Having thru-hiked over 21,000 miles in the last 8 years, I’ve experienced quite a few of the adversities one can expect on any backpacking trip here in the United States. One thing I like about a bag liner, in general, is that when I am dirty and sweaty it acts as a barrier between that filth and my sleeping bag or quilt (which are typically difficult to clean and dry). Another benefit is that it helps you find the right sleeping temperature…kind of like kicking the blankets off your bed and just having the sheet, but it can also add warmth when it’s cold.
What I like about this liner specifically, as opposed to others I’ve had, is that it’s made with high quality Merino wool, right here in the United States. Merino wool, if you’re not aware, is naturally antimicrobial, meaning it helps to keep it from smelling bad – which to any thru-hiker, is essential. In addition to its’ antimicrobial properties, the Merino wool allows moisture and sweat to pass through as vapor or steam, so it’s wicked away from the body. This helps keep you from sweating in your sleep and getting the down in your sleeping bag wet like a synthetic will.
Depending on how hot or cold you sleep at night, this bag liner offers a variety of options based on your body, the conditions you are in, and the rest of your sleep system. The size is great, and it fits perfectly around my Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Sleeping Pad (for nights that I don’t want to be inside it, but like to have it covered so my skin doesn’t stick to the plastic material of the pad on hot nights). Given the quality of the bag liner, and the benefits, for me it’s worth the weight year-round.
