More Efficient - Bed Sheets or Sleeping Bag?

[steve]

So, what would be considered more efficient - Bed sheets or a sleeping bag? Each has their own advantages and disadvantages. A sleeping bag typically weighs less but is considered harder to wash. Bed sheets are more versatile and aren't considered a "complete" sleeping arrangement (a sleeping bag can, literally, be used on the bare ground where bed sheets would be a poor substitute). Also, sleeping bags have the disadvantage of a zipper, which like all mechanical devices, can fail where bed sheets have less ways of failure.

Anyway, it was an interesting question that I pondered recently and I was wondering what everyone else's thoughts were on this.

[patience]

Hmm. Well, the old cowpokes out west used to carry a "ground sheet" (probably a tarp or something waterproof), and a blanket. But they weren't dealing with extreme cold at night, or had to seek more shelter if they did. They also carried a "slicker", or rain proof poncho like thing that would drape over the horse and their legs when riding.

Sleeping bags excel in dealing with low temperatures, conserving body heat by keeping it close and providing efficient insulation. For my camp rig, I carry a medium weight sleeping bag, a poncho, and a foam ground pad. If I do my part preparing a spot by digging out a spot for my hips (keeps you from waking up with a sore back), and making a suitable pile of dead leaves, or whatever for more insulation from the ground, I sleep very well down to about 30* F., no problem. If I went to the trouble to throw up a lean-to, and build a good fire with a reflector, my setup would do for somewhat lower temps. Since I sleep more or less clothed on a camp out, it isn't much trouble to keep the bag pretty clean, and wouldn't matter all that much if it were not.

So, it depends on where you are. In the tropics and some other places, mosquito netting is all-important, but a simple sheet may be more cover than you want in the heat. Fit your gear to the conditions at hand.

[Jerry D Young]

I have basically a triple system. Self inflating mattress for all instances, poncho and liner for warm weather, the inner bag of a two bag system for cool weather, outer bag for cold weather, and both for really cold weather. I also use a tent and can be comfortable from 100* down to -20* with the system.