Baselayer vs Sleeping bag liner

[Casey Balza]

So I was wondering if it would be worth it to buy new baselayer tops and bottoms to replace my sleeping bag liner. My sleeping bag liner is 7.7oz I am mainly using it to keep my sleeping bag clean. The added benefit though of using a baselayer is to be able to wear them when it gets cooler out during the day also. I'm trying to bring my base weight down and get ready for next years PCT through hike.

If you guys recommend a baselayer can you point me in the direction of something inexpensive? Say tops and bottoms for a total of $40? If there is even such a thing that is light weight for that price.

[Mike M]

baselayer wins that one pretty easy :)

my preferences for base layers are either Capilene 1 or extra light merino (100-150 weight), you'd have to have a pretty luck score (check the for sale section though) to get a top/bottom for $40

[Art Sandt]

The only time I bring a sleeping bag liner anymore is on hot and humid hikes where I'm not bringing any extra clothes but want a little bit of luxury when sleeping, in which case I bring a super light silk one. You know the weather: it'll be above 80 degrees almost all night and even the 40 degree bag you brought will be too hot except at the hours from two in the morning to four in the morning. I would never wear a base layer to bed in that weather.

Every other trip, I opt for the base layer for the simple reasons that I can wear my base layer outside my tent/tarp and a liner gets tangled up when I'm wearing clothes.

[Dale Wambaugh]

Yeah, bag liners are for hostel or car camping. You can't wear a bag liner (funny to think about), but the base layers can be part of your hiking clothing scheme when needed.

You gotta let go of that clean sheets and undies thing– it is part of getting light. We cling to conventions like being clean or having gear for every possible scenario, much of it based on fear of some sort. Know your environment and how your body works to stay warm and dry, allowing you to leave a lot of stuff at home. Clothing is a tough part of making a good UL kit.

[Mary D]

Ditto the comments re the versatility of an additional clothing layer vs. something that can be used only in the sleeping bag. I once tried 2 nights with a liner. I then tossed it because it took me over 5 min. to get untangled and out of the sleeping bag both mornings!

Most of us take a base layer anyway, certainly out here in the PNW mountains where it can turn from sunny and hot to damp, windy, foggy, even raining in a very short space of time. I often keep mine on (hiking clothes over it) until I'm almost ready to head out on the trail.

I recommend a lightweight baselayer top and bottom, not midweight or "expedition" weight. Merino wool is lovely but more expensive. Mine are Patagonia Capilene 2, also expensive. I got mine on closeout sales for about half price. You may end up with weird colors (there's always a reason the items are on closeout), but the base layer is generally either in the sleeping bag or under other clothing so you don't have to look at it! Watch for sales, especially at outlets. "Percent off" coupons are also your friends. Especially for tops, you may find what you want in the athletic (not camping) departments of big box stores.

Quite a few of us wear our wicking base layer tops as hiking shirts, which is also a weight-saving option.

[Dave Jenkins]

I also use the Patagonia Cap 2 and cannot say enough good things about them.

[A.H]

Hello there,
i'm reviving this thread because i wonder on the same subject myself.

The idea is pretty much to use a down sleeping bag and to keep it clean and free of my body oils on order to preserve the down loft.

what are your ideas on the subject? (i guess a lot of you are using high end down sleeping bags)
will Patagonia's base layer protect my bag ? or to go with the liner ? if so wich one?

[Travis Leanna]

I've simply been foregoing the liner and sleeping in my clothes, provided they are not wet or soiled to the point that mud or dirt can transfer to the bag.

Part of my camp habit is to unzip my convertible pant legs and rinse them in a stream or lake (no soap) and let them dry before bed.

I would suspect that a dedicated liner or set of sleeping clothes is the most protective for sleeping bags, but I've been fine so far. I should also note that I have swithched to using a quilt vs a bag, so I'm really not laying on the down, and dirt can't really collect at the bottom of it.

[Barry P]

“If you guys recommend a baselayer can you point me in the direction of something inexpensive?”

Yea this post is last year but we can always add more info.
I’ve been loving my Terramar’s. I got them a little cheaper at TJMax then at Campmor; but it’s still cheap:
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___75186
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___75185
They’re about 7oz total. They are much warmer than a liner– And as previously posted much more versatile as you can wear them until you start hiking.

Right when you climb into bed with these, the heat starts; pretty good for low cost.
I wear them backpacking for my pajamas (keeps bag or quilt clean) and emergency base layers. I also wore them every day during the Idaho winter here and have seen no sign of wearing out.

-Barry

[Ed Hayes]

I have a silk liner that weighs about 4 ounces (maybe less). I always use it. Sometimes I have a base layer on also, if it is cold enough.

Use what you like. I prefer to sleep in less clothing, so the liner works for me.

[A.H]

Yeah i also thought about a light silk liner but for the same weight you can get a set of top and bottom base layer that you can wear in the mountain hutsleeping bagaround campbefore going hiking i think the versatility wins here .

hmm?

[Jason McElyea]

You can get patagonia capilene 2 tops and bottoms for under 20 dollars each at https://www.mosquitocreekoutdoors.com/prod_detail_list/s?keyword=patagonia

I am not affliated with them, it is just the cheapest place I found when buying mine.

edit: I just noticed this is an old thread, but will leave my post in case anyone else cares..

[A.H]

I'm currently looking for a light base layer.
looked around at Campmore site and the found Terramar Helix and Patagonia cappilene
the Capilene being 30 dollars more expensive for some reason.

are those good options ?
does anyone has better suggestions?
why is capilene so much more expensive?

[Mike M]

the retail prices on Capilene are high (retail on all Patagonia stuff for that matter), but w/ some searching you can often find it 40, 50 and even 60% off retail. Patagonia just finished off a 50% sale, stuff goes fast so you have to jump on it early. 6PM.com carries a lot of Patagonia stuff, including Capilene pieces- sometimes they are odd colors or odd sizes, but worth perusing around to see what they have.

[Curry]

Definitely recommend the base layer top &bottom over a silk liner.

+1 on the Patagonis 50% off sale. It just ended last week, but if you just google for Capilene 2 , you should find some discounts. I love my cap2's and find them very versatile and just the right layer. Also, durable. I have a few sets that I've had for 15-20 years that are still in great shape. Granted, I don't wear them every day, but there has been no deterioration in the fabric over time whatsoever like happens with other nylons or silks.

However, if price is your primary concern, you may try REI silks or just google for base layers and shop the sales at Campmor or Sierra Trading Post.

I have a silk liner, but now only use it for urban travel, ie hostels.

Good luck.

[A.H]

I'll search around but i don't have a lot of time to wait around for a sale.
if i cant find Capilene would the Terramar be a good option too? or other?

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