A sleeping bag needs a good liner!

Sleeping bag liners are a very useful part of outdoor equipment, although travelers and backwoodsmen often forget about them. The advantage of sleeping bag liners is not only increased thermal comfort, but also protection of the sleeping bag from dirt. Which leads to an extension of its lifespan. But how to choose the right liner that will meet your needs? You will find out in the following article.

Why use a sleeping bag liner

There are several reasons to use a sleeping bag liner. The first is increased thermal comfort, as a liner can extend the temperature limits of your sleeping bag by up to several degrees Celsius. This is especially useful when you are unsure whether the temperatures are dropping too low.

TIP: Read our article on temperature limits, which are a crucial factor in choosing the right sleeping bag.

A liner protects the inner material of the sleeping bag from sweat, dirt and grease.

Another reason for using a hygienic sleeping bag liner is hygiene. A liner protects the inner material of the sleeping bag from sweat, dirt and grease. Unlike a sleeping bag, the liner can be washed relatively easily without any significant negative effects on it in the long term. The sleeping bag, especially its insulation, is quite delicate and frequent washing is harmful to it.

The sleeping bag liner is also a universal piece of equipment that you can use separately as a blanket in the hot months. And in destinations where cleanliness is not too important, you can use such a liner to prevent the development of unpleasant skin or other diseases. On the other hand, where cleanliness is particularly important, the use of such a liner in the bed linen may be mandatory. For example, in some Alpine mountain huts.

What materials are sleeping bag liners made of?

Sleeping bag liners are mainly made of materials that are pleasant to the touch and that wick moisture away from the body well. This second statement does not apply to cotton, which absorbs moisture but does not let it out. That is why it is combined with other materials, even silk, which is also an excellent thermal insulator. It will keep you warm in winter and cool in summer. However, silk is not very cheap – that is why it is being combined with cotton.

Another option is to combine cotton with something synthetic, such as polyester. This combination again increases thermal comfort and at the same time wicks moisture away from the body well. The advantage of polyester is its above-standard durability. So it can withstand multiple washings. That is why manufacturers offer models that are made of 100% polyester.

And finally, there is nylon, the advantages of which are similar to those of polyester, i.e. easy washing (and also relatively quick drying) and high durability (compared to natural materials). We also have to mention merino wool, which is ideal for practically all fabrics among natural materials. But it is a relatively expensive matter. So if it is found in sleeping bag liners, it is more of an additional material. Merino wool has, among other things, the advantage that it has a natural antibacterial treatment.

Travel liners are universal, lightweight and packable for frequent carrying. Hygienic liners are simple models that are suitable for hostels or mountain huts, for example.

How do we distinguish types of liners according to use?

There are several types of liners according to their use, but the individual types can overlap. We mainly have summer liners, which are thinner and lighter and logically more suitable for warmer periods. There are also winter liners, which are thicker and better insulate on colder nights. Travel liners are universal, lightweight and packable for frequent carrying. And finally, hygienic liners are simple models that are suitable for hostels or mountain huts, for example.

But usually one liner will fulfill more than one function and you can pack a summer liner with you as a hygienic liner, or even for the winter period, if you have a sufficiently high-quality sleeping bag.

Types of liners by size and shape

We will decide on the size and shape if we want the liner to match the cut of the sleeping bag as best as possible. So, the mummy shape logically fits the sleeping bags of the same name and, thanks to the integrated hood, protects the sleeping bag even in the head area. The rectangular shape is more universal and suitable for wider sleeping bags or as a separate blanket.

You will be able to slip into a liner with a zipper more easily, but again – it is important to have the zipper on the same side as the sleeping bag. This does not apply to rectangular liners, which usually do not matter how you turn them (i.e. which side you put down and which side up).

Mummy liners logically fit sleeping bags of the same name and, thanks to the integrated hood, protect the sleeping bag even in the head area. The rectangular shape is more universal and suitable for wider sleeping bags or as a separate blanket.

Price range of sleeping bag liners

You can buy the simplest liners for around 500 CZK or 20 eur (as of early 2025). These are basic models the primary purpose of which is to protect the sleeping bag from getting dirty, or you from sleeping in someone else's bedding. You can find slightly better materials in the 1000-1500 CZK (40 – 60 eur) category, which are more comfortable models with better breathability and moisture wicking. Merino wool and other premium materials can be found in the highest price category, over 1500 CZK or 60 eur.

Conclusion

Choosing a sleeping bag liner is no science. It depends entirely on your preferences. And also on what kind of sleeping bag you have. Maybe you are primarily looking for higher thermal comfort, maybe better hygiene, but perhaps also a more universal solution for various conditions. You will definitely find something in Rigad's offer, whatever your requirements. Choose a liner that will make your overnight stay in nature more pleasant and at the same time protect your sleeping bag.