[pct-l] sleeping bags & liners

[Edward Anderson]

Bill, 


I brought a Cocoon silk sleeping bag liner on my PCT journey - it took my four seasons to complete the trail, and I could add up about six months. Since I rode a horse, I could not go into towns and motels as many hikers do. I did not have access to laundromats. I mostly lived on the trail. I camped alone with my horse whenever possible. I showered (I brought a solar shower) and washed my cloths wherever I camped, which was usually near the trail but out of sight of it. 

What I have described above was my way of going. 


I agree with Matt. I would not consider going without a sleeping bag liner. I had had lot's of experience backpacking and horse camping without bringing a liner. The sleeping gets dirty and smelly. You can't avoid it. 

I consider the liner to be well worth it's weight. It kept the inside of my bag clean. It added extra warmth - the manufacturer claims 8 or 9 degrees. I brought a 30 degree bag and Smartwool underwear. If it was really cold I could also sleep in my clothes for additional warmth. There were other times when it was too warm to be comfortable in the bag with liner. So, I would just use the liner on top of the bag. Later, during the night, when it cooled off, I could easily slip into the bag. This approach gave me flexibility, several options to deal with various temperatures.


Washing the liner (I just rinsed clothes thoroughly - no soap) while on the trail was not a problem. I showered and washed clothes (in a collapsible bucket) well away from water sources so as not to pollute. The silk liner would dry very quickly. I would just hang it on the highline in the breeze. I would also sometimes turn the bag inside-out and hang it to air. Hikers could use a very lightweight 50' braided nylon cord for this. I have never had to wash my bag - in six months of use.

The above is just my opinion and is based on my personal experience.

MendoRider





________________________________
 From: Matt Signore <mpsignore at gmail.com>
To: Bill Potter <billpotter at yahoo.com> 
Cc: "Pct-L at backcountry.net" <Pct-L at backcountry.net> 
Sent: Sunday, January 13, 2013 5:37 AM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] sleeping bags & liners
 
Bill,

I did exactly the same on my hike.  Wesrern Mountaineering Megalite and
Mont Bell silk liner, and I was fine.  FYI...I sleep warmer than most, and
I also had an Alpinlite at home if needed.
On Jan 13, 2013 5:13 AM, "Bill Potter" <billpotter at yahoo.com> wrote:

> Hi All,
>
> I've been lurking for a couple of weeks and wanted to thank everyone for
> the incredible amount of information shared via this list.  It's been
> invaluable for planning my thru hike.
>
> I've a question regarding sleeping bags.  I've read that most thru hikers
> use a 20 bag but I've also read that keeping them clean is a problem and if
> you don't then they lose their effectiveness.  What is the thinking on
> using a 30 bag with a liner.  That should bring the cold rating to 20-25
> AND protect the bag from body oils.
>
> What do you think?
>
> Thanks and I'm looking forward to meeting the class of 2013 on the trail,
>
> Bill Potter
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