How To SLEEP WARM And COMFORTABLE In The Woods - Plus Gear Tips

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Hey guys, just wanted to say thanks for watching. I know there's some folks out there with lots of experience sleeping in cold weather. Let's here some of your tips for stayin cozy and comfortable! Also, if anyone would like to follow along on instagram we post over there quite a bit. @motivatedbymountains Thanks again. MBM

[@mischiefonthetrail8961]

For me only things I would add is if camping on snow pack down where you’re floor will be before setting up cuz you laying on you’re pad will create heat and melt snow under you making lumps all under you’re pad and when on snow to make sure you have a R5 + pad or use a foam or ridge rest style pad under you’re three season pad. Another way to help with cold feet is to put you’re foot box into you’re rain Jacket (making sure it’s not to tight and compressing the down ) also helps control condensation

[@TheUltralightMindset]

@@mischiefonthetrail8961 I just mentioned the rain jacket over the footbox to someone else right before reading this. LOL Great tips for snow!!!

[@wilsonisaias3236]

i know im asking the wrong place but does any of you know a way to log back into an instagram account? I was dumb forgot my password. I love any assistance you can offer me.

[@pgreenx]

Great advice. Don’t forget about site selection which could have a impact on humidity and temps. Camping under tree cover and higher ground is warmer and less humid

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Yep. All part of a video coming soon....👍

[@jantomaszrogala4230]

nothing puts me better to sleep than sound of the rain against the tarp or rainfly

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Absolutely!

[@jasonwoods305]

Good video. An Emergency space blanket wrapped around the foot box of my quilt helps me with cold feet.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

I would think that it would trap moisture and condensation, I use my rain jacket, but hey if it works for you, it works for you....👍

[@redtango76]

The first time I slept in the desert in the Superstitions there was a full moon and it was so bright I had to cover my eyes with a shirt just to fall asleep. Great idea to bring the mask!

[@THERAPYINU]

Great post, Scott. The "recovery" section is so rarely reviewed by other KZbinrs imo. I use Nuun tabs and knuckle muscles before bed, too. One more tip I just started for mental "comfort" for my winter trips: chemical hand warmer rubberbanded to my smartphone or inbetween smartphone and battery bank overnight. Dramatic decrease in power loss due to cold nights and ground. Keeping my electronics in my sleeping bag only sort of worked before I thought of this. Thanks for the content. You should do a whole episode on camp recovery after big-mile-day or for new hikers just getting into extended miles and tough terrain trips. Best to you, Terence

[@TheUltralightMindset]

I agree on the lack of recovery info out there. I spend a lot of time trail running and crosstraining. Recovery is key. If you don't stretch and focus on recovery and mobility you will get injured. I havent decided exactly how to structure the recovery videos yet, but they're coming. Never heard of the Knuckle Recovery. I'll have to check that out. Thanks for the hot hands battery tip. Great idea!!!

[@marcohanig176]

Chase Mountains has great content on stretching, staying injury-free, etc.

[@THERAPYINU]

@@marcohanig176 Thanks--that channel looks very promising.

[@escapetheindoors]

Great tips! Still learning to be a better ground sleeper...my Duplex doesn't get enough use. I seem to always pick a slanted spot and stuffing something under my pad like my pack definitely helps offset the slant. Also, for me as a side sleeper on an X-Lite, stuffing the end into the footbox of my quilt and using shock cord to strap my pad to my quilt made all the difference to not slide off the pad.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Yea man. If your quilt is large enough to handle it, sliding your pad into the footbox works like a champ. You can also zip up your rain jacket and slide it over the end of your pad and footbox. Protects everything from condensation and bumps up the warmth a bit. I know you're more accustomed to the cold than I am, hiking up north. I should be asking you for tips!!!

[@jasonblack460]

I like the idea about white noise from your phone. I’m a fan sleeper so I may try this. Normally earplugs do the trick. Something to add for muscles: hydrate hydrate, ibuprofen. Also simple breathing techniques to fall asleep for ones that need it. Thanks for sharing! 👍🏻

[@TheUltralightMindset]

My good friend uses "Relax Melodies" free App. He sleeps with a noise machine at home and he says it works great in the woods. Hydration and Ibuprofen are both great points. Thanks!!!

