Sleeping outside in sub-zero temperatures – braving the cold
Anyone who has ever ventured out into nature, for example to spend several days outdoors on a hiking or bushcrafting trip, will probably have found themselves in a situation where the cold has taken them by surprise. You may have started your outdoor tour believing that you were perfectly prepared, but you are still lying in your bed shivering and just hoping that the night will pass quickly. In moments like these, you feel that the cold can have an incredibly threatening aura and you ask yourself what went wrong in your preparation for the trip? How could you have been so wrong when putting together the right equipment? You were literally caught icy by the temperature.
Seeing the positive in the cold
With the right preparation, spending the night in sub-zero temperatures can be a very pleasant and at the same time intense, memorable and fulfilling experience that you will remember for a very long time. It is not the temperature-related circumstances that make the night uncomfortable, but simply a lack of preparation and approach.
Spending the night in the cold is by no means rocket science and can only be accomplished by professionals. If you follow a few basic tips, you can look forward to a great and adventurous winter night, and the cool, fresh air is free on top of that!
It is easier to sleep when sheltered from the wind
The wind can be very treacherous when it comes to spending the night in sub-zero temperatures, as it can make a situation much more unpleasant, at least in terms of how it feels. In very strong wind conditions, a bearable 0 degrees can quickly feel like it is -10 degrees or even lower. This fact should definitely be kept in mind before a tour so that you are not caught off guard.
A camp that is protected from the wind is therefore essential in the cold. It can be advisable to use the snow for your own purposes and build a protective wall out of it. If you have additional equipment with you, such as a tarp or a canvas cover, you can use it to provide excellent additional protection from the wind.
Even if you sleep in a tent, you can still use the wind protection devices mentioned above to increase wind resistance. Flysheets can be weighted down with snow on the ground to prevent wind from getting under the tent. This way you can be sure of a wind-protected night and take a big step towards a comfortable night.
The fit of the sleeping bag
Choosing the right sleeping bag is incredibly important for an overnight stay outdoors. We already touched on this important topic in one of our previous posts on the best bushcraft equipment for beginners . Only a high-quality and well-fitting sleeping bag that is also perfectly suited to your destination can ensure that you are sufficiently warm during the night.
The length of the sleeping bag should be roughly the same as your height so that no cold spots are created. The illustration is very simple: the more air there is inside the sleeping bag, the harder the body has to work to warm up this unnecessary additional air. Choosing the right size should therefore be the top priority.
When testing your potential sleeping bag, remember that if it is too tight, it is not a good idea. You should always have enough space to be able to move around without complications. There should also be a little space left for shoes, drinking bottles, water filters, etc., as many pieces of equipment tend to break or freeze in the cold . Storing them in a warm place in the sleeping bag prevents this from happening.
The filling of the sleeping bag
Synthetic fiber or down? You have to read between the lines when answering this question, because only the intended use can provide information about which filling is suitable for you.
Compared to down filling, synthetic fiber filling is significantly heavier and has a larger pack size. However, you get a high level of warmth that can be maintained even in damp conditions. Do water, moisture and snow play a big role on your trip? Don't you have time to let your wet sleeping bag dry thoroughly the next day? Synthetic fiber could definitely be the right way for you!
Down filling, on the other hand, is unbeatable in terms of lightness and pack size. Many sleeping bags fit easily into the palm of your hand when packed up and still provide inimitable warmth in sub-zero temperatures. In addition, in extreme sub-zero temperatures, only down is able to provide sufficient protection. But be careful with moisture - once the down is wet, it can no longer guarantee any warmth. In addition, the sleeping bag must then be dried for a long time to prevent mold from forming.
Try to be clear about your travel conditions in advance and then decide which filling is suitable for you. In the shop, always pay attention to the comfort ranges specified. These show you which temperature ranges the respective sleeping bag models are made for.
With a thin and light sleeping bag liner you can also upgrade your actual sleeping bag and provide additional warmth.
The sleeping pad - protection from ground cold
No matter how great and expensive the sleeping bag you choose may be, it will definitely only do as good a job as the insulation on the ground allows. An extremely important tip - keep your eyes open when buying a sleeping mat!
The most important factor here is the R-value, which is often also indicated in stores as R-value. It regulates how resistant the sleeping pad is to the cold ground. The higher the R-value, the more the pad can withstand the cold ground. Anyone who sets this too low or takes the issue lightly will be punished if they spend the night in sub-zero temperatures.
Not chic, but warm - the onion look
Last but not least, there is an old tip that is still as effective as ever – the layered look provides great warmth!
On a cold night, wear lots of layers to ensure that there are plenty of layers of air underneath your clothes, which will keep you perfectly warm. Make sure you wear long clothes too. Ski underwear is great, but hiking underwear made of merino wool can also keep you warm.
