Gear

They're supposed to increase efficiency. I tried an ME one but couldn't get on with it; too narrow. What I did notice is they're only elasticated on the top. Fine if you're a back sleeper but kind of negates the effect for side sleepers.

I think the Montbell ones are elasticated all the way round.

Hi everyone, first post. Great thread. So, my tuppence worth

I have a 0°C rated decathlon bag (yes I know) which I've been testing with as many combinations of stuff as possible to see how cold I can go with it. I tried sleeping in the bag in my ski suit (with base layer underneath) with which, during the day I can stand around in at a windy -10 no problem. At minus 10 in the bag I was freezing.

I'd previoiusly bought a couple of fleece blankets dirt cheap (vivid green) from Ikea which the wife sewed together and quilted into a three-quarters bag liner and when I started to shiver I removed the ski suit, put the fleece liner in the bag and got into that. Warm as toast to minus 11. I think I could have gone much lower.

I've tried jackets, down foot warmers, using the sleeves of an old down jacket on my feet etc. and the best  combination for me so far has always been base layer inside fleece liner.

The bag though is an extremely tight fit for me which might count for something.

thanks for sharing!

i like that the IKEA blankets can help and actually keep u warmer.

but when it comes to real cold weather it seems that the consensus is that its better to have your additional layers / jackets ON TOP of your sleeping bag rather than wearing them.

makes sense and will give it a go...

that's what I did, wore my gilet zipped up over the foot of the bag. so not strictly ontop but still outside.

Makes sense as its insulating without constricting blood or air flow inside the bag.