[@mischiefonthetrail8961]

All ready great tips , nothing is more important than a good nights sleep

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Mischief?!!! What's up buddy? Aren't you in South Carolina yet? LOL

[@mischiefonthetrail8961]

@@TheUltralightMindset this morning we changed it to heading down tomorrow and start Monday apparently there a winter storm warning there from 6pm - 12pm todayday & tomorrow with 1-5” of snow which I don’t mind but also sleet and freazing rain rather hold off a day then hike in that the first day out lol

[@TheUltralightMindset]

@@mischiefonthetrail8961 I hear you man

[@andrewconnelly4893]

thx for the last tip regarding magnesium - - also what a great reminder to pick up trash (such an easy thing to leave the trail in better shape - - so important!!!)

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Thanks Andrew. So glad to hear you say that!

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

Thanks Scott got some great tips.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Great. Thanks for checking in Warren!

[@janefreeman4121]

Hi. Great content as always.😊 We happen to have much the same gear! Luxury item for me is a silk eye mask. 12 grams or less than 1/2oz. That little bit of weight and warmth over the eyes is comforting. One could use a sleeve or another piece of clothing but the fitted piece stays in place. I use it at home as well in a dark room. Foam earplugs especially to drowned out the sound of the odd saquatch growling outside the tent 😂 .... or maybe that was just another tenter snoring for three people. Unverified encounter 😉

[@TheUltralightMindset]

LOL!!! Yes, the earplugs are the key to blocking out Sasquatch! Funny story....we've been calling my buddy Mike "GRIZZ" for years because he snores so loud and deep he sounds like a Grizzly Bear!!!

[@philamongthehills501]

I always enjoy hearing the sound from a mild stream.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Oh yea. Streams are such a great sound to sleep to. I love a light rain also. Music to my ears!

[@Dakota.Covers]

Outstanding video!

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Thanks!

[@brianwilson8088]

Pro tip on the GG 1/8 foam pad preventing slideage. Heard about it for Xtra insulation, but not to prevent sliding.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

It's crazy how grippy it is!!!

[@Love2Wander]

Hey Scott Mike great info

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Thanks!

[@jlkartvideos9887]

In cold conditions it is very important to eat properly before sleeping.

[@barondavis5692]

If it’s light out when I turn in, I’ve had good results blocking the light by closing my eye lids.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Interesting idea... Do you use a specific eyelid based on the amount of light? Are these eyelids ultralight? Are they sold as a pair? Do you carry extra eyelids, in case you lose one?

[@barondavis5692]

Motivated By Mountains No, they’re generic, similar to any found at Walmart. Extra pair? No, I figure, if I lose them my hike is pretty much over.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

@@barondavis5692 👍👍👍🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@barondavis5692]

Motivated By Mountains Gald you enjoyed my silly comments. 👍

[@TheUltralightMindset]

@@barondavis5692 Likewise!

[@robnoodle1]

Thanks Scott

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Your welcome...👍

[@michaelmcphee2930]

I have a 5 Litre Sea to Summit kitchen sink in which I put some warmed up water to sponge the sweat and grime off my body. I sleep better just feeling clean. I take one paracetamol to take the edge of aches and pains. Ill try the magnesium and being an older guy at 70 a pee bottle is also a must. No way I like wondering if I'll get up in the cold or not, screw the lid back on tightly. P

[@TheUltralightMindset]

I have used a pee bottle in the past in colder temps. Definitely works well, but a few years back I started hiking with the Zpacks duplex. Two doors, one for entry/exit, the other for pee area. I usually dig a small hole under the vestibule so nothing flows in any direction. Pretty much just roll over and do your thing. Cover it up in the morning.

[@michaelmcphee2930]

I suffer seriously from shrinkage in the cold, no way I'm hanging my old boy out the door. I have a two door tent too. Plus a dingo might eat it.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

@@michaelmcphee2930 Thanks for that. I'm laughing so hard right now I can barely type!!!!

[@AnnaKra]

love it. Thank you.

[@jasonmears4393]

Great advice and great video. I always look forward for them. Just curious, what kind of watch are you wearing? I'm looking for a new smart watch thats good for outdoor activities. Any recommendations?

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Haha. Yea, that's a $30 Casio G-Shock. It's pretty basic but it's also tough. I haven't invested in a smart/GPS watch just yet, although I have been considering it for trail running, hiking, etc. I hear good things about Coros watches. Bryce Newbold just put out a video on his watch. I would check that out. I'd be interested to know what watch you land on and why. Keep me in the loop....👍

[@jasonmears4393]

@@TheUltralightMindset thanks. The garmin forerunner 45 looks like a good one. Ill let you know which one i get.

[@lyndsaycollins6468]

It’s probably just a placebo effect but SleepyTime tea by Celestial Seasonings works for me. It’s very lightweight also has some good vitamins.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Yes. Love that tea and the tension tamer! Good stuff!

