A crucial part of any camping kit is a sleeping bag liner. Along with the best camping pillows, you don’t have to have one to camp but once you’ve tried it, you will always make sure it’s part of your outdoor sleep system. Camping is about being as at ease as you can so you can fully enjoy the whole experience, and believe me, a sleeping bag liner goes a long way to having a great night’s sleep!
Not only do sleeping bag liners add comfort and prevent you from slipping around on your sleeping pad, but they also protect your main bag from rips and tears, dirt, moisture, and anything else you might drag in with you. They are extremely lightweight and packable and fit easily into any corner of a backpack.
You can use them all year round as they act as insulation during colder nights and, if need be, you can shed your heavier sleeping bag and just use the breathable liner in much hotter climes.
Colder weather sleeping bag liners tend to be slightly heavier and bulkier than their summer counterparts, so this is something to consider when getting your pack ready.
HOW WE SELECT THE BEST SLEEPING BAG LINER
It can be hard to know which sleeping bag liner is right for you, especially if you're not sure what to look for.
There are a lot of different factors to consider when choosing a sleeping bag liner, like the climate you'll be using it in and the material it's made from.
We've put together this handy guide to help make your decision easier. By matching your liner with your sleeping bag and selecting one that's the same length, you'll get the most out of your purchase. Colder weather liners tend to be slightly heavier and bulkier than their summer counterparts, so keep that in mind when packing for your next trip.
SLEEPING BAG LINER SHAPES:
RECTANGULAR: Roomier at your feet than the mummy version and often with a pillow extension if you’re looking for extra comfort.
MUMMY: A mummy- shaped sleeping bag liner that narrow at the feet and wider at the shoulders to hug closer to your body for extra warmth. These often come with a hood attached for extra snugness.
DOUBLE: Perfect for a double sleeping bag – extra warmth.
MATERIALS:
SILK: perfect material for hot or humid conditions. Silk sleeping bag liners are naturally cool to touch and incredibly lightweight, and they pack down to virtually nothing in your backpack so make an excellent choice for hikers.
COTTON: Cotton sleeping bag liners are a great material for liners during summertime. A naturally breathable fabric that helps keep you cool and dry. Not always the best option for colder climes as it doesn’t offer the same thermal protection as a fleece liner would. Easy to throw in the wash.
FLEECE: This is your go-to for winter weather. Fleece is a bulkier material than silk so you would need to factor this in if you are looking to keep your pack light. Fleece gives you the warmth you need and can add an extra 10 degrees to your bag but is still breathable and snug.
We've done the hard work for you and have hand-picked 6 of the best sleeping bag liners currently out on the market. Whether you're looking for something lightweight and compact or something that will keep you extra warm, we've got you covered.
Sea to Summit Adaptor Coolmax Liner
Best Sleeping Bag Liner For Hot Weather
What Works For Us
Looking for a top-quality sleeping bag liner that will keep you cool and comfortable in hot weather? Look no further than the Sea to Summit Adaptor Coolmax Liner as this is one of our top picks for sleeping bag liners in hot weather.
Made from Coolmax fabric, this superior quality liner is designed to keep you cool and dry, with moisture-wicking properties that will keep you sweat-free.
The stretchy material is extremely comfortable to sleep in, and can be used on its own or as part of a sleep system. The liner is tapered to fit perfectly into sleeping bags, and comes with an optional Insect Shield for added protection against mosquitoes and other pests.
This is one of the best sleeping bag liners for hot, humid climates. The Sea to Summit Adaptor Coolmax Liner is a must-have for any camper or hiker who is looking for a great sleeping bag liner that keeps you cool and dry during hot, sticky nights!
What You Need To Know
Sleeping Bag liner Specifications:
Shape: Mummy - pairs best with mummy shaped sleeping bags
Weight: 280g (9.8oz)
Material: 100% polyester
Dimensions: 85” Length x 35” width
Stuff bag included
Pairs well with the Sea to Summmit Ether Light XT Extreme Sleeping pad - check out our review.
SnugPak Fleece Sleeping Bag liner
Best Sleeping Bag Liner For Cold Weather
What Works For Us
Looking for a little extra warmth on those chilly nights?
The SnugPak Fleece Sleeping Bag Liner is a great choice. Made from 100% polyester fleece, this lightweight liner adds substantial warmth to your bag, retaining your body heat well.
The adjustable hood fits inside your bag, and the draw cord can be adjusted around your head to keep out drafts and ensure a comfortable night's sleep.
The tie-in loops at the foot of the liner keep you from slipping around on your sleeping pad, and the breathable fabric has moisture-wicking properties to keep you dry and warm.
The full-length zipper makes it easy to get in and out of your bag, and it's machine-washable for added convenience. SnugPak's Fleece Sleeping Bag Liner is an excellent way to add a little extra warmth and comfort to your camping experience.
