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The Best Sleeping Bag Liners Reviewed in 2024
Mainly it’s because they are very light, they pack small (small enough to fit in your pocket), they’re easy to use, easy to wash and clean and serve more purposes than you might imagine. Below we have reviewed our top ten picks for the best sleeping bag liners on the market to help you decide which one is best for your travels. On your next journey make sure to keep warm, clean and stay dry with your sleeping bag liner.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Use
Why would you want to take your own travel sheets? Could be that the hostel you are staying in is not exactly 5 star and the sheets provided are not very nice, and who knows who slept on them last or when they were last laundered. Or maybe your hotel got the booking wrong and now you're stuck in the budget hotel down the street. If you have a liner with you at least you know that you can sleep inside something clean and bug-free. And it will not take up any space or any realistic weight in your luggage.
The more traditional use is as a liner for inside your sleeping bag. A good quality sleeping bag is an investment that you spend a tidy sum of money on, and it’s not the easiest of items to clean. I’m sure that your sleeping bag is very clean, and there are no strange smells when you unroll it, definitely no crumbs from midnight snacks, no squashed insect or spiders you rolled on in the night. But unless you have cleaned it after every expedition and trip then it will have a build up of body oils, bits of dead skin and hair. Basically the perfect environment for bed bugs. Most washing machines are either not big enough to hold a sleeping bag and if they are washing a sleeping bag will fill the whole machine, whereas a sleeping bag liner can be washed along with the other day to day laundry items. Much more efficient for you and the environment.
Versatility
Are you not on board with the idea? What about using a liner to boost the warmth to your sleeping bag? A bag liner can add extra degrees of warmth inside the bag. This will vary by the materials used to make the liner. Laying outside, you are about to become an all you can eat mosquito buffet. Your liner can double as a lighter version of the sleeping bag to give you a form ofinsect repellent.
Comfort
You need to decide on the time of year you will be using the liner. Are you only going to be using it during the spring and summer, in which case a lightweight breathable material is good? Or will you be using it in the winter and therefore need it to give the maximum increase in sleeping bag temperature and a fleece fabric might be better? The weight of the fabric may be a concern for you, as well as how small it can be packed, especially if you are going to be backpacking, however, if you camp from the car then the size and weight are probably not an issue.
What is important is that you know the size of your current sleeping bag. If you buy a liner that is larger than your current sleeping bag then you will experience folds in the liner fabric, these can be uncomfortable, but mainly it enables the liner to cling to you and as you turn over in the night the liner will slowly wrap itself around you and constrict you, like a loving Boa constrictor. Is your sleeping bag rectangular or a mummy bag? If it is a mummy bag do you want your liner to have a hood or is the hood of the mummy enough? With rectangular bags do you want a pillow pocket to insert a pillow, Is a side zip important for ease of access?
Materials
What material or fabrics should I look for? This one really depends on your personal preference, but should also be chosen based on the most likely type and frequency of use.
Silk
Silk is a natural fabric woven from the cocoon of silkworms. It is very lightweight and feels luxurious next to the skin. Silk offers excellent insulation properties, due to its low conductivity. But it is absorbent and will soak up moisture (moisture-wicking) and allow this moisture to evaporate, which makes it great in hot and humid climates, as well as cooler climates. Silk is relatively strong but will lose a lot of its strength when wet so care needs to be taken when washing the material. Because of the manufacturing process to obtain silk, the cost of this fabric and items made from it are generally higher than other fabrics.
Silk-Cotton Blend
As the name suggests, it is a silk and cotton blended fabric. The main idea is to reap the benefits of both fabrics. Silk cotton blends often have the same silky feel as pure silk and the increased strength. However, the insulation properties are lower than pure silk. In hot and humid climates Silk Cotton blends still offer good absorption and moisture-wicking, enabling the wearer to remain cool through the breathability of the fabric.
Cotton and Egyptian Cotton
Cotton liners are probably the most common. Cotton is a cost-effective fabric and a lot less expensive compared to silk. Cotton is great in hot humid climates and allows breathability and absorption and moisture-wicking, but in terms of insulation, cotton is a long way behind the silk. Cotton liners are also heavier and do not pack as small as a silk product. Cotton does not insulate as well as silks, although the higher the thread count the better the insulation will be.
