Sleeping bag liners are a must-have for any backpacking trip. Especially since all your backpacking gear needs to be super light, from ultralight winter sleeping bags, to lightweight backpacking stoves and packs.
A good travel and camping sheet will keep your sleeping bag clean, prolonging it’s life.
Depending on the material used, it can also increase the temperature rating of your bag by an extra 5-15F, adding warmth on those chilly nights.
If you are staying in a few less-than-desirable hotels or hostels, a travel sheet can make all the difference to your hygiene and comfort!
Quick Look: Our Recommendations
- Sea to Summit Thermolite Reactor Fleece – for added warmth and comfort
- Sea to Summit Thermolite Reactor Extreme – for added warmth and bit less bulk
- Dimples Excel & Friendly Swede – Basic, low cost liners to keep your sleeping bag clean.
Clicking the above links will take you to further information, current prices, and customer reviews on Amazon
Sleeping Bag Liners that add Warmth – Reviews
Sea to Summit Thermolite Reactor ($78.00)
Overall a great choice if you are wanting to add a bit of extra warmth without much bulk.
A popular liner made from soft fabric the Thermolite Reactor claims to boost the warmth rating of your sleeping bag.
I found that this certainly added a little extra warmth but I wouldn’t rely on it to add much.
- Sizing: Length: 210cm, Width: 90cm
- Lightweight at 348g
What We Like
- Lightweight and compressible, can be stored in it’s own compression sack or left inside the sleeping bag.
- 80g/m2 of Thermolite adds warmth to the sleeping bag
- Thermolite hollow core fiber has a good warmth-to-weight ratio keeping you warmer without adding bulk
- Breathable fabric wicks moisture away from your body on warmer nights
- Mummy shape with footbox to fit well into your sleeping bag without excessive material
- Drawcord hood for a comfortable fit around your head and neck
What We Don’t Like
- Material is thin and porous and feels a bit flimsy
- Claims that it will add 8C to your sleeping bag’s warmth rating. This is difficult to measure and I wouldn’t rely on it
- Can be difficult to get into if you are a larger frame
Sea to Summit Thermolite Reactor Extreme ($99.99)
Similar to the Thermolite Reactor, but a tiny bit heavier, this sleeping bag liner will add additional warmth to your sleeping bag.
The fabric is lightweight and stretchy. I found this one made a big difference to my comfort when camping in front of a glacier in Crater Camp, Kilimanjaro.
However, I would not rely on it to increase the warmth-rating of a sub-standard sleeping bag.
- Sizing: Length: 183cm Width: 90cm (Note that this stretches)
- Weight: 399g
What We Like
- Lightweight and compressible, the tapered design reduces weight and bulk
- 110g/m2 of Thermolite adds warmth to the sleeping bag
- Thermolite hollow-core fiber is stretchy so that you can move around comfortably
- Breathable to wick moisture away from your body
- Mummy shape with a foot box maximizes thermal efficiency and it fits well into a sleeping bag
- Drawcord hood preventing heat loss around your head and neck area
What We Don’t Like
- Material can feel a bit clingy due to the stretch in the fabric
- Claims that it adds up to 15C to the temperature rating of your sleeping bag. These figures are very hard to measure, I would not rely on them.
Sea to Summit Thermolite Reactor Fleece Liner ($122.42)
A more heavy-duty fleece liner that will really boost the warmth-rating of your sleeping bag.
If you have a 15F sleeping bag and want to be sure of staying warm in the mountains, then this could be your choice.
The lovely brushed fabric is super-soft to the touch and when I tried it out I was too warm!
Ideal if you sleep very cold or are less confident about the warmth rating of your sleeping bag.
You can also use it on it’s own as a light sleeping bag when conditions are warmer. And it’s lovely for curling up on the sofa on a cold winter’s night.
- Sizing: Length: 200cm Width: 70cm
- Weight: 420g (higher than lighter fabric, but still low for a technical fleece liner)
What We Like
- Mummy shape reduces bulk and maximizes thermal efficiency
- Definitely increases the warmth rating of your sleeping bag
- Smaller than most fleece liners, packs down small
- Brushed fabric is soft and comfortable against your skin
- Quarter zip makes it very easy to get in and out of
- Panelled hood for extra comfort and preventing heat loss around your head
- So warm and cosy that it can be used alone on warmer nights
What We Don’t Like
- Larger and bulkier than other liners, maybe difficult on a backpacking trip (just get a warmer sleeping bag!)
