When sleeping in a tent, it can be very easy to get cold and be unable to warm up again. This article explains how to stay warm when sleeping in a tent.
Steps
1
Decide what you will wear. Often, an old/cheap tracksuit and a baggy jumper are warmer and more comfortable than typical pyjamas.
Never wear a nightdress. 'Nighties' are often made of a thin material which is fine in a heated house, but not when all that separates you from nature is a thin layer of material, which makes it not practical.
Go for layers. This way, you can add more if you feel cold, or take one off if you overheat. A vest and underwear, baggy T-shirt and tracksuit bottoms, normal socks, night socks, and a large jumper is one suggestion. Or try the one piece "onesie" pyjamas which have become popular (eg funzees) as these are warm, versatile, and easy to pack.
2
Do not buy an airbed or camping bed. The ground is a much better insulator than air, which moves around and lets cold air get underneath you. Use a foamie or thermarest instead. When camping in a tent in a location or time of year that you are likely to get cold, you need to weigh comfort against warmth.
3
Drink something hot, but not filled with caffeine, shortly before going to sleep. These can give a 'warm feeling' in your chest and stomach which is surprisingly helpful. Hot milk or apple cider, or powdered lemonade in hot water are good options to choose.
4
Have a good quality sleeping bag if you intend to use one. One with a high tog count and fits your sleeping position comfortably should be perfect. It is preferable that the sleeping bag can contain your body heat and reflect your body heat back onto you. Many sleeping bags have a rating for the seasons they are meant for (eg summer, 3 season, or 4 season, or a temperature range), and take into account the seasons you plan to camp when purchasing one.
5
Consider investing in self-heating gel pads. These are small packets of gel that heat themselves up when you squeeze them, and are good to put in socks, or just toss a few into your sleeping bag.
6
Bring a hot water bag or some portable hand warmers. If you brought a portable stove or plan to cook with a fire, you can heat some water and fill a hot water bag to use for the night. You can use the hand warmers to warm your feet or hands.
7
Stay still, and hunch up. Hunching up means that radiating body heat warms other body parts and is essentially recycled. However, if you are worried that moving will cause you to lose heat beyond the fact that you uncurl when rolling over, you are not eating enough.
