wadle5
New member
He said he wanted to survive! Not be eaten alive.
"You think it smells bad on the outside"
Staying Warm Overnight in my 4Runner
- Thread starter bhest
- Start date
He said he wanted to survive! Not be eaten alive.
"You think it smells bad on the outside"
MStudt
official vendor
We do this all the time, and even when the temps dip below zero.
Our set-up is a 2" foam mat, 1" egg crate, and 2 zero degree bags zipped together to make 1 large bag. Double bags are the way to go since you have more body heat. Get some old military field pants liners for some insulation, and a wool sweater.
We survived thru-hiking the AT this past winter when temps on the trail reached -17 with only 0* bags. It's all about layering. Base layer, insulated layer, and waterproof layer on top of it all if you're still cold. The waterproof layer will trap in most of your body heat, and you'll most likely start sweating with those on. You can also use a vapor barrier to help hold in body too. Something like an emergency blanket, Tyvek, or a footprint for a tent work great.
Down booties for hammock sleepers are great insulation for your feet. Down beanies, and down gloves are also good investments. They cost more, but are warmer, lighter, and take up less space.
Our set-up is a 2" foam mat, 1" egg crate, and 2 zero degree bags zipped together to make 1 large bag. Double bags are the way to go since you have more body heat. Get some old military field pants liners for some insulation, and a wool sweater.
We survived thru-hiking the AT this past winter when temps on the trail reached -17 with only 0* bags. It's all about layering. Base layer, insulated layer, and waterproof layer on top of it all if you're still cold. The waterproof layer will trap in most of your body heat, and you'll most likely start sweating with those on. You can also use a vapor barrier to help hold in body too. Something like an emergency blanket, Tyvek, or a footprint for a tent work great.
Down booties for hammock sleepers are great insulation for your feet. Down beanies, and down gloves are also good investments. They cost more, but are warmer, lighter, and take up less space.
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As others have said, a good sleeping bag and good insulated mattress will be key. Making sure they are rated to what you need will help also. If they aren't warm enough, pack some extra blankets.
Another great backcountry trick is to boil water and poor it in a water bottle or two. Think Nalgene bottles here. Then throw them in a t-shirt and toss em in your sleeping bag.
Another great backcountry trick is to boil water and poor it in a water bottle or two. Think Nalgene bottles here. Then throw them in a t-shirt and toss em in your sleeping bag.
djtc
New member
When I go winter Camping here in Canada and its bellow -0 degrees I sleep on a mattress which i have on my sleeping platform with my military sleeping bag. The trick for me to keep me nice and toasty is opening my sleeping bag , letting the truck run for a while on max heat before going to bed and closing in all that heat in the bag. It really works! Also make sure you have a good layer on with your extremities covered. I usually wear long johns, a long sleeve shirt, wool socks, some thin gloves and a toque (oh ya Americans calls those beanies right?). I slept 11 hours last time we were out winter camping! I don't even sleep that much on my days off at home.
tH1e swiN1e
New member
As an avid winter camper I can tell you for sure all you need is an appropriately rated sleeping bag and pad and you'll be toasty. Make sure your bags EN comfort rating and EN lower limit are at or below your intended range.
Getting your body heat up by doing some light exercise before climbing in your bag helps a lot too.
Getting your body heat up by doing some light exercise before climbing in your bag helps a lot too.
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already beat you to the wobbie on the first page tho your link WOW way to expensive for one. They can be had for far less inbound new condition.
nevada
Senior Member
ive got a fair amount of experience using those heaters. I don't think there is anywhere in a 4runner you could place, and have enough room to keep from burning/melting something.
they put out a LOT of heat, you need something like 2 feet of clearance in front, and AT LEAST that much straight above.
KidVermicious
New member
You're probably right. When I use mine it's in a Kodiak canvas tent, even on low it really brings the heat.
For bonus points, instead of straight water you can make hot Tang or some other sugary drink, and then when you wake up cold at 2AM you've got a warm whack of carbs to heat your core up again.
If you don't want to get a good sleeping bag, you can just run the engine all night. It would be good to get a battery powered carbon monoxide detector just in case there is an exhaust leak you don't know about, so you don't suffocate. But it should be as safe as being stuck in traffic for a long time.
If it's not too cold, you can just run the engine when you feel cold. But it might be better just to leave it running so you don't drain the battery by starting it too many times. Plus leaving it running means safer exhaust gasses since the catalytic converters will be fully warmed up the whole time.
