Sleep well in your sleeping bag

I slept badly in my sleeping bag. Am I using the wrong sleeping bag?

Our tips for a better night's sleep in your sleeping bag.

The right comfort temperature (T comf)

The value  T_comf  is the temperature at which it just doesn't freeze. This is a standard value for comparing different models. We also provide our temperature recommendations so you can realistically assess whether this temperature setting is sufficient for you. We have summarized more information and the reality check of the temperature information here. 

In short: Pay attention to the temperature information: only the Comfort temperature value!

Too cold: possible causes

Did you adjust your comfort temperature to the actual outside temperature and still feel frozen? Please check the following points:

1. The pad did not fitA sleeping bag only insulates upwards, as it is compressed downwards by your body weight. The sleeping pad must provide insulation below. So, if a sleeping pad only goes down to 5°C, then a sleeping bag rated for -10°C will also only insulate down to 5°C. With sleeping bags, it's important to use a suitable sleeping pad with the appropriate or higher insulation. NEVER use camp beds or air mattresses as a base; these provide almost no insulation. And be careful with the new sleeping mats; almost all of them are now only foil-insulated for weight reasons. The problem here is that while they're warm in the lab, they're not warm enough when you're moving outside. Therefore, experienced expedition participants take two sleeping mats with them.
2. Sleeping bag too tight: If your shoulders are snug in your sleeping bag, you'll experience a cold bridge due to the compressed insulation and less air insulation. Contrary to popular belief, a tighter sleeping bag isn't warmer. It warms up faster because there's less air inside to warm. But air also insulates, so looser-fitting models are also more insulating.
3. Side sleepers and differently filled sleeping bag front and backSome manufacturers fill the front and back of the sleeping bag differently to save weight. This is not taken into account in the sleeping bag test (see Reality check temperature information). For example, if the back section is lightly filled and only the upper section is heavily filled, the sleeping bag will have a good temperature rating in the test, but not in the real world. Because if you turn around at night with the sleeping bag in, your back will get cold with the lower fill level, and the heat will escape during the night. Therefore, a Grüezi bag sleeping bag is filled equally on both the top and bottom.
4. Own temperature perceptionIf the day has been strenuous, if you're sick or exhausted, you'll feel cold more easily. And if you get cold more easily than others, you'll need to lower your comfort temperature further.
5. The right sleepwear is importantWe recommend Merino clothing because wool regulates temperature and climate. Depending on the cold, wear warm, dry socks, and on cold nights, a hat. Please bring extra socks, as the socks worn during the day will be damp and no longer provide as much warmth.If you sleep in cotton or down, you can sweat more easily and feel cold.
6. The climateIf the day was very hot, you're more sensitive to the cold at night. Even if the humidity is very high, you still feel cold.
7. Go to bed hungry Walking is a bad idea. Even when you're hungry, you get cold faster.
8. The same applies to full bladderBe sure to empty your bladder again before going to bed. Otherwise, your body will use too much energy for bladder control instead of for heat regulation.

Our insider tips for relaxed sleep

If you follow the above points, you'll have already achieved a great deal. We've received a lot of feedback from satisfied customers and are happy to share our experiences:

• A sleeping bag can only insulate the body heat you give off. If you lie down in a cold sleeping bag, it can take a long time to warm up. That's why It's better to run around the tent 10 times, do squats, etc. and then get into your sleeping bag.
• Weather observation: If a teIf a drop in temperature is predicted, then think about a backup. Either Sleeping bags with heated element select an additional Inlet or take the warmer sleeping bag with you. 
• If you are between different sleeping bag sizes If you're unsure, go to a specialist shop to try it out. No joke, before you experience any unpleasant surprises. Some manufacturers' specifications refer to external dimensions. If you want more comfort (more room) with the right body size, then you can, of course, go for the larger version of the sleeping bag. You'll just have to warm up more air. Trying it out also has the great effect of allowing you to Width you feel while sleeping. If the sleeping bag is too tight, you won't feel comfortable. However, restful sleep generally has a lot to do with feeling comfortable. Don't rely on specifications like "regular" or "large" or recommended body sizes. We strongly recommend comparing the actual lengths and widths.