- Cost – you might consider using the money to buy a better sleeping bag
Sleeping Bag Liners for Hygiene
Cocoon Silk Mummy Liner ($69.00)
Soft to the touch and lightweight, silk sleeping bag liners are a popular choice.
A bit less durable than cotton or synthetic, silk can potentially add a little warmth to your sleeping bag.
Great if you like a bit of luxury on your adventures!
- Sizing: 6.2 x 2.8 x 2.1 inches
What We Like
- Durable and resistant to tearing
- Extremely light and packs down very small – you’ll hardly notice it’s there.
- Quick-drying, can be machine or hand-washed
- Super-soft to the touch, gives you a lovely comfortable night
- Tapered mummy shape with foot box to fit nicely into your sleeping bag
- Drawstring hood allows you to adjust it around your head/neck – perfect for nights in hostels or other places of dubious cleanliness
- Can possibly add around 5F to the warmth rating of your sleeping bag – though I wouldn’t rely on this
What We Don’t Like
- Cost: silk is more expensive than cotton or polycotton
- No side openings, even with the wide-top opening sometimes it can be difficult to get in and out of at night
- Sizing might be snug if you are very tall or well-built
- The stitching looks a bit flimsy even though the specs state “double-stitching”
The Friendly Swede ($32.99)
A basic, no-frills polyester sleeping bag liner at a nice price point.
The satin texture is comfortable, cool and very lightweight.
This is worth considering if you just want to use it as a barrier between yourself and your bag, but don’t want to sacrifice weight in your pack.
It won’t add much in terms of warmth, but it’s a solid choice for keeping your bag hygienic.
What We Like
- °Cost: a lot cheaper than silk
- Very soft to the touch with a satin texture
- Roomy enough for restless or side sleepers
- Side opening with velcro closure allows easy access in and out of the liner
- Attached pillow slip – great for staying in dodgy hostels
- Folds up small and light taking up very little weight in your luggage
- Quick drying for easy cleaning on the trail
What We Don’t Like
- Velcro closure can feel a bit scratchy
Sea to Summit Coolmax Adapter with Insect Shield Liner ($72.95)
A comfortable, synthetic stretchy sleeping bag liner that will take up little room in your luggage. It packs down to 3×5 inches and weighs 8.6 ounces.
Soft to the touch, the stretchy material does not restrict your movement during the night. The contrasting color at the top edge makes it easier to find the opening. Its been treated to protect you against nasty blood-sucking pests like mosquitos, fleas, and ticks. If you’re camping in hot buggy places, you’ll appreciate this extra layer of protection at night. You’re welcome.
I found it a bit too “clingy” however, which is a personal preference, I liked the non-stretch liners better.
This is a great sleeping bag liner for camping where the are lots of bugs and hotel rooms that you don’t quite trust their sheets. In hot humid weather and being that I am not a huge fan of bugs, I will use this as my sleeping bag, pull the liner up over my head and cinch it.
What We Like
- °Cost: cheaper than silk and more durable
- Stretch knit polycotton fiber that is soft to the touch
- Easy to get in and out of for late night calls of nature
- Antimicrobial treatment keeps your sleeping bag and the liner fresh and hygienic on multi-day hikes
- Comes in different shapes – mummy with hood and foot box, rectangular and “traveller” which also has a pocket for a pillow
- Packs down small and light in it’s own stuff sack to 3×5 inches
- Quick-drying and machine washable
- Treated to repel mosquitoes, ticks, fleas and flies. Invisible, odorless insect protection
What We Don’t Like
- Could be a bit uncomfortable if you are a very large build, even though it stretches
- Expensive
TETON Sports Sleeping Bag Liner ($39.99)
A basic sleeping bag liner made of synthetic fabric with a silky finish.
This one will add about 10 degrees of warmth to your sleeping bag, but at this price point, it’s a good choice if you just want to keep your sleeping bag clean. Who wants to deal with zippers and hanging dry a sleeping bag each time you use it?
Lightweight and packs down very small, you’ll barely notice it in your luggage. It’s about 11.2 ounces and with 4 different size options, you have choices.
