Sleeping Bag Liners

[Jason]

So I've got a lovely Blue Kazoo which is rated to -7 (though I'd say it's likely not comfortable in -7, probably more like -2. It's a great 3 season bag that I can get away with on warmer winter nights. Predicting a warm winter night is near impossible, though. I've also got a good therma-rest pad with a R of 4.2.

Last week I found a sleeping bag liner in my local gear shop, and it said it would add an extra 8 degrees (celcius) to the minimum rating. I know ratings are usually baloney anyways, but if this is near true, it would be a nice, light, easily packed, warm solution for my TNF Blue Kazoo bag... without me having to spend tons of money on a new Winter Only bag.

Thoughts? Experiences with these liners?

[JimG.]

Originally Posted by Jason

So I've got a lovely Blue Kazoo which is rated to -7 (though I'd say it's likely not comfortable in -7, probably more like -2. It's a great 3 season bag that I can get away with on warmer winter nights. Predicting a warm winter night is near impossible, though. I've also got a good therma-rest pad with a R of 4.2.

Last week I found a sleeping bag liner in my local gear shop, and it said it would add an extra 8 degrees (celcius) to the minimum rating. I know ratings are usually baloney anyways, but if this is near true, it would be a nice, light, easily packed, warm solution for my TNF Blue Kazoo bag... without me having to spend tons of money on a new Winter Only bag.

Thoughts? Experiences with these liners?

I have one; worked very well with my +10 degree F bag up at the shelters at Hojo's during a cold and snowy hike/ski trip. The claim was that it would add about 20 degrees F to the minimum rating. Seemed about right.

I've since bought a better bag, but I still bring the liner along just in case.

[Jason]

I've read that a Vapor Barrier is a better choice. All this is new to me though - but I figure I can likely get away with my -7 bag in much colder temperatures with the proper insert.

[thetrailboss]

Liners are great. Use at least a lightweight cotton one to prevent wear and tear and to protect your real bag. It's a hell of a lot easier to clean a cotton insert in the washer than to shorten the life of your bag by throwing it in the washer.

That said, my bag is rated for zero and I have a fleece sleeping bag I can throw into it to add some warmth if needed.

[SkiDog]

Just so you know if you havent already search them, this site has threads that go on and on about this type of thing...

http://www.viewsfromthetop.com/forums/

just use the search feature...and its totally worth registering...lots and LOTS of knowledge there...espeically about the New England area..

M

[tduro]

I've used an inexpensive vapor barrier liner, and I'd guess it adds 10deg. more comfort. It's so lightweight, it's a no brainer for winter travel.

My only complaint is that it's an extra layer, with an extra drawstring, and getting everything buttoned up for sleep is difficult. Getting out in a hurry isn't an option either.