10 Tips to SLEEP WARM Backpacking that Stupid Hikers Ignore

[@2laughandlaugh]

I'm subscribed and I stay so warm because of it, I don't even need a sleeping bag anymore.

[@lucasbrunette8100]

I bet your ultralight sleep system is a drawstring trash bag

[@2laughandlaugh]

@@lucasbrunette8100 no drawstrings...way too heavy. Just plain old no name bag will do...

[@seeEricaRun]

Well, I don't even need clothes anymore!

[@Erich-Lab]

@@seeEricaRun I don't need skin and muscles anymore. Just straight skeleton 🦴

[@MikeInTheWoods]

Winter camper here--wind mitigation is the number 1 tip to sleep warmer. Seriously, don't underestimate how much even the slightest breeze can sap heat out of you.

[@djw8504]

Hey Kyle, you may not remember, but my name is Dorothy and you gave my 82yr old mom a shout out abt a yr ago. She passed in January and loved watching your videos with me. She was one of the sweetest fans you had! Thank you again. Keep building this fun channel. 💛👍👍

[@KyleHatesHiking]

I do remember! I am sorry for your loss, thank you for continuing to support my videos!

[@rogerc7972]

If you wanna keep your bag dry don't fall asleep with your head buried in the bag! Get a buff and a beanie or a balaclava for your head. Practice sleeping with your mouth shut if possible. You'll lose less water from your body, therefore less condensation. Your nose will prewarm the air while inhaling too. I used a tight buff to keep my mouth shut while sleeping - it works because science!

[@hamwhacker]

Also stops snakes and bugs getting in your mouth

[@Brabbit1974]

This is so true condensation is a killer in a tent, what I do is cinch my sleeping bag around my head so there is literally like a 3 inch opening to breath out of, I call it my "blow hole" lol Kyle would like it.

[@rogerc7972]

@@hamwhacker Lol nice. I've heard everyone has had a spider in their mouth at least once in their lifetime!

[@whereisthemessiah]

Nice tip, thanks!

[@sabijoli]

mouth taping -it solves a lot of problems

[@tylerw2333]

The hot bottle of water inside your quilt works well. Also, I think this is hugely important, but sleep with your electronics inside your quilt too on those cold nights, and obviously your filter. I would make sure my phone was close to body temperature before turning it back on. Helps preserve battery life.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Good point!

[@helpfulcommenter]

And if you wear contacts keep the little case close to your body at night too

[@martharunstheworld]

That's super important! Keep your phone in your sleeping bag.

[@philippa3731]

Although you should keep the battery from getting to cold, because it could damage the cells, it does not reduce battery drain, actually quite the opposite, it reduces it. The problem is, the cold reduces the speed of the reactions inside the battery, thus reducing the voltage. Normally the voltage drops when the battery gets empty, that's why your phone shows less percent, but if it warms back up, the voltage rises again and depending how your phone is programmed, the percent the phone shows can also rise again. In short, your battery does not get empty when cold, it just gets less available

[@memathews]

@@philippa3731 Yep, you're 100% correct. Keep a back-up battery in a pocket to exchange, such as a camera battery, or keep a recharger in a pocket and run a cable to a device, such as a phone, this way the device will operate on full power from the warm battery or recharger.

[@chemistryflavored]

I always sleep cold. For years I blamed my body temp and metabolism. But these tips are legit. I’ve gotten in the habit of digging my cat hole at night and just the exercise from walking to find a spot, digging a hole, and walking back is enough to warm me up without getting sweaty. And never filter cold water right before bed if it means getting your hands cold because it’s hard to warm them up again!

[@andrea4633]

if you suffer from cold feet, use your zipped up rain jacket or pack as a additional footbox over your sleepingbag (also keeps condensation off)

[@jasoncbrooks74]

Site selection can also matter with air temp. Some areas close to water or low areas can be colder (warm air rises) but higher ground can expose you to wind, you have to find a balance. The tip on layering is good, as the temps drop try add layers before you get cold. I think people suck it up and get over chilled, maintaining your comfort with layers will make it nice when you crawl in your bag.

[@operationseekingtruth]

Was thinking the same thing about choosing low areas.

[@tomsitzman3952]

half way up the side of the valley is the warmest spot.

[@steveringler6622]

I use a different set of warm and dry clothes before I go to sleep. And the tip regarding putting all of your sleeping gear in a contractor bag is most important!

