Woke up shivering because my sleeping bag soaked through

Camped by a lake last Friday and the moisture in the air got into my bag. I spent the night uncomfortable and barely slept. Looking for tips on sleeping bags that handle damp conditions well. What gear has worked for you in wet spots?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_leo1mo ago

Read about sleeping bags with special down that doesn't soak up water easily (they call it hydrophobic down). This treatment helps a lot in damp air, like by a lake, because it resists soaking through. I remember a camping blog praising Sierra Designs for their DriDown bags in wet conditions. Adding a simple waterproof bivy sack on top gives you extra security against moisture.

john6971mo ago

My buddy learned the hard way about damp down on a fishing trip last fall. Woke up shivering in a bag that felt like a wet sponge, totally ruined the second night. @the_leo is totally right about that extra bivy sack tip, it's a game changer. After that trip my friend switched to a treated down bag and uses a cheap bivy now, sleeps dry no matter the fog off the water. Makes a huge difference for morning comfort.

ninag101mo ago

Yeah, that bivy sack tip is solid, and @john697's story proves it. My own soggy bag moment last year taught me the same lesson fast.