Gear of the Month: September

Why I Swear By My Cocoon Silk Sleeping Bag Liner

This month’s gear spotlight is on a small, lightweight item that’s easy to overlook but always earns a spot in my pack: my Cocoon silk sleeping bag liner.

What I Love

The biggest benefit of a sleeping bag liner is how well it protects your main sleeping bag or quilt. It keeps body oils, sweat, and dirt off the bag, helping extend its lifespan. On a long trip, it’s much easier to toss a liner into a laundromat washing machine than to figure out how to clean a bulky sleeping bag.

I’ve tried a few types of liners—fleece for colder trips—but the silk liner is my go-to most of the time. It’s incredibly lightweight, adds a little extra warmth on cooler nights, and feels soft and comfortable against the skin. On hot nights, I’ll even use it by itself.

Where It Falls Short

The version I have is a mummy liner, which can feel restrictive and a little awkward to get in and out of, especially during those middle-of-the-night bathroom runs. That said, it gets easier with practice, and the trade-off is worth it for the benefits.

Final Thoughts

At just a few ounces, the Cocoon silk liner is one of those “never hit the trail without it” pieces of gear. It’s simple, practical, and makes backcountry sleep that much more comfortable.