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Sleeping Bags — Temperature Rating
The Temperature Rating of Sleeping Bags
The temperature rating of a sleeping bag indicates the coldest temperature in which that sleeping bag will keep you warm. While there are no required standards consistent among manufacturers, the EN 13537 is a European standard designed to standardize the temperature ratings on sleeping bags manufactured and/or sold in Europe. The temperature rating provided for a sleeping bag is only a suggested guideline to use as a starting point. There are many factors that will affect how warm you will be in that sleeping bag.
- What type of metabolism do you have? Are you a ‘hot’ sleeper or a ‘cold’ sleeper? Are you the one who sleeps with minimal covers or do you bundle under several quilts and blankets, and then you are cold when you wake up? If you are the latter then adjust the temperature down by 10 degrees.
- Will you be eating hearty and drinking a lot of water? If not adjust down.
- How does the bag fit? Do you have minimal air space or do you need space to move around? Can you sleep in the bag with the hood cinched around your face with just a small opening for breathing? If not, adjust down.
- What type of tent are you in? If you have a winter tent then less concern. Are you using a three season tent or a summer tent and it is cold out? Then adjust accordingly.
- On the other extreme, are you always hot while everyone else around you is chilled? Then adjust up.
Click here to see a brief video displaying the features of the TETON Sports Celsius Sleeping Bag
Select a bag with a temperature rating of at least an extra 15 – 20 degrees lower than you expect ever needing. You will be able to use it in a range of temperatures and will also give you flexibility on how much or what type of padding you want underneath or how many layers of clothing you will wear.
Warm weather sleeping bags are great for family camping trips in the warmer climates. They do not need special insulation or a heavy shell. They can be very inexpensive, starting at $10.00 for a basic sleeping bag. When the kids have a slumber party they will be happy to sleep in their favorite sleeping bag as they share the floor space with their friends.
Three Season sleeping bags are a good investment if you camp often and want a bag that is versatile and functional. You can stay very warm when camping in climates where the evenings get cool. Select a temperature factor taking the above factors into consideration. A general guideline is to get one with a minimum rating of 15 to 20 degrees. If it is too warm you can always open up!
Winter sleeping bags are for campers that find themselves out in cold weather where the temperatures are below freezing. The design that is the warmest is the mummy shape, as you have less air space to keep warm and with a hood and draft collar it helps to lock in warmth. Both down and synthetic insulation will keep you warm. Don’t be stingy. If you are camping in the winter cold get a bag with a rating of -40. Don’t be surprised by the cold winds blowing! Any winter bag must also have zipper draft tubes, shoulder collars, and a hood the fits close around the head to make sure you stay warm.
Visit our page “The Best Sleeping Bags” for more features and options to consider when selecting a great sleeping bag.
Select the BEST Sleeping Bag for You!
There are many brands of quality sleeping bags available. Below are just a few of the excellent sleeping bags available today. Click on the image or link for each to learn more about each bag pictured. Agnes makes a great sleeping bag, as we haven’t met anyone who didn’t love their Agnes sleeping bag! Eureka, Marmot and Kelty also make a quality product. Many merchants offer a wide choice. One of our favorites is Campmor and Gander Mountain. They offer a large assortment of quality sleeping bags. Amazon also carries many great brands to choose from.
| Great Sleeping Bags |
 The Eureka Sandstone is perfect for camp or cabin. Eureka Sandstone 45 Degree Rectangular Sleeping Bag Sleep comfortably, in the roomy Eureka Sandstone 45 Degree Rectangular Sleeping Bag. It… [More] Price: $49.98 Buy Now
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 The Kelty Dualist hasd hybrid insulation for warmth and dryness.
