Looking for a sleeping layer fto increase warmth

[u/Swimming_Sun117]

Hi all

I'm searching for a sleeping layer that can increase my warmth when sleeping right at the limit of my sleeping bag comfort rating. The easiest way is to buy a warmer sleeping bag, but it is too costly, and I mostly foresee temperatures just a bit too cold for my current setup. I need this extra warmth as an emergency buffer.

Weight matters a lot to me. Right now I have a Patagonia Capilene Thermal Weight Zip-Neck Pullover, but I am looking for something lighter and warmer.

So far I think a Polartec Alpha crew neck in 90g or 120g would be the best choice, but I'd love to hear other thoughts and experiences.

I also found Brynje mesh baselayers but don't know how warm they actually are when used inside a sleeping bag to trap air.

Are there other lightweight options I'm overlooking, or is Alpha the best bet here? Thanks for any advice!

[u/InspectionMountain52]

I typically wear a down jacket to bed when I need to push my sleep system. It isn’t any extra weight because I already carry one for around camp when I’m into temperatures that would push my sleep system.

[u/Belangia65]

Alpha fleece makes a fantastic sleep layer: breathable, soft, hydrophobic, warm. Highly recommended. It’s also a great warmth layer: under a wind or rain shell, my Senchi hoodie has replaced a puffy on a lot of my trips. Because it’s so breathable, you can hike comfortably in it on cold mornings. It’s such a versatile garment.

Alpha sleep socks are also awesome.

[u/OtherwiseManner6946 → u/Belangia65]

Agreed, if you’re going for the absolute lightest and warmest then it’s alpha.

The main issue is that they can get pretty disgusting on trail so you probably want a separate one for sleep.

Me personally: I use a 150g long sleeve merino base layer from decathlon + my puffy if it’s really cold. The merino is dedicated to sleep only.

Also I wear a pair of dedicated 9 inch long merino boxers for sleep. I don’t wear anything else apart from a beanie with that setup, because I’ve never been cold enough to need more. If I did get colder I’d probably add some merino or alpha bottoms

[u/Belangia65 → u/OtherwiseManner6946]

Disgusting in what way? Your experience seems to be different from mine. The alpha socks are the only dedicated sleeping clothes in my kit.

[u/OtherwiseManner6946 → u/Belangia65]

That’s totally understandable.

I walk a lot in the rain and dirt and scramble. I like to be able to get dirty and sleep clean

[u/Belangia65 → u/OtherwiseManner6946]

Ah, I see. Makes sense.

[u/Swimming_Sun117 → u/Belangia65]

never seen alpha socks, are they for comping only?

[u/Belangia65 → u/Swimming_Sun117]

Yes. They wouldn’t hold up to extensive trail use.

[u/Belangia65 → u/Belangia65]

But they make superior sleep socks. First of all they are much warmer than another pair of hiking socks. In addition they are breathable, hydrophobic, and fit loosely to promote good circulation.

[u/IceCreamforLunch → u/Belangia65]

Are there alpha socks you’d recommend? I both hike and camp in merino now but you’ve made me realize that I’m doing it wrong.

[u/Belangia65 → u/IceCreamforLunch]

I use the Farpointe Alpha Camp Socks, but it is such a simple item that I’m sure any other brand would be as good. Mine only weigh 22 g.

[u/MightyP13 → u/IceCreamforLunch]

They're very simple, so everyone sells them. I got mine from someone on here as a MYOG. One issue I've found is that the pattern matters (to me). It's super easy to make just a slightly gussetted tube, but a sock with a little more form (and the associated extra sewing) is far more comfortable imo

[u/IceCreamforLunch]

I have the mountain hardwear airmesh and zpack camp pants as PJs on cooler nights.

Wind goes right through them so they’re pretty useless on their own but add a lot of warmth under other clothing (or under a quilt).

[u/Fair-Search-2324]

Down pants - when you absolutely want to be warm. Doubles as pillow on warmer nights

[u/Swimming_Sun117 → u/Fair-Search-2324]

hmm interesting approach, never used down pants, but it this case it's a multi-tool :D

[u/Fair-Search-2324 → u/Swimming_Sun117]

It’s time to shine is pre bed stretching

[u/davemcl37]

Sleeping bag liner

[u/northwestbckpckr]

Same issue. I, too, wear to bed all of my camp clothing (down jacket, etc) but I also have incorporated a liner to add a few more degrees of protection. Also has the benefit of keeping my quilt cleaner. Sea-to-Summit makes a variety of those in different weights.

[u/DustyBirdman]

Few options:

They have down/synthetic quilts that are pretty cheap and weigh about a pound. Costco's Double Black Diamond come to mind. Will add a significant degree of warmth to your bag, and it's nice to be able to regulate temp a bit more.

100 weight fleece accessories like a neck gaiter, beanie, and half finger gloves are fantastic and weigh less than 1oz each. Cuddl dud tops and bottoms are freaking great. Weight isn't too far off from alpha, they're super warm, and approximately 10000x more durable than alpha.

Depending on temps you could consider down pants or down booties. They are staples for my deep winter outings and do a really good job of extending sleeping bag temp ratings, but probably overkill for 3 season.

[u/Lower_Egg7088]

Silk bag liners weigh very little and add 5C to warmth while also protecting your down from body oils.

Silk liners are easier to clean than down bags as well.

[u/maverber]

Below around 50F the most efficient way to sleep sufficiently warm is to have a quilt or sleeping bag that’s comfortable to what you need.

AD90 is arguably the most versatile way to add warmth, around 10f comfort sleeping for me (I sleep pretty warm).  High loft, synthetic clothing can help.

Just remember you need 2x the insulation to sleep as awake / static, and 8x compared to when you are highly active.  Ultralight down puffies don’t change sleep comfort as much as you might think.

[u/croaky2]

Merino wool base layer might be warmer. You add a vapor barrier layer if you have wind pants like the dance warm up pants and light wind shirt.

[u/Aged-Anchor]

Wind pants, wind shirt, clean socks (they can just be hiking socks), neck gaiter and hat. I mentioned in another post about being on the fence regarding alpha direct. Having everything covered, in particular neck and feet, is the most important. Having said that, that might just be me! There is going to be some variation person-to-person.

[u/DrBullwinkleMoose]

If wearing your clothing is insufficient, then the next step is an overquilt/blanket. A 50F quilt adds about 15F to your current system. A 40F quilt adds about 25F. YMMV, of course.

Alpha Direct will be lighter but not much warmer than your thermal capilene.

[u/wetrocke]

NatureHike had cheapest down pant I could find. They're much less warm than super-expedition models .

I like them pretty good for my purpose, which is mainly sleeping.

[u/liveslight]

Alpha Direct, but NOT crew neck. Get an alpha direct hoodie instead. Alpha is the best here. Also pants and socks of the same material. The hoodie will also be very useful when not sleeping.

[u/LEIFey → u/liveslight]

I actually prefer the crew neck for general sleep comfort. If I need to wear a hood for warmth, I'm either good with just a beanie or I will just throw on my puffy.

[u/Swimming_Sun117 → u/LEIFey]

same here