Winter sleeping setup

[Mink18]

Hi all,

I live in Minnesota and enjoy camping the BWCA in the winter. Last year I was out and an unforcasted cold front came in and the temp dropped to -20F. Wasn't very prepared and paid the price in discomfort and lack of sleep.

I'd like to invest in a nicer sleeping bag. Looking at some down ones rated to -20

[zoey22]

Here are some suggestions for you.

Prepare suitable tent


Use an all-season tent that can withstand extreme weather, which is usually heavier and stronger due to the reinforced poles and stronger materials.

If you are camping in an exposed area in winter, or if you experience heavy snow or high winds, these are situations where a four-season tent is much better. Also in material selection, cotton fabric has higher insulation performance than chemical fiber fabric, and the thicker the cotton fabric, the better the insulation performance. Second, whether the tent with an inner net also affects the insulation performance. Another choice is a canvas tent. Although much heavier than the traditional nylon tent, canvas tents can better withstand snow and wind in winter. Plus, canvas tents insulate well and can keep you warm. Better yet, you can use a winter tent stove in most canvas tents. It also keeps the inside of the tent warmer.

Choose a suitable place to set up camp


Choose a camping location that is sheltered from the wind, such as next to rocks, a dry area, or another place that has a wind-blocking effect. Try to face east to the sun so that you can be directly exposed to the sun when it rises. Before setting up camp, use a sled or snowshoes to solidify a flat area so that you won't sink into the soft snow when climbing into your tent. Even if the weather is clear, secure your tent as securely as possible.

Adding a sleeping bag and camping pad


Picking a proper, high-quality sleeping bag based on the lowest temperature of your environment is the best way to stay warm while camping in a tent. Look at the lower temperature rating of the sleeping bag, this number is the lowest temperature the manufacturer believes the average user can stay warm.

In my personal experience, when buying a sleeping bag, you should take into account the temperature factor, the lower the temperature, the thicker the sleeping bag you buy. When you use it at night, remember not to let your body and sleeping bag have too much space. Because the larger the gap, the more heat the body has to generate to fill the gap. So try to reduce these extra spaces. You can choose a sleeping bag with a good fit. In addition, adding a moisture-proof pad will allow you to be better insulated from the cold ground, thus adding a lot of warmth to your camping sleep.

[KeeleyKelley]

Hi there! Interesting to read you had a tough experience camping in Minnesota with the unexpected drop in temperature.

[HarrisonWells]

Investing in a nice sleeping bag is definitely a smart move, especially for winter camping. Have you checked out down sleeping bags rated to -20F?