Egyptian cotton is not necessarily from Egypt but nowadays refers to the quality of the cotton thread. Egyptian cotton is a different plant than standard cotton and this along with the fact that Egyptian cotton is hand-picked changes its properties compared to standard cotton. Egyptian cotton has longer and finer strands or threads meaning that 1 square centimeter will contain more threads and as such feel finer on the skin and be more flexible and stronger.
This cotton is slightly more porous than standard cotton and as such means, it is slightly more breathable than standard cotton. Expect to pay a premium for Egyptian cotton. It is worth comparing the thread count of the fabric if such information is available, this will give you an idea on the quality of the cotton. The high the thread count per cm square the better the cotton.
Synthetics
Man-made fabrics designed for a specific purpose. Some are excellent moisture wickers and breathable, such as CoolMax, others designed for excellent insulation as Thermolite fabrics are. The advantage of these is they are generally strong and easy to wash and clean. They will certainly do what they are designed for whether that is insulated or be breathable. It is worth considering these and checks if they are stretchable. Being stretchable will mean less chance of you becoming wrapped uptight because you toss and turn a lot in your sleep.
Wool Liners
Wool liners and Merino wool liners are excellent insulators, and in the case of Merino wool feel nice next to the skin. The main disadvantage is the size and weight of these.
Treated fabrics
Some liners come with special treatments and coating, such as an insect repellent treatment which is useful if you are using the liner as a summer sleeping bag.
Top Ten Sleeping Bag Liners
1. Sea To Summit Thermolite Reactor Fleece
This particular Thermolite Fleece Liner is the warmest of the Reactor bags made by this company. Its major strength that has been attested to by reviewers is that it makes a sleeping bag warmer, or it can even be used alone for a cooler sleep.
The Thermolite Fleece is going to provide a toasty warm sleep, and its fabric has a brushed finish for extra comfort.
Read moreUse
This is the best sleeping bag liner that can be used in multiple situations. It is great for travel as it comes with its own stuff sack. When packed, it is about the size of a red solo cup.
Versatility
This liner adds up to 25 degrees of insulation to your sleeping bag. On a warmer night, it can be used on its own as a light blanket.
Comfort
It is soft to the touch and stretches well. It is mummy shaped with a box foot. Some customers have described it as a “large sock” with a drawstring top.
Materials
This liner is made from Sea to Summit’s own Thermalite fabric. This fabric helps to trap air and create more insulation to keep you warm.
2. Sea to Summit Silk Stretch
Sea To Summit makes their traveling sheets from strong, yet comfortable ripstop silk, and they have added Polyester and Lycra stretch panels along the seams. The reason for this addition of materials is that the stretch panels help the liner to move with your body while you roll or nestle up for the night's sleep.
The seams are reinforced and the bag is totally machine washable, so it's functional, durable, and long-lasting.
Read moreUse
This sleeping bag is easy to carry and comes with its own stuff sack. It does not unzip but most users have no trouble snuggling into it.
Versatility
This silk sleeping bag liner can be used in many ways. Some people even like to use it at home because it keeps their feet warm. You can use it in your sleeping bag for extra warmth, on its own for warmer nights, or even at a hotel for skeptical sleeping situations.
Comfort
Who doesn’t love the way a pair of silk sheets glides over their skin? Bring a bit of luxury to your next camping trip with these sheets. Reviewers love that it is roomy enough to not make you feel restricted but tight enough to keep in the warmth.
Materials
These silk liners are made from premium materials that work together to keep you warm and comfortable. The main material is AA ripstop silk, with accompanying polyester/lycra for stretchability.
3. Dimples Excel
The Dimple Excel excels in a couple of areas. First of all, any green buyers out there will enjoy the fact that this liner is made from polyester that utilizes features such as organic and natural dyes and recycled materials.
This liner is also very lightweight, comfortable, and offers adequate breathability.
Read moreUse
This liner easily rolls up and fits into its own case. It weighs only 6.3-ounces and is easily transported.
