Clothing for cold nights in a tent
Short answer: Even in summer, nights in a tent can turn surprisingly cold in Denmark. The right clothing for the night comes down to dry layers, warm feet and changing out of the day's damp clothes before you climb into your sleeping bag.
Why nights in a tent get cold
In Denmark the temperature often drops noticeably at night, especially on clear nights without cloud, when heat radiates away into the sky. Even after a warm summer day, the early morning can be cold. In a tent there is only a thin sheet of fabric between you and the night air, and the cold also rises from the ground beneath you. Dew and moisture from your breath collect inside the tent. That is why your sleeping mat, sleeping bag and clothing all matter for whether you sleep well or lie awake shivering.
Change into dry clothes before bed
The most common mistake is to sleep in the clothes you have worn all day. They are damp with sweat, even if they do not feel wet, and moisture cools the body. Change instead into a set of dry clothing used only at night. Keep it in a bag so it stays dry. A soft set in a material that absorbs moisture is comfortable to sleep in and helps your sleeping bag do its job properly through the night.
A soft set for the tent
A jogging suit is practical on a trip, because it can be worn in the evening by the campfire and at night in your sleeping bag. A bamboo jogging suit for men is soft and feels pleasant against the skin. Bamboo viscose absorbs moisture, but on very cold nights it should be paired with a wool layer, since wool holds its warmth better when damp. Pack the set in a waterproof bag so it is dry when you need it late in the evening.
Warm feet in the sleeping bag
Cold feet keep many people awake at night. Put on a pair of clean, dry socks just before you get into your sleeping bag. Never sleep in the socks you have walked in all day. Bring several pairs on the trip so you always have a dry pair for the night. Browse all bamboo socks for men for different lengths and thicknesses. The socks should not be tight, because that restricts circulation and leaves your feet colder.
Short socks around the campsite
In the morning and evening you often walk around camp in sandals or light shoes. Short socks are handy here, because they are easy to pull on and off and take up little room in your pack. Bamboo footies for men can be worn in low shoes or as a thin layer under a thicker sock in the sleeping bag. Set up a simple routine with day socks and night socks, and hang worn pairs to air in the tent or outside when the weather allows.
More tips for a warm night
A good sleeping mat matters just as much as the sleeping bag, because the ground draws heat out of your body. Eat something before you lie down, so your body has energy to produce heat. Wear a hat if it is cold, as you lose a lot of warmth through your head. If you need the toilet during the night, go rather than waiting, because the body uses energy keeping that fluid warm. Air the tent in the morning so the moisture can escape.
Frequently asked questions
Should I sleep in the clothes I wore during the day
No. Change into dry clothing used only at night. Even slightly damp clothes will cool your body inside the sleeping bag.
Why does it get cold in a tent in summer
On clear nights heat radiates away, and the ground cools the body from below. The tent fabric provides very little insulation.
How many pairs of socks should I pack
At least one dry pair for each night and one for each day. Extra pairs are useful if it rains.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
