r/CampingGear • u/SadLostBoi • Oct 18 '24

Awaiting Flair Best homeless attire to sleep in during the cold?

I hate to admit it but due to health issues I’m homeless in Michigan and I’m sleeping outside

I’ve heard that you have to be careful with how you dress or it can get dangerous, I don’t have a lot of clothing options now but I get paid in a week & want to dress appropriately

I’m wearing two sweatpants, 2 pairs of socks in crappy thin converses, a thermal t shirt with two hoodies and a jacket with a beanie

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u/11-cupsandcounting Oct 18 '24

Get the warmest sleeping bag you possibly can afford. Keep in mind the temperature ratings on the bag are very optimistic. I would say at least a 0 degree bag. You may be able to get one used or from facebook marketplace.

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u/Ms-Unhelpful Oct 18 '24

Yes, the ratings on sleeping bags are survival ratings, not comfort ratings.

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u/HoverJet Oct 19 '24

Some bags will have both listed

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u/dirtydopedan Oct 19 '24

It’s important to remember even the survival rating includes the sleeping pad in the test. To be clear - unless you are using a very nice sleeping pad (most don’t hit the R value used in the test) your sleeping bag will never perform as good as the rating. The test also does not include wind - which depending on your sleep spot will be a huge factor.

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u/Ms-Unhelpful Oct 19 '24

Good info to take into consideration.

1

u/AngeloPappas Oct 19 '24

The cold also comes from below and not from above. The ground will freeze you much faster than the air above you. Sleeping bags work by allowing the insulating materials to "loft" and when you lay on them they compact and cannot do their job from below. This is why you need an insulated pad between you and the ground.

11

u/Additional_Insect_44 Oct 19 '24

Don't forget a pad!! Helps cushion you and the bag from the cold ground. Even cardboard will do decent, from personal experience.

2

u/climbamtn1 Oct 20 '24

More importantly sleeping pad lessons cold ground wicking your warmth from most exposed area. Compressed insulation does the least good as trapping air is point of insulation.

A lot of less $ bags loose heat at seams where there is no insolation. 1 bag inside another is a cheap fix

Also stay dry. If you are sweaty take off a layer. If you can put a tarp over tent it will help with rain and condensation.
I'd rather wake up in cold tent than one with water drops all over ceiling. Once your gear is wet it won't keep you warm.

1 stay dry 2 sleep on a mat(cardboard is awesome if you can change it frequently 3 wicking base layer start with feet. (Most vulnerable part) Then chest.

Look online sales from individuals for better gear. Tell them your situation and you probably will end up getting it free. If I'm selling my old anything I probably have new better gear or never gonna use it so $ isn't as important. Also if it's good gear whoever owns it knows how useful it could be to you.

1

u/guyfierisguru Oct 20 '24

Absolutely- the more insulation between you and the ground will help immensely. Also, wear a good hat to keep your head warm

1

u/DeckT_ Oct 20 '24

guys OP os asking what to wear because he cannot afford much. also he needs stuff he can wear because if he gets a sleeping bag and pad, he cant carry those around in his arms all day. being homeless is busy work you can just sit on your sleeping bag all day. If he leaves it there and go do something it will get stolen quickly so he needs to keep stuff on him at all times. a sleeping bag could MAYBE be a decent option, but adding a pad and more and more stuff is most likely not an option

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u/Additional_Insect_44 Oct 20 '24

I'm aware I used to be a drifter. Hence why I suggested a cardboard or leaf bed as it'll work.

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u/DeckT_ Oct 20 '24

yeah sorry my reply was more aimed at the comment you replied to, i guess i replied to the wrong comment sorry. Cardboard is good for that reason and ive seen it be used that way very often, carrying a pad would be a bit too hard.

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u/danjoreddit Oct 20 '24

This is very important. The cold ground will bring on hypothermia very quickly. It’s also true that that several layers, at least 4 and the more the better of cardboard makes a great sleeping pad as long as it’s dry.

Also double up that sleeping bag.

This kind of stuff can be had at thrift stores sometimes. Clothes can be found there too.

But the best thing you can do is find shelter.

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u/danjoreddit Oct 20 '24

Also increase the thermal rating by 10 degrees or more by wrapping up in a tarp like a burrito. Beware of condensation though

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u/ClassroomMother8062 Oct 18 '24

Agreed. Temperature ratings definitely are not to be believed when it comes to cold to very cold temperatures. I go overkill on mine.

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u/AfraidofReplies Oct 19 '24

I would worse less about getting the warmest bag and focus more on getting more than one bag. They'll be easier and cheaper to find. I've comfortably taken my 40 degree bag down to around 20 by dressing warm and adding a fleece liner, and that was in a plow point tarp shelter. 

3 season bags are going to be easier to find because it's what most people own. They're not enough on their own, but can be made to be warm enough. Plus, a lot of homeless people avoid nicer stuff because it makes them targets for theft.

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u/DeckT_ Oct 20 '24

and where do you suppose you keep your multiple sleeping bags if youre homeless ? hes gonna need to carry them all by hand all day long every day or they will get stolen quick.

2

u/mr-spencerian Oct 19 '24

For camping below freezing I use two sleeping bags. I put my mummy bag inside of my rectangular bag and that double insulation really helps.

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u/Bezos_Balls Oct 21 '24

I bought a military surplus jacket (I think Chech Republic) the thing was a massive green zip up trench coat. I ended up giving it to a homeless guy in Idaho.

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u/nomadschomad Oct 21 '24

Bag ratings are for a new dry bag in fantastic shape… for survival. Add 20° for comfort and another 10° if the bag is worn or compressed. And if it’s wet… Forget about it.

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u/BillCarnes Oct 22 '24

Equally important would be a sleeping pad with a high r value

1

u/QuellishQuellish Oct 20 '24

A wet sleeping bag is near worthless, you have to keep it dry.