In the Scottish Highlands, a “good night’s sleep” isn’t just about comfort—it’s about recovery and safety.
When you are deep in Knoydart or on the Isle of Rum, your body needs to recover from the day’s exertion. If you spend the night fighting off the cold, you’ll start the next day fatigued. This guide explains the science of the “Sleep System” and why the mat is just as important as the bag.
The Sleeping Mat: Your Barrier from the Earth
Most people blame their sleeping bag when they feel cold, but the culprit is often the ground. Thermal conductivity means the earth will strip away your body heat much faster than the air will.
Look for the R-Value. For Scottish expeditions, you need a mat with an R-Value of 3.0 or higher. This measures the material’s thermal resistance; the higher the number, the better the insulation.
The Bag: Comfort vs. Limit Ratings
When choosing a bag, ignore the “Extreme” rating. You should only look at the Comfort Rating. In the Highlands, even in summer, temperatures can drop toward freezing at high camps. We recommend a 3-season bag with a comfort rating of 0°C to -5°C.
Don’t spend hundreds on a sleeping bag.
Expedition-grade sleep systems are expensive. We provide high-spec, 4-season insulated mats and professional down/synthetic bags for hire.
Simply add “Sleep System Hire” to your basket at checkout →3 Tips for a Warmer Night
- Eat before bed: Your body needs fuel to generate heat. A high-calorie snack before zipping up acts like a heater.
- Keep your head warm: A significant amount of heat is lost through your head. Wear a dry beanie, even inside the hood.
- Don’t hold it in: If you need the toilet, go. Your body wastes energy keeping a full bladder warm.
Ready to put the system to the test?
The Weekend Taster
Perfect for first-timers. Test your gear (or ours) in the Lake District fells with expert coaching.
Lakes Taster Weekends →Further. Higher. Remote.
Ready for the true wilderness? Join us for a multi-day expedition through Scotland’s most remote landscapes.
Note: All essential gear (Tents, Bags, Mats, Packs) can be added to your basket during checkout.