[@nickanderson5981]

Going on a 27 mile solo hike this week in Pennsylvania, getting all my gear around and binge watching various videos to help remind me of things I may forget.im not new to hiking or to winter camping but I'm new to hiking 10-14 miles in the winter and then camping. Usually I'm within reasonable bail out distance if it gets too crazy cold.

[@1esk192]

I always travel stoveless. Some people get cold easily, others don't or even the opposite. Went to South Korea in March a few years ago, had lots of snow which actually helped with staying warm in my tent. A mattress with a very high R value is an absolute game changer.

[@1Grumpymonk]

I invested in a titanium wood stove and light 5'3" tipi hot tent. It's been worth it being I'm in canada and it doesn't stay very warm for very long.

[@Mike_Blanda]

My favorite is filling up my Nalgene bottle with hot water and taking it into my bag (make sure it’s closed properly lol)- I also will do jumping jacks before bed to get my body heat started 👍

[@frfvipcom3994]

Confine keeps you awake ❤

[@jabrel3]

Sweet thanks Kyle. Taking my 30 degree quilt to Antarctica this February. Can’t wait 🙌

[@elpretender1357]

I would say good campsite selection can really make a difference with the same gear. I would advice to be mindful of the wind: remember that it can get more intense at night and if you set up your tent in a place where there are no obstacles to break the wind you may sleep colder

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Exactly

[@roberttrinies7698]

Very true, also I try to set up where I get the early morning sun. 🌞

[@barefootchris640]

The reason for not getting as cold when your on your side is like you said, because of how much less of your body is in contact with the ground. The ground will literally suck the heat out of your body, even through a 1/2 inch piece of foam padding or something like it.

[@chavez8541]

For us guys, best way to prevent the need to exit both bag and tent in the middle of the night is to have a pee bottle to pee in. And as an added bonus, afterwards it's a source of warmth for awhile. In the morning, just dump, rinse and reuse the next night. I used to use a Nalgene bottle at first but then went ultralight and switched to a Gatorade bottle. 🤷‍♂️

[@christimartin8512]

Ladies can do that too, with a wider mouthed jar, like a plastic PB jar.

[@christimartin8512]

I also noticed that I sleep warmer on my side. I think that’s because of the surface area of your back, flat against the compressed sleeping bag and pad, is greater than it is on your side. And also, yes, because you can curl up and keep your legs closer to your warm stomach. One of my biggest issues, regardless of the warmth of my mummy bag, is that my face and nose get really cold. My solution to this is to carry an eye mask that covers that my nose too. The free ones that you can get on an overseas flight are perfect because they have a little flap that covers the tip of the nose. They are super light and also help block out the early morning light so you can sleep longer. Might as well throw those free airline foam ear plugs in there too!

[@earthlingannie3426]

Tip: use pack liner around feet and legs in sleeping bag. Or those cheap emergency blankets. FYI: after you eat, more of your body's blood will be shunted to the organs in your core for digestion and away from your extremities, possibly making your hands and feet colder. We're camping in 17 degrees this weekend...friendsgiving, making a turkey over the campfire. 😂 Wish us luck!

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Best of luck Annie!! Let me know how it goes!

[@glenn1you0]

If you are tent camping in a single walled tent, putting your pack liner on the outside of the foot end of your sleeping bag will protect your bag from condensation on the tent wall.

[@DeloraUpwards]

@@glenn1you0 that's a great tip!

[@ryanlilly9290]

@@glenn1you0 This will likely create a lot of condensation inside the pack liner, making the foot end of your quilt wet. A breathable rainjacket can work better for this, or you can put your feet inside the pack liner, INSIDE your quilt. You may get damp feet inside the bag, but your quilt will stay dry and keep your damp feet warm. I have tried all of these. Honestly, the only one that works okay is my rain jacket on the footbox. Pack liner outside=wet quilt. When I put it inside, I moved around too much and up with my feet squishing the pack liner to the bottom of the footbox.

[@cityslickersurvivalist9465]

I do lengthy bushcraft and stealth camping mostly. I'm going to try a stove on my next hike (thinking of trying one of the 3 crown hikes). You can make primitive stoves with rocks pretty easy. Watching people like Dixie, Dan B and yourself helps me transition to more minimalism over preparedness. Thanks for the content.

