Tip of the momth: How to sleep warmer on cold nights in the back country

With the first cool snap of the year upon us here in the Southeast, it seems like a good time to share one of my favorite strategies for staying warm on cold nights in the back country.  I tend to sleep cool so staying warm overnight is a constant struggle.  One of the strategies I use to sleep warmer in cool weather is to eat a nice warm high calorie treat just before bed.  I am particularly partial to sweet snacks that are high in fat.  A couple of my personal favorites are slightly warmed Seven Layer Bars or a mug full of hot Jell-O (Get the good stuff, not the sugar -free, and make sure you drink it before it cools down and solidifies).  The extra calories will ramp up your metabolism and turn your body into a blast furnace when you crawl into your bag for the night. You will sleep warmer and the warm sugary snack will brighten your mood even on the coldest night.