[@Dakota.Covers]

Yogi bedtime tea is also excellent

[@clarkansas6590]

Good information

[@HeatherMoreau]

Thank you! I usually hike an atra lone peak trail runners and this year I am considering the high tops… Have you tried those?

[@TheUltralightMindset]

I haven't tried the higher ankle. Give them a try...👍

[@SeniorHiker77]

All good advice. ✌

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Thanks man.

[@kenttheboomer721]

Good tips.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Thanks!

[@trailfleamlangdon2260]

Great video, good subject,. You mentioned using a buff on your face to keep warm, made me think maybe if you sleep with one over nose and mouth it mite absorb the moisture from your breath and help with condensation in the tent, what do you think? I always carry a grocery bag to pickup trash in. Thanks, Trail Flea

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Yea, I think the buff might help a bit with condensation directly above your head and on top of your quilt or sleeping bag, mostly if your a back sleeper. Im planning on doing a video on dealing with condensation soon. Good on you for cleaning up. Thats great!!!!

[@Adam_Outdoors]

Condensation isn't about the moisture coming from your mouth. It's about the moisture already in the air and the temp difference from outside to inside. Your breath gives off heat as well as other things, this condenses in the air.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

@@Adam_Outdoors Yes. Most condensation forms on the walls of your shelter due to the difference in temps between interior and exterior air. But, if its cold inside my shelter, my breath will condense on top of my quilt near my face. I think thats what were referring to hear. Thanks for the input.

[@Adam_Outdoors]

@@TheUltralightMindset Yes but what I was replying to Trailflea and his false assumption about moisture from mouth. It's not the moisture from mouth that causes condensation, it's the heat.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

@Shawn J 👍👍👍

[@andrewmcgaha9629]

Mylar blanket makes an inexpensive, insulating, and uber light ground sheet.

[@BackpackingWithJason]

Great tips. I love those nuun tablets.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Yea, I like them a lot. I just wish they weren't so damn expensive. LOL

[@BackpackingWithJason]

@@TheUltralightMindset I’ll agree with that 👍

[@andrewmcgaha9629]

never tried Magnesium, but Hyland's Restful Legs works great for RLS.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Good to know. Just keep in mind that the type of condition I'm referring to is from hiking or long difficult workouts, tired sore muscles that just aren't quite able to relax. Restless Legs "Syndrome" is a completely different thing.

[@andrewmcgaha9629]

@@TheUltralightMindset good point. I just call it RLS, but talking about the same thing.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

@@andrewmcgaha9629 Gotcha.

[@danielyacykewych4066]

Hi Scott, as usual great stuff. My question: how cold do you take that jacket down to (assuming it’s the 32degree in the links)? Also what size and what’s the weight on it? I have a Montbell Mirage (13.3) oz but I’d rather take a lighter duty puffer on a summer trip. Thanx.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Good question! The brand is actually "32 Degrees". Its definitely NOT going to be nearly as warm as the Mirage. I can wear that jacket down into the upper 30's with a long sleeve merino shirt underneath, as long as I'm moving around a bit, like doing camp chores. Down into the low thirties if I add my alpaca hoodie. I rarely if ever wear it while Im hiking. Im 6'1" tall and 175lbs. I wear a size medium and it weighs 10.3 ounces. 650 fill RDS certified down. Unfortunately, this jacket is about 4 years old and it looks like they may have stopped selling the hooded model. Check the link in my description of gear. But for summer, you can find the jacket without a hood on Amazon and on the 32 Degrees website at $25 right now. I have been very happy with it. Let me know what you find.

[@JonathanThrift]

I bought the hoodless down jacket from 32 degrees a couple weeks ago and I love it. They had them for $21 at one point. I wish it had a hood, but I have a hoodie and beanie to cover my head.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

@@JonathanThrift Awesome! Im going on 4, maybe 5 years with mine. Great jackets, especially for the price!

[@Teddy-fx6fx]

Tequila works well. Another great video

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Yea, but you pay for it in the morning, especially when nature calls. Yikes!

[@kennethstarr5545]

BTW, try Liquid IV for electrolytes. I find that NUUN reminds me a f Alka Seltzer

[@TheUltralightMindset]

👍👍👍

[@michael133]

Hey Scott those velcro tabs came with your pillow? Just ordered one and it has the velcro material on the new version of the pillow but no velcro tabs.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

That's strange. I'd call Sea To Summit customer service. I'm sure they'll send you some. Let me know what you find out.

