We spent last weekend camping in a PMA in northern WI - very windy and cold. We did start a small fire for evening warmth. When it was time for bed (like 8:00!) I started thinking about how nice it would be to heat a rock, wrap it, then put it in my sleeping bag. Too bad everything is now nylon/ high tech material that would melt when in contact with a hot rock. We were wearing anything made with wool and didn’t want to give them up, so we went to sleep in cold bags. Maybe next time I’ll have to bring in those hand warmers that are used for hunting.

Chemical heat packs work . . .

Put warm water in a Nalgene.

OMGitsKa: "Put warm water in a Nalgene. "

That is really smart. Such a simple and elegant solution without the need to pack anything additional.

OMGitsKa: "Put warm water in a Nalgene. "

I legit thought everyone knew this. Not trying to be a smart-a$$, but I've seen it recommended everywhere.

NEIowapaddler: "

OMGitsKa: "Put warm water in a Nalgene. "

I legit thought everyone knew this. Not trying to be a smart-a$$, but I've seen it recommended everywhere."

I am sure you're right, but somehow after decades of camping and backpacking I missed this little gem... until now. That's why this forum is worth a little time each week.

I'm too paranoid about leakage for the water bottle thing . . .

boonie: "I'm too paranoid about leakage for the water bottle thing . . ."

If a Nalgene leaks, either the bottle or lid has been damaged somehow. Otherwise they don't leak. Ever. I've used Nalgenes daily for work for years and have never had one leak if the lid is tightly screwed on. I would not hesitate to use one for the above purpose.

You can put near-boiling water in a nalgene bottle. I've never had one leak. I often use a nalgene bottle at home to warm up my bed. No need for an electric blanket. Just one thing---don't overtighten the cover with hot water in it because it could be hard to get the cover off.

LilyPond: "You can put near-boiling water in a nalgene bottle. I've never had one leak. I often use a nalgene bottle at home to warm up my bed. No need for an electric blanket. Just one thing---don't overtighten the cover with hot water in it because it could be hard to get the cover off."

The older nalgene bottles made of poly can leak if the material cracks or hits a sharp object. The newer lexan plastic, which is harder, should not. I still have several of the older poly models I still use. Overall, though, nalgene bottles are great and highly functional.

NEIowapaddler: "

boonie: "I'm too paranoid about leakage for the water bottle thing . . ."

If a Nalgene leaks, either the bottle or lid has been damaged somehow. Otherwise they don't leak. Ever. I've used Nalgenes daily for work for years and have never had one leak if the lid is tightly screwed on. I would not hesitate to use one for the above purpose. "

Yes, I know they never, ever leak. I've never had one leak. But I don't take Nalgene's anymore either. If it's so cold that I need one to keep warm, I certainly don't want even the remote possibility of a wet sleeping bag. I know it's not a high probability, but it's a high consequence, and I believe there are options with a lower consequences.

Sunburn: "

OMGitsKa: "Put warm water in a Nalgene. "

That is really smart. Such a simple and elegant solution without the need to pack anything additional."

Putting hot water in a Nalgene has been a standard practice for me winter camping for a long time. I also bring one extra heavy wool sock and put the Nalgene in that. Aside from extra warmth by my feet, it’s the only good way to ensure I have water that is not frozen in the morning. I’ve never had a leak, and as long as I carefully close it up have no concern about putting it in the bottom of my down bags.

Moonpath: "

LilyPond: "You can put near-boiling water in a nalgene bottle. I've never had one leak. I often use a nalgene bottle at home to warm up my bed. No need for an electric blanket. Just one thing---don't overtighten the cover with hot water in it because it could be hard to get the cover off."

The older nalgene bottles made of poly can leak if the material cracks or hits a sharp object. The newer lexan plastic, which is harder, should not. I still have several of the older poly models I still use. Overall, though, nalgene bottles are great and highly functional."

Thanks! I wasn't aware of that.

boonie:
Yes, I know they never, ever leak. I've never had one leak. But I don't take Nalgene's anymore either. If it's so cold that I need one to keep warm, I certainly don't want even the remote possibility of a wet sleeping bag. I know it's not a high probability, but it's a high consequence, and I believe there are options with a lower consequences. "

That's valid. I find that the nalgene bottle is only needed briefly when you first get in your sleeping bag. I once camped out at 5 degrees F to test a 35F bag inside a 20F bag. With a hot water bottle I got way too hot within 30 minutes and removed the bottle. If you're worried, you could increase your safety by removing the bottle when you and your sleeping bag are warm. I start by warming up the foot area. When that's warm I move the bottle to my chest, where I would be aware it it leaked. I've never actually had to sleep the whole night through with a bottle.

Every winter bag I’ve ever bought has been the long size, to accommodate a bottle or thermos at the foot end. In addition to the warmth, having liquid (occasionally tepid) water at hand in the morning aids in prepping a subzero breakfast.

boonie: "

NEIowapaddler: "

boonie: "I'm too paranoid about leakage for the water bottle thing . . ."

If a Nalgene leaks, either the bottle or lid has been damaged somehow. Otherwise they don't leak. Ever. I've used Nalgenes daily for work for years and have never had one leak if the lid is tightly screwed on. I would not hesitate to use one for the above purpose. "

Yes, I know they never, ever leak. I've never had one leak. But I don't take Nalgene's anymore either. If it's so cold that I need one to keep warm, I certainly don't want even the remote possibility of a wet sleeping bag. I know it's not a high probability, but it's a high consequence, and I believe there are options with a lower consequences. "

Maybe a Nalgene inside a large zip bag for insurance?