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Rather odd question but after reading the help centre I think it still fits here.

I need to sleep some nights of the week in my garage, but over a period of months; potentially over multiple different seasons. Garage is not connected to the house and is without heat, electricity or windows. It is big, can be secured throughout the day, is dry and mostly wind proof. Floor is concrete. Central Europe.

I want to make the experience as pleasant as possible with winter approaching.

So far I am imaging a 'single room' large pop-up tent (no ground to peg ropes). This should reduce wind chill a little and keep bugs out.

Then a cheap thick mattress inside, with a winter duvet and multiple additional cheap blankets. I have a backup -15°C winter sleeping bag I would keep inside, along with LED torch etc.

Does this sound reasonable for a number of months? Would something additional under the mattress help reduce heat loss (multiple sleeping mats)? Would mould be a factor from breathing condensation? Cotton bedding an issue?

Chris H
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myol
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4 Answers4

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The biggest heat loss will be to the concrete floor and there too will be the greatest condensation from body moisture, with potential for mould growth and rotting.

I would provide insulation and a vapour barrier, which needs to be on the warm side of the insulation.

So for a long-ish term solution I would have

  • a sheet of 25 or 50mm expanded polystyrene on the floor
  • a board of 6 or 10mm plywood to protect that from crushing
  • place the tent on top, which has a vapour proof floor

Using a tent in a large space will allow your body heat to be trapped locally, and keep you warmer. I knew someone who lived in a very large empty room in a tent, although it was a timber upper floor so insulation wasn't an issue.

Weather Vane
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Moisture is absolutely the biggest problem here. It will build up under you, so you have to get yourself and your sleeping bag off the concrete.

A bare minimum would be a ground sheet and a foam topper-pad, and you need to lift them off the floor in the daytime to dry along with your sleeping bag. An air mattress might seem appealing, but they're awkward and squeaky and not particularly supportive.

A better solution would be a camp stretcher that raises your body about 30cm/12inches off the ground. Sometimes referred to as a cot, can be stowed into a bag in a couple of minutes. You can add a foam mattress on top too.

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If space is not an issue, you might choose to set up a full sized bed and simply leave it there while away. Linens need washing and changing periodically, because they absorb moisture overnight. You'll want to air the mattress more often too, and I'd suggest a vapour barrier on the floor, like a groundsheet with perhaps a rug on top for comfort.

Personally, I prefer sleeping in cold air with plenty of warm blankets, so this sounds kinda awesome. Good luck with your plan!

Criggie
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As the others point out, you need to get off the ground a bit; my suggestion is to get hold of a couple of wooden pallets - where I live (UK), I can find them for free wherever there is building work going on. put them on the concrete floor, then something reasonably flat on top and finally the tent. This will allow air to circulate under the whole thing and keep you dry.

Other than that, you just need a sensible mattress and warm covers, like blankets, duvets, sleeping bags, ...

j4nd3r53n
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There is also the possibility of a hammock. There are some which include a waterproof top and have an insulated bottom part. But in a garage which I assume is protected from strong winds and precipitation, I would just use a regular hammock with a heavy duty sleeping bag.

I recommend this style of hammock (and a diagonal position within), having slept in a hammock like this for hundreds of nights: Hammock picture

Advantages of hammock:

  • Simple to set up (if you can tie it to something or put some sturdy screws into suitable places)
  • Will keep you warm at night, away from the cold floor and close to the ceiling where warm air will go
  • No moisture issues, you should be able to open it up while not using it and hang your sleeping bag across it to dry
  • Much more comfy than any regular bed (if you ask me)
Nobody
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