Name: Marie-Noelle Augendre
Age: 46
Gender: Female
Height: about 5 ft 2 in (1.57 m)
Weight: 152 lbs (69 kg)
Email address: augendre_bgt@yahoo.fr
City, Country: Paris, France
Date: November 13, 2004

Backpacking Background: I started backpacking seven years ago, day hiking in Ile-de-France all year round, and doing several one or two week trips in more mountainous regions (Corsica, Pyrenees, Cevennes, Luberon, etc.) each year. As I usually go solo, and am a bit of a gear-addict, my backpack tends to be on the heavy side (tent, white gas stove, ceramic water filter, etc.); I’m actually trying to go lighter, but I don’t think I’ll ever be an ultralight backpacker.

Product information

Manufacturer: Sea to Summit
Date of purchase: May 2000
URL: http://www.seatosummit.com.au
Listed weight: 12.04 oz (342 g)
Actual weight: 6.07 oz (172 g) - 5.04 oz (160 g) for the liner alone (without the stuff bag)
Dimensions: 68" x 34.65" (172 cm x 88 cm)
Packed size (length x diameter): 5.12 x 2.95 in (13 x 7.5 cm)
MSRP: not provided

I bought this liner on a impulse, a couple of hours before leaving for a week-long trip, as I was afraid my sleeping bag would be a bit on the light side for the temperatures I might encounter. As it was the only model on offer by the closest outfitter, it was this one or none at all ... I got it.

Conditions of use

I've used this liner in all my camping trips since I bought it, whether backpacking, kayaking or car camping during spring, summer or autumn, in France and abroad (Greece and Marocco). I've also used it indoors, in refuges or when sleeping in a hammock at home.

Thus, I encountered various weather conditions, with temperatures from 41°F to 95°F (5°C to 35°C), and from very dry weather to real dampness.

What it is like ... and what I like about it

This liner is the most basic I can think about: it is simply rectangular, with no additional features such as drawstring or pocket of any kind. It is nicely constructed, with double seams on one long side and at the foot and a large double (0.71 in or 1.8 cm) hem a the top. The silk fabric is light and very soft to the touch. A little nylon stuff bag is provided.

I like very much sleeping in this liner, it is much more nice and luxurious than the cotton sheets of my bed!

I was a bit concerned about its rectangular form, as I use mummy sleeping bags, but the fabric is so light that it doesn't seem to matter. Moreover, it is slippery enough so I never become entangled, no matter how much I wiggle when sleeping. The only drawback is I sometimes have trouble finding the opening, especially in the middle of the night, when I'm rushing back to the warmth of the sleeping bag.

It is very comfy, and has proved to be suitable in any temperature. When cold, it acts as an additional warm layer; I have read somewhere that a silk liner add about 9°F (5°C) to the sleeping bag rating. When warm, I use it by itself and find it cool enough against my skin.

Though it doesn't seem to soil easily (mine is navy) nor retain any odor, I have hand-washed it a few times with soft soap and left it to dry on a line overnight. It is usually completely dry on the next morning. Yet I have to wash it by itself, as the colour seeps in the water.

After four seasons of use with no special care, it still doesn't show any wear signs.

Conclusion

I like it so much that ... I bought a second one a few months ago, to have always a spare one as I now sleep regularly in the hammock at home.

Good news : the new model is made of an even softer fabric, and it is 1.06 oz (30 g) lighter!

Read more reviews of Sea to Summit gear
Read more gear reviews by Marie-Noelle Augendre

Owner Review by Marie-Noelle Augendre

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