poncho liner or wool blanket

[philipb]

I have an army style camp bed it is comfortable but in cold weather you seem to feel the cold more. I am looking for some type of insulation layer I could put on it to try and stop the cold air coming up through it.

I thought a poncho liner or wool blanket might do the trick. Which would be better or is there another option I should look at

 

[Mesquite]

Poncho liner wouldn't be much good as it's thin as anything and would compress down even more when you lay on it.

Best option is a self inflating mat (thicker the better) and put the wool blanket on top of you.

 

[Tonyuk]

Ponchos liners are gash for any cold weather use. They're not bad indoors or during summer etc.. but anything else and you'll freeze. Go for a foam mat, then sleeping bag.

Tonyuk

 

[decorum]

When using a cot I tend to put a roll mat* on the bed and use a blanket to hold it in place. The blanket also restricts/slows the air flow under the cot ... radiated heat and all that

* CCF, self-inflating etc.

 

[sunndog]

Down Underquilt

 

[decorum]

Down Underquilt

Additional flaps to go round the middle cross-beam would get around the compression of the loft in that area and prevent cold bum syndrome

 

[eel28]

As one that loves a camp bed when camping, and hates the restrictions of sleeping bags, I've found the best way for me is, a mat (preferably self inflating, but ccf will do dependent on space/weight constrictions) fitted sheet over that, to hold it in place etc. Then I open up my sleeping bag and use it like a duvet. This will overhang on each side (right to the ground on a low bed) and stop the drafts getting under you.When using a higher bed then an extra blanket/sleeping bag etc can be used between mat and sheet to do the same job. However, for the ultimate in warm camp bed, if size/weight etc is not an issue, then invest in a fishing bed! Not only do they (usually) have individually height adjustable legs and are nicely sprung. They also have a nice padded mattress to keep the cold out.

 

[philipb]

thanks for the replies.

there are a few thing here I can try without spending money. I do normally use a 2/3 self inflating mat on the camp bed but I will try my full length foam mat, Also I will add something to overhang the sides to see if that helps

 

[RAPPLEBY2000]

Hi I've loved the idea of Polncho liners for years and my family often uses them for picnics.
I would agree, too cold on it's own as a single layer. you can boost it's warmth slightly by tieing it into an US Army poncho, but the down side is it will get slightly sweaty.
If you don't mind a bit of sewing modification, there are a few things you can do to to improve your poncho liner, I did this to my own Liner some years back and the result was really good, sadly I also sold it some time ago.

1) Firstly get hold of a 2nd poncho liner, this will add insulation for little extra bulk.
2) you can add a zip around the edge of the liner, which will give you the option of turning it into a sleeping bag and will keep you wrapped up all snuggly!
3) if using 2 poncho liners you can add a 3rd layer inbetween of that silver foil material for again little extra bulk.
4) you can add a drawstring to the top of the poncho liner which can act as a sleeping bag hood.
5) you can add a velcro(or zip) hole that matches the waterproof poncho, so then you can wear poncho with liner on cold wet days.

There was a BCUK thread on the subject a while back:http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28839


Here is a chap that sold the DIY kits, sadly not selling but the info is there:
http://www.survivaloutdoorskills.com/poncho_liners.htm



This may also be of interest, a website discussing a poncho liner/sleeping bag and the benefits etc now sadly most of the links and images don't work but the text may be of interest.

[url]http://www.combatreform.org/lwsb.htm
[/URL]

 

[Tengu]

I use an old wool batting sleeping bag opened out.

Not out of any real concious decision; I happened to have one, and it works for me.

Thick and warm, but not quite soft enough for a sleeping mat. Good on a camp bed.

Bulky, but I expect with a bed thats not a big worry of yours

 

[Laurence Milton]

For the retro lovers out there, have a look at "Czech officers sleeping bag/bedroll".on ebay.
Its a padded cotton canvas quilt? that can button around a sleeping bag or left open as a bedroll. Bulky and heavy, but intriguing.
At £35 delivered perhaps a little pricey?