The subtleties of choosing an insert in a sleeping bag

Every lover of hiking and outdoor recreation knows that none of these activities can do without a good sleeping bag. And such a necessary accessory as an insert in a sleeping bag will become an indispensable thing on a trip and keep the bag clean from the inside for a long time.

High-quality and safe outdoor recreation directly depends on properly selected hiking equipment, including a sleeping bag. The main qualities that a good sleeping bag should have are - warmth, lightness and low cost, other nuances were taken care of by manufacturers producing a huge variety of similar items of camping life.

According to the device and appearance, sleeping bags are in the form of a “cocoon” (anatomically shaped, narrowed at the legs) and a “blanket” (rectangular, completely unfastened and transformed into a blanket). They also differ in the type of filler (natural fluff or synthetic winterizer). Down sleeping bags are mainly designed for winter hiking, as they provide increased protection from the cold.

One of the most important elements of sleeping equipment is an insert in a sleeping bag that acts as bed linen, as well as an additional insulating layer, which provides a greater level of comfort when outdoors. In addition, it is able to absorb excess moisture released from temperature differences (condensate), while the sleeping bag stays clean longer and does not get damp so quickly.

Various materials are used for sewing liners.

• Silk - lightweight, compact and quick-drying material that repels water well. Silk and cotton combinations make the product less slippery and suitable for use on opponents of silk underwear.
• Cotton liner - A budget option that has more weight and dimensions. However, this cotton sheet has hypoallergenic properties and is suitable for those with sensitive and irritated skin. Egyptian cotton is warmer and lighter than regular cotton.
• Microfiber liner - Inexpensive, synthetic, lightweight. Modern artificial materials used for sewing liners for sleeping bags do not always indicate a poor quality of the product, on the contrary, they are also pleasant to the body, easy to wash, dry quickly and have an antistatic effect. Such qualities are important for creating favorable conditions for recreation.
• Flannel insert for a sleeping bag it is warmer than cotton, it is pleasant to the body, but it weighs much more and takes up more space in a hiking backpack.

To date, there are many manufacturing companies of high quality tourist equipment, the practicality of which is confirmed by lovers of extreme recreation and tourism.

Austrian brand Cocoon presents a wide range of light, compact and spacious liners for sleeping bags made of breathable materials. They can also be used for an overnight stay in non-standard conditions, as a summer version of a sleeping bag. Ergonomic design, high-quality materials, pillow pockets, practical fasteners contribute to maximum comfort both on hot and cold days.

The quality of tourist equipment from a German company high peak confirmed by 30 years of experience in the production of goods for tourism and outdoor activities. The company produces high-quality tents, sleeping bags and various accessories, including a variety of liners for sleeping bags. For their manufacture, cotton is most often used, there are models made from fleece and a combined material (polyester and cotton). A high-quality fleece liner is pleasant to the touch, but heavy and takes up a lot of space in a backpack, but it contributes to an increase in comfort temperature by 3-4 degrees.

Thin and light sleeping bag liners from a German company Deuter Sport can be used not only for its intended purpose, but also independently, as a summer option, as well as bed linen, for example, on a train. The company makes liners from polyester, which adds +2°C to the thermal regime of the sleeping bag, which ensures a cozy sleeping place even on cool early mornings.

Inserts of the Italian company Ferrino made of polyester and viscose fibers, which provides them with additional strength, hypoallergenicity and good ventilation. Jersey's unique knitting pattern makes the liner fabric highly stretchable, allowing you to assume any comfortable resting position. Thanks to a special case, the insert is easy to pack and takes up minimal space in a backpack.

Climate control in the heat will serve as an insert for a sleeping bag from Sea To Summit Coolmax Adapter Liner, providing a comfortable stay thanks to the unique material Coolmax. This technology contributes to the removal of moisture, ensures the breath of the skin and creates a favorable microclimate for the body. inserts Terra Incognita are presented in the form of a soft and pleasant material (polyester) with two two-way zippers and an external windproof strip.

This is not the whole list of well-known manufacturers of liners for sleeping bags. Many of them are impregnated with a special agent that protects against bacteria and annoying insects, in addition, the variety of styles of sleeping bags allows you to choose the right accessory depending on personal preferences.

To extend the service life and maintain the technical characteristics of the liners, the following conditions must be observed:

• at the first opportunity, the liner must be dried to avoid the effect of dampness;
• washing in manual or delicate mode without the use of aggressive products;
• good drying of the product away from sources of open fire and heating devices;
• the insert must be stored in a case or separately, but strictly in a dry state.

Such a simple item as an insert in a sleeping bag not only helps to increase the life of the sleeping bag itself, but also provides a comfortable overnight stay during tourist expeditions and hikes. High-quality materials increase comfort temperature on cool days, and in hot weather, the liner can be used separately from the sleeping bag. Minor disadvantages are noted by users in synthetic fabric options that cause some discomfort to the body, however, tourists often lay down in clothes on a sleeping insert, so this negates any manifestations of discomfort.

It is worth noting that high-quality and practical sleeping bags have a considerable cost, therefore, for the sake of one “outing” into nature, it is not advisable to buy such an accessory, but having a compact insert on hand will always come in handy.

In the next video you will find an example of using a sleeping bag liner.