Headed out with a mate between Christmas and New Year for a overnighter which I thought I'd share. Considering it hadn't stopped raining for what seems like an eternity we we're blessed with a dry but windy night.  

The bikes were all prepped.




After just a 2 hours we found ourselves, first in a pub, then after a bit more riding, the perfect bivvy spot. 





As we were in the festive period it felt only right to overeat and consume our own body weight in cheese.



With all the eating done I turned in for what I hoped would be a deep slumber in the hunka. Wrong... On the plus side I had had plenty of time, as I lay awake all night to Work out why I couldn't keep warm enough. Firstly my Multimat blow up up bed, although super light and small, doesn't hold any heat and I could feel the heat draining from underneath me. I can't  justify a new sleeping mat so any suggestions on how I could insulate the Multimat would be appreciated. I was thinking of adding a thin reflective/insulating layer over the top. Secondly, I've come to the conclusion that my lovely lightweight down bag doesn't cut the mustard in winter no matter how much clothing I wear. It's only  600 grams in its stuff sack so if anybody knows of any good deals on a warmer bag for use in winter/spring/autumn, please let me know. 

Thanks

On a recent trip with friend who had the same problem with his mat we put a foil blanket that i keep in my first aid kit over his mat which he said made a huge difference.
This might help in the short run but a higher r value rated mat would help.
As for your bag you could try to add a sea to summit thermal lite reactor bag liner, they claim to add up to 8 degrees to a bag, i have one and it definitely adds warmth rrp £40ish, this would only be good if your bag is three season already.
Happy new year

One of those silver car windscreen cover things under your mat will make quite a difference.

How about a cheap synthetic summer bag used as a 'top bag' over you down one - http://www.fieldandtrek.com/karrimor-x- ... bag-781044

Obviously it needs to be big enough to allow your inner bag to fully loft.

Thank you both for your advice.

So, I stumbled upon a thin (5mm) camping foam mat in the pound shop which I'm going to stick a piece of space blanket to. It rolls up pretty small, weighs nowt and should be pretty warm to sleep on if I can keep it in place.
http://www.poundland.co.uk/product-rang ... mping-mat/

I also looked at a second 1 or 1/2 season bag to beef up my summer bag but the warmth I'd get from a synthetic bag in relation to the pack size and weight made me decided on a mid weight down jacket instead. My thinking is I'll get more use from a jacket and I can wear it to sleep in when the temp drops.

It's no feather weight at 540g but it should do a fine job of keeping me warm in camp and at night.

I'd be interested to know what down jackets other use for 2 wheeled tramping?

I'd be interested to know what down jackets other use for 2 wheeled tramping?

RAB Infinity for me in winter, never worn anything as warm. Might still be a few discounted ones kicking about on-line.

I'll 2nd the Rab 'Infinity' - it's insano-warm!!!

It's like putting on a covering of happy when it's cold - seriously toasty!