Always Bring Protection: Sleeping Bag Liners

For the outdoor enthusiast, there's nothing better than slipping into a warm and comfortable sleeping bag at the end of a good day of outdoor activity. However, there are times in every climate when something a little extra is needed that can make bedding down for the night even cozier- sleeping bag liners.

Sleeping bag liners can be made of a myriad of materials, such as cotton, silk or polyester; and depending on the type of fabric, they can raise the temperature inside a bag anywhere from 5-10 degrees. This can be a handy addition for those nights with an unexpected drop in temperature; or to gussy up a bag that may be too light for the environment it's in. Aside from the ability to raise temperatures inside the bag, sleeping bag liners also prolong the life of a sleeping bag by protecting it from dirt, odors and body oils which can collect on the bag itself, prompting the need for it to be washed. The less a sleeping bag is washed, the longer it will last.

For cold weather climates, sleeping bag liners made of fleece can provide just the right amount of extra protection. Fleece has an amazing ability to trap warm air and body heat. When used in conjunction with other insulators, it offers the ability to raise the temperature inside the bag quite well. For those who have a tendency to 'sleep cold', this is an excellent way to bolster their bag and ensure a comfortable night's rest. Although it can add a few degrees cotton sleeping bag liners are more for moderate temperatures. Cotton's ability to absorb moisture and body oils can prolong the life of a sleeping bag. As it is considered a poor conductor of heat, sleeping bag liners made of silk work best in hot climates, wicking away moisture and keeping things nice and comfortable. At the end of the trip, the bags get put away and the liners are washed.

Sleeping bag liners are made to fit every shape of sleeping bag there is, from rectangle to tapered and even mummy bags. Sleeping bag liners can work very well by themselves at times and are typically very small and light to carry. This is a piece of camping gear that is very handy to have as it serves more than one purpose, is light and takes up little or no room. While some opt to buy sleeping bag liners at a specialized camping gear store, some opt to find the right material and make their own!

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