Miranda, I think you’re the most relatable “backpacking TH-cam personality”. Love the non-pretentious approach of your channel. Fun fact, when I was in the Army we commonly referred to our sleeping bags as fart-sacks 😁
From Miranda - "HA! Thank you 😃 one, for watching and commenting, and two, for teaching me this incredible new nickname for my sleeping bag. Happy hiking!"
I'm just in love with this channel and Miranda in the wild 😂 it's a serious account for a big business and there you all are, farting and burping and being utterly charming whilst also being informative 😂
@@lisajohnston6422 Lisa--it would be funny to wear a tube-top and feathers to a Minister's funeral, but it's just not appropriate. Of all the footage she cut out of this video, obviously she thought the burping was cute to be left in. Not classy. There's better hiking content out there.
Deserves her own show gosh darn it. She is cute, funny, and has good information. But also the editing is great with all the pop ups and sound affects. Very entertaining.
I LOVE THIS CHANNEL. I always learn something new no matter how many times I’ve been camping. I love the tech specs turned into info that’s actually retainable. Thank you so much Miranda for having this channel. I feel like I have my own personal REI consultant!!!! Appreciate this channel so much. Have a beautiful day!
A lager sized or longer sleeping bag than what they suggest for your height can be used to store clothing you wear at your feet so they are not freezing cold to put on in the morning or the middle of the night (or water filter, batteries, shoes anything you do not want to freeze if freezing temps). Great for winter/cold weather camping.
Gotta talk up those sleeping bag liners! I love my liners wether it’s hot or cold. Obviously the insulated ones are great for the extra warmth, but even when it’s warm a non insulated one just feels great against the skin!
I absolutely love REI and it is totally because of you Miranda! You are extremely informative and it is your personality that keeps people watching. You keeping it realistic! Thank you REI for Miranda’s videos and your wonderful backpacking supplies! We love them!
I'd love to see some of the technical stuff: the parts of your tent and how to set it up, basic navigation or basic first aid, how to plan out a trail, etc
From Miranda: "Thanks for the suggestion - I'll see what I can do! In the meantime, check out our video on how to plan a backpacking trip: th-cam.com/video/O1vtZSKr0pE/w-d-xo.html"
Great job on this video. Thank you for explaining conductive heat loss - Too many people think their sleeping bag is enough to insulate them against conductive heat loss from the cold ground. Regarding comfort - I do believe a side sleeper will benefit from a thicker pad (R-Value aside) while a back sleeper will be fine with a thinner pad (R-Value aside).
Great video! I am a hot sleeper, so I have pretty much the exact opposite issue this video is trying to solve for. Right now my solution for summer backpacking is to try to only backpack in deserts and stay above 6000ft whenever possible to try to guarantee cooler nights. But that is obviously a terribly limiting solution, and I still never get good sleep during the summer while camping.
Great vid. For those not interested in having a massive collection of sleep gear, I personally get by pretty well with: - 20 degree bag (or quilt - I prefer a quilt) - you can always zip it open on warmer nights or thow a leg out - a liner (I like silk, but fleece or microfiber are also really good) - TWO pads - one uninsulated with an R value around 2-3 and one insulated with an R value of 5-6 These combined with a puffy jacket, a good thermal base layer, and a warm pair of clean dry socks, will keep most people comfortable down to about 20 degrees all the way up to warm summer nights. If you plan to do a lot of camping in near zero lows, or snow camping, I'd recommend adding a synthetic mummy bag rated below zero (mine is for -20 survival rating). Don't make the mistake I did and wait until you almost die of hypothermia in the back country overnight before investing in sleep insulation. (slight exaggeration, but only slight)
I take my z-lite foam pad every time, in addition to my inflatable pad, even if it's not going to be that cold. The foam pad is super useful for all kinds of things, but it's also proved to be a good back up when my inflatable pad failed in the middle of the night. Without it, I would have been freezing until morning.
I’ve learned so much from you binging your channel , Miranda. You’re relatable and informative and you really make me feel included, even though as a heavy lass, I don’t fit the standard hiking/adventure demographic. Keep up the great work!
We make content like this to encourage everyone to get outside and try new things, so we're thrilled to know it's done that for you. Keep on exploring and enjoying the outdoors. EveryBODY belongs outside.
Getting a bag liner was such a game changer for me. I have the same one. Took me years since I kept telling myself it was unnecessary weight. But I’m a cold sleeper and hate the feel of sleeping bag fabric and now I can’t leave without it!
I have had the REI Joule sleeping bag for about 5 years now and it has done an amazing job of keeping me warm. Would highly recommend it. Love that it has a long version for my height
We upgraded our sleep system a couple years back and wow, what a difference it has made! We're car campers, but like our gear to be on the smaller side as we have a hatchback and not that much room for storage. The Big Agnes Ultra Air Core is our mattress, and we have MEC sleeping bags that are rated to 5 degrees Celsius. Throw in some MEC inflatable pillows and we are comfy and cozy! For fall camping we throw a Hudson's Bay wool blanket in for extra insulation. The upgrades have been so worth it, in terms of getting a good night's sleep, as well as in terms of taking up less space.