[@somerandomguy706]

Re: extra clothing layers The rain jacket will act as a vapor barrier. There's a LOT of theory to dive down into regarding vapor barriers, way toomuch to go into a reply or 11 minute video, but they can keep you significantly warmer. Don't wear them over your puffy jacket because you will wake up soaking wet.

[@wiseauserious8750]

Can you expand on that please? Do you mean that you'll sweat too much if you wear your layers in that order, and wake up soaking wet?

[@somerandomguy706]

@@wiseauserious8750 if you use a vapor barrier, then you will wake up sweaty and could potentially soak thru everything under the vapor barrier. The reason being the purpose of the vapor barrier for maintaining warmth is to intentionally create a humid environment around your skin so that your body doesn't spend energy to keep your skin most and can instead use that energy to heat you up. Further, the humid environment will inhibit evaporative cooling. It's best to have just a wicking baselayer between you and the vapor barrier and then insulate on the outside. If your insulation is sufficient and you don't have concerns about dewpoint inside the quilt, then I wouldn't bother with it. Heck, I've only had to do it once while backpacking and went from freezing my butt off to a sweaty mess in no time. I'm by no means an expert on this and would recommend you test it out next time you're in some cold weather. I actually most often do this when playing golf in cold weather to minimize number of layers I have to wear.

[@darinharker21]

Small hand warmers , the kind you open and shake to get started, are always in my pack just in case. They weigh practically nothing and are super small. They last all night long as well.

[@pardon_this_1]

A great tip if you have to pee in the middle of the night, is to use a Gatorade bottle. Once you get done you can stick it into your sleeping bag with you for extra warmth... Just make sure that it is good and seals up first!

[@valeriesorrells]

uh.... warm fluids. damn, I needed a good laugh today, thanks man. All great tips. The coldest I backpacked was -5 F. Ate hot food, drank hot water, ate plenty of calories at dinner to keep the furnace burning. Already planning more winter trips next month, so much fun.

[@IAmWhatevaUSayIAm]

Tip- Sleeping bag warmers. They aren't exactly light weight but most of them have their own legs and can make a sammich.

[@speedbump68]

I bought a 10 oz EE quilt to drape over my sleeping bag. Works. I sleep warm, really warm, now for just a 10 weight penalty. 👍👍

[@kfraserfwb]

Chemical warmers in your socks are a game changer!

[@SteffenThomsen]

Kyle is the kind of guy, who keeps your camp chair warm when you get up and go for a pee.

[@renskedollekamp6392]

And he is probably also the kind of guy that kept it warm by farting on it XD

[@justrusty]

When I went on LASHes during the cooties epidemic, I discovered that cloth masks also served to keep my face warm on cold nights. I carried 3 of them, minimal weight, and was glad I had them.

[@heatherthompson9938]

👋 thanks for sharing and don't forget to add hand warmer in ur sleeping bag 😴

[@MikeHacker]

I keep a fabric feeling sol bivy in my pack to add warmth to my down sleeping bag because the military uses layered sleeping systems for winter... The first layer is a bivy then a thin sleeping bag and then a down bag... But i usually only need either the down bag or the bivy... I and my friend took some rolled up reflextix with us to lay on... And it increased the heat in the tent cause of it reflective properties like those survival blankets... Its kinda like a bubble wrap kind of pad... It's for insulation in attics... But it's lightweight... My puppy didn't even crawl in the sleeping bag that time because it was so warm i was halfway out of the bivy all night long and this was in October on the AT... It was real nice... It creates a barrier between you and the ground it's got a good r value.. like good sleeping pads...

[@dylanbrdn7996]

the reason you are warmer on your side is because of how it forces you to place your arms. when on your side you put your arms tucked together near your chest (your core where most of your heat is). This arm to chest tuck is used in survival/military type training when doing long cold water training to prolong hypothermia onset. When youre on your back your arms tend to fall to your side which makes you flat and more spread out to dissipate heat. Other notes about your tips may actually be harmful in very cold weather (like -20c). Sleeping in your day clothes can introduce sweat and therfor moisture from the day in your sleeping bag which especially if its down can be deadly. You ideally want to get in a proper rated bag naked and dry. The other issue is the rainfly, you want it to block wind yes but you also want to leave a lot of ventilation for your moisture to escape and make sure the fly doesnt touch the inner mesh so the moisture can condense and freeze on the rainfly and not come back in the tent. A note on that about peeing at night, you dont want to knock that frozen layer off and into the tent getting out at night often so you can use yes a pee bottle, this can be risky for women so they can squat out the edge of the vestibule and punch a little hole in the snow to avoid getting any liquid in the tent (very bad) once its frozen you wont smell a thing.