[@michael133]

@@TheUltralightMindset you where right, and here's the scoop about it. This was their reply. Since Spring 2019 - our sleeping mats have included the Pillow Lock patches in their packaging. The patches adhere to the fabric of pillows that were updated in Spring 2019. No worries, I can get you a set of the Pillow Lock, can you please send me the following: Which mat and pillow you have? Mailing address Once I have the above, I can get that set sent out!

[@michael133]

Apparently they don't give the patches with the pillow anymore they only come with their sleeping mats.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

@@michael133 Huh. Well that seems a bit odd. Seems like they should come with the pillow so you can use it with any pad. I'll see if I can pin down a place to buy the velcro. Its a very low profile hook, so it does grab at everything that touches it. Thanks for letting me know...

[@michael133]

@@TheUltralightMindset I agree makes more sense to come with the pillow. Turns out the pillow I already owned was the same version but I never knew it because it didn't come with velcro and they don't really advertise it. Had I not seen your video would of never known. Thanks

[@andrewconnelly4893]

Has anyone tried the Zpacks brushtail possum socks (vs wool socks) - - is there a difference in materials?

[@TheUltralightMindset]

I haven't tried the Possum down socks, but a good friend of mine has a pair and he loves them. I think the socks are made of the same blend as the gloves.

[@azclaimjumper]

Yes, I've read all the replies B4 composing the following: GooseFeet Down Booties & their Waterproof Over-Booties along with those chemical HOT HANDS Feet Warmers are things I started using at the beginning of 2020 & have made the difference between me sleeping warm & comfy compared to tossing & turning because of cold feet. Buff Headgear is so versatile & so perfect thanks to the various configurations; test, I always have my Buff headgear around my neck & top of my head when I crawl into my sleeping bag. Yes, I can always re-configure it to a full-face balaclava if it's a really cold cold night. Yes, jumping jacks is something I also began doing just before crawling into my sleeping bag to increase my metabolism which helps me quickly warm my sleeping bag's interior. TIP: I like to munch on strips of cooked cold bacon just B4 crawling into my sleeping bag + I often munch on a couple of strips after I've gotten up to pee in the middle of the night, all with the intent of giving my digestive system something to digest which helps to generate that extra bit of body heat. My sleep pad of choice is the Thermarest XTherm which has an R6.9 insulation rating. I KNOW it's going to keep me insulated from the ground + radiate my own body heat back up to MEeee. If you ever create & publish a video on food/stove/Koozies/cups & pots I'll have a lot to add because it is something a lot of hikers do wrong.

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Great info and tips. A bacon lover. I'm with ya! I always take some precooked bacon when I hike, usually Boars Head. Eating something like Bacon before bed is a great idea because its high in fat and protein which breaks down much slower than food that's high in sugar. Much longer lasting fuel overnight. I should have mentioned that in the video. Glad you mentioned it. Thanks again!

[@Dakota.Covers]

Nice tips. How did you decide to choose Goose Feet brand booties?

[@azclaimjumper]

@@Dakota.Covers That was an easy choice. I wanted just Down booties when inside my sleeping bag. I wanted the outer sole for when I'm strolling around my campsite, B4 crawling into my sleeping bag, after crawling out of my sleeping bag. Everything else was a combined sole/bootie.

[@Dakota.Covers]

@@azclaimjumper I see what you mean! Do you use anything else for camp shoes? Do you ever wear the outer sole by itself? Do you only use these when it is cold out? Thanks for the information!

[@azclaimjumper]

@@Dakota.Covers Yes, often I use the outer sole when slipped over my socks to walk around camp.

[@tenminutetokyo2643]

Dood! Always carry a mattress bag with you when you camp.

[@Nasgareth]

So those velcro tabs from the pillow glue onto the sleeping pad? Have you used that in really hot weather? I'd be concerned about the adhesive making a sticky mess and glueing my pad together when rolled up. Thanks for the tips!

[@TheUltralightMindset]

The velcro is 3M peel and stick. I haven't had any problems in warm weather. Its also a very low profile hook on the velcro so it doesn't try to grab onto clothing, etc if it touches.

[@Nasgareth]

​@@TheUltralightMindset Thanks! I also recently started using the 1/8" foam pad in addition to a mat and as a sit pad - it's like having a camp sofa out there!;)

[@suetaylor5758]

If,y feet are cold I put my sit pad opened in the toe box

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Great idea Sue. Extra insulation underneath!

[@shoresy6183]

I bring a few melatonin gummies. After I rehydrate with some water and Liquid I.V., I'll chew a gummy before going to bed. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz....

[@TheUltralightMindset]

Great routine!