Cycling

Sea to Summit Sleep System Review: Tested for bikepacking

Although social media can be full of people who go 'out there' and push their limits when packing bikes, sleeping less in uncomfortable places – because for most of us getting a good night's sleep is the main ingredient for a good ride the next day. . A comfortable sleeping system doesn't need to be heavy and bulky, demonstrated by Sea to Summit Sleep System with their range of Spark sleeping bags, Ether Light sleeping mats, super light pillows and sleeping bag liners. The right sleeping system will depend on your type of use and relative comfort needs – Sea to Summit sent this combination to suit light but comfortable bikepacking.

Sea to Summit Spark Down Sleeping Bag -1C – $649.99

This range of sleeping bags uses premium 850+ loft down, in a half zipped mummy bag design. With light materials, premium down and pared back design, the degree-1 bag is less than 493g in weight. It packs down very small in a compression bag, and takes up half the room of my old 650+ Alpkit Pipedream bag that I've been carrying.

The Spark range has the features you would expect from top gear, with a waterproof hood and foot section to sleep against the tent walls, various baffles and a large foot box for better warmth and a half zip for low weight and pack size. The temperature rating is -1 degree opposite to the ISO standard.

Sea to Summit Sleep System: Spark Down Sleeping Bag

The hood is easy to turn off or open when in use, not the same for all sleeping bags. Similar to the zipper, with easy internal access to close the zipper tightly. The easiest things were to repel water for a long time, but also soft to the touch. It's very thin though, so I'd recommend being careful when sleeping under a tarp or in exposed areas without shelter.

I'm quite used to using a mom style bag but those who don't like it won't like this bag, as you can't unzip it to match the quilt, given the half zip. I tested it for a few cold winter weeks and I was close to the comfort limit. I've noticed that I sleep much colder than before, and the 4 degree night temperatures during the test were fine – but I didn't even think to unzip. This is a high quality bag that will keep you warm for most 3 season use in Australia. However, there are warmer models and different cuts and designs from the Sea to Summit range for those who need more warmth, more flexibility, or lower weight.

Sea to Summit Etere Light XT insulated mat – $329.99

I'll be honest – this is the best sleeping pad I've ever used. I still have a three quarter Thermorest from 1996 that I use, and their RidgeRest foam mat. I also bought an uninsulated (but light!) Sea to Summit Ultra Light mat about five years ago that was my go-to bikepack. It has minimal insulation, so the R3.2 rating of the Ether Light XT Insulated is very welcome for winter testing. Even in Queensland. Sea to Summit mats use their bag as a pump, called an Airstream Pumpsack – you basically capture air from the bag and roll it down into a one-way valve on the mat. You can breathe into it but that adds condensation to the inside – not good in the long run.

Sea to Summit Etere Light XT Insulated Mat
Sea to Summit Etere Light XT Insulated Mat
Sea to Summit Etere Light XT Insulated Mat

The textured upper is quieter than the Ultra Light, and it's comfortable too. Insulation comes in two different forms to reflect your heat back, and to keep the cold out. The mat swells to 10cm thick, and I found it comfortable in the Queensland winter conditions I tested it in. Another fun feature is the stick over velcro tabs to keep the Sea to Summit pillows in place – much better than losing them a dozen times over. each night. Although it's easy to roll, pack and store – it's not as compact as the lightest mats, packs about the size of a water bottle and weighs 470g. However, I had a much better night's sleep than I have on other mattresses. There are also women's models available, with different sizes and maximum coverage. This is a bit bigger and a little heavier than the Ultra Light model, but I've had a much better sleep thanks to some padding, but also the fact it doesn't feel like I'm sleeping in a plastic bag.

Sea to Summit Eros Ultralight Pillow – $54.99

I've never done a real pillow ride or bikepack. Not at any time in the Scouts, with the Duke of Edinburgh, a backpacking trip, a hiking trip, a backcountry skiing trip – nothing. However, the idea that a folded jacket is comfortable is flawed. It compresses and feels like a brick, gets in the way, and creates a bad rest. Add an inflatable pillow. While a goon bag/wine box insert can work, it will slip and slide, make noise and smell like a hangover. Eros Ultralight is slightly bigger than a kiwi fruit and very comfortable. I used it with an Ether Light mat and velcro tabs – it stayed the same! At 60g and a low pack size I'm sure, this was a big part of a very comfortable night with this sleeping system.

Sea to Summit Sleep System: The Eros Pillow
Sea to Summit Sleep System: Eros Pillow

Sea to Summit Silk Blend Liner – $179.99

The silk liner is there to add comfort and life to the sleeping bag. Most sleeping bags are not designed to be washed regularly, so a liner is a sensible investment. I used this with Spark, and found it very comfortable, unlike other silk liners I've used in the past. The Thermolite material adds a touch of warmth, and for packing I pack a bag with this in it – saving me a trip to wash. The hooded mummy design is a smart combination, beating the usual cuts on the market.

Sea to Summit Sleep System: Silk Blend Liner
Sea to Summit Sleep System: Silk Blend Liner

Sea to Summit Reactor Extreme Liner – $134.99

This one is interesting, as the open feet (can be closed) and the wide opening top you end up with a lot of versatility. Enough so that I can see only taking this route on a summer trip to Queensland. Thermolite Pro claims to increase bag warmth by 15%. Also, using it during the cold weather in Queensland meant I was warm, sleeping easily in cold and flurry conditions. I can see this as an option to tighten up an existing bag for a wider comfort window, but in reality a lighter line might be too flexible for many. It hasn't been the season to test it on its own, but I can see how the Reactor Extreme Liner would be a great companion for a quilt or used alone on warm nights.

The Sea to Summit Sleep System: Silk Blend Liner
Sea to Summit Sleep System: Reactor Extreme Liner

Priority:

  • Great design and materials throughout their range
  • Lots of options in all sorts of things – including men's and women's
  • System design – everything works together when needed

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From: seatosummit.com.au

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