Sea to Summit Thermolite Reactor Extreme Liner
Sleep Systems
Rating
| Rating: | 9 / 10 |
| Durability | 1.8 / 2 |
| Value for Money | 1.8 / 2 |
| Warmth | 1.8 / 2 |
| Weight | 1.6 / 2 |
| Versatility | 2.0 / 2 |
Sea to Summit Thermolite Reactor Extreme Liner Review
Comfort has a big impact on whether we get a good night sleep when on a hiking trip. For each of us there is a list of things that will enhance or detract from our perception of comfort. For me the factors include being warm but not too warm (or too cool), the ability to roll over easily (without getting wrapped in my sleeping bag), being ‘covered’ and having a clean place to lay my head. Those of you who don’t use a sleeping bag liner should think deeply about that last point. Your sleeping bag does get dirty and it is a complex exercise to clean your sleeping bag and for its durability, you shouldn’t wash it too often! So the best way to protect your treasured sleeping bag is to use a sleeping bag liner.
We have used the Sea to Summit 100% Silk and Cotton Travel Liner for many years but eventually discovered the Sea to Summit Thermolite® Reactor Extreme Liner. I have been using the Reactor Extreme Liner for so long now, somewhere around 2012 when we headed off to do the Bhutan High Trails. Despite that being quite a few years back it is still going strong with no sign of wear.
The great thing about the Reactor Extreme is that it will give you a greater range of temperatures across which your sleeping bag will be effective. In fact, the Reactor Extreme Liner will add up to 15° Celcius to the comfort rating of your sleeping bag. So if you only occasionally do overnight hikes in cool temperatures then you can supplement your existing sleeping bag to cover the difference. This means that in addition to extending the life of your sleeping bag by keeping it clean, you’re also extending its performance range.
The Reactor Extreme Liner is roomy despite being tapered from head to toe. It has a top drawcord which enables you to reduce airflow further and snuggle in for extra warmth. A foot box drawcord les air out and if you really feel like it you can walk around camp without having to get dressed. It’s made from a stretch fabric which means restless sleepers won’t feel ‘trapped’. The standard size is a generous 198 cm in length which suits most hikers and if you really need to go larger there is a version that is 210 cm long to fit even the tallest people comfortably.
Gill will often use her liner over the top of her sleeping pad to stop it slipping around during the night (and to dampen the noise a little) but in may case (Tim) I don’t get that. This liner is so versatile that you can use it for a sleeping bag during the hotter months when most sleeping bags are overkill.
This liner is at the dearer end of the range at just on AUD $134.99 RRP but for the extra warmth and it creates and the additional versatility you will really appreciative this if you are a cold sleeper.
The Sea to Summit Thermolite Reactor Extreme Liner is without doubt the most value for money hiking kit in which Gill has invested – it is durable, has many uses and is super warm! This liner is always at the top of our sleep system considerations when packing for a hike.
We Like
- Beats the lightweight sleeping bag liners for warmth hands down which is the whole purpose
- Mummy footbox with good room
- Drawstring opens up the footbox so you can regulate temperature
- Also allows you to walk around with your liner on if that’s your thing
- Drawcord hood with mini cord lock that lets you snuggle down
- Durable
- A great way to keep your sleeping bag clean and extend its life
- Extremely versatile and can be used as a standalone sleeping bag in warm conditions
We Don't Like
- At a touch under 350 grams it is a bit on the heavy side when you compare this to the really lightweight liners
Best Uses
- Ideal for use on its own or as a sleeping bag liner that extends your bag warmth
- Extends the life of your sleeping bag by keeping it clean
Buy One
You can purchase Sea to Summit Thermolite Reactor Extreme Liner online from Amazon Australia, Snowys or from Wildfire Sports
Disclosure: We may earn a small commission, at no additional expense to you, if you click through and make a purchase. Please note that our affiliations do not influence, in any way, the independence of our reviews. If we don’t like a product, you’ll hear about it from us!
Investment
AUD $134.99 AUD but they always seem to be on sale somewhere!
Other Versions
Sea to Summit produce a wide range of sleeping bag liners
Sea to Summit Thermolite Reactor Extreme Liner
Sea to Summit Reactor Supreme versatility. If you are felling like making a fashion statement you can where this with your arms and feet out which means you can walk around on a cold morning without having to get dressed
Sea to Summit Reactor Supreme size. Tim is 185cm in height and in the compact size is be good even with his size 15 feet
Disclaimer
This review was done with product purchased by Australian Hiker from a retail store
Last updated
24 November 2024