[@panhandlejake6200]

A correction to suggest: Do NOT pull your sleeping bag over your mouth. You can wrap it around your head, but make sure that you are not exhaling inside your bag. This goes along with keeping your gear dry. You exhale a lot of moisture with each breath which will collect inside the bag and reduce its insulating capability.

[@kathycasey9153]

Hi Kyle. Although they make a lot of noise, Ive heard that an emergency blanket under your pad will add a good amount of warmth. Thanks for the tips!

[@KyleHatesHiking]

I almost added this as a tip! It's true

[@lkeith88]

Can confirm.

[@Pierre2000ish]

I use one in the underquilt of my hammock. It works great.

[@shabingly]

Works even better if you put it on top of your pad. I've a couple of thin foam-backed reflective things bought off the jungle website, and the difference between having it under my pad or on top right next to the body is not negligible. Slippiness can be an issue on non-level pitches, though.

[@kathycasey9153]

@@shabingly Yes, I agree. The silver side close to your body is ideal, but usually I have other hikers close by and the noise these blankets make is annoying. I always feel bad for my neighbors.

[@glenn2595]

Goal 50K a year ago? Now 400K, I do hope you reach the mil, as I think you deserve it. Thanks Kyle.

[@deannefalise2784]

Your videos always make me laugh! My dog sleeps inside my bag with me to keep warm. Bought a bigger bag just so he could fit. Doesn't help me much but I can attest that his farts do NOT make it warmer.

[@memathews]

🤣

[@trailname_ziplock]

Could have used this video back in September when I camped in 27° at Yellowstone! 🥶

[@michaelb1761]

In addition to wearing additional layers of clothing as it gets colder, I always bring a balaclava to wear over my head on cold nights and insulated gloves for my hands. Also, I have done hikes stoveless and lived to tell the tale. However, stoveless for me doesn't mean cold soaking foods that would normally be eaten warm, but rather bringing food normally eaten at room temp. I don't hate myself enough to eat cold instant mashed potatoes, couscous, etc.

[@razzbazle1582]

Those little chemical hand warmers. Throw one in the foot box of your bag and another near your core. Helps a ton

[@shinnam]

Here to add that tip too. I don't go camping with chemical hand warmers, I live in Sweden ,the ground stays cold most of the year.

[@vegannature]

Regarding the side sleeping: I think there are 2 reasons why it feels warmer: 1) the floor is usually colder than the air in your tent, so without proper insulation this is gonna be your weak spot. 2) blood circulation is slightly better when you lay on your left side and better blood circulation means more warmth in your extremities. That's why it's helpful to do a few jumping jacks or push-ups before crawling into bed.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Interesting! Makes sense, thanks for sharing Julia. I wasn't really sure why that tip helps me so much

[@bigstraz]

Also lower surface area touching the bag could also mean less down compression, since your body will crush the down insulation below you.

[@vegannature]

@@KyleHatesHiking I'm only guessing as well ;) but my experience is the same as yours.

[@robertbarnes2598]

I was also thinking there are major arteries on the inside of your thighs. Side sleeping would keep them especially away from the cold.

[@aaronfuentes5919]

Use a sleep pad w/ non sufficient r value, & you'll find out real quick, side sleep is necessary.

[@jamesbrougher6062]

🎉 tip #1 got me. Well done buddy.

[@HikingWithShawn]

I use a mummy bug. I know they're not the best but I'm one of those that will use them until they fall off me. LOL. But for me, I like buying those air-activated hand warmer pouches and tossing a few in the sleeping bag about an hour before bed. Usually, it's so toasty that I have to open the bag a little bit to cool down. I like your tip about drinking hot tea and eating a hot meal. I think that's a good idea. Great video!

