Hi all. Just wondering what the consensus is for a tent like this for say high 30s low 40s Fahrenheit temperature camping overnight. I also got a Nemo Switchback 0.9" foam with R value of 2 to put under the mats. Will I freeze my nuts off? going to be in Tonto National Forest in AZ early next week.
by InvocatioNDotA
2 Comments
Tent is for shelter from elements, keeping you dry. Your sleep system is what keeps you warm.
R2 is pretty weak for near freezing temps, normally you’d want something closer to 4 or 5 for those temps.
I’ve always heard that you want minimum 1R for every 10 degrees down from 70=0 so at 30 you’d want R4 minimum. What sort of sleeping bag do you have?
EDIT: those sleeping bags are rated at 35° meaning you probably won’t die at that temp, but you’ll definitely be miserable. If it gets below 35 your survival isn’t guaranteed. Cold can kill and you can become hypothermic. Yes you will absolutely freeze your cojones off or worse.
Make sure to change into fresh clean and dry clothes before bed. Layer up in warm clothes including a beanie for your head.
IMO It’s far easier to open a vent to shed heat if you get too warm, but if you’re too cold, there aren’t a whole lot of options.
Good news is R value is additive, so if you get another pad or some moving blankets, that can add additional insulation under you and increase total R value.
TLDR: You need better pads and sleeping bags if you don’t want to be miserable at night in those temperatures.
A 1.5in sleeping pad isn’t going to be super comfortable on the ground, even if it had a better R value. I’d advise an additional pad for both campers with at least another inch of padding and an R value of 3 or more. If you dress appropriately while sleeping and the temp doesn’t dip too far, that would make it a decent night