Would be nice to see a video where Miranda goes out of her "comfort zone" regarding sleeping and shelter system. For example mix up a night in a hammock, a night in a poncho tarp and bivy, a night in a tent bivy, sleep with quilt and so on!
From Miranda: "I’d like to say I’ll never spend a night in a bivy, but I can already hear my producer adding it to our video schedule. As far as hammock camping goes... 👀 stay tuned!"
The top of a sleeping bag is more insulated than the bottom, because it's assumed your sleeping pad will protect your back from the cold. That's kinds tough for those accustomed to sleeping on their sides, as their backs tend to be cooler than is comfortable for them, leading them to incorrectly assume the sleeping bag isn't very good. Just thought I'd throw that little snippet of info into the mix. Another factoid...heat doesn't descend, body heat or otherwise, it _ascends,_ so loss of heat is the cold, _from_ the ground, replacing the area that was heated, namely, your back. You're welcome and thanks for uploading.
as a novice overlander, i’ve figured out that my cabelas brand self inflating pad was quite toasty in vermont on 60 degree evenings. but it was far more comfortable than a foam sleeping pad. having the extra room i did also bring a bed comforter and pillow and it made a world of difference which actually allowed me to sleep better. overall can’t wait for the day of owning a rooftop tent and not having to worry about any of the bedding anymore lol.
When I bike packed on a long trip I found out that you can sleep anywhere. But, camping in the soft debris underneath trees is very nice and comfortable. I didn't carry a sleeping pad or mattress with me. It was springtime so I didn't need any ground insulation. Oh, and sleeping on sand is not soft.
The Nemo Disco 15 is an amazing sleeping bag. I can't say enough good things about it. I slept like a rock in the mid 30's and low 40's. A good sleeping pad is just as important. I gained a superiority complex on this last trip. Cause hardly anyone slept well and I was incredibly refreshed. Miranda's advice is solid. Go check out the bags & pads for yourself.
I have a four piece sleep system: 1) 1” thick foam sleeping pad 2) 2.5” inflatable sleeping mattress 3) sleeping bag 4) military poncho liner Then I can mix and match to better suit each situation (like layering clothes)
With a quick search of the interwebs, R = (high temp - low temp)/(heat flow). Soooo, if the heat flow or temperature difference (between your body and the environment) are lower, the R will be higher
Thanks for this video, there are so many sleep systems on the market today that it is very hard to choose which is the best for my tour planning. I have chosen my tent, Hammock, and my sleeping liner. I have left the sleeping pads to last and the groundsheets as well because I am concerned about the weight of the pads because of having to hike with them or carry them on a Catrike Trail recumbent trike. Your video has helped some but still, undecided which to chose yet. Thank you for doing this video. I chose both tent and Hammock because in some places you cannot use a hammock therefore I will cover both situations. I love your videos and look forward to them. Thanks again happy trails to you and your crew. How is the lady that you took on her first Hike doing is she still Hiking. I have also chosen many other things eg backpack.
I love how informative these videos are. One bit of feedback if you are receptive to that: I personally find the outtakes throughout with beeps with the cut screens very distracting (as well when the producer talks to Miranda). These additions do not seem to add any real value of the video outside of making the video seem more spontaneous and quirky. However, I think Miranda is great as she is - why not let her own spontaneity/quirk shine in a more polished, straight forward, non-fragmented piece? She can (more than) carry these videos. We love her! That said, I really do appreciate the content of these videos and how they add to my body of knowledge. Thanks for putting them out!
Also, men's sleeping bags have zipper on left and women's sleeping bags have zipper on right.(Or chance I have that backwards.) Either way, that allows two bags to be zipped together.
Plus pillow! REI rocks. I buy a lot from REI because it's not just a "sporting goods store" - it's an outfitter, IMO. And the no fuss return policy. Just tested out some pads.. Ended up with a STS. Nope, didn't get the Tensor so sorry! Oh, I wear clothing instead of a liner - just my style!
I reckon it's important to emphasize that R-value for a sleeping pad isn't about warming up the sleeper, it's about preventing the sleeper from getting cold. There's a difference.
Can you go into a bit more detail about the sleeping pad R-factor? I would like to know about the numbering system more. What is the highest rating for a sleeping pad and what does it correspond to temperature wise? For example, if it is an R rating of 5, how cold can the ground be using that pad? I hope that made some sense.