[@bird.1980]

all around great tips. never tought about rubbing one out but def would get the heart rate up

[@seribas]

I don’t recommend putting the sleeping bag over your head especially if it’s down. Youre just adding more moisture that when it’s super cold won’t ever evaporate

[@renskedollekamp6392]

I was on the AT and at my second night my sleeping pad popped. I was on the shelter floor every hour or so and was absolutely miserable (is was 11F if I remember correctly). In the morning a few hikers gave me some handwarmers and they worked wonders. Now I carry handwarmers and an extra layer for underneath my pad, for insulation and to prevent holes :)

[@maxcollins5717]

You breath out about one quart of water during sleeping. This makes your bag wet and will create more problems in the second and third night. Keep the breath going out. Put the rain jacket on backwards and use the hood as a buffet from the cold on your face and it will vent the moist away.

[@scottgti20t]

One I always do (when available) kick a 2ft high pile of leaves (makes sure you get all the sticks and twigs out so you don't get a puncture!) And set your tent up on the pile. It will press down and be almost not noticeable but it will be softer to lay on and a lot warmer! Everytime Ive done that so far I've had a sleeping bag/quilt down near it's limit rating in my boxers and been fine. Shit works. Also you can adjust how low the fly on your tent sits. Adjust it down to block the wind in the cold and up to vent heat and/or condensation. 👌

[@IAmWhatevaUSayIAm]

Sleep on your side- I imagine the amount of surface area touching the ground is what makes this more warm. The ground takes your heat.. also your warmth from your legs is being insulated with them together.

[@nickkanakis3469]

Do a few jumping jacks or jog in place for a minute, not long enough to break a sweat though, before hopping into the sack. If you go to bed cold you will have a hard time getting warm in a cold sleeping bag. Also a good wool hat and mittens makes all the difference. I have used a hot water bottle in the past but make 100% for sure you trust the seal on the lid. Also keep a pair of thick very oversized wool socks for bed, tight socks cut down circulation to the feet.

[@THESHAODOWCAMPER]

Good advice. Ultra light douch bag. Love it.

[@HornsUpNC]

Timely video! I’m going on my first below freezing backpacking trip this weekend

[@KyleHatesHiking]

best of luck out there!

[@Asolo137]

A very thick, fleece lined neck gator and hat is like adding another layer without adding weight.

[@andm6847]

#1 tip (just saw that ONE beat me to it): have an emergency blanket with you all the time (the silver gold mylar ones). They weigh nothing but when you put them over your sleeping bag they really help a lot. Only issue is that you have to somehow fix them to the sleeping bag (two small pieces of tape/bandaid work) as they are very light and slide off easily. If you have a tyvek tarp for underneath the tent that works as well. #2 tip: learn to pee in a bottle. this way at least you don't have to leave the tent. disgusting and only recommended when it's life threatening cold.

[@seeEricaRun]

We also discovered these were great under a sleeping mat - especially if you're in a shelter with boards that have big gaps.

[@garthflint]

I take an empty Gatorade bottle just for this. I am 70 and have to pee in the night. Empty it in the morning, wash it out and use the next night. Gatorade bottle has a wide enough mouth for us average guys. Sorry gals, you are out of luck.

[@gregmortonoutdoors]

I brought cup of soup packets on the AT. Perfect for the warm late night beverage. No caffeine but you do get calories. Also, dense calories (fat) right before bed can keep you warm, as well.

[@Rose-co3cp]

Great tips Kyle. I just did an overnight at High Top hut in Shenandoah NP this past Sunday. It got down to 22 degrees and it was windy as well. My 30 degree top quilt and underquilt was not enough. I laid my emergency blanket inside the bottom of my hammock and I also used the Quilt Liner Argon 67 Taffeta 2.5 ounces) from Dutchware. I was nice and warm. Eating a hot meal is definite for sure but drinking hot liquids was not so great for me. I had to pee a couple of times at night which sucked. I did an experiment with water bottles. I wrapped reflectix around my water 1 liter bottles. I put one in my bear bag and placed it in the bear box. The other I put in my pack with my rain skirt around it that was hanging on a tree. Around 6:30 am, the one in the bear box was partially frozen at the top but I had 3/4 cold water. The one in the pack was slushy, it was only a quarter full.

[@altitude_vagabond2609]

Dude this video was funny as hell !! Love you’re content man ! All good suggestions , but this had my cracking up 😂 😂😂

[@CarlZ993]

For those of use who can't sleep thru a night w/o getting up to pee, take & use a pee bottle. A Gatorade bottle works great. Put some identifying tape on it so it doesn't get mistaken for your drinking bottle (an 'X' w/ electrician's tape). Eat something w/ a high fat content just before going to bed. A Snickers bar works great. You're feeding the furnace. Also, do a few jumping jacks and/or pushups to elevate the body temperature.

