Episode 71 | Sleeping Bag Layering Systems

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Summary

In today’s episode of the Backpacking Light podcast, we’re going to talk about how to use multi-layered sleep systems to stay warmer on multi-day trips in cold weather.

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In this Episode:

• Why should we layer two sleeping bags or quilts instead of just using one?
• The benefits of using a hoodless down bag (inner layer) and an extra-wide synthetic quilt (outer layer).
• What’s the main problem with using a down bag on multi-day trips in cold weather?
• How to manipulate the dew point to keep our sleep system dryer!
• Why a thin synthetic quilt is easier to dry than a thick down bag.
• What clothing should I wear while using a 2-layer sleeping bag/quilt system?
• Let’s own less gear, but make it work for us – how to backpack in all four seasons with only two sleeping bags/quilts!
• How to layer for couples in a 2-person bag where each partner has wildly different temperature tolerances!
• Why layering sleeping bags or quilts is more versatile and more comfortable than using a single-layer sleeping bag or quilt with all of your clothing layers.
• The problem with sleeping with lots of clothing layers – circulation and comfort issues.
• My favorite sleep clothing for cold weather backpacking.

Learn More

• Feathered Friends Tanager
• Enlightened Equipment APEX 50 deg F Quilt
• Nemo Tango Duo Wide
• Nemo Tensor Pads
• Learn more about 2-layer sleeping bag/quilt and clothing systems in our online course, Backpacking in Inclement Conditions.