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[hsia007]

I was curious if most travelers bring their own sleeping bags to hostels, or merely just use a sleep liner. I have also heard that some hostels provide rental sheets/blankets, is that usually sufficient?

And if traveling with a sleeping bag, what will be the traveler's choice?

[whereshegoes]

I had a very very compact sleeping bag that I used. I don't think I used my liner/sleep sheet once.

[rbisset]

I used my sleep sheet a lot but also took a lightweight sleeping bag for emergencies. Didn't use it much but it was still worth taking.

[ScottWoz]

You'll find many hostels offer bed linen, either free or for a small fee. Also, some of them don't allow sleeping bags due to the whole bed bug problem. It depends where you are. If you're into outdoorsy stuff and plan to spend time in the bush then it's worth taking one. I keep mine with me for these reasons..

[stevejames]

Definitely a liner for average backpacking travel - some beds are just too skanky. I would only bring a sleeping bag if I went camping - but then again, I am obsessive about travelling light

[wakingdream]

I always take a light liner, same as Steve and pretty much reserve a sleeping bag for camping, but I don't normally travel to cold climates. If I did, I would definitely take a proper, warm (small) sleeping bag. I'm all for travelling light as well. The less you take, the less you have to pack and carry. I think it would depend on what kind of trip you're taking and where you plan on staying.

There's nothing like having your own sheet when sleeping in a bed where who knows how many people have laid their weary heads.

[Jessica_CDN]

I take a sleeping bag liner. I've only used it once, but I'm glad I had it! It's silk, so it's light and provides that nice little bit of distance between you and really sketchy bedding.

[radsolv]

I definitely recommend the silk bag liner. Of prime concern of most back packers is weight and bulk. The one I have is a bit pricey at US$60 but silk gives a luxurious feel and provides warmth. It comes in its own stuff sack, weighs 202 gms. [7 oz] and has the volume of a small can of beer or soda.

You might also consider adding a survival type bag or blanket. They range from $4 and 3 oz. to $25 and 7 oz. and take up very little space. They really work.

Terminology: In US [and probably Canada] a 'back packer' is some one who carries his home, bed, shelter, stove, food on his back and goes on foot where motor vehicles are not supposed to go. In TP it seems to refer to any one who travels using luggage with shoulder straps.

Incidentally I use a convertible pack. It is constructed to be an internal frame back pack for heavy duty hiking but the shoulder and hip straps can be hidden behind a flap. This is an advantage when checking it onto an airline or train or bus and also should you prefer not to be patronized if spoiling yourself with a stay at an upscale hotel.

[stevejames]

Terminology: In US [and probably Canada] a 'back packer' is...

What do you guys call what we call backpackers? i.e. what are we all known as in America? Travellers?

[whereshegoes]

Some places won't let you use your sleeping bag because they are worried about transfering bedbugs.

[radsolv]

Terminology: In US [and probably Canada] a 'back packer' is...

What do you guys call what we call backpackers? i.e. what are we all known as in America? Travellers?

Good question, Steve. And I don't know. Techniclly the term 'back packer' could apply to both or either but it seems a distinction would be useful.

I think a more restrictive term should be found for the person who roughs it in the wilds. There is also another distinction to be made from a trekker in Nepal. Or for some off road travel in US for that matter. This involves hiking about ten miles a day from hut to hut with little more than a day pack and maybe a sleeping bag. At the hut, a shelter in which to sleep in varying degrees of comfort and meals are provided.

'Camping' or as I think it is called in Australia and NZ, 'caravaning' is some thing else again. There the motor vehicle is essential and one never strays too far from it.

What is needed [or is it really needed?] is an unambiguous term for the one who goes on foot carrying all he needs on his back with no other help enroute. Any suggestions?

Back in the 80s on my way from KTM to SIN we referred to ourselves as WTs or World Travelers. Most carried back packs.

[typhon]

It is nowadays better to carry sleepingbags with ourself. We cannot imagine when we shall be attacked by bedbugs.

[typhon]

Hearing many incidents of bitten by bedbugs while staying in the hotel rooms.Are they true? Its hard to believe!

[ScottWoz]

Hard to believe? Not at all, it happens a lot. Not much you can do about it..

[helenbels]

Just purchased a silk liner to take on my travels with me - warmer in winter and cooler in summer allegedly.

[wakingdream]

Hard to believe? Not at all, it happens a lot. Not much you can do about it..

Yech! Never happened to me so far and I've slept in some pretty shady places. I consider myself lucky! I have always traveled with a liner but would that really keep away bedbugs if the bed is really infested?

Just purchased a silk liner to take on my travels with me - warmer in winter and cooler in summer allegedly.

Never tried the silk but it seems like it should be cooler. Let us know how it works for you! I've tried silk sheets before, you know, for the romantic affect but I found them much too slippy.......you can imagine!

[helenbels]

Just purchased a silk liner to take on my travels with me - warmer in winter and cooler in summer allegedly.

Never tried the silk but it seems like it should be cooler. Let us know how it works for you! I've tried silk sheets before, you know, for the romantic affect but I found them much too slippy.......you can imagine!

Will do - it is rather slippery (as far as I can tell my putting myself in it and walking round the house pretending to be a ghost, as you do) - I'm a little worried about skiting off the top bunk!

[ScottWoz]

Hard to believe? Not at all, it happens a lot. Not much you can do about it..

Yech! Never happened to me so far and I've slept in some pretty shady places. I consider myself lucky! I have always traveled with a liner but would that really keep away bedbugs if the bed is really infested?

Me too, been lucky so far and have slept in some right holes.

As for the liner, no chance. If they're there they'll get in your face somehow, much like many of the arrogant idiots you meet on th road. Look for bites that go in 'lines' to be sure. Then call ghostbusters..

[mbrookfi]

It is always good to carry a liner, especially if, like me, you have a down sleeping bag that is usually too hot (the only time I was comfortable in it was sleeping in the open at 6,000 metres on a glacier on a Himalayan pass). Also, in places, it is good to have cat flea-powder (i could never find human) to shake into the liner without contaminating the main bag. Bed bugs it doesn't help! Wherever you go - enjoy!

[wakingdream]

Just purchased a silk liner to take on my travels with me - warmer in winter and cooler in summer allegedly.

Never tried the silk but it seems like it should be cooler. Let us know how it works for you! I've tried silk sheets before, you know, for the romantic affect but I found them much too slippy.......you can imagine!

Will do - it is rather slippery (as far as I can tell my putting myself in it and walking round the house pretending to be a ghost, as you do) - I'm a little worried about skiting off the top bunk!

Haha, no doubt. Would be quite the wake up! You know, the only other thing I hate about silk is when your nails catch on it. I hate that feeling!

As for the liner, no chance. If they're there they'll get in your face somehow, much like many of the arrogant idiots you meet on th road. Look for bites that go in 'lines' to be sure. Then call ghostbusters..

Oh, I know the kind.

You know, thinking more about it, I really am surprised we haven't slept with the nasty little buggers.....well, there is always next time