Sleeping bag rating for sleeping in training truck

Keep in mind also that not all sleeping bags are the same and the rating isn't just for the maximum it will keep you warm. If it's 50 degrees in the cab, a 40 degree bag is going to be comfortable while you will be sweating like a dog in a 0 degree bag.

 

Go to your local camping supply store & talk to an "expert" there. Tell them what you plan to use the sleeping bag for and they will make recommendations. REI, Campmor, Cabelas, Big Bass Pro Shops, etc.

I was at an REI's in NC and picked up a 20 degree rated REI sleeping bag Radiant Plus which was on clearance 75% off for a little over $99. My usage: 1) sleep in truck during training, 2) sleep in cabin when skiing during the winter

 

There are two different insulation options for sleeping bags: down or synthetic fiber. Down bags (or comforters) have a much wider range of comfort, you can sleep in warmer temperatures without overheating as much.

Down bags or comforters are more of a pain to wash. It's best to hand wash with a special soap available at good outdoor retailers and drain to dry. Refluff by hand when almost dry or put in a dryer without heat with a tennis ball. Or you can have them cleaned by a professional that knows what they are doing. REI or similar stores might be able to recommend a cleaner.

If you go with down, don't go cheap. You WILL regret it. A good bag or comforter should have a fabric with very high thread count per inch to prevent down feathers from working their way through the fabric. There's nothing worse than filling your cab with feathers.

Get goose down with at least 550 fill power. This means one ounce of down will fill 550 cubic inches. Cheap "down" bags use a lot of feathers and/or duck down. You don't want feathers and you don't want duck down. Goose or better.

Expect to pay $300 or more for a quality down bag. Personally, I got a cheap synthetic 40°F bag for trucking. For emergencies in cold I get on my long johns, warm socks and knit cap, and get into the mummy style bag UNDER my two synthetic comforters.

Don't forget about insulation under you. I use a 2" memory foam mattress topper, which provides that. Standard issue truck mattresses aren't good insulators, so cold can be felt quickly as you compress insulation under body weight. Cardboard under your mattress can add more insulation.

 

Here's a way to heat your truck in an emergency--

 

That's a slick idea. The caution is that if you have no ventilation, even one candle flame can eat up a surprising amount of oxygen.

I've slept in snow caves and igloos. A single candle can keep them quite warm, almost toasty to the point that you need to make sure the ceiling and walls are smooth, so no melt water drips on you. However, we had to make SURE a small vent hole in the ceiling never got plugged by falling snow. Nothing worse than waking up gasping for breath and having to go out into a blizzard to unplug the vent.

 

I have a -20 for when the SHTF...probably overkill, but I can sleep on top of it if needs be or get inside of it nekkid if my clothes need to dry. WARM as Hades...maybe too warm.