Top Q question at upper teens

[Rain Man]

I slept in my backyard a couple of weeks ago in 14-degree temps with a 20-degree UQ and TQ. I was comfortably warm.

I did three things: used a winter tarp with closed doors, pulled to the ground. used a Nalgene full of hot water, in a sock. ate a big dinner.

Do not neglect to put fuel in your belly. That's an under-appreciated factor for staying warm on cold winter nights outdoors.

The only way you'll know if you'll be warm or cold is to experiment. Everybody is different. Best to you.

Rain Man

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[lazy river road]

So would I put a fleece between me and the down....or on top of the down to keep the warmth in??

I use my fleece liner inside my TQ due to not wanting anything on top compressing the down. It also stays put inside as opposed to be on top and sliding off.

[Athens-m50]

I use my fleece liner inside my TQ due to not wanting anything on top compressing the down. It also stays put inside as opposed to be on top and sliding off.

good point about it sliding off.....

[OneClick]

Keeping warm on top is a lot easier than the bottom. I use my 30° down bag on just about every trip. It's "comfort level" is 41°, but I frequently take it down to the mid-20's with just a long sleeve shirt on.

[Athens-m50]

ok....pulled the plug....not going....DANGIT!!!.....really wanted to go....just no time with equipment in cold/wet....and not sure we could get out if we go.....after pulling the plug this morning....they now have Winter Storm Warnings in the Smokey Mt's so kinda glad we pulled it.....

you know they feeling when you Really want to go....but know you should not.....hate that!!!...smart to stay.....the mt's are not going anywhere.......

thanks for the input

[grannypat]

Sounds like you made the right decision. Like you said, the mountains will be there.

[Cali]

Now is a good time to do a backyard hang, and check out your gear. Then you'll be ready for the next cold outing.

[BillyBob58]

Also throwing a nalgene bottle of boiling hot water into your sleeping bag right before you go to bed as well as keeping it in their with you throughout the night will help you stay warm. Just insulate the bottle so u don't burn yourself.......

For sure a big help!

ok....pulled the plug....not going....DANGIT!!!.....really wanted to go....just no time with equipment in cold/wet....and not sure we could get out if we go.....after pulling the plug this morning....they now have Winter Storm Warnings in the Smokey Mt's so kinda glad we pulled it.....

you know they feeling when you Really want to go....but know you should not.....hate that!!!...smart to stay.....the mt's are not going anywhere.......

thanks for the input

Yep, bummer.

Now is a good time to do a backyard hang, and check out your gear. Then you'll be ready for the next cold outing.

There you go, now you can safely practice!

Were you planning on using your bag as a quilt, or planning on getting in the (mummy?) bag and using the hood? The quilt can be much easier to use but I have been cold doing that, got in the bag and been warm. For one thing, it is hard to make up for the bags hood and some people have draft problems with quilts.

Have you slept warm in this bag(on the ground) before at 20F or colder?

Do you have a warm, puffy jacket? Wearing that, or even better layering on top inside the bag, can give a big boost.

[XTrekker]

You can always wear part of your insulation by adding layers of clothing. just make sure its loose fitting. No tight socks.
Also +1 to eating a meal before bed. If you wake up cold in the middle of the night, pop some hard candy like Jolly Ranchers. As your body motabolizes the food it generates alot of heat.
Hot nalgene really does work. Just slide a sock over it and it should still be warm in the morning.