Camping during winter feels like an epic adventure into the wilderness. One minute you’re having a blast, and the next, you’re shivering. The main problem starts before bedtime.
Will the sleeping bag be enough to keep you warm? Do you need a blanket with it? Knowing the answer to these questions will determine whether you sleep well. So, do you need a blanket with a sleeping bag? It depends on the temperature.
Of course, that short answer isn’t enough to quench your adventurous thirst. So join us as we deep dive into the world of camping and give you a detailed explanation regarding blankets and sleeping bags.
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What Happens When You Use a Blanket with a Sleeping Bag?
You can technically use whatever you want with a sleeping bag. A blanket? No problem. However, that’s technical talk. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should. So, what happens when you use a blanket with a sleeping bag?
That depends on where you put the blanket. Putting it under the sleeping bag for a more comfortable sleep won’t harm you. However, folding the blanket and putting it underneath will provide additional softness so you can sleep more peacefully during winter camping trips.
However, if you wrap yourself around with a blanket while sleeping in a sleeping bag, the temperature might increase to the point where it won’t be peaceful. The interior will overheat and cause you to sweat all night.
Well, this also depends on the temperature. You’re all good if it’s below-freezing temperatures because the outside cold will balance the inside heat. However, you might feel a bit overwhelmed.
It’s because the blanket will take up additional space and not give you enough room to move freely. But, again, this depends on the size of your sleeping bag. Bigger ones won’t have any problem with a blanket.
So, what happens if you put the blanket on the sleeping bag? The results will be similar to putting it inside a sleeping bag. You’ll overheat and sweat if the outside temperature is not that cold. But, on the other hand, you’ll get a balanced feel if the outside temperature is super hard.
Do You Need a Blanket with a Sleeping Bag?
Now that you know what happens when you use a blanket and a sleeping bag, the question remains whether you need them. Unless you’re venturing into frozen caves with minus temperatures, you’ll be primarily good with using only a sleeping bag.
Many sleeping bags can withstand super-low temperatures. You can get sleeping bags for temperatures such as 0 degrees or higher. What do these sleeping bags do? If you get a 0-degree sleeping bag, you’ll stay comfy as long as the temperature is around 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
So, what happens when the temperature drops ever further than 0 degrees Fahrenheit? Well, that’s when you bring out your blanket. Depending on its thickness and type, the blanket will provide the additional warmth you need to sleep peacefully.
Putting the blanket on top and wrapping it around the sleeping bag will trap all the heat, or at least try to trap all the heat. Thanks to this blanket barrier, you’ll be warm all night. Not to mention your body also generates heat. So, with minimal heat loss and your body continually producing heat, a good night’s sleep is all you’ll have.
So, what do you do when your 0-degree sleeping bag is enough? Should you throw your blanket away? No! Even if your load is enough, a blanket has another use. You can use the blanket as additional cushioning. Just fold it and tuck it under your sleeping bag. Voila, now you’ll get a mattress-like feeling.
Blanket Vs. Sleeping Bag: Which One Should You Use?
Okay! So now you know that you can use a blanket with a sleeping bag depending on the temperature and other stuff. But what if you could only carry one with you? What if you don’t have enough space to bring a blanket and a sleeping bag?
In this case, you’ll have to choose one. But it’s not as easy as it sounds. Choosing the wrong one can quickly destroy your camping trip. You wouldn’t want that, would you? So, here are a few key details you need to know before choosing one. These details will help you with the blanket vs. sleeping bag debate.
Comfy
It’s no surprise that comfort will be your priority. Nothing will matter if you don’t get a good night’s sleep. So, which gives you more comfort between a blanket and a sleeping bag?
Well, this round goes to the blanket. You’re tucked in like a cocoon when you use a sleeping bag. It shouldn’t be a problem for most campers, but you might want to reconsider if you like to sleep sideways or move a lot during sleep.
On the other hand, a blanket will give you all the freedom you want. It’s almost like you’re sleeping on your bed. You can sleep sideways or move as much as you want under a blanket.
Durability
Of course, the durability depends on the quality of your sleeping bag or blanket. But you’ll always have a problem with the sleeping bag’s zipper. It’s a moving mechanism that can fail regardless of the quality. We’re not saying it’ll die for sure, but there’s a probability.
The blanket, however, doesn’t have any zipper or moving mechanism. It’s just a thick piece of fabric. So, there is nothing to worry about when using a blanket.
Warmth
Well, a sleeping bag takes this one. A sleeping bag will always provide better warmth compared to a blanket. This is because the interior of a sleeping bag is specially designed for that task. So yeah! A blanket can provide sufficient heat, but a sleeping bag will always be better.
Usage
Can you guess what it’s about by seeing the title? You probably think that sleeping bags and blankets are used for sleeping, so why write about their usage? Well, it’s because they have other usages as well.
You can put your blanket on top of you or beneath you. Depending on the place, the usage of blankets will vary. Putting the blanket beneath you will act like a cushion, giving you a softer surface. It will ultimately make your sleep more comfortable.
Okay! All of these point toward blankets. So, are you supposed to ditch the sleeping bag for the mantle? Again, it depends. Check the weather predictions before you head out to camp.
If the weather forecast says the temperatures will go below 0 degrees Fahrenheit, go for the sleeping bag. It’s because no matter how soft the surface is, it’ll be useless if you shiver in the cold.
If the forecast says the temperature will be tolerable, you can ditch the sleeping bag for the blanket. You can easily sleep with a blanket wrapped around you.
What Type of Blanket Should You Use?
If you want to use a blanket alone or with a sleeping bag, you should have some ideas about blanket types. Not every blanket will give you the same comfort or warmth. Choosing the wrong can also lead to overheating instead of giving you the right amount of heat.
The rule of thumb is to get the thickest blanket you can afford if you intend to use it during heavy winter camping trips. The thickness will, of course, come with weight. So, make sure you have no problem with weight.
In terms of quality, the blanket’s fabric comes after thickness and weight. Generally speaking, wool and quilted cotton is the best fabric for blankets. They will keep you insulated, but not too much to the point where you start overheating. Fleece and flannel are also great options.
As for the aesthetics, color, and style, a white colored blanket won’t necessarily be better than a red one. It’s just personal preference. Although, things kind of change when you wear cloaks during summer because black color can absorb heat while white repels it.
Final Words
Do you need a blanket with a sleeping bag? As the article explains, it depends on you. If the temperatures are too low to handle, throw that blanket on the sleeping bag and sleep peacefully.
Thicker and weighted blankets might seem too much initially, but they hug you tight once you wrap them around. And make sure to fill each corner of the sleeping bag with something (maybe your clothes?) to reduce coldness.
So, now that you know the answers, what’s stopping you from going out and enjoying a shivery-cold winter night with mother nature?