Long sleeved T-shirt for cold mornings in the tent

Short answer: A long sleeved T-shirt is a simple layer that makes cold tent mornings easier. Choose a soft, breathable model that fits close without squeezing, and wear it as the layer next to the skin. Here is how to get the most from it.

Why tent mornings are cold

The night is often the coldest part of the day, and the tent does not hold heat like a house. At dawn the air is damp, and the body has slowly cooled. The first thing you put on therefore matters a lot for how quickly you get comfortable.

A layer next to the skin

The long sleeved T-shirt is a good first layer, because it covers the arms and lower back, where the cold gets in fast. You can see the selection among the bamboo T-shirts for women. Choose a soft model without hard seams, so it does not chafe under the rucksack straps.

Fit and length

A T-shirt that sits close to the body without squeezing keeps heat better than a loose one. Choose a length that covers the lower back when you bend over the sleeping bag. The sleeves should reach the wrists, so no cold air gets in when you reach for things.

Sleep in it, or keep a dry one ready

Many like to sleep in a dry T-shirt and keep it on until morning. If you want to keep sleepwear apart from day clothes, pack an extra one and keep it dry in a bag. Do not sleep in a T-shirt you sweated in the day before, because the damp makes you cold.

Layers on top

When the morning is really cold, you can pull a thin sweater or a top over it. See the options among the bamboo tops for women, which are easy to take on and off. Three thin layers are more flexible than one thick one when the sun starts to warm.

Change while you are still in the sleeping bag

It is easiest to change clothes inside the sleeping bag, while you still have your body heat. Take the dry T-shirt and dry underwear in with you, and change before you crawl out. You can find something soft among the bamboo underwear for women, which is pleasant next to the skin.

Dry the clothes by the tent

Hang the T-shirt you slept in to air dry when the sun comes out. Damp from the night disappears quickly if there is wind, and then it is ready for the next night. Do not put damp clothes back in the rucksack if you can avoid it.

If you are freezing

If you feel cold, move around a little, have a warm drink and change into dry layers. If the cold comes from a lack of insulation below, check your mat. If you are unsure how much cold you can tolerate while sleeping, talk to your doctor if you have health problems.

Washing and care

Wash the T-shirt following the care label, usually at a low temperature and without fabric softener. Let it dry fully before you pack it away, so it does not smell of damp. A clean, dry T-shirt in the rucksack for the next trip makes the tent morning much easier.

Frequently asked questions

Should I sleep in a long sleeved T-shirt in the tent?

It suits many people, because it covers the arms and holds the warmth. Choose a soft model that does not squeeze, and make sure it is dry when you lie down to sleep.

How do I stay warm in the morning in the tent?

Change into dry layers while you are still in the sleeping bag, and have a warm drink. Layer on layer is easier to adjust than one thick sweater when the sun starts to warm.

Can I wear the same T-shirt the next day?

If it is dry and clean, yes. Let it air dry in the morning, and change into a fresh one if it has been damp or sweaty.

See our range of bamboo long sleeve t-shirt.