ashenA sleeping bag isn’t just another camping gear in your outdoor adventure checklist. You make a bad purchase here, you are bound to suffer during your camping nights which actually are meant to be cherished memories. In today’s post we will introduce and review some of the most popular Sea to Summit sleeping bags that most adventure geeks adore. Let’s start with the Spark Ultralight Sea to Summit sleeping bag.
Sea to Summit Sleeping Bag Spark I Ultralight Review
- Best for ultralight backpacking
- Weighing only 340g
- Ultra-Dry Down 850+ loft insulation
- Ultralight 10D nylon shell fabric
- Regular(6ft) and Long(6ft 6in) sizes
- Comes with Ultra-Sil compression bag and storage cell
Just like most camping accessories that you have to carry in your backpack, sleeping bags are also reviewed in terms of packability, comfort and weight. Additionally, the temperature resistance, material and extra features such as zippers and inside space are also taken into consideration. Let’s see how the Spark I Ultralight performs in these criteria.
Comfort and Warmth
The mummy shape design paired with the 850 goose down defines comfortability. The liner is super light. Some users claim that this is the perfect late spring-early fall backpacking sleeping bag. You are all set to regenerate yourself after long hours of hiking once you settle yourself in this bed of clouds. Users also claim that the material is soft and does not cling to your skin. Comfort wise, you have nothing to worry about with this sleeping bag.
The specs listed mention that the Spark I is made for temperatures dropping down to 40°F (5°C). Dean G. used this bag in Wyoming for 10 days in temperatures ranging from 20 degrees to 90 degrees F. He claims that at no point was it necessary to make adjustments to accommodate the temperature fluctuations and the temperature dropped down to 20F at one point.
Almost every user was warm and cozy inside this sleeping bag. One customer points out that he can see some spots where the cold can seep through where the seams are. There is no draft tube along the zipper. He further advises to fluff up the filling to make sure it is distributed properly to ensure warmth.
Matthew Gerjol from Dillon, CO mentioned that the size and warmth was great when he used this bike packing the Kokopelli trail. The coldest temperature he experienced was 40 F and although he wore an extra layer, the bag kept him warm all throughout the night and that is excluding a tent or shelter. Happy with his initial experience, he continues to use it in his camping, bike packing, and rafting trips.
Weight and Packability
Obviously this part doesn’t require much of a review since the bag is named Ultralight. The ultralight 7D and 10D fabrics contribute for the minimal weight and packed size. No doubt that this is a great choice for hikers since each and every gram counts. Because stuff like cooking utensils, food, camera and electronics can’t be compromised to reduce weight.
The bag is smaller than an average water bottle once fully packed. One user mentioned that it took up very little space in his Osprey Arther 70 and he managed to fit the bag and the S2S liner in the extra-small S2S ultra-sil compression dry sack. Another user also stated that the Spark1 worked well inside a bivy. Josh from Ohio claims that the bag is crazy light and packed WAY smaller than his previous bag leaving more space inside the kayak for other essentials!
Extra Features
The shiny features of this bag are the lightweight and the comfortable material. The zipper received mixed reviews. While some were satisfied with its functionality, quite a few had complaints. The zipper doesn’t unzip all the way down to the footbox which most found annoying. Also, it tends to catch up with material making the zipping and unzipping not so smooth and prone to snagging. Nonetheless, the zipper material is strong and no matter how roughly you handle it, you can expect it to hold up. The only bothersome issue is that it only opens 1/3rd of the way.
Highlighted Cons
The major setback for the Spark I Ultralight was its zipper which is a bit unfortunate given that the bag excelled in all other aspects for the majority of its customers. Chris Sandilos from Denver who is 6’3″ weighing 165lbs is perfectly happy with the Long version of the Spark I. He says that he slept in this bag in temperatures ranging from mid 40’s to low 30’s, wearing a thin base layer top and bottom and thin Smartwool socks, and the bag itself feels warm down to about 40F with this accessories on.
However, he did add liners to up the warmth when temps dropped below 30F. Danny from Phoneix, AZ also reviewed similarly. He explained how easily the bag stuffed into his Revelate Vole seatpack along with other gear such as the Stove Kit and that he was always warm. However, he also wore leg warmers, a thin pair of socks, and a lightweight capelene T-shirt to prevent sweat accumulation.
The reviews go on and on, but I believe we can safely conclude that the Spark I Ultralight is a great sleeping bag for minimalists who expect value for their money.
Sea to Summit Spark III Review
- 10D nylon and 7D liner material
- Ultra-Dry 850+ premium goose down(RDS)
- Weighs 1lb 7.5oz (665g)
- 4.6L compressed volume
- 18°F temperature resistance
- 6 ft / 183 cm height allowance
Yes, it is a little heavier than the ultralight of course but the value still remains impressive for those who prioritize weight and packed volume. The Spark I has the same design as of the Spark III but less expensive. It is built for warm weather camping. Since the temperature rating is 46F, it is best suited for those who frequently campout on warm nights. That said, let’s go ahead and review the Sea to Summit Spark III.
Comfort and Warmth
The Spark III is great for colder climate backpacking trips. Although the specs claim it is a 18F bag, the practical value stands mostly at 25F. The 14 ounces of 850+ fill power down is the reason behind this achievement. Even if your surroundings drop close to zero, this bag is capable of keeping you warm.
Comfort is a little bit questionable with the Spark III since the fit is quite tight. It could be a significant transition for those who are used to traditional cut mummy-style bags. The shoulder and the foot area are supposedly the tightest when inside the bag. However, the feeling of fabric against the skin has been reported as exceptionally nice.
Weight and Packability
Although it is heavier than the Ultralight, the Spark III definitely qualifies for a lightweight warm sleeping bag. Most sleeping bags in the market manufactured by prominent outdoor apparel manufacturers aren’t even close to the Spark III in terms of weight. The 10D UL Nylon exterior fabric treated with DWR, high quality down, #3 YKK zipper and the cut, all contribute to this minimized weight. The quality of the down is so good that it eliminates the need to add more insulation.
As for the packability, the Spark III packs down 15-20% smaller than most of its contenders. Usually, other sleeping bags of this range (20F-30F) require thrice the packed size of the Spark III. The bag is incredibly compact and portable.
Extra Features
Just like the Ultralight, the primary highlights of this bag is also its offered warmth despite its unbelievable weight and convenient packed size. Another specialty is that according to users, it did not depreciate in insulation after a few weeks of steady use. Most sleeping bags using thicker nylon shells tend to leak down insulation as time passes.
Highlighted Cons
Same issue. The zipper opens only one third and it can be really irritable during a warm summer night, especially inside a tent. We already mentioned the tighter fit around the shoulders and legs which could be a problem for guys with broad shoulders. The bag is best utilized for mountaineering, long distance backpacking trips and spring ski mountaineering trips. Might not be the best option for car camping or short distance trips.
The price tag is definitely higher than most of the sleeping bags in the market but the advantages make up for it. It is an excellent companion for those who value weight and packability along with comfort than other fancy features. Not to mention, the material is durable so you can expect it to last long provided the maintenance is good.
The Sea to Summit sleeping bag liner is also a popular purchase along with the bag. Adds up to 25F warmth with lighter weight. They can extend the comfort range and improve personal hygiene of any sleeping bag. If you feel the warmth isn’t sufficient in your current sleeping bag, consider the Sea to Summit Reactor Insulated Sleeping Bag Liner.
