The short answer
Choose a sleeping bag and mat for the coldest night you expect, ventilate the tent to cut condensation, and use warm, low, rechargeable lights at camp. In heat, think airflow and shade, and in the cold, think insulation from the ground.
Do
- Match the bag and mat to the coldest night
- Ventilate the tent, even when it is cold
- Use warm, soft, rechargeable lights
- Keep a headlamp at hand
- Keep clothes and the bag dry
Do not
- Use open flames or heaters in a tent
- Sleep in a closed tent with a stove
- Rely on the bag alone for warmth
- Leave the car lights on to light camp
- Pitch where cold air or water collects
Bag, mat and bed
- The mat matters as much as the bag, because the ground steals most of your warmth. Choose a mat with good insulation for cold sites
- Choose a bag for the coldest night you expect, and look at the manufacturer's comfort rating, not just the lowest limit
- Layers beat bulk. Dry sleeping clothes help, and wet clothes do not
- A pillow and a clean, dry liner make a big difference
- In the heat, use a light liner or sheet, and a mat that lets air through
Ventilation and condensation
Your breath puts moisture into the tent, and it condenses on cool walls and drips. Open vents and leave a gap at the door, even in cold weather. Pitch with the door away from the wind, and avoid camping in low spots where damp, cold air collects. Wipe the inside walls in the morning and dry the tent as soon as you can.
Never use a stove, heater or burning charcoal in a closed tent or car. They can fill it with carbon monoxide, which can kill you in your sleep.
Camp lighting
- Use warm, soft light. It is kinder on eyes and attracts fewer insects
- Use rechargeable or solar lanterns rather than the car lights, which drain the battery
- Keep a headlamp on you, and a red mode for night use to protect your night vision
- Keep the light low and shielded, out of respect for others and wildlife
- Keep spare batteries or a power bank, and charge during the day
Do not add illegal or high-intensity lights to the car for camp. See lights and electrics.
Hot, cold and high
- Hot nights: pitch in shade and in a breeze, use light bedding, keep water close, and ventilate
- Cold nights: insulate from the ground, wear dry layers, eat before bed and keep a warm drink
- High altitude: sleep as low as you can, and expect poor sleep. See the first aid guide
Pick the night
Tap the conditions to see how to sleep well.
Tap conditions (6 to try)
The plan for Hot humid night
- The plan
- -
- Details
- -
Common mistakes
- Skimping on the mat. The ground steals more warmth than the air.
- Sealing the tent tight. Condensation and stale air follow.
- Using a stove in the tent. Carbon monoxide can kill.
- Using car lights at camp. It drains the battery.
- Wearing damp clothes to bed. You will get cold.
- Pitching in a hollow. Cold air and water collect there.
A final word. Carbon monoxide from stoves and heaters in closed spaces kills people every year. This guide is general information. Ventilate, use no flame in tents, and choose your gear for the conditions you will actually face.