Soft & Comfortable
Stretch-knit blend of TENCEL Lyocell + Polyester feels soft against skin — no clammy synthetics.
Moisture-Wicking
TENCEL fibers absorb moisture and release it, keeping you dry through warm nights.
Stays Fresh
HeiQ Fresh bio-based odour control neutralises smells — extends time between washes.
Adds Warmth
Any extra layer traps insulating air. Adds a few degrees of warmth to any bag or quilt.
Travel Hygiene
Sleep sheet wherever you travel — hostels, hotels, AirBnBs, guest beds.
Freedom of Movement
Stretch-knit + rectangular cut = moves with you during sleep, no binding.
TENCEL Lyocell — The Soft Fibre (NEW — MATERIAL)
TENCEL Lyocell is a regenerated cellulose fiber made from sustainably-sourced wood pulp (typically eucalyptus). It's been embraced by outdoor and bedding brands for its unique properties:
Why TENCEL is special:
- Moisture management — absorbs 50% more moisture than cotton, releases it quickly. Keeps skin dry during warm nights or sweaty sleepers.
- Soft hand-feel — often described as softer than cotton or silk. Excellent next-to-skin.
- Thermoregulating — feels cool in warm weather, warm in cool weather (like cotton).
- Naturally antibacterial — resists odor better than synthetics alone.
- Sustainable — closed-loop manufacturing process recycles 99% of the solvents used.
In the Comfort Blend liner:
- 30% TENCEL Lyocell + 70% Polyester = softness + durability
- TENCEL gives the moisture-wicking and feel
- Polyester gives structure, quick-dry, and shape retention
- Stretch-knit construction lets the fabric move with body
Vs pure cotton liners: TENCEL absorbs more moisture, dries faster, and resists bacteria. Vs polyester alone: TENCEL is softer and less clammy.
Vs merino wool: TENCEL is cooler (better for warm climates), easier to wash, lower-maintenance.
HeiQ Fresh — Odour Control Technology (NEW)
HeiQ Fresh is a bio-based odour control technology used on premium performance fabrics:
How it works:
- The liner is impregnated with bio-based amino sugar polymers
- These polymers absorb and neutralize odor molecules (body oils, sweat, etc.)
- When you wash the liner, the trapped odor compounds are released down the drain
- Polymer is ready for the next use — indefinitely (it's not consumed)
Why this matters for a liner:
- A liner is worn next to skin for many consecutive nights (travel, hostels, trekking)
- Standard synthetics smell after 2-3 wears
- HeiQ-treated fabrics stay fresh through multi-week trips
- Reduces washing frequency = water savings (important for long-distance travel)
Renewability:
- Each wash refreshes the polymer
- Eventually (after many washes) the effect diminishes
- STS doesn't specify the cycle life, but typically 50+ washes
Compatibility: HeiQ is bonded to fibers during finishing — won't wash off in normal washing.
Comparison: similar to Polygiene (used in some wool/synthetic blends) or FreshPlus — all "trap odor until washed" technology.
Stretch-Knit Construction
The Comfort Blend fabric is a knit (vs woven), with mechanical stretch built in:
Why knit (vs woven):
- Knits have loops that stretch and recover naturally
- More comfortable against skin (follows body contours)
- Better moisture transfer (capillary action in knit structure)
- Less prone to "stiff" feel than woven alternatives
Stretch benefits:
- Moves with you during sleep (no pulling/tugging)
- Accommodates tossing/turning
- Doesn't bind at knees/hips
- More comfortable in any sleeping position
Care: the stretch allows recovery from bunching — if it twists in the night, shake it out and it self-corrects.
Rectangular Cut & Two Variants
The Comfort Blend comes in two formats:
Rectangular (185 × 80 cm):
- Standard liner length — fits most adults to ~185 cm / 6'1"
- Sits inside mummy or rectangular sleeping bags
- Ideal for typical backpacking/travel sleep systems
Rectangular with Pillow Sleeve (225 × 80 cm):
- Adds 40 cm / 16 in at the head for the pillow sleeve
- Standard pillow fits into the sleeve — stays in place all night
- Better for restless sleepers (pillow doesn't migrate)
- Longer length works with quilts and blankets
Rectangular shape (vs mummy-shaped liners):
- More freedom of movement
- Better for restless sleepers
- Adds slightly more weight (extra fabric)
- Easier to use as a stand-alone sleep sheet (hostels, travel)
Climate Range — Warm / Cold / Extreme Cold (Why?)