Its going to depend on the person (how much heat their body generates), their clothes, and their sleeping bag/quilt warmth. R value isnt fixed to a temperature rating, its a rating of thermal resistance. You could use a pad with a high R value year round and be fine and point of fact high R value pads are sold as 4-season pads or luxury sleeping mats (the ones with foam toppers). Its best to compare this to being at home in your bed. In this example the inflatable mat you take camping is your home mattress. How do you regulate as the seasons change? Obviously you dont have a winter and summer mattress. Instead you adjust by changing your clothes and/or the type of bed sheets as needed. Same deal when camping. You might ask why is there a market for low R value pads then? A few reasons. Cost, packability, weight, and its just another way to tailor your comfort level. If you primarily camp in the warmer months or you're a very hot sleeper and you only have 1 sleeping bag/quilt you'll benefit from some additional cooling (heat loss) through the pad into the ground.
Here's some info from Miranda: "Sleeping pad r-values range from less than 2 up to 5.5 or more. Since sleeping pads resist heat transfer, it largely depends on the person and how much heat they create! REI does have a handy article with a chart to help get you started. www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/sleeping-pads.html#sleeping-pad-warmth"
I have an REI complete sleep system. I use the foam pad in addition to the inflatable that you showed, because I am a side sleeper. I need the extra cushion. I use an REI 20 degree bag with a liner most of the time. This system has kept me comfy way below freezing. The only downside is that it’s very hard to roll out to meet the morning when it’s so toasty warm and cushy. Love the video, thanks for sharing.
Loved the video on sleep system does anyone know if rei is going to come out with a good quilt instead of sleeping bag? I'm almost 50 and can not sleep in mummy bag , leaning toward ugq quilt but love rei products
Love your channel and watch all your videos! Only one request, could you please show metric values on screen when speaking about weight and distances for example. Thank you on behalve of almost all European viewers😉
This was really helpful! I would really like to know if you have more thoughts on sleeping bag liners and what you look for in them. My comfort level is 20F for my sleeping bag, and the R value is 5.2, but I was sleeping outside in November in the Midwest and I was pretty cold. Temperatures got down to 30s(I did have a ton of warm clothes on, but I think my sleeping bag might have been be too big). I'm thinking a liner might help in this case, but I would love to know your thoughts on what to look for in a liner :)
We asked Miranda and here's what she had to say: "I love my liner! Look for one that adds 20+ degrees of warmth, as opposed to one that is just designed to keep your bag clean. Another thing to keep in mind: sometimes layering lots of clothes can do the opposite of what we want. Try laying your insulated jacket on top of your sleeping bag instead of wearing it!"
Follow up video on why all the the bivy hate? :) If it's wet or snowy, a bivy sack will help keep your sleeping bag dry (depending on condensation). Having said that, if I had the option of a traditional or a bivy tent like in the inserted image at 5:55, I would take traditional. :)
We asked Miranda about the bivy hate, and this is what she said: "Okay, so the one time I slept in a bivy, there was so much condensation. I don’t easily forget the feeling of waking up to my own liquified breath dripping on my forehead. That being said... if y’all keep asking for it, I’ll probably make a bivy video 😉"
@@rei Experience dictates impressions for sure. :) I'm not mean so I won't suggest such a video, but once when I slept in a military style one, the condensation froze overnight so I had a nice series of ice stalactites a few inches above my face. :D
I was wondering if you could explain portable cots for car camping? They’re so much more expensive and I wonder if they are worth it for older campers. Thank you!
Hey there! In this case we'd recommend visiting a store where you can sit/lay on one or two and try them out for yourself. Cots are heavier than sleeping pads, and although portable, have a larger footprint too, so you'd only put them in a bigger tent with a taller peak height. As you suggested, they can offer more comfort (including warmth) and more support, depending on your personal preferences. Some cots, like the multi-position REI Kingdom Cot can also be used in non-camping, lounging scenarios, offering a bit more bang for your buck.
I plan on getting a new late fall bag from REI because if its not as warm as you thought you can always replace it, what do you thing about air mattress instead of a pad ?
Just an air mattress works too, but you'll want to take in consideration a few factors, such as the temperature you'll be camping in, and how well the air mattress resists heat transfer (it's R-value). For example, if you are using a full-size type of air mattress, with no, or low, built-in insulation, you'll want to consider putting a blanket or tarp underneath your air mattress. The blanket/tarp will function as a barrier to help reduce your body's heat from escaping to the cold ground as you sleep. Miranda explains heat transfer at 4:08.
Any tips for keeping your sleeping pad from waking the ENTIRE campground any time you move a muscle? (Tips that are also weight-conscious for backpacking would be ideal)
Lay some of your clothes between your bag + the pad, & the extra layer will muffle a lot of that squeaking/crinkling noise. 🙂 (You've probably moved on, but I figured it might be useful to someone else.)
What is more important? With of sleeping bag. My minimum is 34' better is 40. So the pad must be..28 or so... And sometimes i am lucky.. but most brands...too small...
