Sea To Summit Spark 15 Overview

Backside Line

If you happen to’re an ultralight backpacker searching for one of many lightest and warmest sleeping baggage on the market, the Sea to Summit Spark 15 is a high contender. Examined within the altitude of the Colorado Rockies throughout chilly nights and within the distant reaches of the Arizona desert in fall, this bag ranks extremely on our Finest Backpacking Sleeping Baggage record due to its unbelievable warmth-to-weight ratio and 850 fill goose down. The Spark’s design is a bit wider than aggressive baggage, making it a stellar answer for aspect and stomach sleepers with out sacrificing packability. The 360° down collar and substantial draft tubes are wonderful for trapping warmth, and the vertical field baffles assist preserve heat by stopping down from shifting – in different phrases, it’s as cozy and light-weight as sleeping baggage get within the backcountry.

Nonetheless, the Spark’s skinny materials isn’t as sturdy as burlier choices, and the zipper tends to snag greater than we’d like. And, as with most ultralight gear, this bag comes with a significantly increased price ticket than a lot of the competitors. However, for folk who desire a minimalist sleeping possibility that prioritizes light-weight performance and easy consolation over bells and whistles, the Spark 15 could fire up an ideal night time’s sleep.

Heat

Regardless of its low weight, the Spark is impressively heat – this factor stored us persistently cosy from head to toe on frigid evenings between 20 and 25°F. The Spark packs 850 fill energy goose down into vertical field baffles, a design that retains feathers in place and requires minimal redistribution over time. Draft tubes alongside the zippers and a 360° down collar work collectively to dam out chilly air.

That stated, the ultralight focus of this mannequin means it’s not as sturdy in opposition to colder situations as some heavier options. For instance, the 15°F bag we examined is consolation rated to solely 29°F, and we will affirm: it’ll really feel uncomfortable under freezing. We extremely advocate going with the 0°F model for those who’ll be tenting in temperatures under freezing within the excessive alpine, open desert, or in shoulder seasons.

Fortunately, Sea to Summit gives this bag in a number of different variations. For a similar value, go along with the ladies’s model to get additional down packed via the chest and foot space. Or, select between 0°, 30°, and 45°F variations – however be mindful their consolation limits will probably be round 10-15°F increased than every quantity. The Spark additionally comes as a double bag for those who don’t thoughts sharing house, though double baggage usually really feel colder when temperatures dip because of extra potential useless house.

Consolation

The Sea to Summit Spark 15 is likely one of the lightest baggage we examined – however you gained’t must sacrifice consolation. Its created from the identical smooth 10-denier material because the liner that feels extremely clean and smooth in opposition to the pores and skin. The hood is lots large enough to accommodate the most important backpacking pillows.

We additionally love the roominess of this bag. Whereas it’s nonetheless a real mummy form, the Spark 15 gives more room than rivals via the shoulders and hips to maneuver round – which tummy and aspect sleepers will love – however nonetheless suits snugly sufficient to attenuate chilly spots. The vertical field baffles are efficient at stopping down from settling or shifting when you roll over within the night time, making it an ideal alternative for those who’re an lively sleeper and alter positions regularly. The total-length draft tube blocks out the coolness from the zipper, making this bag a cocoon of consolation.

Weight & Packability

The Spark 15 is likely one of the lightest and most packable sleeping baggage on the market, so for those who’re a long-distance backpacker, ultralight fanatic, or minimalist, it’ll test each field for conserving pack weight down. This bag lands within the Goldilocks zone at simply 1 pound, 9.7 ounces for the unisex model and a couple of kilos, 0.8 ounces for girls – it’s lots heat and straightforward to hold. The mixture of 10-denier materials is lighter and simpler to pack than many different backpacking baggage that use 15D or 20D materials,  and ultralight down compresses small, good for backpackers who desire a streamlined backpack with minimal bulk. The included compression sack smashes the bag into a really moveable measurement, though it can save you just a few extra ounces by leaving the sack at house.

Like all ultralight gear, the place this bag excels in low weight, it falls a bit brief in sturdiness. The emphasis on minimal weight means this bag typically has a shorter life span than baggage made with heavier-duty supplies. Gear Analyst Ian Krammer realized this the laborious approach, so that you’ll wish to hold an in depth eye out for brambles, sharp rocks, pine needles, and canine claws to keep away from potential injury to the inside and exterior. And take into account bringing alongside a patch equipment in case your bag snags or tears.

Options

The Sea to Summit Spark 15 is a no-frills bag with a sensible function set. The hood is accommodating and extensive to suit the backpacking pillow of your alternative and the cinch cords are easy however efficient. The zippers are light-weight and sturdy. However, that’s it so far as options: the Spark 15 stays targeted on weight financial savings. It lacks extra conveniences like a stash pocket, additional zippers, and extra air flow – which is likely to be a downside for some. Nonetheless, we like this pared-down method: since simplicity retains  weight down, we don’t count on far more from such high-performance gear.

Ought to You Purchase the Sea To Summit Spark 15?

The Sea to Summit Spark 15 is for weight acutely aware backpackers who depend ounces however nonetheless need an industry-leading warmth-to-weight ratio. This sleeping bag is extremely compressible and ethereal, making it considered one of our high decisions for backpacking journeys. Sea To Summit’s environment friendly vertical field baffles and premium 850 fill goose down is a recipe for saving weight with out sacrificing heat, and the spacious hood and barely wider design of the bag makes it loopy snug for any type of sleeper.

However, the Spark 15 comes up brief in order for you extra consolation and comfort options. Its minimalist design excludes a stash pocket and further zippers. The skinny materials is likely to be a draw back for folk who’re powerful on their gear, want extra sturdy sturdiness, or desire a bit of additional  insulation in extraordinarily chilly situations. That stated, for folk who desire a technical 3-season sleeping bag that’s simple to hold and even simpler to make use of, the Spark 15 could also be your ticket to a comfy night time of relaxation.

What Different Backpacking Sleeping Baggage Ought to You Contemplate?

REI Magma 15 Overview: Each the REI Magma 15 and the Sea to Summit Spark 15 provide ultralight designs, distinctive warmth-to-weight ratios, and provide top-quality down insulation. However, the Magma 15 is a little more sturdy and much more inexpensive, and weighs fairly a bit extra.

Western Mountaineering Ultralite 20 Overview: The UltraLite 20, just like the Spark 15, is a efficiency sleeping bag with related fill energy, minimalist design, and comparable consolation score. However, this can be a nice different for those who’re searching for even increased high quality and a focus to element for only a few ounces extra.

Zpacks Basic 20 Overview: Just like the Spark, the ZPacks Basic 20 additionally emphasizes minimalist design, three-season versatility, and wonderful packability. However, the Basic 20 is lighter, prices much less, and has a barely increased fill energy.