Sleeping bag liners are lightweight cloth sacks usually fitted inside sleeping bags to provide extra comfort, insulation, and help keep the sleeping bag clean.
A thin liner may feel softer against the sleeper's skin, add 5 ðF warmth to the bag (not pad), and be easily washed after use (unlike the thicker sleeping bag). A thick, fleece-like liner can increase warmth by 10-15 ðF. Liners also allow a sleeper to use the liner alone, without the bag in hot conditions. Optionally, bug-repellents, pockets, and a pillow holder can be added to liners.
A vapor barrier liner (VBL) is special type of liner that blocks the sleeper's moisture from reaching the bag, thus stopping evaporative heat loss. Usually a sleeping bag liner is used inside a VBL.
Sleeping bag liners are issued as basic kit by various militaries including the US and British armed forces.
Liners are made of silk, cotton, nylon and polyester among others;