Okay, it wasn't quite a sleeping bag. However, it was only five ounces, and it kept me warm as the temperature dropped to the low forties on the bank of the Manistee River in Michigan. The secret was the fifteen minutes we spent gathering dead, dry bracken ferns to build a two-foot thick mattress. We set the tent on that. Then, with all my clothes on, I was fine.
In fact, I've rarely slept as well camping as I did that night. As I said, it wasn't a sleeping bag, but actually a sleeping bag liner. I bought it from Campmor, but I've since sewn a simple one of bargain-bin nylon material ($1/yard) obtained at Walmart. If it's possible to stay warm with a light sleeping bag liner in autumn, at a few degrees above freezing, this strategy should work well for summer nights in the sixties.
How To Use A Liner As A Sleeping Bag
Be careful, of course, backpacking with just a liner for a sleeping bag. It could be dangerous, or at least uncomfortable enough to ruin your trip. Experiment near home, and know yourself and your enviroment.
Learn a few tricks. If it isn't too humid you can breath in your bag, and you will be much warmer. Most backpackers will tell you not to do this, because you'll be damp in the morning, but in a dry enviroment you'll be fine once you hit the trail. Just dry the liner out during a break.
Another trick is to use a mattress of dried plants. Try dead leaves, palm fronds, grass, cattail leaves, some tree barks, etc. A mattress of this sort insulates you from the ground, which normally takes away much of your body heat. Scatter the leaves in the morning so they won't smother the plants underneath.
Some other tricks to try: Hot tea before going to sleep... Exercise a bit... Cover yourself with extra clothes... Elevate your feet slightly... Go to sleep earlier or later. Experiment to see what works best for you.
Also, go to bed warm. If you're warm when you get into your sleeping bag, you're more likely to stay warm through the night. It's difficult to warm up, especially in a thin bag, if you start out shivering.
I'm not recommending backpacking with only a sleeping bag liner, but it is an option. I've gone out with nothing more than a bivy sack in my jacket pocket, but I'm not recommending that either. This is just to present all the possible options for the ultralight backpacker.
Steve Gillman is a long-time advocate of lightweight backpacking. His tips, photos and stories can be found at the ultralight backpacking site: the ultralight backpacking site
Alexis limo rentals ..We recently planted our saskatoon berry trees. I am sure... Read More
A South Africa safari is the ideal wildlife trip to... Read More
If you're a birder, you want to keep a list... Read More
Generally speaking, Greek drivers are not the best in Europe,... Read More
For some 30 years I practiced law in Mesa, Arizona.... Read More
Isn't it time you stepped out of the concrete jungle... Read More
A canoe trip is a great way to appreciate Nature!A... Read More
The Kuan Yin Shrine in Bangkok is in an old... Read More
Have you ever thought you might like to try a... Read More
Which is the best African safari company for my safari... Read More
Do you like to take one day hiking trips? Do... Read More
The state of Goa on the West coast of India,... Read More
Six different islands in Hawaii are open to tourism. Most... Read More
Organized river rafting trips are a good idea for novices... Read More
Stay warm or die. That's what it comes down to... Read More
If you're looking to spot a whale, the first few... Read More
Going on a gorilla safari must rank as one of... Read More
The climb up the glaciers to the summit of Mount... Read More
We love spending time outdoors and if you are expecting... Read More
For the 92nd time, the Tour de France has started.... Read More
Dude Ranches first gained popularity in the 1920s, in large... Read More
It is the end of the season for the year... Read More
TENT CAREYou should seal all floor seams and those seams... Read More
Welcome to Bragg Creek! Bragg Creek is located in the... Read More
Sharklife.co.za has been fighting an ongoing for the protection of... Read More
car service from Midway Alsip ..Inflatable boats are made from flexible material, usually rubber, canvas,... Read More
A wonderful way to invest in your families' treasure trove... Read More
One morning in mid summer, I headed out for some... Read More
Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest and one of the deepest... Read More
Of course you know about Southern California's premier attraction, Disneyland... Read More
Ask about perfect wildlife destinations and a Tanzania safari will... Read More
The climb up the glaciers to the summit of Mount... Read More
If you're looking to spot a whale, the first few... Read More
Recently we stayed at a state campground in Michigan near... Read More
River rafting is a major attraction in California. The most... Read More
New experiences make me nervous, and I assume that holds... Read More
Isn't it time you stepped out of the concrete jungle... Read More
Block Island is a seaside jewel lying 12 miles off... Read More
Picture this. You are stuck at home knee deep in... Read More
No one can truly say... Read More
A South Africa safari is the ideal wildlife trip to... Read More
Have you ever gone solo backpacking? If you have, you'll... Read More
Having traveled from state to state and every city in... Read More
The quaint little balcony was large enough to accommodate two... Read More
Ask me which Pacific island has the most to offer... Read More
There is something about a town tucked between the mountains... Read More
A Hawaii volcano tour can be a most memorable experience,... Read More
Sun, Sand and Surf ? an apt description for Goa?... Read More
When you search online for a camping gear outlet you... Read More
Boondocking is fun! Boondockers go anywhere they want, at any... Read More
Outdoors |