Versatility
As with most sleeping bag liners, this one can be used with a sleeping bag for more insulation, or without. The fact that it is so easy to wash makes it great for many situations. If you prefer a cocooned-feel, you could even use this for movie night on the couch.
Comfort
This liner is bigger than most other liners on the market. It is 98.4” in length and 43” wide. The extra room gives users extra space to spread out and sleep comfortably. This liner also has a side zipper, making it easy to get in and out of.
Materials
It is made from 100% cotton. Many people are surprised by the fabric content because it feels very soft and “silky.” This is a popular fabric choice because it is very easy to wash.
4. Coolmax Adaptor
Sea to Summit's Coolmax Adaptor liner has been updated with a more convenient and comfortable shape that conforms to a sleeping bag well. The 'traveler's' shape is only one addition of this bag, it also comes with a pillow insert.
Read moreUse
This liner also comes with a great stuff sack that compresses down to 3” by 5” and weighs 9-ounces. Because this product can be easily machine washed, it’s great to bring along anywhere.
Comfort
You may be wondering, "What exactly does Coolmax mean?" Good question. It is a fabric that has been proven to effectively manage moisture, and it adapts to a variety of temperatures and levels of humidity. Even in the balmiest, wet weather, the Adaptor, well, it adapts to provide you with a comfortable night’s sleep.
Versatility
Most users use this best sleeping bag liner to prevent their sleeping bags from becoming smelly on long camping trips. The fabric is very soft, so if you felt inclined to use it in another way there’s no reason not to!
Materials
This liner is made from 100% polyester. It has natural moisture-wicking properties and is very soft.
5. Alps Mountaineering Mummy
The Alps Mummy Liner is made from a material that has many potential benefits. The strength of this liner is that it offers a little extra heat and comfort during cold time periods a simple solution. This also offers the sleeping bag a form of protection as well. By guarding it against prolonged exposure to the skin which can overtime breakdown fabric.
Read moreUse
This liner also comes with a great stuff sack. When compacted, it’s just slightly larger than a can of soda. The weight of this liner is 11-ounces, which is a bit heavier than others on the market.
Versatility
This liner is mummy-shaped and can feel a bit restricting for people who are not used to this shape. Of course, you can still use this one in a rectangular sleeping bag, or you could order this same liner from ALPS in the rectangle shape.
Comfort
Users say that the polyester is not quite as comfortable as cotton, but it’s not a big complaint. If you already own a mummy suitcase, the shape of the best liner will not come as a surprise to you.
Materials
This mummy liner is made from brushed polyester. Many agree that it would be very useful if the manufacturer added a side zipper to make entering and exiting a bit easier.
6. Cocoon Silk Rip Stop
Silk is great for so many reasons for this type of product. One major factor of silk's benefits is that being light material it minimizes bulk for the traveler. Silk is also amazing to the touch, and it pairs well with fluctuations in temperature. Making it a great selection no matter what it is like outdoors.
Read moreUse
This is a mummy shaped liner, which makes it best for a mummy shaped sleeping bag. It weighs 3.52-ounces and comes with a small, convenient stuff sack.
Versatility
This silk material is great for unpredictable temperatures. It has the ability to feel light in a warm climate, and the ability to insulate in cooler climates.
Comfort
Reviewers love the way this material lays on their skin. As long as you don’t require much room to kick around your feet, you’ll be quite comfortable in this liner.
Materials
This ripstop silk fabric also allows for either hand or machine washing to offer further convenience for a camper. This particular bag is Woven with a structure of strong silk threads, and the Ripstop Silk is stronger and more durable, so that it resists tears, and will last longer.
7. Alps Mountaineering Rectangle
The Alps Mountaineering Liner is made from top-notch material that provides breathability, whilst still providing you a good level of warmth. Combined with the use of your rectangular sleeping bag.
Read moreUse
This liner has a zipper that makes it much easier to get and out of. Some are thankful for it and others had an issue with it staying zipped. The weight of this liner, in its included stuff sack, is one pound and five ounces.
Versatility
As with most liners, there’s really no rules on how you can use it. The rectangle shape of this one makes it roomier and slightly more versatile. You could take it to a friends house and sleep on the couch, or use it as a light sleeping bag in the heat.
