How to Sleep Warm When Camping

Check out our range of sleeping gear here:
www.snowys.com.au/sleeping-gear
You can also read of our blog post for more details on sleeping warmer here:
www.snowys.com.au/blog/5-toas...
There are so many amazing things about winter camping - you can enjoy the heat of a campfire, some delicious meals cooked over coals, and crisp fresh mornings in the great outdoors.
But it does bring with it the cold weather, so in this video, we break down how to keep warm on your next trip. Listen in as our gear expert Ben talks you through everything you need to know about how to prevent sleeping cold on your next winter camping adventure.
He starts out with safety information around portable gas heaters, how to keep your body warm, ways to warm up your sleeping bag, adding insulation to your sleeping set up, then explains the limitations of your tent plus plenty of tips and tricks in-between - so check it out above for all the details.
0:00 - Intro
1:29 - Thermals, gloves & beanies
2:16 - Maintaining body warmth
3:14 - Warming up a sleeping bag
5:14 - Mattresses & insulation
6:50 - Tents & condensation

[@mattb3746]

Always great vids and as usual, very informative. Thanks

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Thanks for the compliment, Matt. Happy camping! ~ Ben

[@kylieharris7298]

Great video, very helpful. Love Snowys - the best!

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Thanks so much Kylie Harris, glad you found this useful! ~ Lauren

[@Raptor0256]

put the next days clothes in the sleeping bag with you. that way when you wake up you'll also have warm fresh clothes to put on

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Nice one, Sean, certainly beats pulling a crisp cold pair of slacks on in the morning. ~ Ben

[@gymbagg8716]

Hard boiled eggs placed in mitts or in a sleeping bag will help warm your sleep system and you can eat them later....keep the shell on them till you want to eat them ...baked potatoes wrapped in tin foil also will help keep you warm

[@BadBoy-gg9hz]

I don’t know about being fresh but ye, good idea.

[@thethirstygoose398]

Another great vid with useful info. Cheers Ben🍺

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I'm glad it was useful, The Thirsty Goose. ~ Ben

[@dirtydogg06]

Awesome thanks mate.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

You're welcome, dirtydogg06. ~ Ben

[@rossdrayton5476]

Excellent advice. Many Thanks

[@SnowysOutdoors]

You're welcome, Ross. ~ Ben

[@markdwyer9490]

Awesome segment mate well done.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I'm glad you liked it, Mark. ~ Ben

[@antoniogreciajnr]

So knowledgeable. Very helpful video

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I'm glad it was helpful. ~ Ben

[@EndlessWeekendlife]

Wow, learnt a heap! Thanks mate

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I'm glad it was useful, Endless Weekend. ~ Ben

[@conservativesniperhunter7439]

Great tips to keeping warm on cold winter nights . I like to put a closed cell phone mat on top and underneath my sleeping mattress to keep the cold from getting through.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

The closed cell foam mats are cheap security for keeping warm, lightweight too. Thanks for your feedback, Conservative Sniper Hunter. ~ Ben

[@macdona50]

Really helpful video, we avoid cold weather camping, that's why people invented buildings! We were caught short a few years ago , good bags but on an ordinary airbed, next day we put some newspaper under the airbed, just a couple of sheets all over and the bed was fixed. It is an easy low volume, cheap fix.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Thanks for your feedback, Philip. You can certainly warm an airbed up as you say, and also by placing more layers directly under your body. ~ Ben

[@sevrinaanastasia]

I'm going on my first cold weather camping experience at Mt. Rainer so I'm making sure I'm fully prepped. Thanks for the helpful video! :)

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Have an awesome time @enchantement sombre ~ Lauren

[@sevrinaanastasia]

@@Vacublaster1 These are good to keep in mind, thank you. We wound up staying in an inn. My friend decided that he didn't want to tough the cold weather so I'm going to have to experiment with these tips when I do go Winter camping.

[@electropad]

I would love to see Ben's personal camping set up. He would have the best of the best!