Yay on your new (used) sleeping pad, but boo to the noise. This is not terribly uncommon, although some pads, depending on their composition/insulation are less noisy and/or make different kinds of noises. You'll find a lot of conversation about this online. First you want to determine exactly where the noise is coming from. Is it gear/items that are touching the pad? Is it in contact with any surfaces that might make it noisy/squeaky? Are there any tags/packing materials still attached to the sleeping pad? (In your case the answer here is probably no.) If all else fails, you can try putting a mat or blanket between your sleeping pad and the tent floor, to see if that absorbs any of the sound. Of course, if none of this eliminates, or reduces your annoyance with the sound, Meredith, you can return REI Used gear items within 30 days of purchase, through this portal: bit.ly/2XjZUL7
So for car camping, what would be the R value or effect of sleeping in a sleeping bag on an air mattress. Whenever I’ve slept on one in the summer or shoulder season when it gets into the 50s I get cold. Is an air mattress a poor insulator to sleep on.
the "old" air mattresses many of us grew up with, (which were basically glorified pool floats :D) and many of the "cheap" camping air mattresses you see advertised for an extra bed in the house or back of a van etc. don't have much if any insulation. So yes, they are/were very poor insulator to sleep on. While they may have softened the rocks and roots underneath the tent, they were SO COLD, and got worse as the temperature dropped. Many of us "FROZE" with those type air mattresses! :D But the quality inflatable camping/backpacking air pads/air mattresses that list an R -value will have a corresponding degree of insulation, so sleeping on an R 1-something has a TINY bit more warmth than those that are just glorified pool toys but not much, but an R 3-something will be comfortable for most typical spring through fall camping conditions. FYI, for car camping or home use, a twin bed mattress pad for a household bed can be placed over the un-insulated type air mattresses/air beds, adding SOME better heat retention! :D Or place a a blanket folded in half to double the thickness on top of the air bed/air mattress but under the sleeping bag. That could "rescue" a camping trip until you can save up $ to buy an insulated/good R value air mattress! :D Happy camping!
There are some air mattresses that feature open-cell foam inside them, which restricts air circulation inside the mattress and thus increasing the R-value. Thermarest makes them, as do others. Pads that are self-inflating usually have that foam inside.
![POLYCAT - ข้อความรูปยิ้ม [Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/lBhIgPGCgbI/mqdefault.jpg)
Miranda, I think you’re the most relatable “backpacking TH-cam personality”. Love the non-pretentious approach of your channel. Fun fact, when I was in the Army we commonly referred to our sleeping bags as fart-sacks 😁
From Miranda - "HA! Thank you 😃 one, for watching and commenting, and two, for teaching me this incredible new nickname for my sleeping bag. Happy hiking!"
I'm just in love with this channel and Miranda in the wild 😂 it's a serious account for a big business and there you all are, farting and burping and being utterly charming whilst also being informative 😂
I find that pretty tacky actually.
@@garyday5299 I find it funny..in fact it's healthy for you to let it out then hold it in.
@@lisajohnston6422 Lisa--it would be funny to wear a tube-top and feathers to a Minister's funeral, but it's just not appropriate. Of all the footage she cut out of this video, obviously she thought the burping was cute to be left in. Not classy. There's better hiking content out there.
@@garyday5299 Dude, relax. If you don't like it don't follow it then. Like you said there are other channels for you to watch.
@@lisajohnston6422 I don't follow. Just saw it in passing, and made comment on 1-star culture.
Deserves her own show gosh darn it. She is cute, funny, and has good information. But also the editing is great with all the pop ups and sound affects. Very entertaining.
I LOVE THIS CHANNEL. I always learn something new no matter how many times I’ve been camping. I love the tech specs turned into info that’s actually retainable. Thank you so much Miranda for having this channel. I feel like I have my own personal REI consultant!!!! Appreciate this channel so much. Have a beautiful day!
Thanks, Mariah! If you're ever wanting one on one help with choosing gear, we offer free virtual outfitting! www.rei.com/outfitting
A lager sized or longer sleeping bag than what they suggest for your height can be used to store clothing you wear at your feet so they are not freezing cold to put on in the morning or the middle of the night (or water filter, batteries, shoes anything you do not want to freeze if freezing temps). Great for winter/cold weather camping.
This is Miranda's show gosh, darn!
R-1 is the insulating value of 1 inch of clear pine, so a coffin would probably have a value of R-1/2.
Gotta talk up those sleeping bag liners! I love my liners wether it’s hot or cold. Obviously the insulated ones are great for the extra warmth, but even when it’s warm a non insulated one just feels great against the skin!
They also help preserve your bag from the effects of your in-bag sweaty smelly nastiness, LOL
Good advice i just started looking into them for possible winter camping
Also, it’s easy to throw the liner in the wash when you get back home. The liner ends up with dirt and such, leaving the bag relatively clean.
Only 8 minutes? I need more Miranda in the Wild 💕
I absolutely love REI and it is totally because of you Miranda! You are extremely informative and it is your personality that keeps people watching. You keeping it realistic! Thank you REI for Miranda’s videos and your wonderful backpacking supplies! We love them!