Comfort
There have been a few complaints about the breathability, but overall, reviewers agree that it is comfortable. Many have commented about the roominess of this liner.
Materials
As the name suggests, this liner is made from a comfortable poly-cotton blend. This material is soft to the touch, semi moisture-wicking, and easy to clean. Reviewers have claimed that it holds up well in the dryer as well.
8. Cocoon Egyptian Cotton
The Cocoon Egyptian Cotton Liner is a fantastic lightweight and roomy option for travelers looking for a natural fabric. These sheets are great for a rectangle shaped sleeping bag, and because they are cotton, they work well for warmer situations, because the cotton breathes well.
Egyptian cotton is long fibered cotton that has been spun into a fine yarn, and this results in a soft, lightweight, and durable fabric. Egyptian cotton tends to be lighter and more compact than liners made of regular cotton. This particular bag is a nice compromise between a bag made of silk or regular cotton, so if you are indecisive on fabric, it's a great place to start.
Read moreUse
This liner weighs 9.2-ounces. It definitely isn’t the lightest or smallest on our list, but it’s nothing to complain about. There is an included stuff that makes carrying and packing the liner simple. It takes just a couple of minutes to fold and roll the liner into its case.
Versatility
The size of this liner is 86” by 35”. There are no rules against using it in a hotel room or anywhere else that don’t feel quite comfortable. This product isn’t suggested for extreme weather, so as long as you’re in a moderate climate, you should be good.
Comfort
This liner has a side velcro closure which makes it easier to get in and out of. Some reviewers wish that the material were a bit thicker, but all agree that it is soft and comfortable. This liner also includes a pillow pocket.
Materials
Who would have guessed? This liner is made from Egyptian cotton. The stuff sack that is included is made from nylon, which helps to protect it from outdoor elements.
9. The Friendly Swede Travel and Camping Sheet
This sleeping bag offers dual colors to choose from, which is a nice option for those who want a darker or lighter color. And the sizing of this liner is fairly generous compared to other bags, so it offers a lot of space for you to stretch without feeling constricted at all.
Read moreUse
This bag comes with a lifetime warranty, which tends to offer a buyer peace of mind. Not to mention, it is completely machine washable, and at the end of the day, it will keep you protected from a hostel's questionable sheets.
Versatility
It’s difficult to pack a whole set of sheets, isn’t it? This liner can be used in any way you can think of and it even includes a pillow pocket. Even if you dropped your pillow in the dust on your week-long camping trip, you can still rest easy knowing that your liner is clean.
Comfort
This specific liner isn’t ideal for freezing temperatures, but it will add a few degrees of warmth on a chilly fall night. It is also light enough to be used in summer. Reviewers say that the material is soft and doesn’t stick to your skin and the liner is spacious.
Materials
This liner is made from synthetic polyester material and claims to have a silky texture. It is easily machine washed on a gentle cycle. If you do not have time to air dry it, you can put it in the dryer on low heat.
10. Rab Poly-Cotton
This liner is a refreshing, no-muss, no-fuss type of liner that will have your sleeping bag protected or you safely covered from a hostel's not-so-great sheets.
Read moreUse
This style of the Rab liner weighs about .6-pounds and also comes with its own personal stuff sack.
Versatility
This is a very basic, but useful liner. It is easily washed and a great addition to any getaway. It can be slightly difficult to get in and out of, but with a bit of patience, you’ll be warm and cozy in no time. There are no rules of when and how to use this liner.
Comfort
This liner does not have a zipper. The opening at the top is 36” wide. Poly-cotton blends are typically soft to the touch and provide little warmth. This liner is great for keeping your bag clean and camping in moderate temperatures.
Materials
It's a simple design with a straightforward opening, and it's made from a blend of polyester and cotton. While this liner doesn't come with any bells or whistles, it will do the trick of protecting you and your bag at a reasonable cost. If you prefer silk, this product is also available in silk.
Sources
- , WHY USE A SLEEPING BAG LINER,
- , BEST SLEEPING BAG LINERS OF 2019, Buying Guide