Question by Jenn: How do I keep the inside of a tent warm at night?
Going camping in the desert. Day temperatures are in the 90′s and night temperatures are in the 50′s. My idea is to put a tarp over the tent when the sun sets to keep the heat in. Not using sleeping bags either, using Thermarest and blankets. Please do not respond with “use a sleeping bag” b/c this is not an option. We are flying to camp and will be renting a car, will not be taking sleeping bags as they take up too much room.
Best answer:
Answer by Cannibal Ox
as much insulation as possible is what you want: and it will be hard to find enough to insulate a tent sufficiently. you’re better off just depending on a double-layered tent with as much personal insulation as possible. If you’re going to be camping for a while, it might even be worth it to buy really cheap sleeping bags and throw them out or donate them to a ranger’s office
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Ohh, I think you know.
A tent really doesn’t do much to keep you warm. They keep the dew off and give wind protection. If you are taking blankets, an extra tarp to cover the tent, and whatever else you might decide to use, wouldn’t it be easier and less space to take sleeping bags. My zero degree sleeping bag takes up less space than one blanket.
You don’t say where you are going. If it’s the American Southwest the weather can vary widely this time of year. Desert can be very cold.
Unfortunately putting a tarp over a tent in the desert won’t help keep the warm dry desert air inside the tent.
My best answer for you is to carry some of those lightweight fleece blankets. I live in Las Vegas and we usually camp in the desert and on the banks of the Colorado River until the end of November on cots, without tents, (weather permitting) and with fleece or wool blankets, but we always bring one tent just in case.
In my canoe I carry the lightest weight bag I can find, the ten dollar nylon bags from Wal-mart work pretty well, and if it gets ruined it’s ok. It is only cool at night but there can be some major cold periods.
Just remember it is the desert.
It can get COLD! FREAKING COLD! Below FREEZING!
Although the weather is usually nice during the day we don’t get a lot of cloud cover to keep the warmth in at night.
If you are flying somewhere where you can rent a car, I would strongly suggest buying a couple of ten dollar bags when you get there, worst case you can use them as seat covers to take up no space. Then leave them with another camper, or with the car when you return it.
Oh… and be sure to bring a wool, nylon, or yarn hat. The ski type that will cover your ears, to keep your head warm at night. You will notice a HUGE difference when camping in the desert. Most of your body heat is lost from your head and abdomen.
And don’t plan on using the heat from a propane lantern. That is the most dangerous way to keep your tent warm. The Carbon monoxide can kill you! (Been there, almost done that)
If you are serious about no sleeping bags, find the largest trash bag you can get your hands on and bundle up with your blankets inside it. Just don’t stick it around or over your head…..
Better then FREEZING to DEATH!
Jamie
~ Angler 1 Sportfishing Adventures ~
~ The Las Vegas Canoe Club ~
~ Nevada Anglers ~