So you sleep like a marmot despite the cold

Nothing is as nice as sleeping outside - be it outdoors, in a tent or on the bus. Granted, now in winter it can get pretty fresh sometimes. That's why we'll show you some tips on how to sleep well even on cold nights, and how to make the most of your recovery on the next day of climbing.

A contribution by Nora Scheel, Bächli Bergsport

The most important thing is of course yours Sleeping bag. This should be suitable for cold nights. With EN-tested sleeping bag models three temperature ranges specified: comfort, limit and extreme. As a woman you should always orientate yourself to the comfort value, as a man at the limit value. However, these are the standard values ​​that apply under test conditions. Feeling of coldness is very individual and can vary greatly. In addition to the outside temperature and your personal condition is crucial. Unfavorable, for example, are hunger, fatigue from physical stress or a dried sweat layer on the skin.

1. Choose the right sleeping bag size

Do you have a sleeping bag model that is warm enough, it should also fit your body size. Because with a sleeping bag that is too small, you knock on the sleeping bag wall and create a cold bridge. But also too much volume is unfavorable: Excess space means more air in the sleeping bag, which you have to heat up with your body heat. If you have too small a sleeping bag, make sure that you carry as little as possible in it to save space. If it is too long, stuff your clothes in the foot area. Incidentally, this is recommended anyway, because it is beautifully preheated the next morning.

It's also warmer for two.

2. How much clothes do you wear in the sleeping bag?

If your sleeping bag has the correct temperature range and your body size, you should only wear a base layer in it - that means close-fitting thermal underwear, including socks. Since the head usually looks a bit out of the sleeping bag, it is also worth a hat. By the way: From the sleeping bag cover can be great to conjure a pillow. Simply plug in the down jacket or other garments, zipped in and you're done. 

3. Find the right mat

At least as important as the sleeping bag, is the Mat. Because sleeping mats are not only soft and comfortable, they also insulate against the floor. The strength of the thermal insulation of a mat is indicated in the so-called R-value. The higher it is, the better the insulation - that is, the lower the heat loss in the sleeping bag against the floor. So choose a camping mat that suits the temperatures at which you will be staying outside.

An overnight stay in icy temperatures is anything but uncomfortable with the right equipment and our tips.

4. Avoid moisture

Moisture means cold. If you are sleeping in the open air, the early morning dew can make your sleeping bag really wet. Of course, to avoid that, you can do one Biwaksack use. However, it is not recommended, if no rain threatens. Because your body gives off a lot of moisture during the night, which can escape less easily through a bivy bag. As a result, she collects under the bivouac sack and lets the sleeping bag get wet. It is better to put a blanket over the sleeping bag. It absorbs the moisture, but is still very breathable.

5. Movement works wonders

No, most of the time, there is not much movement in the evening. Tired of the long day, the cold in the limbs, one would like to cuddle only in the sleeping bag. But if you step into the sleeping-bag in a cold, it will take a while for you to warm up. Therefore, some exercise before sleeping works wonders. Choose a circulatory exercise and do it until you are out of breath. And then off in the sleeping bag!

6. Make a bed-bottle out of a bottle

If all that does not help, there is still the good old hot water bottle. Just bring water to a boil, in one bottle fill (for example Nalgene), close well and lay to the feet. You're guaranteed to be cuddly warm. 

Good night!

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About Bächli mountain sports

Bächli mountain sports is the leading Swiss specialist shop for climbing, mountaineering, expeditions, hiking, ski touring and snowshoeing. Currently offering 11 locations in Switzerland Bächli mountain sports its clientele expert advice and superior service. Published on LACRUX Bächli mountain sports at regular intervals contributions to the topics climbing and bouldering.


Credits: pictures and Text Bächli mountain sports

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