[@db6283]

Good off the wall comments. Thanks for the videos.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

thank you!

[@CharmingGecko]

Tbh I think if you rode the algorithm and just review new gear you’d grow like crazy.

[@pushrodgarage8716]

When building a fire in your tent do you recommend using the teepee or log cabin method for maximum warmth?

[@idubleve]

I bring hand warmers and put one on my back, one on my bum, and one by the foot of my sleeping bag. It works all the time. They're also very light to pack.

[@DipCityDerp]

Maybe the side sleeping is warmer if we generate more heat from the front of our body? So it’s not just going up/out and is hanging out to the side?

[@one2869]

For barely any extra weight, I've taken a mylar or "space" blanket with me. Put under my sleeping pad. Or if that isn't enough I've put it right on top my sleeping pad. Of course the 2nd option sounds like your crashing through a potato chip factory if you move but hey, it works! Those things are dirt cheap and weigh next to nothing.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

I actually almost included this in the video! Thanks for chiming in

[@memathews]

You can add a little more warmth at a modest additional weight by using reflectix on the ground under whatever stack of insulation of pads you use. The reflectix foam insulates the mylar laminate from the cold ground and makes a much better heat reflector.

[@SuperdutyExplorer]

Yes if your sleeping pad is under spec for temperature the less touching you the better as per staying warm.

[@TheBoyd88]

5:27 🤣 will do 👍

[@tomj1404]

How is this channel not up to 1 million subs yet !?😂 Keep it up man!

[@KyleHatesHiking]

haha thank you so much for the support tom!

[@fruity_hiker]

On the coldest nights I wrap a plastic bag around my lower back as best I can. It sounds crazy but it helps me personally. I feel like my low back freezes very easily, especially when I'm sleeping on my side (which is a legit tip btw)

[@clauderodrigue6461]

My #1 tip to stay warm for me personally is being a chubby Canadian. My #2 tip is wool.

[@PittPacks]

Lost some feeling in my feet when I had to give my zero degree bag to a friend. Ever up sleeping in a 35 degree quilt in 5 degree weather up in the Adirondacks

[@garetgardina9915]

Along with sleeping on your side, keep your back toward the interior of the tent, not the door. Your back doesn't have as much insulation.

[@rich9890]

Yeah, eating a meal right before bed seems like a good idea but many times your gastrocolic reflex will activate more and speed up you needing to go to the bathroom!

[@jasonlav4945]

Pulling your sleeping bag over your head can cause a lot of moisture (from your breathing) to enter the down of the sleeping back, reducing it's loft and warmth.

[@aimlesslyrunning5127]

One thing Covid taught me is those pesky masks make pretty good covers for my face, their lightweight and easy to fit under a buff or hat when sleeping or hiking in the cold. I'd suggest the cloth ones with the pull over the medical grade ones however, bc rashes around the ears suck.

[@robertd6387]

I heard someone say not wear too many layers. Something to do with preventing the micro air pockets with down feathers from warming up. I'm not sure myself if this true.

[@jonsanford2515]

Sleeping bags don’t generate heat. They work by keeping your body heat from escaping to the surrounding air. If your clothes prevent your body heat from reaching your sleeping bag, you’re still retaining the heat. Why would it matter if the clothes, or the bag are doing the work? More layers will slow down heat transfer from you to the air. The only thing to be careful of is adding vapor barriers. That can prevent sweat from escaping, soaking the layers under them. If you smash the down layers flat, they won’t keep you as warm as if they are lofted. It is true that compressed down won’t work as efficiently, which is why some prefer quilts to bags.

[@wondermonkeyhunting7037]

Love the humor.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

hahaha thank you! glad someone gets it!

[@ledbyscouts9197]

Hey Kyle. The science behind eating hot food before going to bed is simply this....food is the fuel that provides energy to your body. As you know, it provides you the power you need to engage your muscles and hike. Likewise when the body is cold, that energy provides that power in the form of body heat. If your meal is cold, your digestive system uses some of its stored energy to heat that food internally to 98.6 degrees to process it. If the food is already at 98.6, it doesn't need to heat it up to process. It the food is more that 98.6 degrees, there is more heat than it needs, so it casts it off in the form of more body heat. (that's why you may sweat afterward, when your body says "Too much. Gotta cool down.") Your body is a furnace. Give it fuel and it burns, either to move you up the Trail or keep you toasty in your bag. Blaze the Trail!!

