Advocate II
Any suggestions on keep warm in smittybilt overlander xl in nov Colorado
- Thread starter Ram1500#process
- Start date
@Ram1500#process
Estes Park at Elev 8586ft is expecting fresh snow and temps from 15* to 42*
Gunnison, CO at a similar Elev 8146ft is generally known as the coldest place in Colorado, is looking sunny with temps from 5* to about 40*
Down in Denver at 5280ft is looking at Snow on sat with Temps from 22* to 44* while Pueblo is sitting nice at cloudy skys and 22* to 42*
Wind at any of these locations can be a deal breaker.
From a quick Google I learned that the Smittybilt Overlander XL is a fairly large roof top tent designed to be trailer based.
I'll tick off what I consider to be the basics:
1) Change in to a fresh DRY warm base layer (Wool or Synthetic, no cotton) right before bed.
2) Make sure the comfort level of your sleeping bag/comforter/wrap is suitable for the expected temps -10 Deg for comfort. Bring an extra down or thick fleece blanket JIC
3) RTT leaves a lot of cold air circulating under you. Insulate it with a closed cell foam pad, thicker the better. Avoid most memory or Gel foams.
4) If you are lucky enough to be SO equipped for this trip....Snuggle!
5) Put tomorrow's clothes at the bottom of your sleeping bag to help keep feet warm and warm them a bit for morning.
6) Stanley/Thermos bottle of Hot Coffee/Tea/Coca made up the night before is a life saver in the morning before you get the fire/stove going again.
I'd suggest reading the following recent threads for more Ideas and information:
https://www.overlandbound.com/forums/threads/10-tips-for-sleeping-warm-in-camp.20304/#post-272361
https://www.overlandbound.com/forums/threads/keeping-gear-warm-in-sub-zero-camping.13060/
https://www.overlandbound.com/forums/threads/winter-camping.10295/#post-165668
and more:
https://overlandbound.com/forums/threads/winter-camping.643/
https://overlandbound.com/forums/threads/i-need-your-winter-camping-tips.3524/
https://overlandbound.com/forums/threads/winter-gear-must-haves-and-recommendations.3784/
https://overlandbound.com/forums/threads/overland-gear-for-winter-how-to-prepare-for-cold.4082/
https://overlandbound.com/forums/threads/winter-overlanding.9916/
Keep Warm and stay safe!
Boort
Where will you be in Colorado. Temps and conditions vary wildly here depending on location, and elevation. Your needs will vary depending on where you plan to bed down. For example Looking ahead to this weekend
Estes Park at Elev 8586ft is expecting fresh snow and temps from 15* to 42*
Gunnison, CO at a similar Elev 8146ft is generally known as the coldest place in Colorado, is looking sunny with temps from 5* to about 40*
Down in Denver at 5280ft is looking at Snow on sat with Temps from 22* to 44* while Pueblo is sitting nice at cloudy skys and 22* to 42*
Wind at any of these locations can be a deal breaker.
From a quick Google I learned that the Smittybilt Overlander XL is a fairly large roof top tent designed to be trailer based.
I'll tick off what I consider to be the basics:
1) Change in to a fresh DRY warm base layer (Wool or Synthetic, no cotton) right before bed.
2) Make sure the comfort level of your sleeping bag/comforter/wrap is suitable for the expected temps -10 Deg for comfort. Bring an extra down or thick fleece blanket JIC
3) RTT leaves a lot of cold air circulating under you. Insulate it with a closed cell foam pad, thicker the better. Avoid most memory or Gel foams.
4) If you are lucky enough to be SO equipped for this trip....Snuggle!
5) Put tomorrow's clothes at the bottom of your sleeping bag to help keep feet warm and warm them a bit for morning.
6) Stanley/Thermos bottle of Hot Coffee/Tea/Coca made up the night before is a life saver in the morning before you get the fire/stove going again.
I'd suggest reading the following recent threads for more Ideas and information:
https://www.overlandbound.com/forums/threads/10-tips-for-sleeping-warm-in-camp.20304/#post-272361
https://www.overlandbound.com/forums/threads/keeping-gear-warm-in-sub-zero-camping.13060/
https://www.overlandbound.com/forums/threads/winter-camping.10295/#post-165668
and more:
https://overlandbound.com/forums/threads/winter-camping.643/
https://overlandbound.com/forums/threads/i-need-your-winter-camping-tips.3524/
https://overlandbound.com/forums/threads/winter-gear-must-haves-and-recommendations.3784/
https://overlandbound.com/forums/threads/overland-gear-for-winter-how-to-prepare-for-cold.4082/
https://overlandbound.com/forums/threads/winter-overlanding.9916/
Keep Warm and stay safe!
Boort
I haven't looked at the mattresses in person, but keeping warm from underneath is important too. I know this from tent camping. The solar windshield covers(which are I think called reflectix) make lightweight insulation. Also if it is cold, make sure your tent is ventilated enough to not build up moisture, which will in turn freeze and make it colder.
