Hi I was hoping for a bit of feedback if anyone has used a fleece sleeping bag liner before and if so, how it performed? I'm searching desperately for ways to keep warm overnight during winter camping and failing miserably! So far my sleep system consists of an inflatable (for comfort) AND foam pad (for warmth), down sleeping bag (15F/-9C) , silk liner, down booties, hat, thick jogging bottoms, long sleeved tshirt and jumper with a nalgene hot water bottle. And in moderate temperatures I am still uncomfortably cold enough I don't get much sleep. I've been suggested to try swapping out the silk for a fleece liner to try for a little more warmth but don't want to part with the cash if this won't at least be worth a try. So - anyone have any experience with them? Thanks in advance. 
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It's a cheap way too bump up warmth but if it's still not warm enough it'd probs be time to start looking at warmer bags unfortunately. I think tesco have fleece liners for virtually sod all.
If its new bag time try getting another bag to go over your existing one, just a thinner one. You see 3 in 1 bags so why not try make your own I suppose.
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 Kerry, have had very little experience of sleeping bag liners because I've always found them scrunched up at the foot of my bag in he middle of the night.
Obvious I know but have you tried sleeping in thermals? or warmer clothes?
If I were to be honest I don't think I know anyone thats found a satisfactory answer to this problem other than to have a warmer rated bag.
I'm sure Kate Metric will be along shortly... she sleeps cold and also being female might be able to offer you a more insightful perspective on this.
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 If you're not already, having a nice big meal of pasta or rice before bed helps, something that provides energy slowly to keep you warm throughout the night.
Are you ever finding you're too hot? I.e. too hot at first, and then drastically cold in the night.
Or are you just cold from the get go, and it never improves?
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 I've not tried a fleece liner myself but a good friend with whom I camp uses one and swears by it. Like you, I use a self-inflating mat (SIM) with a rollmat under it to insulate me from ground cold and, again like you, I sleep in a down bag (in my case an Alpkit SkyeHigh 800). I find that system allows me to sleep comfortably wearing just a T-shirt and socks down to a degree or two below zero C - wearing thermals and a fleece I've been fine down to approx minus 10C. So, as others suggest, it may be time for you to upgrade your sleeping bag.
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See my question on this part of the forum as I have 2x bags, one being a lightweight mountain marathon jobbie that will fit inside the other bag. I'm trying to asses if this is warm enough. Wear more clothes and 2x hats, again, one thinner and one thicker.
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 I have never used a fleece liner inside a sleeping bag but I have used one on its own. In that kind of use they are not bad but wind cuts right through them. Obviously this would not be a problem when used as intended. Some random thoughts on sleep comfort in winter: If your inflatable mat is of the 'lilo' type (i.e. not a self-inflating one) then it may make a difference whether your inflatable mat is on top of your foam mat or below. It may be better to put the foam one on top of the air filled one. Probably better still, get an insulated air filled mattress such as exped synmat. Another thing to bear in mind is that a lilo type mattress has almost no insulation, and for winter you may actually need the equivalent of two foam mats of warmth. Your sleeping bag should have a good snug fitting draught collar, otherwise you will get a cold draught around your neck every time you shift in the night. Also beware differential filled bags (not differential cut). These have less fill and/or simpler construction on the back side, which you will definitely notice if you are a side sleeper. Mitts to keep hands warm. Balaclava to keep face warm My down jacket has a detachable hood - the hood is an absolutely briliant for boosting a sleeping bags warmth. I often bring it even when I leave the jacket at home. Carrying a warm jacket? If so then use it inside sleeping bag. Dont wear it - just drape it over yourself. Waterproof jacket? Zip it up and put your feet in it. Earplugs - noise may be keeping you awake. Dont go to bed too exhausted and sweaty - take it easy towards the end of the day. On the other hand dont go to bed chilled. I personally tend to find that overdoing it with insulating clothing makes my extremities feel colder i.e. wearing insulated trousers is great for pottering around camp but makes my feet feel freezing when i'm trying to sleep.
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 I have a sleeping bag liner that's not exactly fleece, but made of black Meraklon, with a very fine pile inside face. It's quite comfortable and tends to hug the body, rather than slip around like a silk liner, and it's certainly a lot warmer than silk. Naturally, it's a bit bulkier when rolled up, measuring about 20x10cm. In other words, it would fit comfortably into the sort of stuff sac that Therm-a-Rest use for their mattresses. I'll let it go for £15 inc p&p if interested.
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 down sleeping bag (15F/-9C)
Comfort or 'extreme' limit? Who made it? Do they claim to follow any temperature grading standard?
Fleece liners are slightly inconvenient (cos they can wrap you up in your sleep if you move around, they're quite bulky to pack and heavy to carry) and don't really add that much extra warmth. You'd be better off saving up for a toastier sleeping bag. I can also add another vote for somthing like Exped Synmat... I spent one very chilly night in an inadequate sleeping bag (0 degrees comfort, temp outside the tent was more like -6) and the side of me on the synmat was definitely the warmest!
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 Hi Kerry, If you are that cold, a fleece liner wont be enough IMO. I would consider some warm tent wear, maybe a cheap Uniqlo Down or something like a Crux if money no object. Maybe some down pants (WM Flash pants or Montbell) or synthetic - i use Montane prism pants as a booster. The alternative is moving to warmer bag. Regards
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I have used a borrowed fleece liner on the odd occasion and didn't find it really added enough warmth to justify its weight and bulk, let alone the cost of buying one myself. Better look at your bag, sleep clothing (but make sure you don't wear so much you compress the insulation in the bag) and mat. The latter can make a big difference. If you're using a lilo-type mat without any insualtion or baffles inside it then it might actually be carrying heat away from your body.
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 I have got a fleece sleeping bag liner, it's a Trekmates and cost about £5.00 from TK Max. I don't think they're supposed to be as good as silk ones though (reflected in the price).
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 Yep, agree with El Manana that a fleece liner won't make enough of a difference. You're also doing a lot of the sensible / most effective things to keep warm already, though beefing your insulation with some cheap down-wear might be one option. However, if you're that cold, then you probably need to consider a beefier sleeping bag, or an additional bag that can go in or outside your current one, depending on how much room there is. As others have suggested, if the down is too squashed, whether you're wearing it or have one bag inside another, the insulation will not be as effective. You may find some useful stuff here
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 I've campd in some very chilly conditions and discovered that if I get into the bag cold, I stay cold for ages. So if it's cold, I put on my sleeping gear and do a bit of moderate activity - chuck on some outer clothes and have a brisk walk if it's dry outside, or do a few sit-ups/push-ups in the tent. Kit-wise, a decent SIM provided the biggest improvement for me.
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i sleep cold and what works for me was a down sleeping mat from exped, the down side is it cost me £117
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Thanks for all of the advice. Think I will take a look into swapping out the bag for a fuller one *not impressed* - called phd for some help - very nice lady who I'm hoping will get back to me with some suggestions - think i've tried most tricks so will go for some 'professional' help!
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I use a fleece liner occasionally. It does add some warmth, but only a few degrees, though that may be the thing that makes the difference for you. It's certainly a cheaper option to explore than a new bag - especially if you can find one for £5 at TK Maxx (think I paid about £15 for mine).
They do add weight and bulk though (a new bag would add some of that but not as much).
I do find I get in a bit of a tangle at times though as it tends to stick with me, whereas the sleeping bag tends to slide.
But yes, going to bed warm makes a massive difference.
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.jpg) Nordic outdoors still selling the short exped downmat at £59.I am 5' 6" and its long enough for me with a fleece bag for spare clothing tied to the head end loops as a pillow
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