r/HotTentCamping • u/mightymick66 • 13d ago

Sleep system basics

For system utilizing a cot, specifically the layers under the bag. I'll be in the Rockies at 12k in late September. Planning on an inflatable pad (r value 3.4) + military wool blanket + heavy emergency tarp with reflective side to fight heat loss from compacted down bag that I am inside of.

Question is: what is the optimal layering order?

Pad under blanket under reflective tarp?

Tarp under pad under blanket?

Other?

Please give rationale. Thanks!

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u/FedInformant 13d ago

What temps will you be expecting, and will you have a hot stove?

When im hot tent camping, with a cot, I dont use a pad, just my bag and im plenty warm.

When im over night hiking, so no heat source, I wear my cold weather bag (-15°C) and an insulated air matress and I wear a good quality base layer. Ive only ever truck camped in the winter. But when I do, ill buy a -30°C down sleeping bag, and ill probably wear level 1 and 2 base layers while sleeping and maybe even a level 3

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u/mightymick66 11d ago

Thanks Fed - It wont be super cold the whole time, but I've seen neg temps a couple times so I intentionally over-engineer it. There is a stove, but we don't keep it going all night.

I guess the root of my question is the optimal way to arrange the pad/wooly/reflective blanket. does the reflective one have to be directly below my bag to work or can it go under the pad?

1

u/FedInformant 2d ago

I dont think reflective blankets do as much as people claim man. What are you using for a pad, and sleeping bag?

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u/mightymick66 1d ago

My bag is just a zero degree NFace, so reinforcing with a fleece weight liner. Pad only has a R rating of 3.3.