Winter bivy technique

[neve_r_est]

I'm aiming to do some longer multi-day winter bikepacking and was wondering how other folks go about bivying, strip down to base layers and jump in, or leave all the layers on? Boots on or off? Why?

Ideally, I'd like to get my vapor barriors working well enough to keep everything aside of my thin base layer dry, then leave all my normal layers on and just crawl in. Boots are an issue as they're usually tough to get on and off, and then you've still got to sleep with them to keep them from freezing. May as well brush them off and keep them on if they're dry, right? Or maybe not.

I've heard of people drying clothes in their sleeping bag, but I'm unclear how that works, or if it works.

Obviously I need some more good subzero testing weather, but I'm afraid the dry/cold season is over in SE IA, and testing in the wet/cold hypothermic conditions just isn't the same.

DG

[Eric]

boots off then use them as ground insulation at your feet or head. With using VB's they shouldn't be wet and freeze. To warm them up in the morning bring a small 16 oz nalgene or similar bottle and fill it with hot water - instant boot pre-heater. Change into dry socks for the night.

I usually wear everything, including puffy pants & jacket if its cold.

[sean salach]

if you're sweaty when you go to bivvy, i found that putting on a waterproof/not so breathable jacket and pants, then my down jacket and crawling into my bag had me sleeping toasty and waking up warm with dry clothes. it increases the stink factor, but works. if you have boots with a liner, like i have, i just keep the liner on my feet in the bag, and leave the boots out.