Dream sheet / liner
Overview
A dream sheet or liner is a lightweight fabric insert used inside a sleeping bag or quilt. It can add a small amount of warmth and help keep the primary insulation cleaner.
Key points
- Made from materials such as silk, synthetic blends, or lightweight cotton.
- Provides a washable layer between the sleeper and the main bag.
- May offer a modest increase in warmth depending on fabric type.
- Can be used alone in warm conditions as a minimal sleep cover.
- Adds some weight and bulk, which hikers weigh against benefits.
Details
Dream sheets or liners are used by some long-distance hikers to maintain cleanliness and extend the effective life of sleeping bags or quilts. Instead of washing the primary insulation frequently, which can be time-consuming and may reduce loft over many cycles, hikers can wash liners more often with less impact on performance.
Liners come in different materials, each with trade-offs. Silk is lightweight and compact, synthetic fabrics may dry quickly and be more durable, and certain cotton or blended options, while familiar, can retain more moisture. The degree of added warmth varies and is typically modest compared with the core bag or quilt.
In warm climates or low-elevation sections, some hikers sleep in a liner alone, using the main bag only when temperatures drop. Others bring liners primarily for cleanliness and comfort, accepting the small increase in pack weight.
The choice to carry a liner depends on personal preferences around sleep comfort, hygiene, and gear maintenance. For some, the benefits are significant; for others, a liner feels unnecessary.
Related topics
Disclaimer: thruhikingwiki.com is an independent, informational reference only. It is not an official source for any trail association, land manager, park, agency, or guide service. Nothing on this site is legal, safety, medical, navigation, or professional advice, and it does not replace formal training or certified instruction. Thru-hiking and backcountry travel involve significant risk. Local regulations, land manager rules, and manufacturer instructions always take priority. You are solely responsible for your planning decisions, safety practices, and compliance with applicable laws. Use this site at your own risk.
Illustrative hiking footage
The following external videos offer general visual context for typical hiking environments. They are not official route recommendations, safety instructions, or planning tools.