When planning a winter camping trip, the biggest concern is how cold it will be at bedtime.
Even with a three-season sleeping bag, no matter how many layers you wear, there's a limit to its effectiveness.
However, a heavy-duty winter sleeping bag is quite expensive, making one hesitate to buy it.
That's why I recommend bringing futons and blankets.
Let's look at how to use futons effectively for winter camping.
High-performance sleeping bags are expensive, but futons and hot water bottles are effective.
Sleeping bags designed for sub-zero temperatures (indicated as usable down to -1℃ to -〇℃) from famous brands typically start around 50,000 yen, making them quite an investment.
NANGA Nanga Sleeping Bag UDD BAG 630DX
NANGA Nanga Sleeping Bag UDD BAG 630DX
¥55,000 etc.
If you're considering a sleeping bag, you should at least choose something of this caliber. Otherwise, you might find it lacking in functionality and end up buying another one later.
That's where the tag team of futon and hot water bottle comes in.
Warm up your futon with a hot water bottle before bed, then cuddle up with it once you're inside.
This can significantly alleviate the cold during the night. Recommended hot water bottle (please introduce only one):
Maruka Hot Water Bottle A Ace 2.5L with Bag
Body size: approx. W9.5 × D21.6 × H7.4 cm, tin plate thickness: approx. 0.5 mm
Body weight: 0.61 kg
Material: [Body] hot-dip galvanized steel sheet / [Mouthpiece] brass / [Gasket] synthetic rubber
Country of origin: Japan
Accessories: Spare gasket, bag included
Capacity: approx. 2.5L
This is a traditional hot water bottle.
The reason I recommend this hot water bottle is its "durability".
Even if you accidentally drop it in the dark, it will only dent, not break.
At campsites with ropes strung about where it's easy to trip, and considering that hot water bottles are prepared after dark for bedtime, it's quite possible to trip and drop one.
If a plastic one is dropped on a stone, in the worst case, it could crack and leak hot water.
If the leak is visible, you can decide not to use it, but if it leaks slowly while you sleep, it can cause burns and is extremely dangerous.
Additionally, while rechargeable electric foot warmers could be considered, their power consumption is around 400W, and allocating 700-1000W of power from a powered site for charging for the whole family is inefficient.
Furthermore, there's the concern that vibrations during car travel could cause a malfunction.
You can boil water over a campfire, and in the morning, it will be at the perfect temperature for washing your face. This teaches children the importance of taking care of things, and parents can also be reminded of it.
The fact that it can also be used with induction cooktops means it can be used at home, which is a nice bonus. (Not suitable for microwave ovens)
The important thing is to fill it completely with hot water. Otherwise, the air inside will expand, leading to damage to the main unit and potential burns.
When using it, wrap it in a drawstring bag or towel to prevent direct skin contact. This can lead to unexpected burns.
Advantages of bringing futons for winter camping
Minimal cost involved
Bring your everyday futon; this will keep costs down and significantly lower the barrier to winter camping.
There's no need to buy a new one specifically for camping.
Even warmer with a futon dryer
If you have access to an AC power outlet, bring the futon dryer you use at home for futon care.
Turning it on before bed will ensure a fluffy, warm sleep.
Most futon dryers consume around 500W, and since powered sites supply 700-1000W, it's perfectly usable.
As a precaution, always check the "power consumption" section of the model you bring before using it.
Most models have it written on the side of the main unit in the usage precautions.
Disadvantages of bringing futons and blankets
Futon camping offers comfortable sleep, but it also has disadvantages.
Let's take a look.
They can be bulky and may not fit in the car.
Unlike sleeping bags that can be compressed, futons are inevitably bulky when not in use.
Their large packed size might mean they can't be loaded into the car in some cases. This is even more true for family camping with many people.
In such cases, why not use a futon compression bag?
This would save loading space when transporting from home.
However, this becomes a burden during packing up.
So, what should you do?
If it doesn't fit in the car, consider a sleeping bag or cot after all.
Seriously consider getting a sleeping bag.
A cot, which keeps you off the ground and reduces chilling from below, is also effective.
If it's difficult to get winter sleeping bags for everyone, having winter sleeping bags for the children and cots for mom and dad is also a good option.