Thanks for the kind words Glenda! Miranda's videos are awesome 😄
I'd love to see some of the technical stuff: the parts of your tent and how to set it up, basic navigation or basic first aid, how to plan out a trail, etc
From Miranda: "Thanks for the suggestion - I'll see what I can do! In the meantime, check out our video on how to plan a backpacking trip: th-cam.com/video/O1vtZSKr0pE/w-d-xo.html"
Great job on this video. Thank you for explaining conductive heat loss - Too many people think their sleeping bag is enough to insulate them against conductive heat loss from the cold ground. Regarding comfort - I do believe a side sleeper will benefit from a thicker pad (R-Value aside) while a back sleeper will be fine with a thinner pad (R-Value aside).
Great video! I am a hot sleeper, so I have pretty much the exact opposite issue this video is trying to solve for. Right now my solution for summer backpacking is to try to only backpack in deserts and stay above 6000ft whenever possible to try to guarantee cooler nights. But that is obviously a terribly limiting solution, and I still never get good sleep during the summer while camping.
Great vid. For those not interested in having a massive collection of sleep gear, I personally get by pretty well with:
- 20 degree bag (or quilt - I prefer a quilt) - you can always zip it open on warmer nights or thow a leg out
- a liner (I like silk, but fleece or microfiber are also really good)
- TWO pads - one uninsulated with an R value around 2-3 and one insulated with an R value of 5-6
These combined with a puffy jacket, a good thermal base layer, and a warm pair of clean dry socks, will keep most people comfortable down to about 20 degrees all the way up to warm summer nights. If you plan to do a lot of camping in near zero lows, or snow camping, I'd recommend adding a synthetic mummy bag rated below zero (mine is for -20 survival rating).
Don't make the mistake I did and wait until you almost die of hypothermia in the back country overnight before investing in sleep insulation. (slight exaggeration, but only slight)
I take my z-lite foam pad every time, in addition to my inflatable pad, even if it's not going to be that cold. The foam pad is super useful for all kinds of things, but it's also proved to be a good back up when my inflatable pad failed in the middle of the night. Without it, I would have been freezing until morning.
3rd video I've watched from her...have to stop...I think I'm falling in love!
I’ve learned so much from you binging your channel , Miranda. You’re relatable and informative and you really make me feel included, even though as a heavy lass, I don’t fit the standard hiking/adventure demographic. Keep up the great work!
We make content like this to encourage everyone to get outside and try new things, so we're thrilled to know it's done that for you. Keep on exploring and enjoying the outdoors. EveryBODY belongs outside.
Getting a bag liner was such a game changer for me. I have the same one. Took me years since I kept telling myself it was unnecessary weight. But I’m a cold sleeper and hate the feel of sleeping bag fabric and now I can’t leave without it!
I just use my camp/spare clothes as a sleeping bag liner.
I have had the REI Joule sleeping bag for about 5 years now and it has done an amazing job of keeping me warm. Would highly recommend it. Love that it has a long version for my height
I have the same one, and I agree. No complaints!
We upgraded our sleep system a couple years back and wow, what a difference it has made! We're car campers, but like our gear to be on the smaller side as we have a hatchback and not that much room for storage. The Big Agnes Ultra Air Core is our mattress, and we have MEC sleeping bags that are rated to 5 degrees Celsius. Throw in some MEC inflatable pillows and we are comfy and cozy! For fall camping we throw a Hudson's Bay wool blanket in for extra insulation. The upgrades have been so worth it, in terms of getting a good night's sleep, as well as in terms of taking up less space.
Her bubbly personality makes these videos fun.. Plus, they're really informative
We're glad you learned something new 😊
Would be nice to see a video where Miranda goes out of her "comfort zone" regarding sleeping and shelter system. For example mix up a night in a hammock, a night in a poncho tarp and bivy, a night in a tent bivy, sleep with quilt and so on!
From Miranda: "I’d like to say I’ll never spend a night in a bivy, but I can already hear my producer adding it to our video schedule. As far as hammock camping goes... 👀 stay tuned!"
REIs channel has great knowledge and content.
REIs stores however dont have good prices.
Just discovered you and your crazy fun humor and tech talk. What a joy! I will be back!
Right on! Thanks, Hector and welcome! 👋
@@rei the pleasure is all mine!
The top of a sleeping bag is more insulated than the bottom, because it's assumed your sleeping pad will protect your back from the cold.
That's kinds tough for those accustomed to sleeping on their sides, as their backs tend to be cooler than is comfortable for them, leading them to incorrectly assume the sleeping bag isn't very good.
Just thought I'd throw that little snippet of info into the mix.
Another factoid...heat doesn't descend, body heat or otherwise, it _ascends,_ so loss of heat is the cold, _from_ the ground, replacing the area that was heated, namely, your back.
You're welcome and thanks for uploading.
I have been binge watching your channel all morning. It's now one of my favorites!!!
Thanks Lisa! Much more to come.
