Sleeping Bag Liner (cheap alternative?)

**gmcttr** · 01-09-2014, 22:58

Originally Posted by Beccy

I have bought two of the quilt liner / summer blanket from Jacks r Better...

I also bought a second one on sale this year. The JRB quilt liner is my nightly "blanket".

**dimjim** · 01-15-2014, 15:42

I'm also in the market for some type of "liner" for use standalone in warm temps, or for lining my bag/TQ to add a few degrees of warmth for not too much weight.

I like the idea of the feel, comfort, and assumed warmth of fleece, but the weight puts me off a bit.

Anyone have experience with the Sea to Summit Reactor or Reactor Extreme liners? A bit expensive, but they claim to be warmer than fleece by weight.

Also, you folks have me very intrigued about the poncho liners. I've never seen or used one. Are there any reputable sources for getting a high-quality "genuine" one (if such a thing exists). I guess I see them all over the web (amazon, sportsman's guide, etc.) but it's hard to know whether they are good quality or knock-offs. Also, roughly what does a liner weight? I see most are around 60" x 80". Any advice would be appreciated!

**Cali** · 01-15-2014, 16:47

+2 on the JRB fleece TQ liner. It is so comfy and warm. I use it to suppliment my TQ in cold weather and as a stand alone in cool temps.

I use my poncho liner over the ridgeline, and it holds the heat in. The center ties on the ends work great for this.

Also in cool weather I don't need much for a TQ with this over the ridgeline and it keeps the sun out when it is clear and I don't have a tarp up.

**f k** · 01-15-2014, 17:02

Originally Posted by dimjim

...

Anyone have experience with the Sea to Summit Reactor or Reactor Extreme liners? A bit expensive, but they claim to be warmer than fleece by weight.

...

I have the reactor extreme. It really works well in a sleeping bag to increase the comfort level. I have not tried it by itself. The only problem that i see with them is it is difficult to get into it in a hammock unless you put it on before you get in the hammock since it has no zipper. It is a nice piece of gear though.

**HomeMadeHiker** · 01-15-2014, 17:37

Originally Posted by dimjim

Also, you folks have me very intrigued about the poncho liners. I've never seen or used one. Are there any reputable sources for getting a high-quality "genuine" one (if such a thing exists). I guess I see them all over the web (amazon, sportsman's guide, etc.) but it's hard to know whether they are good quality or knock-offs. Also, roughly what does a liner weight? I see most are around 60" x 80". Any advice would be appreciated!

First off poncho liners are easily as heavy as fleece but definitely warmer and more durable.
2nd look for a new one as opposed to used. However as far as build quality goes I think you should be good with any semi-reputable Surplus dealer online or brick&mortar.

**dieselfuelonly** · 01-17-2014, 18:43

Dicks sporting goods has fleece liners now for 13 bucks.

**gunner76** · 01-17-2014, 19:28

Before I could afford a TQ I used my old down mummy bag. Unzipped (has built in foot box)
and used it as a TQ. Only annoying part was the hood.

**Ratdog** · 01-17-2014, 19:42

Originally Posted by dieselfuelonly

Dicks sporting goods has fleece liners now for 13 bucks.

Couldn't find it on the website

**geneaut** · 01-20-2014, 02:04

I simply sewed two of the $3 fleece throws you can pick up anywhere into a bag. Perfect as a bag liner, or even as a warm weather standalone.

**southern9** · 01-27-2014, 09:40

I picked up 2 of the walmart fleece liners back when I was tent camping. Loved it. My oldest son has adopted one since coming back from college, and now uses it every night in his bed, and for crashing at friends houses.