Adventurers have taken some pretty objectionable partners to bed—like their smelly socks. They do this because even clothing designed to shed moisture—like synthetic base layers or wool socks—can become damp from rain, snow or sweat. If you’re warm, continue wearing damp items until they dry naturally, but if you’re at risk of getting cold—such as sitting around camp—wearing damp clothing is no fun. Change into dry clothes and bring any damp items into your sleeping bag overnight—your body heat will dry them out. For best results, tuck them in the warmest areas—such as between your legs, in your armpits, or around your chest. Lightly damp items should be dry by morning, but very damp items may require two or more nights to dry out. The smell, unfortunately, will remain.
Considerations:
- Do this only if you’re warm enough—bringing damp clothing into the sleeping bag when you’re already chilled will make the night miserable, and cost you sleep.
- Not recommended for items that are actually wet, except when absolutely necessary and they have been rung out as much as possible. Avoid getting your sleeping bag wet.
Categories: Camping, Clothing, Winter Conditions