Uploaded March 2011 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
This is my deep cold sleeping system. Coldest I have slept in is -44C and it was no problem. Its routine every winter to spend several nights per winter below -30C and its zero anxiety since the system has proven itself. My buddies use a 2-bag system which is also good if you size them right for maintaining loft. Very important is to use an "oversized" bivy so as not to compress loft, and to allow air to move. Not shown is my head gear which is a loose fitting open face fleece balaclava, loose fleece toque (loose to prevent itchy head), and an ear band around my neck that I can raise over my cold nose if need be, and still breathe without a clammy fabric over my face. I sleep in my day base layer and socks, no need to change, and its easy to get dressed in the morning. I wear my fleece day sweater beyond -10C.
This is my deep cold sleeping system. Coldest I have slept in is -44C and it was no problem. Its routine every winter to spend several nights per winter below -30C and its zero anxiety since the system has proven itself. My buddies use a 2-bag system which is also good if you size them right for maintaining loft. Very important is to use an "oversized" bivy so as not to compress loft, and to allow air to move. Not shown is my head gear which is a loose fitting open face fleece balaclava, loose fleece toque (loose to prevent itchy head), and an ear band around my neck that I can raise over my cold nose if need be, and still breathe without a clammy fabric over my face. I sleep in my day base layer and socks, no need to change, and its easy to get dressed in the morning. I wear my fleece day sweater beyond -10C.