The Kelty Dualist 30°F Sleeping Bag adapts to unpredictable weather you face outdoors to keep you comfortable. It has a thermal-comfort hood and natural-fit footbox for warmth and coverage head to toe. tube...[More] Price: $99.99 Buy Now |
 The ground layer of synthetic insulation provides maximum warmth in compression zones, while the top layer of down insulation provides warmth and comfort. Marmot Scandium 20 Degree Outdoor Composite Mummy Sleeping Bag The Marmot Scandium 20 degree Mummy Sleeping Bag is the result of extensive lab and field testing, to optimize the body mapping of different types of insulation to perfectly balance thermal efficiency, weight and comfort. … [More] Price: $199.00 Buy Now
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 The North Face Snow Leopard has a shaped hood for increased warmth and comfort. The vaulted footbox allows for natural foot movement. The North Face Snow Leopard Zero Degree Sleeping Bag... Lightweight, warm and extremely durable, The North Face Snow Leopard 0 Degree Sleeping Bag will perform in all conditions. The efficient design maximizes warmth and compressibility while reducing weight. … [More] Price: $169.98 Buy Now
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 The Slumberjack Sojourn is lightweight and highly compressible, allowing you to pack your bag into the backcountry without taking up a lot of space in your pack. Slumberjack Sojourn -20 DriDown Mummy Sleeping Bag If you’re looking for a roomy yet lightweight, compact, warm and water resistant mummy bag, the Slumberjack Sojourn -20 DriDown Mummy Sleeping Bag is the answer! Slumberjack’s unique “arms-out” feature allows you to keep insulation on your chest and head while freeing up both arms to manage tasks without leaving your bag [More] Price: $299.95 Buy Now
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We have created this website, and it includes input from friends who love to camp. Send any questions about this website to info@thebestcampingtips.com. There are no sponsorships or paid topic insertions included on this website. However, if you purchase something from the merchants featured on this website we may receive a commission for traffic directed from our site. These commissions are also compensation for our opinion and analysis on products and services offered by these merchants. We give our honest opinions and findings based on our research and experiences. All views expressed are our own. All product claim, stats, or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider.
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Fall Camping
Fall Camping – the BEST Camping Season!
No matter where you are, fall is one of the best times for camping! The evenings are cool, the days are beautiful! If you’re in the northern part of the world you are blessed with a magnificent display of warm harvest colors, while those of youus in the southern part of the world are blessed with the renewal of a season of new growth and awesome beauty!
Lets get going!!!
Planning remains the key. The main thing to consider is the variation in temperatures, and be ready for changes in the weather. In other words pack extra clothes to keep warm!
- A three-season tent will keep you warm at night. Be sure to close all openings to keep out any cool drafts and keep all body heat in. Visit our page for selecting tents by clicking HERE.
- Take a sleeping bag designed to keep in body heat – one that closes up around the shoulders and your face. Learn more about sleeping bags for the seasons by clicking HERE.
- Dress in layers of clothing. Start with something fitting close but comfortable to your skin, like long underwear. This will decrease the size of the air pockets next to your skin that you need to keep warm. Layer so you can adjust based on the temps for that day or evening. Be sure to bring a hat or stocking cap, as the head is one of the first places where we lose body heat. Place the clothes you plan to wear tomorrow in your sleeping bag tonight so it will be warm when you dress.
Keep up your energy with a hearty meal prepared in your camp kitchen or over the campfire. Prepare food ahead of time to make the chore easier at the campsite. And be sure to drink plenty of water, even though the temps may be cool!
With the right preparations and bringing the right camping gear the fall season can become your favorite time to go camping!
Looking for the best hiking trails to see the fall colors? See the 10 Best Fall Hiking Trails in the US for magnificent views for taking in autumn’s colors. If you are in the vicinity of any of these hikes be sure to take the time to just look and be surrounded by the beauty of nature!
We have created this website, and it includes input from friends who love to camp. Send any questions about this website to info@thebestcampingtips.com. There are no sponsorships or paid topic insertions included on this website. However, if you purchase something from the merchants featured on this website we may receive a commission for traffic directed from our site. These commissions are also compensation for our opinion and analysis on products and services offered by these merchants. We give our honest opinions and findings based on our research and experiences. All views expressed are our own. All product claim, stats, or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider.