What You Need To Know
Sleeping Bag liner Specifications:
Weight: 2lbs
Shape: Mummy - pairs best with mummy shaped sleeping bags
Dimensions: 94” in length x 30” in width
Pack Dimensions: 14” x 7” x 7”
Material: 100% polyester fleece
Fill material: Down
Compression stuff sack included
TETON SPORTS SLEEPING BAG LINER
Best Sleeping Bag Liner on a budget
What Works For Us
There are some decent budget sleeping bag liners on the market currently but we found the Teton Sports Sleeping Bag Liner ticks the box for us as a solid, warm, well made budget liner.
When paired with any Celcius or Farenheit XL or XXL sleeping bag it will give you an extra 10 degrees of warmth. Plus, the soft and lightweight brushed fabric minimises twisting and tangling during the night.
The top sides open down to allow easy come and go, and there are velcro safety straps to close openings and keep cold drafts out. Plus, the square pillow hood and reinforced seams make this liner durable yet still lightweight.
This is a great option for a sleeping bag liner on a budget as you still get the benefits of increased warmth at a fraction of the price of some of the more luxurious versions on the market.
What You Need To Know
Sleeping Bag liner Specifications:
Weight: 12oz (320grams)
Dimensions: 87" x 37"
Shape: Rectangular - pairs best with standard shaped sleeping bags
Material: Double brushed P5 Poly Hi-count
Taffeta Stuff sack with drawstring and handle
SEA TO SUMMIT SPARK 50 DEGREE ULTRA LIGHT DOWN SLEEPING BAG LINER
BEST ULTRA LIGHT SLEEPING BAG LINER
What Works For Us
Looking for an ultralight sleeping bag liner? This is hands-down one of our favorites!
This premium sleeping bag liner works perfectly as a stand alone summer sleeping bag or as a liner within a bag during mid-winter, thanks to the 850+ fill power down insulation and Ultra Dry down technology which makes it great for trapping warm air.
With a contoured mummy-shape, this liner is extremely light and compact, weighing just 7.90z. It also comes with a left-sided zipper that is 1/3rd of the length of the liner. The fabric is 7D for minimal weight and bulk but not compromising on quality. This makes this sleeping bag liner a great choice for summer backpacking or hiking.
More expensive than some other liners on the market, but well worth the extra cost for the versatility and super light weight. Be sure to check height dimensions to ensure you have the right sized bag.
Whether you use it as a standalone summer sleeping bag or as a liner during mid-winter, the Spark 50 Degree is an excellent choice for those who want the best of both worlds.
What You Need To Know
Sleeping Bag liner Specifications:
Weight: 7.09oz (224g)
Pack Dimensions: 14" x 8" x 5"
Shape: Mummy - pairs best with mummy shaped sleeping bags
Fill Material: Down
Ultra-Sil Compression Sack
Works well with the Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Inflatable Camping Pillow.
COCOON SILK MUMMY LINER
BEST SILK SLEEPING BAG LINER
What Works For Us
Looking for silk sleeping bag liners that are both lightweight and durable? Look no further than the Cocoon Silk Mummy Liner!
This ultralight, versatile silk sleeping bag liner is ideal for backpacking and hiking during summer months. It's incredibly effective at keeping you cool in hotter climes as a stand alone bag or paired with a sleeping bag during winter to improve insulation.
The Cocoon silk sleeping bag liner is incredibly soft against your skin, and this 100% silk liner keeps your bag from getting trail-worn and is easy to hand or machine wash. The "rip-stop" silk is more durable and resistant to tearing than regular silk which offers extra protection.
This contoured mummy shaped silk sleeping bag liner is one heck of an ultralight liner and will save you masses of space in your pack. At only 126 grams, it's one of our top picks for an ultralight sleeping bag liner.
When you're done using it, just stuff it back into its silk stuff sack and hit the trail.
What You Need To Know
Sleeping Bag liner Specifications:
Weight: 4.04oz (126g)
Pack Dimensions: 15" x 7" x 5"
Shape: Mummy - pairs best with mummy shaped sleeping bags
Material: 100% natural silk
Silk Stuff Sack
LITUME ALL SEASON SLEEPING BAG LINER
BEST ALL SEASON SLEEPING BAG LINER
What Works For Us
This super warm, super comfy, all season sleeping bag liner is one of our favourites choices.
This is another really versatile sleeping bag liner as it makes for an extra warm and comfy liner within a bag and also works well on it's own in warm weather.
The Flexible fleece fabric allows plenty movement within the liner so you won't end up twisted and bunched up inside.
Litume have also implemented a clever "foot box" design which gives extra room for your feet, not a feature often found in mummy shaped liners.
The drawstring hood locks in heat and keeps the cold drafts out and with no zipper to leak heat, this liner can give up to an extra 27 degree Fahrenheit .
