Despite how useful they are, sleeping bag liners are usually underrated pieces of gear. Most hikers don't bother adding this extra layer to their sleep system. Still, a good liner provides added insulation and warmth to your bag while creating a barrier between your body and the difficult-to-clean synthetic interior of the bag. So while they're great in winter, using a thin liner during the warm weather of the summer will extend the life of your sleeping bag. When traveling, you can throw the liner in your pack and use it as a sheet wherever you may go.![]()
A sleeping bag liner is an excellent way for any camper to add a little bit of extra warmth and insulation. Even if your sleeping bag has an impressive temperature rating, cold weather camping can still be hard on your body, so a liner or sleeping pad is extra useful. Plus, sleeping bags can be difficult to clean, so a liner is a great barrier to keeping out dirt and sweat.
If you're camping in cold weather and have a mummy sleeping bag, a mummy sleeping bag liner will slip inside the bag perfectly. Rectangular liners, also known as travel sheets, are designed inside a rectangular sleeping bag.
Silk: Silk sleeping bag liners are very lightweight and compact, making them extremely packable. Silk insulates in cold weather and is absorbent and breathable in warmer weather.
Price: moderate to expensive.
Cotton: Strong, durable and absorbent, but not the lightest or most compact.
Price: economical.
Fleece and Microfleece: Fleece sleeping bag liners are warmer and heavier, a must-have if you're camping in cold temperatures. They are also very soft and wick away any moisture from the body.
Price: moderate.
Synthetics: Synthetic sleeping bag liners are moisture-wicking and breathable, ideal for humid conditions. They offer some stretch.
Price: moderate.
Insulated: This adds up to a claimed 25°F of warmth, so you can significantly extend the range of a lightweight bag. It uses hollow-core fiber insulation, which helps it dry 50% faster than cotton.
Price: moderate to expensive.
Here at OpticsPlanet, we cater to all styles of campers, hikers, backpackers, and people who love being outdoors. Check out our awesome sleeping bag liners from top brands, including Thermarest and ALPS Mountaineering.