LOL. Knew all the information but still entertaining. How fun. Thanks for the Monday smiles.
Well thanks for watching! Smiles are always great, but perhaps a little bit more special on a Monday! 😅
You give the best usable information and always in such a fun way- I’m a fan!
Really informative, thanks for sharing!
as a novice overlander, i’ve figured out that my cabelas brand self inflating pad was quite toasty in vermont on 60 degree evenings. but it was far more comfortable than a foam sleeping pad. having the extra room i did also bring a bed comforter and pillow and it made a world of difference which actually allowed me to sleep better. overall can’t wait for the day of owning a rooftop tent and not having to worry about any of the bedding anymore lol.
When I bike packed on a long trip I found out that you can sleep anywhere. But, camping in the soft debris underneath trees is very nice and comfortable. I didn't carry a sleeping pad or mattress with me. It was springtime so I didn't need any ground insulation. Oh, and sleeping on sand is not soft.
The Nemo Disco 15 is an amazing sleeping bag. I can't say enough good things about it.
I slept like a rock in the mid 30's and low 40's.
A good sleeping pad is just as important.
I gained a superiority complex on this last trip. Cause hardly anyone slept well and I was incredibly refreshed.
Miranda's advice is solid. Go check out the bags & pads for yourself.
Your so fun to watch Miranda. I got my REI Labor Day Sale catalog in the mail last Friday, perfect time to get a new Sleep System, yay!!!!
Miranda in the wild is awesome!!!!
I have a four piece sleep system:
1) 1” thick foam sleeping pad
2) 2.5” inflatable sleeping mattress
3) sleeping bag
4) military poncho liner
Then I can mix and match to better suit each situation (like layering clothes)
With a quick search of the interwebs, R = (high temp - low temp)/(heat flow). Soooo, if the heat flow or temperature difference (between your body and the environment) are lower, the R will be higher
The eggshell sleeping mats can be cheaper and seemingly a nice place to start if funds are limited.
Thanks for this video, there are so many sleep systems on the market today that it is very hard to choose which is the best for my tour planning. I have chosen my tent, Hammock, and my sleeping liner. I have left the sleeping pads to last and the groundsheets as well because I am concerned about the weight of the pads because of having to hike with them or carry them on a Catrike Trail recumbent trike. Your video has helped some but still, undecided which to chose yet. Thank you for doing this video. I chose both tent and Hammock because in some places you cannot use a hammock therefore I will cover both situations. I love your videos and look forward to them. Thanks again happy trails to you and your crew. How is the lady that you took on her first Hike doing is she still Hiking. I have also chosen many other things eg backpack.
I love how informative these videos are.
One bit of feedback if you are receptive to that: I personally find the outtakes throughout with beeps with the cut screens very distracting (as well when the producer talks to Miranda). These additions do not seem to add any real value of the video outside of making the video seem more spontaneous and quirky. However, I think Miranda is great as she is - why not let her own spontaneity/quirk shine in a more polished, straight forward, non-fragmented piece? She can (more than) carry these videos. We love her!
That said, I really do appreciate the content of these videos and how they add to my body of knowledge. Thanks for putting them out!
Also, men's sleeping bags have zipper on left and women's sleeping bags have zipper on right.(Or chance I have that backwards.) Either way, that allows two bags to be zipped together.
This came at such a great time for as I'm planning my first little camp out
That's awesome Samantha! Hope this video helped.
Does ‘The Producer’ have a name? Miranda and the Producer are a backpacking education and comedy gold duo!
They are so amazing 🤩
Great video, Miranda...👍
Plus pillow! REI rocks. I buy a lot from REI because it's not just a "sporting goods store" - it's an outfitter, IMO. And the no fuss return policy.
Just tested out some pads.. Ended up with a STS. Nope, didn't get the Tensor so sorry! Oh, I wear clothing instead of a liner - just my style!
Thanks John!
Yay! New MITW content :D
PERFECT TIMING 👍🏽 GOING TO BIG PINE THIS FRIDAY!!!
Enjoy your trip!
Another GREAT video! (Thank you!) Once a week is clearly not enough!!! More, please! :)
Thanks! Your videos are great!
Helpful as always Miranda! Definitely inspired to complete my sleeping system :)
I reckon it's important to emphasize that R-value for a sleeping pad isn't about warming up the sleeper, it's about preventing the sleeper from getting cold. There's a difference.
Gorgeous filming location!
We couldn't agree more 😍
I have the Nemo disco 15 and love it. I’m a side sleeper and a bit on the heavier side and it’s perfect. Love all your videos btw :)
Thanks Miranda
Can you go into a bit more detail about the sleeping pad R-factor? I would like to know about the numbering system more. What is the highest rating for a sleeping pad and what does it correspond to temperature wise? For example, if it is an R rating of 5, how cold can the ground be using that pad? I hope that made some sense.
