Best Sleeping Bag Liner for Backpacking and Hiking
If you’ve ever had to get your sleeping bag washed, you know what a pain it can be. Especially if you use it frequently. Having a sleeping bag liner can save you time, money, and loads of future headaches.
Alternatively, sleeping bag liners can also keep you nice and toasty. Especially when your sleeping bag just isn’t enough. But, there are as many types of sleeping bag liners as there are reasons to have one.
Fortunately, we’ve narrowed down the best sleeping bag liners on the market for you. Keep reading to find out the best liners in various categories.
Table of Contents
Best Sleeping Bag Liner: Sea to Summit Reactor Thermolite Sleeping Bag Liner
Review
Ever go out camping expecting the warm summer night to stay warm? Only to find out that it’s a tad colder than you were expecting. No worries though because you packed your Sea to Summit Reactor Thermolite Sleeping Bag Liner.
This isn’t your standard heavy-duty sleeping bag liner. It only raises the temperature up to 15 degrees Fahrenheit. But, those 15 degrees can make all the difference between a sleepless and a toasty night. And, it’s best used in inclement weather when you are hit by an unexpected chilly snap.
You can use this liner by itself on balmy nights. Or, couple it with a sleeping bag for extra warmth. Either way, the Reactor Thermolite packs light at only 9 ounces. Additionally, it compresses down small enough to fit in your pack without any undue rearranging.
If you want to find out more about this great sleeping bag liner, check out the video below:
However, if you need a more in-depth look at the positives and negatives of this sleeping bag liner, keep reading.
Pros
- Packs very light and small
If space and weight is a big deal for you, this liner is very light. The listed weight is approximately 9 ounces. And, it compresses to the size of an adult male hand.
- Adds a little temperature for warm nights
Rather than using your bulky winter liner all year long, this one is for warmer spring and summer seasons. Even if you choose to use it with your sleeping bag it won’t add too much uncomfortable heat.
- Mummy-style
Additionally, the mummy-style outline without zippers ensures that the liner stays light and keeps you warm. The cocoon-like shape traps warmth inside the liner. And, the hood with drawstring is an added bonus for extra warmth if you need it. Or, you can use the hood to fit over a travel pillow.
Cons
- Only 14-15 degrees warmer
Some may say that the 14-15 degrees F extra warmth doesn’t help if you are freezing in your bag. That is true if you are in freezing temperatures. But, this liner isn’t supposed to be used in extreme temperatures. It’s more like a light buffer for use on warmer nights instead.
- No zipper
Not having a zipper can make this liner awkward to climb in and out of because it is only open from the top. However, if your bag is also a mummy-style top loader this shouldn’t make much of a difference.
- Higher Cost
Finally, this liner may be a bit out of some people’s price range. Especially for what it is. But, rather than thinking of it as a pricey addition. Think of it more like a life-extender for your favorite sleeping bag instead.
Material Analysis:
This liner is a polyester Thermolite fabric. Thermolite is a hollow-core synthetic fabric that traps warmth while maintaining breathability. Also, it is relatively durable and can stand up to many spins in the washing machine.
Some people liken the feel to women’s pantyhose and like the feel against their skin. While others find it a bit scratchy for their tastes.
Who Is It For?
This is the top choice sleeping bag liner for people who are looking for a light and portable option that doesn’t add too much heat to their sleeping bag. This is especially good for people who camp out in balmy climates because you can use it by itself if needed.
If you want additional details about the Sea to Summit Reactor Thermolite Sleeping Bag Liner, check out the link below:
Runner-Up Sleeping Bag Liner: ALPS Mountaineering Razor Fleece Sleeping Bag/Liner
Review
Not to be outdone by the previous selection, the ALPS Mountaineering Razor Fleece Sleeping Bag/Liner is a great substitute for those who want a great fleece liner at a lower price point.
This fleece liner is relatively lightweight. But, it is a bit bulky, as this liner is designed to look and work like a sleeping bag. In any event, it’s not optimal for those who are traveling light.
However, you can use this fleece liner in different weather conditions. Use it as a liner with your sleeping bag in colder months. Or, just use it solo on warmer outings. This may make up for the bulkiness and weight factor.
Intrigued? Like the softness of fleece when you’re sleeping? Read on for an outline of the pros and cons of this great sleeping bag liner.
Pros
- Soft fabric
Nothing says comfort like fleece against your skin while you sleep. And, what better way to carry comfort with you than a fleece liner when you are wandering the wilderness?
- Seasonal versatility
One of the great features of this fleece liner is its versatility. Why use two separate liners when the seasons change? You can tuck the liner into your sleeping bag when it gets chilly. Or, you can use it by itself when the nights are warm. How’s that for bang for your buck?
Cons
- Heavy and bulky
Unfortunately, fleece will only pack so small. So, the trade-off for the soft material is size. Additionally, it weights almost 2 pounds. While this may not be much for car campers, for backpackers this may be a no-go.
- Narrow
Next, this liner is a bit narrow. You may not notice much if you don’t move around in your sleep. But, if you are a restless sleeper you may feel restricted and claustrophobic.
Material Analysis:
The fleece is a 210T polyester blend. So, it’s soft and durable. Also, the synthetic material does a good job of trapping your body heat and keeping your body toasty throughout the night.
Who Is It For?
This fleece liner is best for campers and backpackers who don’t have mass and weight restrictions. Since it packs bulky, it is not optimal for ultra-light backpackers.
However, if you are car camping or only going on an overnight trip, this liner works great in different types of weather.
