There are a thousand reasons you might find yourself in a car all night. For example, car camping is a popular alternative to pricey campsites. A sudden change of life may find you seeking refuge in your car overnight. Likewise, emergencies happen. A freak snowstorm could strand you in your car overnight. No matter the reason why you need to know how to stay warm in a car overnight.
Ideally, you’re browsing this article before the need for warmth strikes. So, now is the time to channel your inner Boy Scout. Their motto is famously and simply “be prepared.” Now, you need to make it your motto as well. Your car alone will not be enough to keep you warm, especially in below-freezing temperatures.
If your car sleepover is planned, pack accordingly. Meanwhile, keep emergency supplies stashed in your car at all times. We don’t always plan to sleep in a car overnight; life just happens. Be prepared to brave the storm with these tips.
Tip #1 – Clear the Tailpipe
This first tip could also be named “stay alive.” First and foremost, you need to keep yourself safe from carbon monoxide poisoning. All the space blankets in the world won’t protect you from your car’s exhaust killing you. If you are stuck in a snowbank or similar and plan to run the car, get out and check the tailpipe. It needs to be clear from all obstructions.
No, the heat from the pipe won’t just melt that snow pile covering it. This isn’t a gamble you want to take. A running car with a clogged tailpipe transforms your car into an actual death chamber, especially if you are sleeping a car with the windows up. Minutes are all carbon monoxide needs to knock a human out.
You need to completely clear around the tailpipe with a car ice scraper or even your hands. If you don’t have an ice scraper or snow brush in your car, it’s about time you did. There’s no need to reinvent the wheel here. You just need one with a scraper and a brush.
The Mallory 26” Cool Tool Snow Brush is a bestseller because it gets the job done. It’s compact and easy to store in your car. The scraper is unbreakable so you won’t be left with a broken tool in the middle of an emergency.
Once you’re back inside, its a good idea to use a carbon monoxide monitor to stay on top of the situation. This carbon monoxide detector is great for keeping in your vehicle at all times. Its small, lightweight, battery operated, and comes with a one year warranty.
Tip #2 – Insulate Your Car
Your house is insulated in order to keep you warm. Let’s take that kind of thinking to our vehicles. The car manufacturer’s original insulation wasn’t intended to house you in subzero temperatures, but you can help it out. Campers and survivalists swear by Reflectix. It’s made of the same reflective material of car sunshades.
You can buy Reflectix in a large roll, much like gift-wrap. Likewise, feel free to imagine we’re wrapping your car up like a huge present. Using scissors or a box cutter, measure out the Reflectix to fit each window of the car, including the windshield. Secure the material with duct tape to make sure it doesn’t slip off in the middle of the night. Extra benefit: this reflective material blocks out the sunlight so you can sleep in!
It is important to learn how to insulate your car if you truly want to keep warm overnight.
Tip #3 – Wear Layers
This is especially important if this car sleepover is during a camping trip. If you got sweaty throughout the day, you don’t want to sleep in those damp clothes. That’s the fastest way to catch a chill.
To sleep, you need to be layered up and dry. It would be wise to keep some layers stashed away in your trunk for emergency situations. You want clothing that is designed to be warm. If you were an old-timey cartoon character, you’d opt for long underwear, complete with the bottom flap.
If you’d rather, you can wear compression clothing. This sleek compression top by TSLA is moisture-wicking and fleece-lined, so you’ll be comfortable no matter what. The manufacturer recommends sizing up if you prefer a looser fit.
Depending on just how cold it is, your hands and feet will need to be covered. Wool socks are a great way to protect your toes from frostbite. For your hands, cover them up with gloves that allow you to still use your smart phone. It’s a long night, after all, and you might want to scroll through social media (hope your phone is all charged up)!
To be truly prepared, you should be storing hand warmers in your car. These small packets are small but mighty in the fight against cold. For frigid fingers, hold the warmers in your hands. For an all-over toasty feeling, toss the packet into the bottom of your sleeping bag. Hand warmers are a great budget friendly way of keeping warm on the coldest of nights!
So, now you’re in dry clothes, but what about your boots? If you managed to soak your boots, may I suggest a boot dryer? DryGuy’s Travel Dry DX Boot Dryer slips right into your boots. It warms up to 99 degrees to dry those shoes from the inside out. It’s hot, but not too hot. You don’t have to worry about scorching your only pair of boots.
Tip #4 – Have Cold-Weather Bedding
A space blanket is a must-have. Everyone knows that; it’s practically Car Safety 101. It goes by several names: Mylar blanket, safety blanket, first aid blanket, and shock blanket. Whatever you call it, it’s the same thing. It’s a thin lightweight sheet made of heat-reflective material. It is made to trap in body heat. OUTFANDIA’s space blanket promises to maintain 90% of your body heat. You can get a pack of two of them here.
A space blanket isn’t enough on its own, though. Much like clothes, you’re going to want to layer up on the blankets. Consider yourself a toasty warm burrito. Most importantly, you will need to invest in a hardy sleeping bag. For cold temperatures, a mummy-style bag is your best bet. Heat escapes from your head, but a mummy bag will keep your head covered up. Coleman is a name you can trust in this industry, so check out their bag here.
Once you’re wrapped up in your space blanket and tucked into your sleeping bag, you’re still going to want a wool blanket. Of all the materials, wool will keep you the warmest. Layer a high-quality wool blanket over your sleeping bag. You’ll want to look for one labeled military-grade, like this Ever Ready one. Military-grade lets you know this blanket is durable.
Underneath all of these blankets and layers, you still need a good foundation for comfort. A sleeping pad is portable and can be stored away for emergencies. Sleepingo’s camp sleep pad is so compact – it packs down into the size of a water bottle!
Tip #5 – Refuel and Hydrate
Staying hydrated and fed will go a long way in staying warm. Whether you’re packing a small car for a camping trip or storing food for an emergency, you want to stick with non-perishables. Great options include granola, freeze-dried fruits, and water. You could always buy a premade emergency kit for your car, like this one by the ReadyWise. This kit not only includes food like granola bars and freeze-dried bananas, but it also has necessities like water pouches and a first aid kit.
If you’d rather go the DIY route, it’s easy to do. A small lunchbox can hold your non-perishable foods and water bottles. If you’re looking for a tasty treat, Chewy bars taste like a chocolate bar. If you’d like more protein for your overnight stay, KIND bars made with peanut butter and dark chocolate really pack a punch.
Hydration is vital. It’s not recommended to keep plastic water bottles stored in the car for long periods of time. However, if you need to store water indefinitely, its best to use water pouches instead. These pouches are designed to hold water for long periods of time, up to 5 years to be exact. If water isn’t your thing you can always opt for Gatorade instead.
Overnight Car Warmth: A Conclusion
Sleeping in a car is an adventure in itself. Whether you are sleeping in your car by choice or circumstance, you can rest assured that you now know how to stay warm in a car overnight. With these tips in mind, you will be warm, ridiculously comfortable, and, most importantly, safe.