Northern Dancer
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SHOULD YOU PUT ONE SLEEPING BAG INSIDE ANOTHER?
This was a question I was asked recently. It is an interesting topic for those of us who winter camp. There are other threads here on our Outdoor Basecamp forum; some rather interesting thoughts and ideas.
So here is my take on the issue for 2022 [Happy New Year everyone!]
GENERALLY
First, purchase a sleeping bag that is appropriate for you. That could mean spring, summer, fall, and winter or somewhere in between - depending on what the conditions are prominent in your neck of the woods. You could be residing in hot places where other places may have more of a temperate condition. If you camp in the snow you will know that what you use in the Sierra might not be helpful.
WINTER
I use an insert that is appropriate for the bag I use. I don't need a heavy-duty one because I don't want to sweat - I just want to be warm. An insert will help increase the temperature AND, it will help keep the sleeping bag clean. It is easier to wash an insert than a sleeping bag. I have used a lighter [summer bag] as an insert too. READ VERY CAREFULLY the labels and advertisements for EXPENSIVE INSERTS that frequently are not worth the price you pay. Use some common sense. Do research long before you buy. I also wear clean soft gloves and a balaclava to keep my hands and head warm.
MY CURRENT INVENTORY [Keeping in mind that I'm an active camper/canoe person.]
Two winter bags - one 15 degrees Celcius and one 20 degrees Celcius. I have two Downey feathered bags, one Downey feathered sleeping blanket. Two inserts, and one very light [for hot temperatures] sleeping bag. [You need a sleeping pad for this one.]
YOU DON'T ALWAYS NEED AN INSERT
Try using a hot water bottle or hand heater pads. [Make sure you cover them to prevent burns.] I've used hot rocks rolled in a towel. You can now get heated sleeping bag socks if you are inclined to. And yes, sharing a large bag with a partner may be an answer. But not for me it isn't.
This was a question I was asked recently. It is an interesting topic for those of us who winter camp. There are other threads here on our Outdoor Basecamp forum; some rather interesting thoughts and ideas.
So here is my take on the issue for 2022 [Happy New Year everyone!]
GENERALLY
First, purchase a sleeping bag that is appropriate for you. That could mean spring, summer, fall, and winter or somewhere in between - depending on what the conditions are prominent in your neck of the woods. You could be residing in hot places where other places may have more of a temperate condition. If you camp in the snow you will know that what you use in the Sierra might not be helpful.
WINTER
I use an insert that is appropriate for the bag I use. I don't need a heavy-duty one because I don't want to sweat - I just want to be warm. An insert will help increase the temperature AND, it will help keep the sleeping bag clean. It is easier to wash an insert than a sleeping bag. I have used a lighter [summer bag] as an insert too. READ VERY CAREFULLY the labels and advertisements for EXPENSIVE INSERTS that frequently are not worth the price you pay. Use some common sense. Do research long before you buy. I also wear clean soft gloves and a balaclava to keep my hands and head warm.
MY CURRENT INVENTORY [Keeping in mind that I'm an active camper/canoe person.]
Two winter bags - one 15 degrees Celcius and one 20 degrees Celcius. I have two Downey feathered bags, one Downey feathered sleeping blanket. Two inserts, and one very light [for hot temperatures] sleeping bag. [You need a sleeping pad for this one.]
YOU DON'T ALWAYS NEED AN INSERT
Try using a hot water bottle or hand heater pads. [Make sure you cover them to prevent burns.] I've used hot rocks rolled in a towel. You can now get heated sleeping bag socks if you are inclined to. And yes, sharing a large bag with a partner may be an answer. But not for me it isn't.