Sleeping Bag Liners

[7mmfan]

How many of you use them? I've always just been of the mindset of buying a warmer bag, but There does seem to be some advantages, especially if using a down bag like I am. They certainly have the ability to greatly extend the temperature rating, basically turning my two different down bags into 4 different weather options ranging from summer to 0 degrees. Thoughts?

Rory

[Buckhunter24]

I just bought one, backcountry had the western mountaineering Sonora liner on clearance. Doesn't look like they have any more in stock. At 6 ounces and 25 bucks, the ability to add some warmth seemed worth it.

[kselkhunter]

I use a liner not only for the extra warmth, but it also helps keep the sleeping bag cleaner.  So you can wash the liner more often than dealing with cleaning a sleeping bag.

I have two different liners: a silk liner during warmer temps and a wool liner that is for cold temperature camping.

I just have one lightweight Feathered Friends 20 degree bag, and can adjust the usage.  In the summers I just leave it unzipped and sleep on top it, using my liner for warmth.  If temperatures drop too much I can just pull it closed.  For November camping in deep snow, I use the wool liner and bag and usually a second sleeping pad for extra insulation.  Occassionally when temps drop well below 0, I will wear some wool thermal underwear top and bottom inside the sleeping bag.  But, I sleep hotter than average folks so can endure the cold a bit better.   

[WapitiTalk1]

I have one and have used it on occasion inside a bag, or quilt (Cocoon brand I think; its a silky model).  Seems to certainly help the bag rating if/when it gets really cold.  They weigh nothing and compact way down so ya, its worth a look and test run     

[7mmfan]

The ability to keep my bag clean is important to me. Like most of us, I sweat, and I stink, especially on day 3 or 4 of a backpack hunt. I want to keep the bags in good shape. Having some extra insulation to expand the range of my bags is really the bonus.

Thanks for the input guys.

[Stein]

I have a light one, used it a few times.  They are cheap and do keep your bag clean.  I don't know that the single layer fabric style ones add much to the warmth though.

I don't think it's much of a game changer in my experience.  Maybe there are thicker ones, or insulated versions that would be different. 

I have two bags, actually a winter bag and a 2-3 season quilt.

[trophyhunt]

I used for the first time this spring bear season my kuiu puffy pants to sleep with my EE quilt, Slept like a baby!!!  love those puffy pants!

[TheStovePipeKid]

My dad gave me his fleece liner several years back after a solo hunt in September. Good for about 10 degrees. I never go on a trip without it. I sleep cold and it changed my life. The problem with a sub zero bag is bulk that is impossible to shed if there weather isn't freezing, and you end up playing the hot and cold game in and out of the bag. They are reasonably priced and I think you'll wonder what you did without one for so long.

[follow maggie]

I don’t use a liner per se, but if it’s cold I’ll bring a flannel sheet to put in the bag.  Works pretty well.

[ridgefire]

A liner adds a little warmth to my bag, keeps it cleaner and I do not get clammy feeling when using my liner in my down bag.

[7mmfan]

Like others have said, I don't know why I haven't gotten one sooner actually. I have always used a fleece liner in my bag in truck camps, and sleep way better. Not a fan of the feel of most sleeping bag materials when sleeping.

I picked up a Sea to Summit extreme liner yesterday. 8 oz, supposed to add up 14 deg warmth so should effectively turn my 15 deg bag into a 0 deg bag and my 40 into a 25.

I'm also considering adding a thin closed cell pad, like 1/8" or 1/4" to my pad for more insulation when it's cold. The consensus from real extreme snow hikers is that the CCF should be under your inflatable, to trap body heat in it. Does anyone here have any experience with that?

[kselkhunter]

Yes, put the closed cell foam on the bottom under your other (inflatable) pad when in the snow or extreme cold.  It not only helps with insulation, but many air pads lose air in extreme cold so the extra cushion of the second foam pad helps in terms of comfort as well.