. Hat if really cold. Zip and unzip to regulate temp

 

[William Hanson (live2hunt)]

I sleep in my base layers but mostly because it's more comfortable than laying with skin directly on my pad. I use a 10° EE quilt and a synmat ul9 and just tested it last night in 5° weather with a 10 mph wind, I was hot enough that I needed to vent it. I was just wearing blue jeans and a t shirt.

 

[twall13]

I wear my base layers as a part of my sleep system as well. For one thing, it's faster and warmer getting dressed in the morning. Another reason I like to sleep in my base layers is they act like a liner to keep my down quilt clean. I don't like washing down any more than I have to so it's worth it to me to keep the oils from my body off the quilt.

It's worth noting, however, that if I work up too much of a sweat right before sleeping I'm better off getting out of my wet clothes. I find this particularly true for socks. If it won't get too cold my body heat works well to dry socks while wearing them overnight but if it is going to get cold the moisture will just give me cold feet. I typically have spare socks for those situations but not spare base layers so in the case of excess moisture i might go without wearing them.

 

[BroodBuster]

I've got a WM 20* bag and at 20* I've got my base layers on and a beanie. That and I'll actually zip it up. At 30* and above I just use it like a blanket. So yea I'd say temp ratings include base layer plus a beanie.

 

[tttoadman]

I am another for base layers to keep from feeling clammy in the bag. I will sleep with a midweight shirt between my knees when on my side. anything to get a little more comfort.

 

[jmez]

I'm a warm sleeper and just sleep in my boxers. I have a 20 degree bag and use it as a quilt and pull it about halfway up my chest. All depends on your thermastat. It would have to get pretty cold for me to zip into it.

 

[castandblast]

I've got a WM 20* bag and at 20* I've got my base layers on and a beanie. That and I'll actually zip it up. At 30* and above I just use it like a blanket. So yea I'd say temp ratings include base layer plus a beanie.

Ditto, except my bag is a WM Megalite 30* with 2 oz overfill. I rarely have to zip up in it.

 

[Backpack Hunter]

I pick a temp rating based on minimal clothing.

 

[rbljack]

during last season, I used a WM badger and temps got down into the 20s. I liked having base layers on for comfort. I felt clammy and the material of the inner bag felt real cold without it when I first got in....LOL. So on went the base layers. Zip or unzipped to regulate.

 

[5MilesBack]

I am another for base layers to keep from feeling clammy in the bag.

Same reason I wear my base layers ALWAYS when I'm hunting no matter the temps. Can't stand that clammy sweaty feel on my skin. So ya, I wear my base layers to bed and use a 0 degree EE quilt on an Xtherm pad and wear a fleece hat......even in the summer.

 

[fngTony]

I'm too thin to retain body heat so my 20 degree bag is good to that with a light wool base layer. Although I'm looking to find a 30 degree bag to save weight and sleep in my puffy if need be.