[@talmageshipman2427]

I have three suggestions to help you sleep warmer at night espicially if your sleeping bag in not rated for the temperature you find yourself in on a cold night. First put hand warmers in your socks and/or gloves and even inside your hat.. Second wear a balaklava to cover your nose and mouth. Breathing cold air directly into your lungs all night is a recipe for losing alot of body heat because your body has to heat up each cold breath all night long. Third sleep on a space blanket to reflect your body heat back into your sleeping bag or quilt. I mean inside your sleeping bag if you use one. Lastly use a pee bottle with a secure cap.

[@chriseidam7319]

These are good tips. For my additional tips, first, do not camp near large bodies of water. Rivers, ponds and lakes will make you feel colder at night. Second, if you feel like you need to pee, go and pee. Holding pee in a full bladder will drain you of your body heat. As far as breathing into your sleeping bag or your quilt, I do not recommend it. The moisture in your lungs will make your bag or quilt wet.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Great tips! especially the first one, I would have included that in the list if I thought of it! I've never had issues with breathing into my bag making it wet but maybe it's just me

[@chriseidam7319]

@Kyle Hates Hiking Un oh - I must be a bedwetter on those nights.

[@thors_shadow]

Don't get sweaty, but knock out some pushups right before bed. Gets the blood pumping. Or just snuggle up with a grizz. Either way...

[@jeffs6229]

HEY! I don't carry a stove! Well not that often anyway. Very timely video, I'm hiking this weekend in the Nantahalas this weekend and will be very cold this weekend! Thanks for sharing!

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Haha I hope your trip is fun and you stay warm!

[@mrbi1198]

Some tenacious tape and the hose off your hydration pack attached just right and you don't need to get out from under your quilt to pee. (You can also use your spork to dig cat holes to save weight)

[@arthurrsaker8893]

Have you tested a prototype yet, or is it still at the theoretical stage? Btw, please don't feel that you have to provide photographic, or diagrammatic illustrations of your proposed contraption for the night relief of urinary emergencies. You Tube already furnishes a plentiful supply of thought provoking ideas to feed the millions of depraved imaginations populating the internet, and does not need any re-supply for the foreseeable future. I think you should buy some insurance to protect yourself from third party claims for medical negligence, just in case some brave or deranged halfwits decide to risk the well-being of the most sensitive part of their manhood by replicating your proposed solution to the problem. Lastly, us male hikers might have a little more confidence in your contraption if you personally can prove that you have done numerous successful, and peer reviewed trials with it you are you considering bringing it to market. Good luck with that. Don't call us , we'll call you.

[@cailin5309]

Hot hands makes a sticky patch version & they definitely say not to do this (disclaimer) .. but I have stuck those on my back & chest before to keep warm 😂

[@angelaf5040]

Low elevation where there aren't trees can often be colder than a summit!! Cold air sinks into valleys!

[@christinesmith5741]

I’ve heard contradictory advice re a lot of this. For one, if you sleep with your head inside your bag it leads to trapped condensation which will actually make your bag wet/you colder over time. Two, if you layer up in your bag it doesn’t allow it to work it’s magic and soak up your body’s heat/reflect it back. Three, drinking right before you go to bed prob isn’t the smartest because you’ll more likely have to pee and also if you “hold it” bc you really don’t wanna get out out to pee, this actually makes you colder.

[@Ontrail82]

When using a down sleeping bag less clothes the better. More clothes blocks your heat from releasing into the bag and the down can’t do it’s work. Trust your down bag. If you get cold shed clothes to let your heat into the bag. Also a Nalgene bottle with boiling water in it will be a heater in your sleeping bag. Couple tips from a below zero camper.

[@chriscjjones8182]

Have a separate wide mouth bottle to pee in so you don't have to leave your tent. Better than going out into the cold. And if you do need to pee then pee, your body will transfer energy from keeping you warm to keep your bladder warm

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Good point

[@darcistephenson5359]

Female here...when I backpack I have to get up to pee twice a night. Don't think i could manage a wide mouth bottle. I know there are products out there for those of my gender, any advice would be very helpful.

