Boosting the warmth of your sleep system

There are many great lightweight ways to boost the warmth of your sleep system. I use a 30 degree mont bell bag most of the year and carry a warmer bag only in very cold winter conditions.

Wear your clothing while you sleep to boost warmth of your sleep system. You carry it anyway so why not use it as much as possible. This also allows you to get away with a lighter bag. I always wear my merino wool baselayers to bed and will add a windshirt, micropuff pullover, thermawrap pants, a hat, gloves, belay jacket, and down booties in various combinations depending on the conditions. This will also help to dry out your clothing overnight

You can also carry hand warmer packets with you. They do not weigh much and can get you through a night with unexpected low temps. I always take these for winter outings. You may also heat up some water and put it in a bottle inside the bag with you.

Eat a little fatty food (nuts) before going to sleep so you have something to burn to keep you warm all night.

A hat has the best warmth to weight ratio out of everything you carry. Always wear a hat and dry socks at night to keep you warmer. I prefer the Integral Designs Primalid because it weighs about two ounces and is very wind resistant, and about the warmest hat I have used.

I hope these tips will help everyone sleep warmer and carry lighter.

  

Hi everyone,

I am new to the backpacking scene and am looking for some advice for my trip from November 2009 to January 2010. We are going to South America and it will be summer, but are also going to the Andes, so I am not sure what degree rating to go for in a sleeping bag..... Obviously going for 2 months, a lightweight and compact system will be needed. Also, how big a a backpack would anyone recommend?

Thanks :-)

  

That is a big question. I would wait to buy a pack until you know what you are bringing with you. Just so you get the volume right. As far as the sleep system goes what activities will be planning while you are down there. How many nights at elevation, jungle, etc. I have a few ideas. let me know more about the trip and I can help you get a good gear list going.