Its going to depend on the person (how much heat their body generates), their clothes, and their sleeping bag/quilt warmth. R value isnt fixed to a temperature rating, its a rating of thermal resistance. You could use a pad with a high R value year round and be fine and point of fact high R value pads are sold as 4-season pads or luxury sleeping mats (the ones with foam toppers). Its best to compare this to being at home in your bed. In this example the inflatable mat you take camping is your home mattress. How do you regulate as the seasons change? Obviously you dont have a winter and summer mattress. Instead you adjust by changing your clothes and/or the type of bed sheets as needed. Same deal when camping.
You might ask why is there a market for low R value pads then? A few reasons. Cost, packability, weight, and its just another way to tailor your comfort level. If you primarily camp in the warmer months or you're a very hot sleeper and you only have 1 sleeping bag/quilt you'll benefit from some additional cooling (heat loss) through the pad into the ground.
Exped has a lowest temperature recommended on their pads and you can compare that temp to the r value of the pad to get a pretty good idea.
Here's some info from Miranda: "Sleeping pad r-values range from less than 2 up to 5.5 or more. Since sleeping pads resist heat transfer, it largely depends on the person and how much heat they create! REI does have a handy article with a chart to help get you started. www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/sleeping-pads.html#sleeping-pad-warmth"
"This is my show gosh darn!" gets me every single time! lol bwahahahah love it
She's back.
I have an REI complete sleep system. I use the foam pad in addition to the inflatable that you showed, because I am a side sleeper. I need the extra cushion. I use an REI 20 degree bag with a liner most of the time. This system has kept me comfy way below freezing. The only downside is that it’s very hard to roll out to meet the morning when it’s so toasty warm and cushy. Love the video, thanks for sharing.
Great information! Thanks!!!!!
Mostly good. I would have liked to see a mention of quilts or pad+bag mated systems like Big Agnes makes. Also the Z-Lite is a CLOSED-cell foam.
doubling up on thinner sleeping pads sounds like the way to go if you are camping in any season, lots of room to adjust.
But Miranda! I live in Texas where last night's low was 82F!
I like the way you taking
Loved the video on sleep system does anyone know if rei is going to come out with a good quilt instead of sleeping bag? I'm almost 50 and can not sleep in mummy bag , leaning toward ugq quilt but love rei products
These guys are worth checking out: outdoorvitals.com/collections/underquilts
Great video! Thanks for sharing! 😁
You guys should do some stuff about hammock camping!
00:50 it's like Superman and the Sun.
Love your channel and watch all your videos! Only one request, could you please show metric values on screen when speaking about weight and distances for example.
Thank you on behalve of almost all European viewers😉
Consecutive Miranda Videos without a burp: 0
Great information!
Ok, there are men's sleeping bags and women's sleeping bags? Seriously, my mind is blown! Never knew.
Miranda is full of knowledge!!
Oh my love your video's lol. Thank you.
Thanks for watching!
Woooh! More please!
great info and the trade marked burp :)
This was really helpful! I would really like to know if you have more thoughts on sleeping bag liners and what you look for in them. My comfort level is 20F for my sleeping bag, and the R value is 5.2, but I was sleeping outside in November in the Midwest and I was pretty cold. Temperatures got down to 30s(I did have a ton of warm clothes on, but I think my sleeping bag might have been be too big). I'm thinking a liner might help in this case, but I would love to know your thoughts on what to look for in a liner :)
We asked Miranda and here's what she had to say: "I love my liner! Look for one that adds 20+ degrees of warmth, as opposed to one that is just designed to keep your bag clean. Another thing to keep in mind: sometimes layering lots of clothes can do the opposite of what we want. Try laying your insulated jacket on top of your sleeping bag instead of wearing it!"
@@rei Thank you so much! I will look into and try those things!
Follow up video on why all the the bivy hate? :) If it's wet or snowy, a bivy sack will help keep your sleeping bag dry (depending on condensation). Having said that, if I had the option of a traditional or a bivy tent like in the inserted image at 5:55, I would take traditional. :)
We asked Miranda about the bivy hate, and this is what she said: "Okay, so the one time I slept in a bivy, there was so much condensation. I don’t easily forget the feeling of waking up to my own liquified breath dripping on my forehead. That being said... if y’all keep asking for it, I’ll probably make a bivy video 😉"
@@rei Experience dictates impressions for sure. :) I'm not mean so I won't suggest such a video, but once when I slept in a military style one, the condensation froze overnight so I had a nice series of ice stalactites a few inches above my face. :D
Please give us a gear review of sleeping pads😊
How does sleepingbags stack up?
I was wondering if you could explain portable cots for car camping? They’re so much more expensive and I wonder if they are worth it for older campers. Thank you!
Hey there! In this case we'd recommend visiting a store where you can sit/lay on one or two and try them out for yourself. Cots are heavier than sleeping pads, and although portable, have a larger footprint too, so you'd only put them in a bigger tent with a taller peak height. As you suggested, they can offer more comfort (including warmth) and more support, depending on your personal preferences. Some cots, like the multi-position REI Kingdom Cot can also be used in non-camping, lounging scenarios, offering a bit more bang for your buck.