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Haha, I reckon you'd be underwhelmed by my setup, Jason. I love all the gear, but I'm a minimalist at heart (much to my family's anguish), so my camp usually looks somewhat modest with a tent, something to cook on and somewhere to park myself while I watch the sunset. I tend look after my gear too, so some of it is about 15 years old and when I'm packing my car I'm usually looking for a reason as to why I may not need an item of gear rather than just taking the latest and greatest. That's just how I roll. ~ Ben

[@electropad]

@@SnowysOutdoors I could believe that it's often experienced campers that have less gear and gear that often serves two purposes. Good to hear you look after your gear!

[@SnowysOutdoors]

@@electropad I try and make sure everything in my kit serves two purposes, it's the deep-seeded lightweight hiker in me. ~ Ben

[@nathanmountain5540]

Just purchased the 23zero awning off snowys, been helpful the whole way, love your videos and it's what made me go through you rather than 23zero themselves.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Thanks for shopping with us, Nathan. Happy camping! ~ Ben

[@SnowysOutdoors]

It's good gear, Budget Overland Australia. It seems to be well made and the prices are pretty good, we've got no reason not to recommend their stuff. ~ Ben

[@nathanmountain5540]

@Budget Overland Australia my experience so far is it's definitely held up to its selling points, haven't been out like I want to thanks to COVID but easy setup and very sturdy. As it's setup on my hilux too works perfectly.

[@StarrDaniel]

Great video

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Thanks, Starr & Daniel. ~ Ben

[@gobalik]

thats good advice in a remote campsite, but if you leave your heater outside your tent at a regular communal campsite someone can likely just walk by and make off with it and you'll never see your heater again

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I guess that's the case with most of your camping gear though, maybe a locked cable will deter would-be thief's. ~ Ben

[@sheldonpopesp]

I'm thinking of getting a 12v heated blanket (with a timer built-in) since I always run an extension cable from the car to run the lights and chargers in and around the tent. Seems like a good way to build up some warmth in the bag especially if you already have the 2nd battery in the car set up and some solar to top it off.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I did not know that heated 12 V blankets even existed, Sheldon, they must chew through a lot of power. ~ Ben

[@sheldonpopesp]

@@SnowysOutdoors ye I only saw it recently! Drifta sell one at the moment that use 4amps on high and 2 Amps on low but there is no built-in timer. You have to remember to turn it off after you get warm otherwise it will nibble on the battery all night.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

@@sheldonpopesp I'll check it out. ~ Ben

[@tessa4883]

Great idea. Also those 12 volt ones seem to be more like rugs that go over your lap. You could also bring a conventional electric blanket and plug it into an inverter (or into the powerpoint on one of those lithium battery packs.) Probably leave it on the low setting.

[@bradleymarshall5591]

They are surprisingly low wattage. Definitely use less power than my fridge/lights etc and imo are the ultimate in winter camping.

[@John-zt7tb]

Hi Team at Snowys outdoors.. just wondering if you can make a video for thr Zempire Neo 8 walkthrough? Thanks guys!

[@SnowysOutdoors]

We will add it to our todo list, John. Can't make any promises though, it's a long list. ~ Ben

[@rogerjensen5277]

My two cents is heating a fist-sized rock, not a smooth round one because it got that way by being in running water so it usually will have a higher water content which may cause it to rupture as it's heated or afterwards. Wrap it with a small towel and then place it in a small cloth sack (I like Crown Royal bags, recycle, reuse) that ties shut so that you don't kick it open during the night and burn your feet. Place this bundle of warmth in the toe of your sleeping bag about 15 minutes before jumping in, if your toes are warm you'll feel warm! A fleece sleeping bag/liner is better than a blanket because unless you don't roll around in your sleep, the blanket won't be on your body for long! I carry a pair of heavy wool socks just for sleeping in so I place them under my coat just after I place my heated rock in the sleeping bag. If you can't heat a rock than a chemical heater is better than nothing. I keep a 1-liter gatorade (or similar) bottle beside my sleeping bag so if I have to wee during the night I just expose the minimal amount (no laughing please) long enough to do my business without letting my body and sleeping bag cool off by getting up and out to take care of it! Someone makes an adaptor so women can use urinals and I assume that would work with a bottle! I can't keep a beanie on my head in a sleeping bag so I wear a hoodie with a tie string so my head doesn't get completely uncovered! I use my outer coat rolled up as a pillow, more insulation for your head and after I unzip in the morning and sit up, I grab my semi-warm coat and put it on. Far easier to stay warm than to have to rewarm! I haven't tried this yet but I think that placing a dehumidifying unit like they use in gun safes might help keep your sleeping bag dry!

