Why you need a sleeping bag liner
A sleeping bag liner is a great piece of gear to own for a couple of reasons. First of all, it’s nice to have one when the temperature starts to drop in the fall as it increases the temperature rating of your sleeping bag. It allows you to use your sleeping bag a little longer rather than buying a warmer version for the cooler off-season. If you have a winter bag, it’s probably still a bit too warm for fall. A good liner can increase your sleeping bag’s temperature rating by up to 5 degrees Celsius (10 Fahrenheit).
Extend your season
A liner can allow you to extend the camping season a bit longer. Before the big snows hit, often we can extend camping and backpacking season through October, depending of course where you live (in Western Canada and most of Canada the season rarely runs past Canadian Thanksgiving, which is at the beginning of October). Heading out late in the season make sure to take extra cold weather gear, like an extra layer, layer properly and definitely a puffy jacket.
While not making your bag a true winter bag, a liner can minimize discomfort during the fall when temperatures often dip below freezing, especially in the mountains. The liner is great for taking off the edge of these temperature swings.
The liner is great in the summer, too. Sometimes, it’s too hot out for a sleeping bag, but too cold to sleep with no cover, so you can use the liner as a stand alone sleeping bag. It’ll keep you warm enough and keep the bugs off, if you happen to be sleeping outside or if some get caught in your tent.
Liners typically cost anywhere from $40-$100, depending on the cut and material. Silk liners will be more expensive, and cotton or cotton-blend liners will be a little less. The liners that pack down small will usually the most expensive, and this is definitely silk. I’ve had my silk bag liner for over a decade. I’ve taken care of it, so I still haven’t needed to replace it. If you don’t want to spend the money on a liner, you can fashion one by sewing together a twin sized cotton bed sheet. Though not very packable, it will do the job.
Extend the life of your bag
Did you know that your liner can also extend the life of your bag? This means you won’t have to wash it as often. The inside of your bag gets dirty from your clothing and the oils on your skin, and eventually disrupting the breathability of your bag, wearing out the fabric. A liner is much easier to wash than a sleeping bag so you can sleep in a clean bag every time. You won’t have to wash your bag as often, and it will last longer. You will still need to wash your bag, but not as often, and this will preserve it, particularly if it’s down filled.
Great for travel
The liner is also indispensable for traveling. If you’re staying at a hostel or on a questionable couch or mattress, you can always use the liner so you can sleep a bit better.
How to clean
The nice thing about a sleeping bag liner is it’s a piece of gear that will last you a long while. Just make sure to clean it regularly. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning. Generally, anything with silk in it is advisable to keep it away from the washing machine. I always hand wash mine for fear of ruining the fibres. If you have a front loading machine with a delicate hand wash setting you can try using that, however it seems easier to just quickly hand wash then plan a whole load just around one item. The fact that it’s fragile is the only downside to a silk liner. Be careful not to get it caught in the zipper.
A liner definitely helps to preserve the life of your sleeping bag.
Interested in learning more? Read how to take care of your sleeping bag.
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