A battery powered carbon monoxide detector would be a good investment.
Staying Warm Overnight in my 4Runner
- Thread starter bhest
- Start date
Just thought about cheapo candle-power lights that they use in the boating industry, where you create a "dutch oven"? with a few ceramic pots upside down..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzKbFzUEWkA
No fear of flames.. just the carbon monoxide.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzKbFzUEWkA
No fear of flames.. just the carbon monoxide.
I think the UCO candle latern puts out a good amount of heat, though I have never used one. Carbon monoxide would still be a concern. And it might be too bright if you are trying to sleep.
UCO Candlelier Candle Lantern - REI.com
Or buy hand warmers in bulk and spread them around the floor.
http://www.costco.com/Little-Hotties-40-Pair-Hand-Warmer-2-Pack-.product.100237367.html
UCO Candlelier Candle Lantern - REI.com
Or buy hand warmers in bulk and spread them around the floor.
http://www.costco.com/Little-Hotties-40-Pair-Hand-Warmer-2-Pack-.product.100237367.html
Last edited:
RockyRider
New member
Here are the items I think I would like to have, if I ever plan on doing some real backwoods camping.
Hot Water :amen:
https://youtu.be/hwllrbDe-KY
Warm Air
http://www.amazon.com/Mr-Heater-F232000-Indoor-Safe-Portable/dp/B002G51BZU#customerReviews
Hot Water :amen:
https://youtu.be/hwllrbDe-KY
Warm Air
http://www.amazon.com/Mr-Heater-F232000-Indoor-Safe-Portable/dp/B002G51BZU#customerReviews
tH1e swiN1e
New member
That would be used to raise you body temp post entering the sleeping bag. The exercise I reference would be some lonely light cardio or calisthetics.....
obviously your version will be much much more enjoyable.
fo' runnin'
New member
My favorite trick when cold weather camping, except I put them inside my sleeping bag down at the bottom by my feet.
fo' runnin'
New member
Also, I can't figure out why everyone keeps suggesting an air mattress. That's about the worst thing you can do for cold weather camping... an air mattress puts cold air UNDER you, so then cold air completely surrounds you... (think of a bridge, cold air under it causes it to freeze before the rest of the roadway) A dense foam pad, or extra sleeping bag to lay on top of is your best choice with cold weather camping... DO NOT USE AN AIR MATTRESS.
I agree on the air mattress. They suck for insulation. For cold weather camping I prefer a Therm a Rest pad and a decent bottle with warm water in a good sleeping bag by my feet. I have also seen the suggestion for handwarmers. That is a good idea too. I have used the adhesive pads they make for sore backs when I bowhunt in the freezing cold. They seem to work very well for keeping my core warm.
bamma
New member
Agreed. A standard air mattress is not a good idea. In my experience, a thick foam pad with a high insulation value takes up way to much room. Standard roll up foam pads are to thin to provide a good R value. That is why I bought an Exped megamat, which is an air/foam mattress with an R value of 9.5 and rolls up to a decent size so I can still fit all my gear. Many of the foam mats have an R value of 3 or less.
RAD4Runner
Senior Member
CONCUR.
Closed-cell foam is best to insulate from below. Then a good sleeping bag to retain body heat. Warm bottle also helps ensure you have some ready to re-hydrate during the night.
Ask me how I know
Last edited:
Cronus402
Member
hahaha that's awesome! insane... but awesome!!
you don't pitch a tent??
RAD4Runner
Senior Member
When I don't expect a storm, I just use the bivy (bivouac) sack - a waterproof bag to cover the sleeping bag. Keeps precipitation and wind out and lighter weight.Sleeping bag is most important for staying warm in a vehicle to trap body heat that rises (travels up). I use a mummy-style sleeping bag; contour follows the body so there's less air volume inside to lose body heat to. I use down sleeping bag because it gives more warmth than synthetic insulation of same weight.
Also note water bottle that contained hot water inside my boots. Same concept as putting in foot of sleeping bag to add heat (keep boots warm and ensures you have unfrozen water to drink during the night).