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Great feedback thanks, Roger, must admit that I had a bit of a laugh sorry. ~ Ben

[@aikiseppuku]

Thanks for the video! I agree, that emptying the bladder is a good idea, because I can't sleep with a full bladder but I don't think your body will burn energy to keep it warm, once it is inside your bod heated to body temperature, why should it matter? Your body is loosing energy through the surface (skin) and a full bladder probably doesn't increase the surface in a significant way, does it? The 30% with the head is also a little misleading. If you put you whole body into a cold environment, the little surface of your head doesn't really matter. But if you insulate the rest of the body in a sleeping bag (or Neopren diving suite), then you will loose a lot of heat through your head (because it isn't insulated, not because it is the head).

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Thanks for your feedback, aikiseepku. I've heard lots of differing opinions to what I mention in this video. I can't trace back to where I initially heard the info I expressed and I certainly wouldn't take it as being scientifically proven information, rather, just a guide on how to keep warm when camping. ~ Ben

[@theeaselrider4032]

I would imagine winter camping in Australia, isn't exactly the same as winter camping here in Canada. I'm sure it does get cold at times though. Number one rule, which you touched on with several things , to stay warm, you have to stay dry. I always completely change my clothes before bed, putting on something clean and dry just for sleeping - especially the socks. Snow on the tent can actually be a pretty good insulator too. I've made that mistake with the air bed, went for comfort, got cold instead.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Our winters wouldn't come close to yours that's for sure. Thanks for your tips. ~ Ben

[@tailu9719]

use the candle inside a candle holder is very good source of heater

[@SnowysOutdoors]

What sort of candle holder do you recommend? I'd be nervous about using a candle in any tent, too many flammable materials around. ~ Ben

[@tailu9719]

UCO brand

[@SnowysOutdoors]

@@tailu9719 Ah, I have had one of those before. Still need to be careful, but they are a much safer option for candles while camping. ~ Ben

[@sausagesandwichSA]

Age is a killer...once slept all year round in an autumn bag and not much else...On the bike nowadays it's 2 layers thermals, insulated mat and dodgy -5 bag once the temp nears 0.c. Car camping is easy to keep warm with so much more space. 👍

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Good feedback thanks, Sausage Sandwich, it's likely that your sleeping preference will change as the years go on, so it's good to build in some flexibility to your sleep system. ~ Ben

[@atahau6600]

It's time for a caravan. 😅

[@user-lb8lu8fj7y]

I don't want a little tent.. i need a medium tent where we both can stand up in ..no teepee tent.. just a medium tent for two people in it and sleep bags ok and full size pad to ok and thank you.. for the info

[@SnowysOutdoors]

You probably need to look for a four person tent, which generally has a good amount of space for two decent mats, storage and some standing space. Hope that helps. ~ Ben

[@MsEagle20]

Could you put a solid sleeping mat on top of the air mattress and under your sleeping bag to keep warm?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

You'd be better putting it between the mat and the ground @Lisa Shaver, as thats going to be the most effective way to stop heat loss through the ground and allows you to still have a comfy sleep surface. ~ Lauren

[@chriswest4895]

As usual , a great video by Ben with heaps of helpful tips. But I have to pull him up on the claim that you lose 30% of body heat through your head ( or feet, or hands , as others have claimed). Your head represents about 10% of your body's surface area - which simply means you will have the same proportional heat loss - 10 % But there is no doubt you feel toastier with a woolen beanie on your head!