The Comfort Blend is rated for all climates (Warm / Cold / Extreme Cold) — but with caveats:
Warm climates:
- Ideal. TENCEL wicks moisture, dries fast.
- Acts as a sleep sheet when no bag is needed
- Keeps you covered and protected (hostels, dorms)
Cold climates:
- Adds ~3-5°F of warmth (any layer traps air)
- Use inside a sleeping bag for thermal boost
- Or use alone with blankets/quilt at lower elevations
Extreme cold:
- Limited warming effect (3-5°F maximum)
- For serious cold, pair with Reactor or Thermolite liner for max thermal boost
- Or use as a hygiene layer inside a winter bag
Why this matters: a liner extends the usable range of your sleeping bag. A 40°F bag with a Comfort Blend liner becomes effective to 35-37°F. Doubles as a summer sleep sheet.
Best Use Cases
Travel (primary use):
- Hostels, hotels, AirBnBs, guesthouses — the Comfort Blend with Pillow Sleeve is a hygienic sleep sheet
- Reduces questionable bedding exposure
- Light enough for long-term luggage
Camping:
- Keeps sleeping bag clean (inside liner)
- Adds warmth in shoulder seasons
- Doubles as a sleep sheet in warm weather (no bag needed)
Hygiene:
- Especially useful for shared/cabin sleeping
- Allergy-sensitive sleepers (creates a barrier between you and the bag)
- Long-term host travellers
Backcountry:
- NOT recommended for serious backpacking (Breeze or Reactor is lighter)
- Suitable for car camping, basecamp, light backcountry
Not backpacking-friendly: STS FAQ confirms "Probably not... heavier and bulkier than most backpackers would want — a Breeze or Reactor would be better choices."
Comparison: Comfort Blend vs Breeze Liner (STS Lineup)
The Comfort Blend sits between the ultralight Breeze and the warmth-focused Reactor:
| Aspect | Comfort Blend | Breeze |
|---|---|---|
| Material | 70% Polyester + 30% TENCEL | COOLMAX EcoMade + TENCEL (different blend) |
| Weight (Rectangular) | 290 g / 10.2 oz | ~140 g (ultralight) |
| Feel | Softer (TENCEL-dominant blend) | Cooler (COOLMAX focus) |
| Best Use | Travel, camping, daily use | Hot-weather, ultralight backpacking |
| Climate | Warm / Cold / Extreme Cold | Warm primarily |
| Stretch | Stretch-knit | Less stretch |
| Odour Control | HeiQ Fresh | Yes (similar treatment) |
Choose Comfort Blend for: travel, daily use, softness, broader climate range. Heavier but more comfortable and versatile.
Choose Breeze for: ultralight backpacking, hot-weather trekking, weight savings. Less soft, less versatile.
Both use TENCEL + synthetic blends for moisture management.
Comparison: Comfort Blend vs Reactor / Thermolite (WARMER STS Options)
Other STS liners focus on thermal boost:
Reactor (STS054101 etc.):
- Adds 8-15°F of warmth (vs ~3-5°F for Comfort Blend)
- Hollow-core fiber construction
- Heavier (450-650 g) — bad for weight-conscious backpackers
- Best for: cold-weather camping where every degree matters
Thermolite (STS054201 etc.):
- Adds 5-10°F of warmth
- Mid-weight
- Best for: shoulder-season backpacking needing thermal boost
Comfort Blend:
- Adds 3-5°F of warmth
- Lighter than Reactor but warmer than Breeze
- Best for: travel-focused use where softness and hygiene matter more than thermal boost
All STS liners span the same temperature range (per STS docs) — it's the warming effect that varies:
| Liner | Adds Warmth | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| Breeze | ~2-3°F | Hot climates, ultralight |
| Comfort Blend | ~3-5°F | Travel, daily use |
| Thermolite | ~5-10°F | Cool-weather backpacking |
| Reactor | ~8-15°F | Cold-weather camping |
Source: STS product line documentation. Exact numbers vary by bag + sleep system.
