Buying guide for best sleeping bag liners
Some sleeping bags fail to keep you quite as warm as the manufacturer claims, while other sleeping bags are too heavy for summer weather. To avoid shivering all night or waking up in a clammy sweat, the answer is a sleeping bag liner.
A sleeping bag liner provides an extra layer of insulation between you and the sleeping bag. It’s a well-known fact that the best way to stay warm is to dress in thin layers, and the same is true for sleeping bags. During hot weather, you can use a sleeping bag liner alone or as a top sheet. Sleeping bag liners are also easier to clean than sleeping bags. With a liner, you will protect the sleeping bag itself.
Our buying guide goes in-depth on all the key considerations and features to examine when shopping for sleeping bag liners. We also break down exactly how much you should pay for this handy camping accessory.
Key considerations
Types of sleeping bag liners
Standard sleeping bag liners are rectangular in shape and work with most sleeping bags. However, some sleeping bags are mummy bags. These bags are mummy-shaped: smaller at the bottom where your feet go than at the top. Standard sleeping bag liners won’t fit in mummy bags. You’ll need to get a sleeping bag liner designed specifically for the mummy shape.
Material
Sleeping bag liners are usually made from microfiber fleece, polyester, or cotton. Each material has its pros and cons.
By itself, a microfiber fleece sleeping bag liner will keep you warm down to about 50°F. Inside a sleeping bag, a microfiber fleece liner will add 10 to 12 degrees of extra protection to whatever temperature your bag is rated for. For example, if your bag claims to keep you warm down to 0°F, adding a microfiber fleece liner will keep you warm to -10°F to -12°F. Microfiber fleece is heavier than other liner materials, but in cold weather it’s worth it.
Polyester sleeping bag liners are very thin, but they will keep you warmer than you think because polyester doesn’t breathe. The main attraction with polyester is how lightweight it is. Liners made from polyester are the lightest sleeping bag liners available, usually under a pound. This is a plus when packing a hiking backpack.
Sleeping bag liners made from cotton feel like you’re sleeping under a normal sheet. These are especially nice for staying in hostels and motels where you might be worried about sanitation. During warm camping weather, you can sleep on top of your sleeping bag with a cotton liner as a sheet.
Size
There isn’t a standard size for sleeping bag liners. A good rule of thumb is to divide the size by 12 to compare it to your own height. While 72 inches may sound good, that is only six feet long. If you’re over six feet tall, a sleeping bag liner of 72 inches would be too short for you.
Weight
Sleeping bag liners generally tip the scales at less than two pounds and most are under a pound and a half. The weight depends on the material. If you’ll be hiking and carrying your sleeping bag liner with you wherever you go, you might want to opt for an ultra-lightweight liner. These are usually polyester sleeping bag liners.
Did you know?
Using a sleeping bag liner is more hygienic than sleeping directly in the sleeping bag because the liner is easier to wash and dry.
STAFF
BestReviews
Features
Pillow pocket
A sleeping bag liner with a pillow pocket is a great way to keep your camping pillow from getting dirty. Stuff your pillow inside the pocket and you’ve got a soft place for your head that won’t slip out from under you during the night.
Design
Not all sleeping bag liners open up flat like a sheet or blanket. Be sure to read the product description carefully if this is a feature you’re looking for.
Closures
Closures made of Velcro are often a giveaway that the sleeping bag liner doesn’t open all the way. Instead, a sleeping bag liner with Velcro closures is likely to open only halfway down one side.
Sleeping bag liners that have zippers generally unzip so the liner can be laid flat. These sleeping bag liners can sometimes be zipped together to make one large liner that is comfortable for two. If a sleeping bag liner has a zipper, chances are it will unzip and lay flat even if the product description doesn’t explicitly say so.
Color
Sleeping bag liners come in an array of colors. You’re sure to find one that matches your sleeping bag or other camping gear.
Did you know?
The warmest sleeping bag liners are usually made from polyester, which traps heat.
STAFF
BestReviews
Accessories
Camping pillows: Coop Home Goods Camping/Travel Pillow
Why drag the clean pillows off your bed and take them out in the woods? Camping pillows are durable enough for the outdoors. This memory foam pillow from Coop Home Goods is lightweight and compressible, so you can take it with you without sacrificing room in your backpack.
Camping sleeping pads: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite Ultralight Backpacking Air Mattress
If you’ve ever slept on hard, rocky ground, you already know why an inflatable sleeping pad is a necessity when you’re camping. Therm-a-Rest’s NeoAir Xlite sleeping pad is ultra-lightweight but still has plenty of cushion for your back, sides, and hips.
Sleeping bag straps: Coghlan’s Sleeping Bag Straps
When it’s time to hit the trail, how are you going to attach your sleeping bag to your backpack? Unlike knotty twine, camping bag straps can be buckled and unbuckled in a matter of seconds. We like this set of two strong straps with quick-release buckles from Coghlan’s.
Compression bags: ALPS Mountaineering Compression Stuff Sack
The stuff bag that comes with a sleeping bag tends to easily go missing. Cover yourself and get an extra compression bag. This ALPS Mountaineering compression bag will fit your sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, changes of clothes, and then some.
"The coolest sleeping bag liners are made from cotton, just like the sheets on your bed."
STAFF
BestReviews
Sleeping bag liner prices
Sleeping bag liners are affordable pieces of camping gear. And a lower price doesn’t mean you’re getting a cheap liner. Instead, the price generally reflects the material the sleeping bag liner is made from.
Most sleeping bag liners retail for around $17 to $23. Many of the sleeping bag liners in this range are made from cotton or polyester. Above $23, you’ll find specialty liners for mummy bags, usually made from polyester or microfiber fleece.
Tips
Wash your sleeping bag liner after every trip. Remember to follow the manufacturer’s care instructions.
Don’t keep the liner inside your sleeping bag when you roll it up. Fold or roll the liner separately.
Sleeping bag liners are also useful for keeping the wind off your backside when you’re relaxing in a hammock.
FAQ
Q. Can I use a sleeping bag liner by itself?
A. Of course. Many people do just that in the summer. If you have a sleeping bag liner that opens flat, you can use it like a top sheet and sleep on top of your sleeping bag.
Q. The product description says the sleeping bag liner feels like silk. Is it silk?
A. Probably not. Sleeping bag liners are usually made from cotton, polyester, or microfiber fleece. Once in a while, you’ll find a liner that is made of silk, but those liners tend to be quite expensive.
Q. Why do I need a sleeping bag liner?
A. Sleeping bag liners are meant to keep you warm and keep your sleeping bag clean. You can also use a sleeping bag liner alone or as a top sheet in hot weather.