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Lauren and I discussed this on a recent podcast, Chris, she had always assumed the same but we can't trace the information back to where it originally came from. Another viewer also provided some info that indicated this was incorrect. I'm happy to stand corrected, I don't have any sources to cite that will prove anything, but you are right in that you certainly feel warmer if you cover your extremities. Thanks for the kudos btw. ~ Ben

[@earlgrey691]

Balaclavas i find very useful for total coverage.

[@Spacegoat92]

Mate. I really enjoy your videos, very informative and easy to watch. But dammit man!!! Your stores are too far away!!!!

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Thanks for the compliment, Spacegoat92. Yeah, we only have two store locations, we spend a good chunk of time making our online experience worthwhile though. You can always give us a call if you need help with anything. ~ Ben

[@Spacegoat92]

@@SnowysOutdoors Cheers mate.

[@task82]

I've been caught out with an air mattress a few years back over Easter wknd, I was so cold and was absolutely freezing all night!! What are you thoughts of a space blanket between the mattress and tent floor? Always wondered if it would create enough of an insulation barrier?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

It would make some difference, Task, but you'll still have the void of cold air between your body and the ground. You'd probably be better putting the space blanket on top of the mattress, but his would be noisy. Your best bet is to use blankets or a layer of foam on top of an airbed. ~ Ben

[@task82]

@@SnowysOutdoors ripper mate, thanks for taking the time to reply :)

[@task82]

@@Vacublaster1 thanks VB 🍻

[@krump743]

I just drink some concrete before bed and enjoy the night sleep of peace in the bush. 😂 Cool video ur a killer presenter, i buy most of my stuff if needed from snowys mostly to support the business that go well above and beyond with customer service.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Thanks for the kudos, krump 7. ~ Ben

[@jayamos456]

You would freeze here in Alaska, lol

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I reckon you're right, Jay, I don't have any expertise on staying warm in Alaska. ~ Ben

[@brentonpaterson7047]

Wearing a balaclava is great so you can cover your nose and mouth.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Extra coverage over your head will certainly help, Brenton. ~ Ben

[@touringwithtyrone4933]

so a rum before bed is a bad option .......

[@katherineallen6108]

Surely not!

[@SnowysOutdoors]

While we don't encourage drinking, Touring with Tyrone, I'm sure a rum before bed will help you feel warm. Mine would be a whisky though. :) ~ Ben

[@Disinf3ctant]

Put you to sleep for ever 🤣

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I wanna make it crystal clear. ~ Ben

[@dx80cruiser46]

Hot water bottles FTW

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Can't go wrong. ~ Ben

[@oldschoolisnewschool]

This dude does has never been homeless for sure.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

You are right, Juan, I'm lucky enough to have never been homeless. ~ Ben

[@oldschoolisnewschool]

@@SnowysOutdoors Well lucky so far...

[@TyQuinn]

The 30% of heat escapes through the head claim is unfortunately an old myth. The head doesn't lose heat significantly more than any other exposed part of the body

[@SnowysOutdoors]

That's interesting, Ty, I've always gone with what I know from way back, but this is the first I've heard against this theory. Do you have further information on any tests or studies done here? ~ Ben

[@TyQuinn]

@@SnowysOutdoors British Medical Journal published a short section here: doi.org/10.1136/bmj.a2769 Difficult to check the references due to paywalls and such, but I'm pretty confident that the BMJ would be unlikely to publish anything without a suitable scientific foundation

[@bluedolphin5792]

@@SnowysOutdoors you were being conservative at 30 % and still got called out ,ha it's really more like 40 to 45 and feels more than that to my bald head.

[@Bright-It]

Thin individuals feel more the cold, than normal weight people.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I agree, E, it usually comes down to how much body fat you have, but there are some exceptions to this too each individual just needs to cater to their comfort levels. Thanks for your comment. ~ Ben

[@ds2110]

Just get a mat with high R-Value 4+ rating

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Correct D S, Ben talks about mattress's around the 5 min mark. Most self inflating camping mats these days are around the R-Value 7-8 mark. ~ Lauren