Compatible Sleeping Bags & Quilts
The rectangular shape works with:
- Rectangular sleeping bags — primary fit
- Quilts — works as inside layer
- Mummy bags — fits inside, slight width excess (doesn't bind)
- Blankets — acts as bottom sheet
Not compatible with:
- Hooded sleeping bags (Comfort Blend doesn't have hood)
- Sleeping bags narrower than 80 cm (width matches)
Pairing tips:
- Use inside a bag for thermal boost
- Use alone in warm weather as a sleep sheet
- Pair with a pillow for travel — fills the gap between luggage pillows and home comfort
Compatible Accessories
Aeros Pillows (STS000430 / STS045306): Premium pillows that pair with all STS liners. Use inside the pillow sleeve for complete sleep setup.
Ether Light XT Pillow (STS...): Similar premium pillow options.
Foil / inflatable mat: pair liner with any STS sleeping mat for complete sleep system.
STS Stuff Sacks: The Comfort Blend's packed size (7 × 3 × 5 in) fits all STS dry sacks. For travel, consider the Lightweight Dry Sack (3L) to keep the liner separate in luggage.
Construction
Material
70% Polyester + 30% TENCEL Lyocell (stretch-knit)
Fabric Type
Stretch-knit (mechanical stretch from knit construction)
Cut
Rectangular — fits rectangular sleeping bags, quilts, mummy bags, blankets
Width
80 cm / 31 in (consistent across variants)
Pillow Sleeve
Standard pillow size (Rectangular with Pillow Sleeve variant only)
Side Zipper
No (for packability; use top-entry)
Technology
TENCEL Lyocell
Regenerated cellulose fiber — moisture-wicking, soft, thermoregulating, sustainable
HeiQ Fresh
Bio-based amino sugar polymer odour control — absorbs/neutralises smells, refreshed by washing
Stretch-Knit
Mechanical stretch from knit construction — moves with body, recovers shape
Variants & Sizing
Rectangular
185 × 80 cm / 73 × 31 in · Weight 290 g / 10.2 oz · Packed 15 × 7.5 × 12 cm / 6 × 3 × 5 in · User height up to 185 cm / 6'1" · $44.95
Rectangular with Pillow Sleeve
225 × 80 cm / 89 × 31 in · Weight 350 g / 12.3 oz · Packed 18 × 8 × 13 cm / 7 × 3 × 5 in · User height up to 185 cm / 6'1" · $54.95
Performance & Use
Climate Range
Warm / Cold / Extreme Cold (any climate; adds 3-5°F warmth)
Activity Tier
Midweight / Midsize (not for serious backpacking)
Best Use
Travel, hostels/hotels/camping, sleep hygiene, camping thermal boost, light backcountry
Recommended Bag Types
Rectangular sleeping bags (primary), quilts, mummy bags (fits inside), blankets
Profile
Brand
Sea to Summit (Australian outdoor gear, founded 1983, Boulder CO US HQ)
Category
Sleeping Bag Liners / Travel Sleep Sheets / Sleep Hygiene
Lineup Position
Mid-tier liner — above Breeze (ultralight), below Reactor (thermal)
Launch
MAY_25 (May 2025) — current model
Sustainability
TENCEL Lyocell from sustainably-sourced wood pulp with closed-loop manufacturing; bio-based HeiQ Fresh; long-wearing construction
Washing & HeiQ Fresh Care (NEW)
HeiQ Fresh is recharged by washing — the polymers release trapped odor compounds when washed:
Standard wash:
- Machine wash cold or warm (30-40°C / 86-104°F)
- Mild detergent only — avoid fabric softeners (they coat fibers and reduce moisture-wicking)
- Normal wash cycle is fine
- Don't overload the machine (stretch-knit can snag on zippers etc.)
