We're looking to buy a couple of nice thick sleeping bags and were advised to buy liners too to save having to keep washing the bags and wondered of they're necessary? I imagine getting a bit tangled up trying to turn over inside a liner plus a bag.
The liners are good for the cleaning side of things and they add to the warmth of the bag. I have used one in th past and they are no worse than the bag alone for tying you up through the night
------------- I might grow old...But!
I'll never grow up!!!
DILLIGAF
Sandra drank it!
Citizan of Boloxnia My e-mail
I made ours out of old flat sheets so they didn't cost anything if they weren't any good. Having said that, they're fine - I find I don't move around much in the sleeping bag anyway and sleep a lot better in the van than I do at home (maybe because I don't have to share my bed with the dog in the van - he's got his own!!)
Ours were made out of single duvet covers that I picked up really cheaply- I find them quite roomy. They add an extra layer when it's cold and prevent you from getting too 'stuffy' in the summer .. (I think) as well as meaning you don't have to wash sleeping bags all the time. Sarah
Most synthetic sleeping bags can be washed in a domestic machine. I've had my sleeping bag for years & it has survived many washes with no ill effects. Natural fillings like feather & down do not wash well so liners are a good idea for these type of bags, but most bags are synthetic nowadays. I am in the YHA & they do insist on sleeping bag liners for hygene reasons, they tangle up in bed around the feet & I find them uncomfortable. I'm not sure what the bed bugs think!
Washing sleeping bags doesn't do them any good. Imagine if you were washing your actual duvet at home every week instead of just the cover?
Using a liner will prolong the life and warmth of your bags. The trick is to get a liner that's the right size and shape for you. No point in getting a small-sized mummy shaped liner when you were planning on stretching out in a generously sized, envelope shape bag!
------------- Tackling life the Western District way
If you dont like to be confined then you need to buy a large envelope sleeping bag. Then make your own liners to fit the inside of the bag and you should not get tangled up. I always use a bag liner as it does save washing the bag repeatedly but it also adds a level of additional warmth.
------------- Nigel
March 2012 - Dove Meadows
6th July Moving to Hayle
Quote: Originally posted by Steve McV on 05/11/2008
Most synthetic sleeping bags can be washed in a domestic machine. I've had my sleeping bag for years & it has survived many washes with no ill effects. Steve.
I tried to wash my new one the other day, but it was too big for the machine and now I've got dried on washing powder on it!
Quote: Originally posted by rabbitboy on 08/11/2008
I tried to wash my new one the other day, but it was too big for the machine and now I've got dried on washing powder on it!
I wash ours in the bath. After two or three rinses, I pull the plug out and let the water drain a bit, then it's a matter of squeezing as much of the remaining water out & carrying it out to the line in a dustbin bag (so it doesn't drip all the way down the stairs).
If you can get pure soap flakes rather than normal washing powder, it's easier to rinse out, and it's much kinder to your sleeping bags.
Don't any of you get sweaty and clammy in sleeping bag liners? I prefer to put on another jumper and stay warm that way.
Here are some good winter sleeping bags and this blogpost gives good advice
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Topic: sleeping bag liners