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Hearty German Goulash
Hearty German Goulash
This recipe takes a bit of time as the meat must be cooked and then allowed to simmer. You can cook the meat ahead of time at home to cut the amount of time you will want to cook on your camp stove.
Serves: 6
- 2 pounds boneless pork roast, trimmed
- 2 cups onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon caraway seed
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 beef bouillon cube
- 3/4 cup boiling water
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 can sauerkraut, drained
- 2 cups sour cream
Instructions
- Cut pork into 2-inch cubes.
- In large Dutch oven, combine the pork, onion, garlic, dill, caraway, salt, pepper, bouillon cube and boiling water.
- Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, 1 hour. (To save time at the campsite, do this ahead of time at home)
- Add paprika and brown sugar, stir to dissolve.
- Add sauerkraut, mix well.
- Simmer, covered, until meat is tender, about 1 hour or longer.
- Stir in sour cream; heat thoroughly before serving.
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Sweet Stuffed Onions
Sweet Stuffed Onions
Sweet Stuffed Onions is an easy addition to your campfire meals. This campfire dinner recipe is very easy to prepare!
Ingredients
- 4 extra-large sweet onions
- 1 pound thinly-cut pork sirloin, cubed (or substitute other meat)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 cup boxed cornbread stuffing mix
- 2 tablespoons mild green chile powder
- 3 large poblano chiles, roasted, peeled and seeded
- ¼ cup sweet red pepper, chopped
- ½ cup Mexican Parmesan cheese, grated
- cilantro and avocado for garnish (optional)
Directions
1. Slice the tops off of the onions ¼ of the way down, and slice the roots from bottom creating a flat bottom. Peel the skins from the onions. Cut an ‘X’ into the center and use a spoon or melon baller to remove the center portion, leaving the walls approximately ½-inch thick. Dice ¼ cup of onion from the centers and store the remaining onion for use in another recipe.
2. Mix diced onion with pork, salt and pepper, cumin, stuffing mix, chile powder, poblano chiles, red pepper and cheese. Fill each onion bowl with mixture. Wrap onions in large squares of heavy duty foil, bringing seams together on top by flattening the foil slightly. Keep wrapped onions upright and nestle each on hot coals. With a small shovel, top each onion with 1 to 2 hot coals.
3. Cook approximately 30 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into center registers 175-180°F. Remove from coals, carefully open foil and serve. Garnish with cilantro and avocado, if desired. Serves 4.
Remember to bring a few kitchen utensils — a spoon, large mixing bowl, sharp knife, meat thermometer, and foil to prepare this free campfire recipe for Stuffed Onions at the campsite.
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Biscuits and Gravy
Easy Biscuits and Gravy
Ingredients
1 pound pork sausage
3 tablespoons shortening
3 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
1/2 tsp salt (more or less to taste)
1 tsp pepper
1 package of large dough biscuits
Instructions
Prepare biscuits ahead of time before leaving for the camping trip. Store in an airtight container or ziplock bag. On the morning prior to preparing the gravy wrap the biscuits in foil and lay on grill close to fire or on the back of your cook stove, any place where they can get warm.
Melt the shortening in the frying pan. Add sausage–cutting into small pieces–and fry until brown. Stir in the flour. Add milk (about 1/2 quart) and cook until it is a nice gravy thickness. If too thick add more milk, if too thin add more flower, a small amount at a time.
Serve sausage gravy on top of biscuits add some salt and peper as desired.
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Planning Meals for the Camping Trip
With a Little Planning You’ll Have the Best Meals!
As we need to bring all of the food and supplies needed to prepare the camping trip
Breakfast is almost ready!
meals, here are a few tips to help you plan for and prepare easy meals at your campsite.
Keep your camping food cold at all times to avoid spoilage.
