Ice & Cold
Insulate under your body, not just over
The ground pulls heat out of you faster than cold air. Two-thirds of your insulation should be underneath.
Step-by-step
Never sleep directly on cold ground, snow, or bare rock — you will lose heat you cannot replace.
Build a raised bed of dry debris at least a hand-span thick — dry conifer boughs, dead leaves, or grass — and compress it slightly under your weight.
Add a second layer of finer, softer material on top for comfort.
If you have a foam pad, keep it as your closest layer to the ground; put a sleeping bag or emergency blanket on top of the pad, not under it.
Rebuild loft each night — compressed debris insulates far less than fresh, lofted debris.
Tip: Test the bed by lying on it for 5 minutes before dark. If your back feels cold, add another 4 inches of debris before you commit to sleeping.
Related outdoor skills
Educational reference only. Wilderness conditions change fast — practice in low-stakes settings, take a certified wilderness first-aid course, and confirm regional regulations before you rely on any of these skills in the field.