Another item I take, if it is REAL cold, is an old water bottle, the bladder kind, for back aches. I fill it with boiling water at bed time and toss it in the sleeping bag. It is like a little heater.

Thanks for all the great advice so far! Sorry if I mislead anyone with 20~F, looking back at my post I can see how that could easily be mistaken for -20.

Steve,



Just a slightly different perspective on sleeping bags..If weight and bulk are not an issue,(ie your not hiking carrying your kit) you don't need to buy one of those real expensive sleeping bags especially if you only intend to use it once or twice a year.



I assume you have an "ordinary" 2/3 season sleeping bag which is rated to just above freezing? If so, simply buy another bag and use it as an outer. Make sure its one of those rectangle shaped bags so your's fits inside...Cabela's have plenty rated a few degrees below freezing for about $80 to $100. By using two bags, you have more flexibity to deal with varying weather conditions.



Another tip is to boil up some water before you turn in and put it in a stainless steel flask inside your sleeping bag...You then have hot water ready to make a brew as soon as you wake in the morning..



Regards,



Pete