A Roaring Good Sleep System

The roar is like Christmas for hunters, but your favourite time of year can also be the most demanding when spending nights in the hills. Cold ground, squally showers, southerlies, and long days on foot mean recovery matters just as much as time behind the binos. A successful roar hunt comes down to preparation, and a well-planned sleep system is one of the biggest performance advantages you can carry.

This guide breaks down how to build the ultimate roar sleep system for NZ hunting, whether you are staying in DOC huts, fly camping, or running a mixed setup.

1. Sleeping bag

Your sleeping bag is your main defence against cold nights in the hills. When choosing a sleeping bag for the roar, think in terms of comfort temperatures rather than ratings alone.

Consider the conditions you are most likely to face:

• For very cold locations such as the high country, or fly camping on clear nights where temperatures can drop to zero or below, look at a four-season bag like the Zenith.
• A 3-season bag, such as the cosy Venture or lightweight Versalite, are well-suited if you know you will mostly be hunting in lower bush areas.
• A synthetic sleeping bag, like the iconic Black Ice, is a practical option for staying in DOC huts, where moisture management and durability are important.

2. Sleeping bag liner

Once you start using a sleeping bag liner, it is hard to go back. Liners help keep your sleeping bag cleaner for longer and can add noticeable warmth to your sleep system.

• A Thermolite liner can add up to 8°C of extra warmth.
• A silk liner helps regulate body temperature and packs down very small.
• A poly liner is an affordable and durable option for regular use.

3. Mats

Even the warmest sleeping bag cannot protect you from the cold that seeps up from the ground. An insulated sleep mat with a suitable R-value plays a crucial role in staying warm during the roar.

• The Ultra XT offers an impressive R8 rating for the coldest nights out.
• For a lighter option, the Compact mat has an R4 rating and weighs just 540 grams.
• A folding foam mat is a great way to boost insulation, whether on a DOC hut mattress or while camping. It also doubles as a glassing seat or rifle rest during the day.

4. Pillow

While spare clothes bundled up can work in a pinch, a dedicated camping pillow can dramatically improve sleep quality with very little weight or space cost.

• The Drift pillow offers extremely low pack weight and compact size, with a soft-touch, removable outer and a plush memory foam topper. For many hunters, this small upgrade results in noticeably better sleep and faster recovery during the roar.

5. Warm layers

In a tent or fly camping setup, your body is the heater. Supporting your body to retain warmth is essential for a good night’s sleep.

• Thermalayer base layers provide a snug yet comfortable fit for cold days stalking and warmer nights at camp. Moisture-wicking and quick-drying quality thermals are essential building blocks of a warm and comfortable sleep system.
• A warm head makes a big difference when temperatures drop. Carry a dry, comfortable sleep beanie to help retain heat on cold roar nights.

Final thoughts

Sleeping in a DOC hut usually means more radiant heat, and many huts have the added comfort of a fire. Because of this, you can often get away with a lighter sleep system compared to fly camping on the side of a hill in a southerly. Wherever you lay your head while chasing that elusive twelve-pointer this season, cold nights demand respect. Plan your sleep system carefully, and you will hunt better, longer, and more comfortably throughout the season.