What We Like
- Price
- Satin polyester is breathable, soft, and silky to the touch
- Roomy design prevents you from getting tangled up in it
- Side opening with velcro closure allows you to easily get in and out of the liner
- Packs down very small and light so won’t take up valuable weight and space
- Quick-drying makes keeping it clean a breeze
What We Don’t Like
- I wish they wouldn’t use velcro closures – they can get scratchy
- Whilst roomy, it’s probably not suitable if you are over 6′ tall
Cocoon Cotton ($40.99)
My first sleeping bag liner was cotton. I really hated the feeling of the nylon inner inside the sleeping bag.
A basic, everyday liner the cotton will protect your bag.
If you really hate man-made fabrics, and don’t want to pay out for silk, then a simple cotton liner could be a good choice.
Don’t expect it to add warmth, and try not to get it wet, as it will take ages to dry!
What We Like
- °Cost this is a basic liner at a budget price
- A partial opening on the side allows you to get in and out more easily
- Durable, lightweight cotton fabric for a comfortable night’s sleep
What We Don’t Like
- Slow to dry – if this is important, then you’d do better to opt for silk or synthetic.
Why Use a Sleeping Bag Liner?
Why bother? Well, there are a few reasons why you might decide to use one, these include:
Protecting your sleeping bag
You’ve paid for a good winter sleeping bag. Heading off backpacking can be a dusty, sandy experience. The fine sand and dust particles will eventually get into the insulation and degrade it. Using a liner will provide protection against this.
Hygiene
Keeps your bag clean, preventing oils from your skin and sweat from damaging the lining material of the bag. It’s much easier to launder a camping sheet than a sleeping bag.
If you are renting a sleeping bag or staying in a hostel with dubious hygiene, the liner will provide useful protection from any dirt left behind by the previous occupant!
Additional warmth
A good sleeping bag liner can improve the temperature rating of your summer sleeping bag – some manufacturers make very optimistic claims of up to 25°F. I am skeptical of that, but a good Thermolite liner can certainly add 5-15°F to your bag’s rating.
On warmer nights, you can sleep in the liner instead of your 3 season sleeping bag, preventing you from overheating.
Comfort
Sometimes in the inner linings of sleeping bags can feel a bit clammy and nylon or polyester doesn’t suit everyone. Having a travel sheet in your choice of the fabric ensures that what comes into contact with your skin is comfortable for you.
Different Types of Sleeping Bag Liners
Camping sheets come in a variety of materials:
Silk or silk blend:
The most lightweight and compressible. They provide good insulation, improving the warmth of your bag slightly. Silk is absorbent and breathable keeping you dry and your sleeping bag protected.
Cotton
A bit bulkier than silk but at the very least a cotton liner will be absorbent and protect your sleeping bag. Cotton is durable but slow to dry if it gets wet.
Fleece or Microfleece
These liners are the warmest, adding up to 12F to your sleeping bag’s rating. If you have a 3-season sleeping bag, one of these could increase the rating to 4-season. Quick-drying, absorbent and breathable, these tend to be bulky and heavier.
Synthetic (eg CoolMax)
Very lightweight, moisture-wicking, and breathable, these will add a little warmth and are very good for humid conditions.
Insulated (eg Thermolite)
These sleeping bag liners are made from hollow-core fiber insulation and are the warmest of all liners, adding 15-20F to your sleeping bag’s warmth. Quick-drying, they are also a bit larger and bulkier. Ideal if warmth is your goal.
Shape
Good sleeping bag liners come in a variety of shapes. Mummy-shape to fit your bag, rectangular-shaped for sleeping in hostels or traditional sleeping bags.
Others are made of stretchy material so that you don’t get tangled up in them. Some have zips or velcro closures or are simply a tube.
Some travel sheets will have a space for a pillow which is mostly for use in hostels and hotels of dubious cleanliness. Tube shapes can be a bit difficult to get in and out of for calls of nature during the night.
To Bag or Not to Bag…
If you are unsure whether your sleeping bag is going to be warm enough then the Sea to Summit Thermolite Reactor Fleece will add warmth and comfort.
If you don’t want the added bulk of the fleece one, but still want some warmth then the Sea to Summit Thermolite Reactor Extreme is well worth a look.
For a basic liner to keep your sleeping bag clean, then the Cocoon Cotton or the Friendly Swede. They won’t add much in the way of warmth, but are well-priced and will do the job.
To enhance the warmth of your cheap cold weather sleeping bags, consider pairing them with a high-quality sleeping bag liner, an affordable way to boost comfort during those chilly nights outdoors.
Do you use a liner when you’re camping? Have you found it makes a difference to your comfort? Let us know in the comments!
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Last update on 2024-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API