For sleeping pad, I simply have a 3/8-inch thick closed-cell foam sleeping pad called Ridgerest to insulate from snow. Closed-cell traps warm air better than an air cushion so it insulates better. Thickness of mattress is more for comfort than for warmth because if closed-cell foam is enough insulation from snow, it should also be enough to work inside a truck. However, for those who can feel the pea
under the closed-cell foam, an air mattress would add comfort. For minimal bulk, a self-inflating sleeping pad like Thermarest is good (but pricey). For truck camping, any low-bulk air mattress would do. In fact, for luxury, I'm considering trimming a 3-inch thick memory-foam mattress to width of sleeping area and stowing it under the roof with a cargo net. Would add insulation from wind noise and be ready for camping anytime.
Last edited:
Reflectix insulation around a sleeping bag?
Anyone ever try making a "bivy sack" out of Reflectix panels and some duct tape? I've had lots of success using this material to super-insulate coolers, and even as topper for an airbed, but haven't found any examplesof using it to create an enclosed envelope around sleeping bags. Sleeping pads, yes, but enclosed envelopes, no. Any ideas from the forum?
Wife and I are planning on sleeping in the 4runner during an upcoming (late Jan) drive from mid-atlantic to Reno. Unfortunately, all our proper camping gear is stuck back in Reno, so we're going to borrow some general use sleeping pads and bags. Hoping we can slip the 2 standard rating sleeping bags within the Reflectix envelope to make a super cozy solution for a few hours rest.
Dealing with condensation by leaving windows cracked for cross-ventilation, and I'm considering mounting a 5" usb fan powered by LI battery within a foam block as an exhaust vent for the rear passenger window. We could further insulate windows with Reflectix or foam cut-outs. Maybe it's overkill, but the recent cold has us a bit concerned, and I'd love to minimize the interior condensation :rain: and frost in our windows so we can get rolling quickly each day.
Anyone ever try making a "bivy sack" out of Reflectix panels and some duct tape? I've had lots of success using this material to super-insulate coolers, and even as topper for an airbed, but haven't found any examplesof using it to create an enclosed envelope around sleeping bags. Sleeping pads, yes, but enclosed envelopes, no. Any ideas from the forum?
Wife and I are planning on sleeping in the 4runner during an upcoming (late Jan) drive from mid-atlantic to Reno. Unfortunately, all our proper camping gear is stuck back in Reno, so we're going to borrow some general use sleeping pads and bags. Hoping we can slip the 2 standard rating sleeping bags within the Reflectix envelope to make a super cozy solution for a few hours rest.
Dealing with condensation by leaving windows cracked for cross-ventilation, and I'm considering mounting a 5" usb fan powered by LI battery within a foam block as an exhaust vent for the rear passenger window. We could further insulate windows with Reflectix or foam cut-outs. Maybe it's overkill, but the recent cold has us a bit concerned, and I'd love to minimize the interior condensation :rain: and frost in our windows so we can get rolling quickly each day.
oljedi11950
New member
All of these are great , but the real question is has anybody come up with anything when it's time to you know take a (p) ? Man now that would be a real good investment :wow2::vader::mmph:nothing worse than climbing out too :yawn:
a gatorade bottle works well, make sure you screw the cap back on... :frusty:
TowMeOut
New member
Closest I've come to sleeping in the T4R was when a microburst snapped a couple of my tarp guylines. I had to make a run for it and "sleep" in the driver's seat until morning.
For most occasions, sleeping in the back of most any SUV to me is pretty miserable. I'd rather be in my hammock down to the mid 20s (down topquilt and underquilt, closed cell foam pad). In a pinch I'll go to ground in a tent but I avoid it if at all possible. I'm 6' and normally have the back of my rig packed full of gear. There's no place for me to even get remotely comfortable.
Short on trees...no problem. I've hung between the roof rack and various structures (telephone poles, trees, other trucks, etc.).
For most occasions, sleeping in the back of most any SUV to me is pretty miserable. I'd rather be in my hammock down to the mid 20s (down topquilt and underquilt, closed cell foam pad). In a pinch I'll go to ground in a tent but I avoid it if at all possible. I'm 6' and normally have the back of my rig packed full of gear. There's no place for me to even get remotely comfortable.
Short on trees...no problem. I've hung between the roof rack and various structures (telephone poles, trees, other trucks, etc.).
RAD4Runner
Senior Member
Yes, or save a couple of engine oil container. Those are tough enough.
Maybe a little bit bulky. I think using an emergency blanket or a tarp would help. The key here is to keep the air already warmed by body heat from escaping.
Last edited:
oljedi11950
New member
My old ass needs a cpl BIG PROBLEM !
ray: usually open back door & go :lmao: just gotta remember get out other side in the morning !eace:
