So I bought one of my down sleeping bags from Eddie Bauer when they used to sell camping gear back in 1976 and paid $225 at that time. It was Rated to 20 below zero at that time. Of course now I probably rate it 20 above after 40+ years of use So I am thinking of purchasing a sleeping bag liner to get it back closer to it original ratings. Does anyone have any experience and sleeping bag liners? Thanks for your input

I have a Sea to Summit Thermolite Reactor and find it's good for 10-15 degrees In my Marmot Plasma 30. Thats from not starting night with it and then adfing it. I think you'd be better off getting a new down bag.

I have used a silk liner made by Cocoon and hated having to pull it up and on as it has no zipper. I also found it to twist as I toss and turn. It does add some warmth but no where near what you want it to.

I have also purchased and used a fleece sleeping bag liner but it is too bulky. Newer ones are less bulky than what I have.

So I would recommend a new sleeping bag better rated for your travels. If you get a down bag you will offset the weight of your old bag plus the liner.

You might be better off with a thorough cleaning. One of the things that causes a loss of loft is body oils and dirt. It may just restore a bigger amount of that warmth than a liner.

I too have the Reactor. Before that, I had a Cocoon. The Reactor takes more pack space, but I like it more. A liner of any kind protects the bag from body oils and such. In addition, when it turns out to be warmer than expected, I just sleep in the liner. Between the two, I recommend the Reactor.

I have a Big Agnes McKinnis and a Big Agnes Synthetic Liner. The McKinnis is like a thin down sleeping bag with a 3/4 length zipper that goes inside your bag. If it's warm enough you can use it as a sleeping bag. It weighs 16 oz. The synthetic liner is a quilt. It can go over you or under you but it is a single sheet. It weighs 9 oz. Both come with a stuff sack and are slighter larger than a water bottle in the stuff sack.

If you are really trying to add 40º more warmth to an old bag, I think a liner is a huge stretch. Probably 10-15 is more likely. I second MisterKrabs suggestion of a very good cleaning to restore loft. Otherwise, you could also consider an overbag or quilt instead. Then can also use it alone when temps are not as cold.

If you know someone who can sew, they're pretty easy to make. Just pick out some fleece at the fabric store. No cutting required.

Gman42: "If you know someone who can sew, they're pretty easy to make. Just pick out some fleece at the fabric store. No cutting required."

Great idea as they appear easy to make and the Sea to Summit liners are a little pricey for what you get. I have one each of the Thermolite Reactor and the lighter summer weigh liner. They are great for comfort and keeping your bag cleaner. They are soft and much more comfortable then the nylon lining of my bags.

I totally agree with jaywalker's input.


BOB

Hey thanks for all the great input it’s appreciated. We’re going up next week through slim leg and it looks like it’s going to be in the low 20s so I ordered theThermolite Reactor from REI. Yes it’s a little pricey but it’s cheaper than buying a new down sleeping bag. My forty-year-old bag is still in very good shape and I have cleaned it on a semi regular basis.
it will be nice to have the option of using the liner or not depending on the conditions. But I know now that I’ll be worn with or without the tent.

Priceless typo "I know now that I’ll be worn with or without the tent."

Fulloid: "Hey thanks for all the great input it’s appreciated. We’re going up next week through slim leg and it looks like it’s going to be in the low 20s so I ordered theThermolite Reactor from REI. Yes it’s a little pricey but it’s cheaper than buying a new down sleeping bag. My forty-year-old bag is still in very good shape and I have cleaned it on a semi regular basis.
it will be nice to have the option of using the liner or not depending on the conditions. But I know now that I’ll be worn with or without the tent. "

I'm sure everyone would appreciate your feedback on how well the liner works. Hope you have a great trip and enjoy yourself.