- Replenish ice often. Freeze some of your food ahead of time at home to help keep the cooler cold. Freeze meat. Prepare one-dish meals like chili and stews ahead of time and freeze.
- Block ice lasts much longer than cubed ice. Cartons of fruit juice freeze well. Or bring cans of frozen concentrate, which will also save space assuming water is available at the campsite. If water is not available then prepare the juice at home and freeze. Plan your camping meals for the latter days of your trip to include items that freeze well.
- Keep the items needed frequently (drinks, snacks, etc.) in a separate cooler. The food cooler won’t be opened as often so will stay cold much longer.
Prepare as much as you can ahead of time in your kitchen to ease the cooking chore while at camp.
- Measure the ingredients for your meals and bring only what is needed. There will be no measuring when you are preparing the meal. Put the ingredients in ziplock bags, keeping the ingredients for each meal together. Pre-chop raw vegetables at home and they are ready to use at mealtime.
Prepped early, now meal preparation will be easy!
- Bring condiments in squeeze bottles for ease of use at the picnic table. While mustard and ketchup is usually already in a bottle, select or place mayonnaise, butter, and syrup in squeeze bottles as well.
- Potatoes baked in the campfire are always a favorite. Ease the task of baking them by pre-baking them ½ done in the microwave before leaving home. Wrap individually in foil and keep in your cooler. They will be ready to bake in the campfire.
- Discard all cardboard packaging before packing the food. This eliminates much of the litter accumulation. Placing the food in plastic bags allows you to reuse the bags for other purposes (storing leftovers, stuff the kids have collected and accumulated while exploring on the trails, wet clothes when it’s time to pack for going home, etc.).
An easy way to make toast is to place it on a stick with a Y fork at the end. Hold over the fire, toasting each side to a golden brown. Do not place directly in flames.
Keep pots covered when cooking so to keep the heat inside and also use less fuel.
Cleanup:
Cover the bottoms of your cooking pots with soap to prevent them from getting damaged by the smoke and fire. This also makes cleanup easier.
Camp Kitchen setup, plan for easy cleanup
- When you are finished cooking, put a pan of water on the stove. It will be hot when you finish the meal and ready for cleanup.
- A pine cone works great as a pot scrubber.
- Always have paper towels handy. Place a rope through the roll and hang in a convenient place.
Click here to visit our page on for Campfire Recipes for some great recipe books that will give you many ideas for delicious camping meals!
A good cast iron Camp Dutch Oven is an essential part of any outdoor kitchen. Food won’t stick, and surfaces resist rust. Solid Cast Iron provides even heating over the
You are sure to have awesome meals when preparing with your dutch oven!
entire heat surface, cooking meals thoroughly and evenly every time. Use this versatile product for cooking chili and stews, or for baking biscuits. Place hot coals around the feet underneath the Dutch Oven. Arrange more coals on the lid around the outside edge. The heavy cast iron will keep food warmer for longer periods.
The Dutch Ovens come in many sizes. The Camp Chef 6 qt. Seasoned Cast Iron Dutch Oven 
Now, after you have obtained the perfect Camp Dutch Oven and you have prepared a great meal over the campfire, make sure you make the most of it! The book entitled Field Guide to Dutch Oven Cooking is full of ideas and recipes for using your Dutch Oven. In the rich tradition of outdoor cooking in the American West, this is a great collection of all-time Dutch oven favorite recipes, including main dishes, breads and desserts. It includes recipes for the beginners preparing their first meal with a Dutch oven over the campfire as well as recipes for the more experienced outdoor cooks.
We have created this website, and it includes input from friends who love to camp. Send any questions about this website to info@thebestcampingtips.com. There are no sponsorships or paid topic insertions included on this website. However, if you purchase something from the merchants featured on this website we may receive a commission for traffic directed from our site. These commissions are also compensation for our opinion and analysis on products and services offered by these merchants. We give our honest opinions and findings based on our research and experiences. All views expressed are our own. All product claim, stats, or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider.
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