Denji and power !!! CSM
As a chain saw woman I appreciate your addendum! I love your videos. Isn’t the first pad a closed cell foam pad?
From Miranda: "Oh my gosh, yes! It is! Thanks for calling that out!"
Love your channel
Good job
Nice
I like Miranda videos
What do you suggest for a larger person that only gets comfy on an air mattress but doesn't like the bulk of them?
What would you recommend for a sleeping pad with hip support?
I plan on getting a new late fall bag from REI because if its not as warm as you thought you can always replace it, what do you thing about air mattress instead of a pad ?
Just an air mattress works too, but you'll want to take in consideration a few factors, such as the temperature you'll be camping in, and how well the air mattress resists heat transfer (it's R-value). For example, if you are using a full-size type of air mattress, with no, or low, built-in insulation, you'll want to consider putting a blanket or tarp underneath your air mattress. The blanket/tarp will function as a barrier to help reduce your body's heat from escaping to the cold ground as you sleep. Miranda explains heat transfer at 4:08.
does the bivy add degrees by trapping heat?
Any tips for keeping your sleeping pad from waking the ENTIRE campground any time you move a muscle? (Tips that are also weight-conscious for backpacking would be ideal)
Lay some of your clothes between your bag + the pad, & the extra layer will muffle a lot of that squeaking/crinkling noise. 🙂
(You've probably moved on, but I figured it might be useful to someone else.)
What about condensation?
weird question but what tank top is Miranda wearing? it's so cute and I love the strap-cutout-detail-thing on the shoulders
Miranda is wearing the Black Diamond Six Shooter Tank. www.rei.com/product/147787/black-diamond-six-shooter-tank-top-womens
Nice 👍🏼!
Glad you enjoyed it Lloyd!
I mean, some of us use top and under quilts :P
What is more important? With of sleeping bag. My minimum is 34' better is 40. So the pad must be..28 or so... And sometimes i am lucky.. but most brands...too small...
I just bought a used Kelty air pad from REI. Any tips on making a pad less squeaky? It sounds like I'm popping a bag of popcorn when I move 😂
Yay on your new (used) sleeping pad, but boo to the noise. This is not terribly uncommon, although some pads, depending on their composition/insulation are less noisy and/or make different kinds of noises. You'll find a lot of conversation about this online. First you want to determine exactly where the noise is coming from. Is it gear/items that are touching the pad? Is it in contact with any surfaces that might make it noisy/squeaky? Are there any tags/packing materials still attached to the sleeping pad? (In your case the answer here is probably no.) If all else fails, you can try putting a mat or blanket between your sleeping pad and the tent floor, to see if that absorbs any of the sound.
Of course, if none of this eliminates, or reduces your annoyance with the sound, Meredith, you can return REI Used gear items within 30 days of purchase, through this portal: bit.ly/2XjZUL7
What about a blow up bed that’s comfy? Any suggestions?
do yuo keep your bag stored in the ditti bag when not in use ? cleaning ?
Here are some tips on sleeping bag storage, care and cleaning: bit.ly/3mPXP40
Is there a combined sleep system with sleeping bag and sleeping pad already put together?
Debbie check out our bundles which include sleeping bag, pad and tent. www.rei.com/search?q=sleeping+bag+with+pad&pagesize=90
@@rei thank you so much
So for car camping, what would be the R value or effect of sleeping in a sleeping bag on an air mattress. Whenever I’ve slept on one in the summer or shoulder season when it gets into the 50s I get cold. Is an air mattress a poor insulator to sleep on.
the "old" air mattresses many of us grew up with, (which were basically glorified pool floats :D) and many of the "cheap" camping air mattresses you see advertised for an extra bed in the house or back of a van etc. don't have much if any insulation. So yes, they are/were very poor insulator to sleep on. While they may have softened the rocks and roots underneath the tent, they were SO COLD, and got worse as the temperature dropped. Many of us "FROZE" with those type air mattresses! :D But the quality inflatable camping/backpacking air pads/air mattresses that list an R -value will have a corresponding degree of insulation, so sleeping on an R 1-something has a TINY bit more warmth than those that are just glorified pool toys but not much, but an R 3-something will be comfortable for most typical spring through fall camping conditions. FYI, for car camping or home use, a twin bed mattress pad for a household bed can be placed over the un-insulated type air mattresses/air beds, adding SOME better heat retention! :D Or place a a blanket folded in half to double the thickness on top of the air bed/air mattress but under the sleeping bag. That could "rescue" a camping trip until you can save up $ to buy an insulated/good R value air mattress! :D Happy camping!
There are some air mattresses that feature open-cell foam inside them, which restricts air circulation inside the mattress and thus increasing the R-value. Thermarest makes them, as do others. Pads that are self-inflating usually have that foam inside.
You didn’t mention quilts?