What to avoid:
- Bleach — damages TENCEL + polyester fibers and destroys HeiQ treatment
- Fabric softener — coats fibers, reduces wicking and HeiQ effectiveness
- Hot water (above 40°C / 104°F) — degrades HeiQ polymer over time
Refresh between washes:
- Air out after use (TENCEL is naturally antibacterial)
- If not washing, hang to air overnight
- The HeiQ polymer continues to work through multiple wears
Drying:
- Air dry flat or hang — best for longevity
- Tumble dry low if needed — heat can reduce HeiQ effectiveness over many cycles
- Don't wring (stretch-knit can deform)
- Don't bleach or iron
Stretch-Knit Fabric Care
Shape retention:
- Stretch-knit recovers its shape naturally
- Fold or roll loosely for storage — no need for careful folding
- Don't stuff tightly (causes compression wrinkles that may become permanent)
Snag prevention:
- Wash inside a mesh laundry bag (snag protection)
- Close zippers/velcro on other items in the load
- Avoid washing with items that have hooks (bras, certain bags)
Pilling:
- TENCEL/polyester blends can pill over time (small fiber balls on surface)
- A fabric shaver removes pills; pill-resistant finishes help but degrade
- Pill-resistant on Comfort Blend not specifically advertised, so expect some pilling after extended use
Storage
Between trips / travel:
- Fold or roll loosely into the included stuff sack
- The packed size (6-7 × 3 × 5 in) fits any pack, luggage, or drawer
- Store dry — moisture + dark storage = mildew risk
Long-term storage:
- Clean and dry before storing
- Store in breathable storage (avoid plastic bags for long periods)
- Cool, dry place out of direct sunlight
- UV degrades TENCEL and polyester over years
Travel Use Tips
Hygiene layer for hostels:
- Pull liner out, slip inside sleeping bag provided
- Pillow slides into pillow sleeve
- Sheet creates a barrier between you and questionable bedding
- Sleep with peace of mind
AirBnB / guest bed:
- Use for hygiene-sensitive stays
- Especially useful for allergies (dust mites, etc.)
- Pillow sleeve keeps your pillow distinct from theirs
Air travel luggage:
- Pack in the included stuff sack
- 290-350 g is light enough for carry-on
- Adds ~6-7 in × 3 × 5 in to your luggage footprint
Hotels (luxury):
- Optional, but some travellers prefer their own fabric
- Especially useful in hot climates (linen-quality TENCEL blend)
Repairs
Small tears:
- Hand-stitch with polyester thread (matching colour)
- Stretch-knit can be tricky; use a needle and patient stitching
- Iron-on fabric patches can work on the inside surface
Pilling:
- Fabric shaver removes surface pills
- Extend life of the liner by years
- Heavy pilling is normal on knit fabrics after many uses
Stains:
- Pre-treat stains before washing
- Most stains lift with normal washing
- Stubborn stains (oils, makeup): mild detergent + cold water + soak
Avoid These Failure Modes
Don't:
- Wash with fabric softener (reduces wicking + HeiQ)
- Use bleach (damages fibers and HeiQ treatment)
- Hot-iron (heat damages TENCEL/polyester)
- Tumble dry hot (degrades HeiQ polymer, can cause shrinkage)
- Wring aggressively (deforms stretch-knit)
- Store wet (mildew)
- Expose to direct sunlight for months (UV degradation)
Snags:
- Wash with zippers closed on other items
- Avoid washing with hooked items (bras with hooks, gear with velcro)
- Repair snags early before they grow into tears
Sustainability & End-of-Life
TENCEL Lyocell is one of the most sustainable fibres:
- Made from FSC-certified wood pulp (typically eucalyptus)
- Closed-loop manufacturing recycles 99% of solvents
- Biodegradable (when not blended with synthetics)
Polyester component:
- Recycled-friendly at end-of life (some textile recyclers accept polyester)
- Not biodegradable but durable for years
- HeiQ Fresh extends use-life (less washing = less resource use)
At end-of-life:
- Compost the TENCEL portion if separated (otherwise landfill)
- Some specialty textile recyclers accept poly-blends
- Liner is otherwise durable for many years of use
Activity-Specific Tips
- Hostel travel (Eurail/SE Asia/Latin America): Use the Comfort Blend as a sleep sheet under questionable bedding. The HeiQ Fresh keeps it fresh through weeks of travel. Add the pillow sleeve variant for complete setup.
- Hotel / AirBnB stays: Use for hygiene-sensitive travellers, allergies, or hot-weather hotels where the provided bedding feels clammy.
- Family camping: Inside sleeping bags to keep them clean from kid grime. Doubles as a sleep sheet in summer.
- Light backcountry: Possible but not ideal — too bulky/heavy for serious backpacking. Use Breeze instead.
- Cold-weather camping: Use Comfort Blend inside sleeping bag for slight thermal boost (~3-5°F). For more warmth, upgrade to Thermolite or Reactor.
- Travel sleep hygiene: The killer use case. Take it on every trip where you don't control the bedding.
- Quilts: Works perfectly as an inside layer for backcountry quilt sleepers. Adds warmth and keeps quilt clean.