Influencer II
We've had good luck lining the bottom of the tent under the mattress with reflectix. I sleep in a 15 degree bag most of the fall winter. If it's well below zero I switch to a heavier bag. Also have a buddy heater that we start up to take the chill out of the air before bed and when we wake up. Vent the tent. don't want lots of moisture buildup. @Hank Outdoors any other suggestions?
Member III
I have the Smity XL with the annex and I winter camp in Central NY so I understand to cold and snow!
First, put Reflectix under your mattress.
Second, I would ask if you have an annex... When I cold weather camp I use my annex and put my big buddy heater under the ladder on the ground. I have it attached to a 20lb tank and when very cold I run it on high (at Expo East it got down to 22 degrees and on medium the heater kept it at around 75 in the tent). It will keep your tent dry inside and the temp will stay nice and toasty for you! In addition, when you get up in the AM you have a warm place to get dressed and make you first cup of coffee before you head outside.
Third, throw a few "Hot Hands" in the bottom of your sleeping bag or heat up water and put in a Nalgene bottle and place it between your legs when you go to bed.
Good luck, take extra of warm items, lots of socks, don't forget what 100% wool can do for you in the winter!!!
Enjoy the peacefulness of winter camping and KUDOS to you for getting out there in the winter!!!
Hank
Enthusiast III
I just got an XL yesterday. There is a vent on each side at the peak. Is there a need for additional venting beyond that?
Member III
Not that I have found. The buddy heaters have a low oxygen shut off and mine has never tripped. There is a ton of air moving in the tent! In a vehicle you need to crack a window about 2 inches so that you and the heater have enough fresh air.
In my experience the fabric doesn't breath well like poly-cotton canvas does and I like keeping a window vented by my face. That said there is a LOT of air in the XL and it does have a small vent on each side so probably not necessary, but I like to.
Member III
I have also used the heater without the annex in the tent. I put it on a tote lid on the mattress on the opposite side of the tent from where I am sleeping and I run it on low-medium. Keeps you toasty!!! Just be aware of the rising heat depending on how close you have it to the roof of the tent!
If you are camping above 8,000 feet the little buddy heater will be of no use to you. I have never camped in the winter but thought I would add that so you don't go depending on it.
Also, we use our furry buddy heater when its cold!
As has been said dry wool or synthetic clothing is essential, as is a warm, dry touque. If you have lighter, summer sleeping bags consider doubling them up and shoving winter bags inside of the summer bags. The outer bag will actually protect your winter bag from condensation, which is especially important if it's a down bag, and prevent it from freezing.
As has been said dry wool or synthetic clothing is essential, as is a warm, dry touque. If you have lighter, summer sleeping bags consider doubling them up and shoving winter bags inside of the summer bags. The outer bag will actually protect your winter bag from condensation, which is especially important if it's a down bag, and prevent it from freezing.
Advocate II
I used electric heater or my Mr buddy and everything was fine got down to 8 degrees but with annex room and heaters we stayed toasty
Off-Road Ranger I
I use a buddy heater for the RTT. Set it in the annex and let the heat rise, always stayed toasty. For inside the trailer we've always just piled on the blankets, we're getting some electric 12V heating blankets for backup for our Death Valley Trip around Christmas. It will be nice to climb into a warm bed.
Off-Road Ranger I
Traveler I
Wool blankets! I never slept in a rooftop tent but I have spent many nights in a truck sleeper where you can’t run the truck to stay warm. I use wool blankets from army surplus and a good cold wether sleeping bag.
Member I
the mattress we replaced in our Smittybilt RTT is Exped Duo Mega Mat 10 (queen size) XL XW self inflating. This mattress holds a R insulation value for cold weather. I find this mattress to be as comfortable as my home tempurpedic mattress & warm in winter early spring trips, it's costly mattress but IMO well worth the cost.
http://www.exped.com/usa/en/tags/sleeping-mats
Blankets, we use fleece blankets & heavy queen size comforter, sheets are queen size flannel. We do have a heat source for the RTT, Proplex H2000 tent furnace, what a dream this heater is. Works on the same principles as a household furnace but in a very small package & the thermostat pulls very little amps off the battery. It powered by 12v. & propane. The heat ducting & thermostat is fished into the flap located in the hinged area of the RTT & the actual heater unit is outside. Pricey but IMO worth the money.
http://store.adventuretrailers.com/copy-of-portable-furnace-heatsource-hs2000/
http://www.exped.com/usa/en/tags/sleeping-mats
Blankets, we use fleece blankets & heavy queen size comforter, sheets are queen size flannel. We do have a heat source for the RTT, Proplex H2000 tent furnace, what a dream this heater is. Works on the same principles as a household furnace but in a very small package & the thermostat pulls very little amps off the battery. It powered by 12v. & propane. The heat ducting & thermostat is fished into the flap located in the hinged area of the RTT & the actual heater unit is outside. Pricey but IMO worth the money.
http://store.adventuretrailers.com/copy-of-portable-furnace-heatsource-hs2000/
Last edited:
Enthusiast I
Member III
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