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Having a caravan now makes you forget all the things you had to do to keep warm,we were away in the van all last week and had all the windows and the roof (when it wasn't raining ) open at night.Even the dog gets off the middle cushions and lays on the floor as he gets too warm.

When we used to camp i seem to remember it was what was under us especially on an air bed that kept us warm.

When I was using airbeds, I needed to use an electric underblanket for winter camping.

However, I don't need it anymore now that I have a camp bed + SIM combination, as it is very cosy being off the ground.

DK

Your sleeping bag may only be one or two season.   If you feel the cold easily.  Try and get hold of a 4 season.   To up the ratings, you can use a fleece lined sleeping bag, or use one of those snuggle bags.  or use high tog duvet as well.  If you have room, take two. one under you, other one over.     If your on an airbed, the air will be really icy inside.  Insulation is essential.

I like to bury myself inside the sleeping bag, to keep my face warm.  

heath63

I would be concerned about the potential mix of damp from condensation and an electric blanket. I had a fire safety officer inspect my home recently, he said that the fire service advises the use of hot water bottles with insulating covers etc in lieu of electric blankets.

 You don't say what you have underneath you and that is the biggest issue when sleeping on the floor. I used an airbed for years, but with an airbed you need at least as much underneath you as on top of you. I used to have good quality traditional camping mats under my airbed, then a 'mock' sheepskin mattress cover on top of the airbed with a duvet on top of that, then me in sleeping bag and another duvet on top!

I also either change into my jimjams early in the evening so they are warm, or wear clothes that I sleep in. I can't stand feeling restricted in bed, so I find a hoody great for keeping me warm round the shoulders as my sleeping bag doesn't fasten around the top. I have an oil filled radiator that can be left on overnight if things are really cold. I think a hat is a much under-rated thing in the battle against the cold as are good quality bed socks, we have very silly versions of both to make a joke of the issue! Soft fleece blankets are great for wrapping round you, 'plugging' draughts etc. Doing simple things like eating a hot meal in the evening, having a hot drink before bed to keep you warm from the inside help too.

All of the above is fine if you have plenty of space for taking loads of stuff. If space is tight there is little alternative but to buy the best sleeping bag you can possibly afford with the highest GSM and season rating, I would say. The fishing gear, including their off the ground beds, looks fantastic and really comfy to me as it doesn't seem to be quite as tightly 'mummified' as some of the higher rated camping gear!

Quote: Originally posted by clairehope on 15/6/2012

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 I think a hat is a much under-rated thing in the battle against the cold

 

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