Food and Camping

[Irulan]

Last year, DH and I went camping in early October with our 40-degree bags. I'll admit that we were somewhat novice campers, and I didn't appreciate that the bags are probably only good to 50 degrees. Well, the temperature overnight dropped about 10 degrees colder than anticipated on top of that. It was a very long night, even with a lot of layers, hats and gloves. We now have true winter bags, in addition to our summer bags. Given when we do most of our camping--mid summer and fall--I'm hoping the bags will cover us. When it's truly hot out, we usually bring bag liners, too.

My advice is to bring more layers/blankets than you think you'll need for fall or early spring camping, just in case it turns colder than forecast. Bring a hat and gloves, too.

The quality of your insulation/pad UNDERNEATH your bag is an important factor in warmth. Regular blowup air mattresses are not very insulating, and neither is regular opeen cell (egg crate) style foam. What will keep you warmest aside from the bag is something that has a closed cell foam component. My favorite is my "Luxury Rest" by Thermarest.

Stay away from cotton blankets, sleeping bags and jammies. Wool or synthetics provide the best insulation without holding moisture.

I don't see how one could not want at least a cup of hot tea or coffee in the morning. Plus, I think the body needs hot food to regenerate. I don't suppose there's any science to that. I just think eating cold food a few days in a row would be tiresome.