Is the US military extreme cold sleeping bag a good choice for a sub zero camping bag?

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Q. I am 135 lbs and have trouble staying warm in my 25 degree mummy bag when backpacking in the Selway-Bitterroot wilderness. I am willing to put 300-400 dollars into a top of the line cold weather sleeping bag but was wondering if the us mil issue bag is any good for temps around 0- to -20 degrees.
(assuming that I have a good ground pad and tent already.)


Answer
Although everyone is telling you that the mil issued is too heavy, I have LOTS of experience with it, and trust me, it is the package you are looking for. It come in 3 layers, a gortex outer shell, a heavy black bag, and a lighter green one. put the green one in the black one, the black one in the gortex, and you will sleep like a baby. Something else you might consider is taking a pillow with you. This is all bulky but, the sleeping system comes with a convienant stuff sack that can drawn up tight to reduce size. As for as keeping warm, you just can't beat it.

How to stay warm in camping tent in winter?




Anita


I have never gone winter camping and I will do that next week. I want to know how to stay warm in camping tent in such cold day. Anyone knows that?


Answer
1. Learn about heat loss and you will come to better understand how to stay warm in the backcountry. Heat is primarily lost through conduction, convection, radiation and evaporation. For example heat could be lost from sitting on a cold rock, from wind chill, from not wearing a hat and heat escaping, or respiration. Besides warming up near the camp stove people can only generate heat by keeping up their metabolism, exercising and shivering if need be.

2. Layering properly is the first thing winter backpackers can do to regulate heat. This means non-cotton, moisture wicking base layers and mid-layers, insulated layers such as a down vest and jacket and down pants and weather proof outer layers. A hat and balaclava or neck gaiter is also necessary as are liner socks and socks made with wool. Down camp booties aren't necessary but make your world much more comfortable. Mountaineering or plastic boots with insulated liners are what to hike in through snow and ice and liner gloves and insulated over-mitts are what will keep your fingers moving.

3. Stay dry and pace yourself. The point of all these layers is not to wear them all at once but to control the four primary losses of heat while hiking. Staying dry is crucial. Don't let yourself get too sweaty because as soon as you stop for a break your sweat begins to freeze. Wearing things that dry easily and wick moisture such as polypropylene, capilene, synthetic or wool are the way to go whether you are hiking, snowshoeing or backcountry skiing. Keep yourself properly hydrated too, as loss of heat happens from loss of moist exhalation.

4. Make your camp in such a way that you take advantage of the elements. After anchoring your tents in the snow, dig out a 3 by 2-foot area in front of your tent door at least 12 inches into the snow. This acts as an entryway where you can sit in your tent while hanging your feet out to change out of your boots and camp booties without bringing wet snow inside the tent. One or two-wall nylon tents work fine though one-wall tents are a bit lighter. Using at least one sleeping pad is necessary for winter camping as you need to insulate yourself from the cold ground and snow. More than one sleeping pad is recommended. Either use a shorter foam pad beneath your inflatable one or sleep on your extra layers at night. This also dries them out.

5. Sleep warm. Make sure to eat a bit more than you think you can handle and have plenty of hot drinks before getting into your sleeping bag on a night of winter backpacking. Your metabolism not only has to deal with the workout you've had during the day but also has to keep you warm through the cold night. Before getting into your bag fill up a water bottle with boiling water from the stove, slip a sock or shirt over it so it doesn't burn your skin and sleep with this in your bag, sleep with two of them if necessary.

6.Make sure that you keep your sleeping bag as dry as possible, especially if it is made of down as this material loses its warmth when wet. If you are generally a cold person, get a sleeping bag that is rated at least 10 to 20 degrees colder than you think you might need. Also sleep with boot liners so they aren't frozen when you try to wiggle your toes in there the following morning. Use a small 2 by 2-foot square cut from a role of sleeping pad foam and kneel on it while cooking or taking a break, to insulate from the snow at all times.




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