The fleece fabric has moisture-wicking properties for good breathability and although it's heavier than others on our list, at 470g, it's still compact and worth it for the comfort and warmth it provides.
What You Need To Know
Sleeping Bag liner Specifications:
Weight: 16.06oz (470g)
Dimensions: 85" x 32"
Shape: Mummy - pairs best with mummy shaped sleeping bags
Material: Fleece (100% polyester)
Stuff Sack
BEST SLEEPING BAG LINERS BUYERS GUIDE: WHAT TO CONSIDER:
It can be hard to know which sleeping bag liners are the best fit for your camping needs, especially if you're a first-time camper.
There are a lot of different factors to consider when choosing the best sleeping bag liner - material, weight, how warm or cool it will keep you through the night.
It can be tough to figure out which is best and what you really need especially with the multitude of choices on the market.
We've answered some of the most frequently asked questions on the best sleeping bag liners to help choose the right ones for your camping needs.
With this resource, you'll be able to find the best sleeping bag liner for your next camping trip in no time and be secure in the knowledge that whether you're looking for something lightweight and compact or something that will keep you extra warm, we've got you covered.
Which is better silk or cotton sleeping bag liner?
There are a few things to consider when deciding between a silk or cotton sleeping bag liner. First, think about what kind of climate you'll be using the liner in. If you anticipate cold weather, you'll want a material like silk that will provide some insulation. On the other hand, if you're planning to use the liner in warm weather, cotton might be a better choice since it's more breathable.
Another factor to consider, when choosing either a silk sleeping bag liner or a cotton one is how much weight and space you're willing to carry on your backpacking trip. Silk is usually lighter and takes up less space than cotton, so it may be the better option if you're trying to minimize your pack weight. However, keep in mind that silk is also more expensive than cotton and in some cases, less durable so work out what your priorities are to select the best sleeping bag liner to fit your situation.
Do sleeping bag liners really add warmth?
Yes, sleeping bag liners do really add warmth. Similar to a sleeping bag, they work by trapping your body heat and keeping you warm while you sleep. Additionally, they can help keep you dry by wicking away moisture from your skin. This is important, because wet skin can lead to feeling cold and uncomfortable during sleep.
If you're looking for an insulated sleeping bag liner that will provide the most warmth, I recommend choosing one made of fleece or other thick material. Make sure to choose a size that is appropriate for your sleeping bag - if the liner is too small, it may not be able to do its job properly. And finally, be sure to wash your liner regularly in order to keep it clean and free from bacteria buildup - it's so much easier to wash the liner than the sleeping bag itself!
Does a polyester sleeping bag liner add warmth?
A polyester sleeping bag liner can add warmth by increasing the thickness of the insulation layer between you and the cold air outside the sleeping bag. However, it's important to make sure that the liner is properly sized for your sleeping bag so that there is no air leakage. Also, a polyester liner can absorb perspiration and body oils, which can reduce the effectiveness of the insulation. So it's generally a good idea to wash your liner on a regular basis.
Are sleeping bag liners a good idea?
Sleeping bag liners are a great idea! They add an extra layer of warmth and insulation to your sleeping bag and help to keep your sleeping bag clean. Liners also make it easier to pack up your sleeping bag, as they can be rolled up tightly and take up less space.
There are a few different types of sleeping bag liners, so it's important to choose one that's suitable for the climate you'll be using it in. For warm weather camping, a liner made from cotton or other breathable material is ideal. In cold weather conditions, a liner made from synthetic material will help to keep you warm. A lightweight sleeping bag liner might be a top priority for you if you are hiking and looking to minimize pack weight.
You should always look to pair you sleeping bag liner with your sleeping bag to ensure that it's no too big or small as this prevents the liner from becoming tangled during the night.
Do silk sleeping bag liners prevent bed bugs?
Yes, a silk sleeping bag liner can help prevent bed bugs.
Bed bugs are attracted to the warmth and carbon dioxide that our bodies emit while we sleep. Silk is a natural material that is cool to the touch, so it can help keep you comfortable at night. Additionally, silk is a tight weave, so it creates a barrier that bed bugs cannot penetrate. Finally, because silk is smooth, bed bugs have trouble gripping onto it and are more likely to fall off before they reach your skin. So a silk sleeping bag liner is a great way to keep bugs at bay!
Of course, a silk sleeping bag liners is not foolproof – nothing is when it comes to bed bugs. But if you're looking for an extra layer of protection against these pests, silk is a good option to consider.
BEST SLEEPING BAG LINERS FOR YOU
Thank you for sticking with us to the end!
We know this was a long post, but we wanted to make sure that we covered all of the important information regarding the best sleeping bag liners currently out there.
Now it’s time to put this information into practice and choose the best sleeping bag liner for your next camping trip.
Happy camping!