[@helpfulcommenter]

@@darcistephenson5359 just pee your pants - it’ll keep you warm for a minute at least

[@chriscjjones8182]

@@darcistephenson5359 a shewee and a bottle is the only thing I can think of. Having that built in hosepipe is useful at times 😂 😂 😂

[@neverlostpilgrim2817]

A pstyle works well too.

[@SJones-hk4tw]

I am a back sleeper, but I am defiantly warmer when I sleep on my side. +1

[@tifaine.red_]

There’s something I’ve never understood. Down gear doesn’t insulate when wet but like does it go back to normal when dry again? Or does it loses insulation for forever if it gets wet ONCE?

[@alicedyment4219]

It goes back to normal when dry. You might need to shake the bag well to fluff it up. Just like a bird

[@phillipp1399]

Pee bottle is key in any weather but even more so when it’s cold. Tinkle in the bottle from the comfort of your quilt/bag. Did you fill it up? Reach one arm out and dump slowly into the ground… not recommended at hard-packed campsites where you struggled to get stakes in. Or just pour in the downhill direction from your tent. Don’t have a penis? Probably impossible to do laying in your quilt but you can use one of those little funnel adapters to get it into the bottle while on knees or squatting in your tent while wrapped in a warm quilt. Practice these skills at home for a dryer, more successful backcountry experience. I’m telling you, this is life changing in all 4 seasons.

[@platesweightspeaks]

7:12 . . . Cinch? Is synch an alt spelling? I haven't seen it before

[@KyleHatesHiking]

No, I'm just an idiot

[@bobwaka1]

My top 3 ways to stay warm is 1, Know your gear and what I mean by know your gear is test your sleeping bag with minimal clothing to see how cold it can be outside the sleeping bag since if you wear too many layers you can easily start sweating in the sleeping bag and now all your layers aren't as useful since it's wet. 2, Pee a half hour before you plan on sleeping, then pee again right before you go to sleep, and then drink 1-1.5 cups of water. 3, curl yourself up in the sleeping bag mainly after chest with your arms and your feet at least together. Those three things are how I get away with a 40 degree bag in 20-30 degree nights while my friends have to get 0 degree bags for those same nights.

[@wr1120]

If you sleep on your side, the area of your body that's in contact with the colder side of your sleeping bag gets reduced by around a factor three or four. Your sleeping bag will contain a lot of air which is the best insulation material available, but the air within your sleeping bag in the area that is under your body gets squeezed out by the sheer body weight. So it makes sense that you're warmer when sleeping on your side.

[@jpj1776]

Hike to The Rock, NYC. Demand an audition. You can save SNL Kyle.

[@barneyrubble1754]

don't forget you are exhaling moisture. with the quilt over your head you are going to end up damp and cold. might want to rethink that one. 🤙 yabadaba doo.

[@angelaf5040]

Less surface touching the ground 😉

[@heartattackhiker3527]

I use an emergency blanket for a ground cloth under my sleeping pad.

[@GoodkatNW]

Down compression kills warmth. When you are on your side, you have less than half the "body footprint" of when you are on your back. Less compressed down, more lofted down around your body leads to an overall warmer experience, and less heat loss. Additionally, when you are on your side you're more likely to bring your legs up, which puts warm parts of your body (and warm loft) closer together. And some studies have shown that the fetal position actually warms up certain organs (including the heart). The only exception to the above is if you have a pad that is overinflated or underinflated; overinflated will lead to poor circulation, and underinflated will lead to you touching the ground since your weight is now pushing against a smaller surface area.

[@KyleHatesHiking]

Great points!!

[@russellinthebush2897]

I'm one of those people that don't carry a stove, so no warm drinks before bed for me. Don't camp where the cold air pools, like in a hollow. I dry camp more often than not. Away from water tends to be warmer, especially since water tends to be at the low places. I hear choking the chicken gets the blood flowing too.

[@noname-ea]

You do sleep warmer on your side, because you have more surface area insulated with down and air = warmth, and less surface area on the cold sleeping pad. Don't drink coffee before sleeping, caffeine contracts your blood vessels and will restrick blood flow, making you colder, and ofviously the caffeine will keep you awake (unless you have adhd, lol)

[@molmer2380]

Kyle, time to test ur cold weather skills on the Foothills Trail now! Start from Table Rock SP tho!!

[@KyleHatesHiking]

😂😂 I'm good