If you want to find out more about the ALPS Mountaineering Razor Fleece Sleeping Bag Liner, check out the link below:
Best Cold Weather Sleeping Bag Liner: Sea to Summit Thermolite Reactor Extreme Sleeping Bag Liner
Review
Are you an extreme backpacker who needs a sleeping bag liner that can hold up to your adventures? If so, you may want to check out the Sea to Summit Thermolite Reactor Extreme Sleeping Bag Liner.
This liner packs light and keeps you warm in frigid temperatures. You can get up to 25 degrees more warmth in your bag by using it. Yet, you can also use it by itself if the weather isn’t that cold.
Keeping warm doesn’t mean sacrificing portability, though. The liner weighs less than a pound. And, it packs down relatively small.
Additionally, using a liner increases your sleeping bag’s longevity. And, decreases your headaches getting it laundered after camping season is over. No matter how gross you get in the wild, your sleeping bag doesn’t have to suffer when you use a liner.
Take a look at the point-by-point review of the positives and negatives of this bag liner below. Find out if this one will work for you.
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight and portable
Need to keep your pack light but keep warm at night? This sleeping bag liner is one of the warmest on the market. And, one of the lightest. At only 14oz, it’s light and small enough to squeeze into your backpack.
- Can add up to 25 degrees Fahrenheit of warmth
Nothing is worse than freezing your toes off in cold weather. But, this liner uses a patented Thermolite fabric that adds to your overall sleeping bag rating. And, the liner’s mummy-style cut allows you to pull the hood up for additional comfort and warmth.
- Versatile in warm or very cold weather
Finally, it’s not always cold outside. But, why own a bunch of liners for the different seasons? You can also use this one in warm weather. Just leave the sleeping bag at home and take this one as your only sleep cover.
Cons
- Can tangle up in the liner
Not all products are perfect. And, this one’s no different. Especially if you are a restless sleeper. You may find that the lack of weight in the fabric leads to tangled limbs in the middle of the night.
- May not add 25 degrees for you
Are you a warm or a cold sleeper? If you are a warm sleeper, you may not have any problems. But, cold sleepers may feel that the liner is inadequate for keeping them warm.
Additionally, insulation and sleeping on the cold ground are also factors. Keep in mind that this liner doesn’t provide instant warmth like an electric blanket. Rather, it traps the heat you generate inside the sleeping bag.
- Pricey
Finally, the price tag on this sleeping bag liner may be a bit much for some. But, that’s okay. If this one falls outside of your budget, keep reading for other lower cost options below.
Material Analysis:
The Reactor Extreme is made from a poly blend Thermolite material. It’s a hollow-core fabric that traps heat and keeps you cozy at night. Additionally, the synthetic material is very durable and able to stand up to multiple seasons of use.
Who Is It For?
The Thermolite Reator Extreme is great for ultra-light backpackers who need to stay warm without the extra weight and bulk. Casual campers can make great use of this as well since it doesn’t take up that much room in the trunk.
But, if you are a cold or restless sleeper you may want to keep looking. This is a great liner to keep you warm, but you may do better with a heavier fabric liner.
If you like what you are reading so far, check out the link below for additional information:
Other Sleeping Bag Liner Options:
If you didn’t see the perfect sleeping bag liner for you in our top picks list, maybe one below will suit you. These options are equally great. And, they deserve mentioning for their outstanding qualities.
Looking for something softer? Why not try the Rab 100% Silk Sleeping Bag Liner? It’s one of the lightest liners on the market and packs ultra small. This liner also comes in different sizes and a lifetime warranty.
Next, if you want a simple cotton sleeping bag liner, the Mountainsmith Cotton Sleeping Bag Liner is a great option. It’s breathable and protects your sleeping bag. And, maybe more importantly it’s priced for the most scrupulous budget campers.
However, if you are looking for a wool sleeping bag liner you may want to check out the Cocoon Merino Wool Mummy Liner. Unlike many other wool products, this one is non-scratchy. It is also relatively lightweight and odor resistant.
Final Thoughts
Your sleeping habits are as individual as you are. And, your sleeping bag liner should reflect that. So, when you go to choose one remember that ultimately you are picking one that will be the difference between a cold or comfortable night’s sleep.
If you like the softness of fleece and to remain toasty through the night, you can’t go wrong with the ALPS Mountaineering Razor Fleece Sleeping Bag/Liner. Additionally, you can use it throughout the year in different seasons. Finally, you get the comfort of a fleece fabric and the assurance of your sleeping bag’s longevity.
So, if you’re ready to take your security blanket out into the great outdoors, click on the link below:
But, if the bulkiness of the fleece sleeping bag liner just isn’t for you, you should try the best sleeping bag liner on the market. The Sea to Summit Reactor Thermolite Sleeping Bag Liner has just the right amount of added warmth, without the added weight and bulk.
This liner is especially good to take out when you don’t know what the weather will be like when you finally stop for the night. The added temperature this liner gives you can keep you cozy on unexpectedly cold nights. Or, you may end up using it by itself on warmer nights.
The versatility of this sleeping bag liner can keep you prepared for anything Mother Nature has to throw at you.
So, if you’re ready to invest in this great addition to your gear, check out this link:
Lastly, you work hard trekking through all the challenges the wilderness offers. You deserve to have a good night’s sleep in your warm sleeping bag, and not worry about cleaning it when you finally get home. Investing in the right sleeping bag liner can give you peace of mind about both.
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