It’s hard to sleep well when you’re cold. A few simple techniques can make all the difference.
- You need fuel to
keep your furnace burning all night. In case you wake up chilled, have a quick energy,
high-calorie snack at the ready for a middle-of-the-night refuel.
- Use a thick,
full-length sleeping pad; what works in the summer often won’t cut it in the
winter. Look for a minimum R-value of 4.0 (an R-value of 5.0 or more is ideal)
or consider doubling up pads for maximum warmth.
- Wear a liner balaclava and
snug hat that won’t fall off during the night.
- Have a designated set of dry
sleepwear, including a pair of warm socks.
- Avoid breathing into the hood. The
moisture in your breath will compromise the insulation and reduce its warmth,
especially in down bags.
This column originally appeared in the print edition of AMC Outdoors along with the column "Sleep Tight, All Winter Night."
Photograph by Shutterstock.Labels: Down, Safety, Sleeping Bags, Sleeping Pads, Winter
