Add This Hack To Your Winter Camping Routine To Stay Warm In Your Sleeping Bag

You've found the perfect camping site, enjoyed the beauty of the nighttime stars, and now it's time to head to bed. But there's one problem. The temperature is much colder than expected, and you've found yourself shivering inside your sleeping bag. Not only are you uncomfortable, but you can't fall asleep.

Fortunately, there's an easy way to warm up and get the much-needed rest required for the following day's activities. Simple exercises while inside your sleeping bag can raise your core temperature and warm up your immediate environment. We're not talking about a full-fledged workout or a mile-long run. But simple exercises that can be done quickly and can generate heat will help you settle in for a warm and cozy night, even in cold temperatures.

Interestingly, the steps you take to warm up your sleeping bag are different than the steps needed to warm up your tent when camping. Sure, snuggling with a hot water bottle can help provide some comfort for the night, but hot water can be dangerous. You can also fluff your sleeping bag to make sure air bubbles within the insulation are available to help trap body heat. But doing a few simple moves to raise your blood pressure and body temperature can be even more effective when they're done correctly and right before bedtime.

It may be a generalization here, but most hikers and backpackers are in really good shape. They may be used to breaking a sweat at the gym or on a long, outdoorsy journey. That's impressive, but sweating before bedtime on a cold night can have the exact opposite effect on your goal to stay warm.

Sweat is our body's cooling system. So lying in a cold tent with sweat dripping down your face or down your back won't do anything but be a hindrance to your search for comfortable sleeping conditions. Like with so many other things in life, moderation is key to getting enough blood pumping to create a comfortable, heated environment within your sleeping bag. A quick run around the campground or some jumping jacks before zipping into your bag for the night could be enough to keep you warm.

Once inside, movement can be limited within a sleeping bag, but there are ways you can still generate some heat. Doing some leg raises while lying on your back is one possible way to raise your core temperature from within the warmth of your bag. Sit-ups and planks or burpees could also be enough to heat your core temperature and the temperature of the bag around you, resulting in a more comfortable, restful sleep. Of course, there's no shortage of advice out there. Reddit has plenty of DIY camping hacks that can improve any outdoor adventure.

Knowing how to stay warm is key to winter camping, whether you are at base camp at Mount Everest, one of Nepal's best places to capture beautiful pictures, or in the wintery Rocky Mountains. No matter the time of year, packing correctly for your camping trip is essential to a successful experience. So be sure you don't forget the essentials recommended by the National Parks Service.

Water and food are at the top of the essentials list. Plan to have two liters of water available per person, per day. Dry foods like rice and pasta are recommended, since they don't need special storage. Foods that come in collapsible containers are always a good idea, since they take up less space and produce less waste to haul after they are consumed.

Setting up your shelter should be a priority when you arrive at your camping site of choice. Don't bring more tents than you need, but remember that the number a tent says it sleeps is exact. For example, a three-person tent can sleep that many people. It does not mean there is room for supplies. And finally, no matter how cold the weather, don't put your face inside the sleeping bag. You may feel initial warmth, but your breath has moisture. That will eventually create a damp environment within your sleeping bag and cool the temperature, making for a chilly night's sleep.