I camped in mine in -10 F weather with it running, and it worked well. It uses about 0.5-1 gallons of gas per hour, or less. It's hard to tell because the range indicator gets confused. It sounds wasteful, but gas is cheap enough right now that it won't cost much, and it's a lot cheaper than a hotel.
I wish there were reasonably priced propane furnaces or boilers that could sit outside and burn safely while circulating hot air or hot water (through tubing) inside. They exist for RVs, but I think they are not cheap.
If it's not too cold, you can just run the engine when you feel cold. But it might be better just to leave it running so you don't drain the battery by starting it too many times. Plus leaving it running means safer exhaust gasses since the catalytic converters will be fully warmed up the whole time.
I camped in mine in -10 F weather with it running, and it worked well. It uses about 0.5-1 gallons of gas per hour, or less. It's hard to tell because the range indicator gets confused. It sounds wasteful, but gas is cheap enough right now that it won't cost much, and it's a lot cheaper than a hotel.
I wish there were reasonably priced propane furnaces or boilers that could sit outside and burn safely while circulating hot air or hot water (through tubing) inside. They exist for RVs, but I think they are not cheap.
Yeesh, that's a bit excessive?..
Along with layers, I'll throw in a shot a JD or your personal choice of hard liquor to get the body feeling warm. + warm meal before you sleep and damn, I'm falling asleep typing this already.
I've read that in Korea, some people put up tents atop their beds to create a smaller microclimate to save on heating costs. I assume you can do something similar with a bivy sack/shelter to accomplish the same in the truck if the regular base layers + sleeping pad don't suffice. Sleeping pad is pretty vital though.. foam pads are nice, but not as effective.
I've slept in my 4Runner and my Tacoma under a canopy all over the West in all conditions and I can always get comfortable. Use a good insulated foam pad (an air mattress will suck body heat trying to stabilize the air inside) and enough down to cover you in at least one good layer. It's my favorite way to travel and cozier and easier than my 17 foot Casita trailer. Enjoy yourself!
2003-4x4runner
New member
I've slept in my 4Runner many of times with temps as low as 30 deg F. Like everyone here has mentioned, a good sleeping bag, a sleeping pad (closed cell foam or thermorest pad, which I use) and a beanie. If your under 5'11" you can also sleep in the front passenger set. Just pull the seat all the way forward, remove the head rest and lower the backrest all the way down until its level with the back seat. Its kind of narrow due to the bucket seat but it works.
4thgenblake
New member
Yes keep one in my 4r just to be handy.
oljedi11950
New member
Had to bring up fat chick right ? They need love too .:naughty::yuck:
oljedi11950
New member
Thinking out loud electric blanket under sleeping bag ?
RockyRider
New member
An idea heard about was installing an aftermarket remote start system. Most of these systems have a timed 15 minute auto shutoff timer. So you could keep the key in your sleeping back and remotely start the truck if you get really cold in the middle of the night.
bhest
New member
Yes, I was hoping that there was a device like your talking about for RVs but for cars. Do i really need this kind of heater....no, but it would be super cool to have to not have to not even have to worry about doing different things to stay warm!
bamma
New member
Get a pad with good insulation value. I usee the Exped megamat. As close to my pillowtop as I have found, and a very high R value. Got mine from campsaver for $180. Sleep at the parking lot at a ski resort all the timr and keep warm coupled with a 0 degree bag. Also, burning candles in a safe place will surprisingly raise the temp in your runner.
Buy tea candles and burn them in a ammo or coffe can in a stable location. I put it on the ground passenger area. The metal candle and metal can really radiate the heat. On super cold nights I put in 4 candles and a thermometer has shown the temps to stay in the high 40s. The candles will burn for 4+ hours and cost about 10 cents a piece in bulk. Less than a buck to keep warm all night.
Buy tea candles and burn them in a ammo or coffe can in a stable location. I put it on the ground passenger area. The metal candle and metal can really radiate the heat. On super cold nights I put in 4 candles and a thermometer has shown the temps to stay in the high 40s. The candles will burn for 4+ hours and cost about 10 cents a piece in bulk. Less than a buck to keep warm all night.
I'll second an EXPED mat....but they are also my employer so I'm slightly biased. But damn the MegaMat is comfy. Any pics of it in the back of your rig?
KidVermicious
New member
You just became my new best friend. :madgrin:
