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I've been in the market for a new sleeping bag for ages, but have been putting it off mainly because of always having something more pressing to blow a couple of hundred quid or more on. I have an ancient Rab synthetic bag that is still functional, but heavy, bulky and no longer particularly warm on cooler nights, even when paired with a Rab silk liner. If bikepacking or backpacking, it takes up way too much space, pretty much half a large rucksack or the whole of a 17L saddle pack. Time to retire it to car or motorbike camping duties.
So... I want something warm enough for mostly spring/summer camping. There may be occasional autumn forays, but I'm happy to sleep with a down jacket, beanie and liner if needed. Something which packs small and is reasonably light (although I'm more concerned about bulk than weight).
I'm drawn to the Sea to Summit Spark and particularly like the tiny pack size of the 7°C version but have a slight concern it won't be warm enough on cooler nights? Should I go for the -1°C version? A bit bulkier and heavier although still fairly svelte but a fair bit more cash. I've seen the Spark 7°C for as little as £200 online. Anyone have either of these who could give an opinion? Are there others that meet the brief I should consider? Ideally up to £250, maybe stretch to £300. I know that's not loads in the world of quality down bags, but I can't really justify spending more and ideally it would be less!
Buying some properly good sleeping bags is the best investment in comfortable camping at backpacking weights that I've ever made.
I have 2 good quality bags and several that were cheap and really aren't that good (buy cheap, buy twice... or maybe 3 or 4 times!)
I have the sea to summit spark sp1 which is the previous version of the new 7 degree one. It's unbelievable in terms of weight and pack size and if the temperature isn't going to drop below about 8-9 degrees, and I want ultralight, then that's what I'll take.
However it does have a few compromises in the name of weight saving - e.g. short zip, cut quite narrow/thin, sewn through construction and no baffles.
This is it compressed
If I want a warmer and comfortable camp at below about 7 degrees I'll take my western mountaineering (WM) megalight. It's absolutely brilliant. Will go down to -4 ish in comfort for me with thermal underwear, is a lot warmer, a lot roomier and the overall quality of the bag is superb. You pay for it though - spendy, and a bit heavier and bigger to pack than the spark
I have absolutely no regrets about buying either, but if I had to choose one bag it would be the WM no question. it's one of the best investments I've ever made in outdoor gear and worth every penny.
@el_boufador thank you, that's exactly the kind of insight and user experience I was hoping for. I definitely can't justify buying two down sleeping bags atm. So I'll probably get the one that suits the type of use it's most likely to get right now, i.e. spring/summer bikepacking or backpacking.
What are your thoughts on beefing up an ultralight bag on colder trips with a blanket, possibly a down one?
Check out the Aegismax bags on AliExpress, I've got 2 sleeping bags and a quilt from them and they're all excellent. Great value and quality materials/construction. They do run a little short though, so get a long version if you're over 5'10"
Cheers I'll take look 👍
What are your thoughts on beefing up an ultralight bag on colder trips with a blanket, possibly a down one?
Yes you can add some warmth but it's never going to be as weight/pack size efficient as a bag properly designed for the temperature range you are expecting.
For example, my WM bag has a shoulder baffle which is brilliant for keeping out cold draughts from around the shoulders, and all the warm air inside the bag. It's really noticeable when the temperature drops to just above freezing or below that - I would be a lot colder without that feature and it's one reason why I really rate the WM stuff - very well thought out.
By the way, I thought long and hard about quilts but features to keep warm air actually inside the bag is one reason why I stick with a traditional bag. A lot of people love quilts though, but I don't think they do well at cooler temperatures. I don't really think they save much/any weight either.
I'm drawn to the Sea to Summit Spark and particularly like the tiny pack size of the 7°C version but have a slight concern it won't be warm enough on cooler nights? Should I go for the -1°C version? A
Yes, there's nothing worse than shivering all night in an under-specced sleeping bag. I've used a Sea To Summit Spark and thought it was okay, but had an overfine, fiddly zip that kept jamming on me for the sake of a tiny weight saving and it felt slightly restrictive. I'd try before buying. If you're feeling rich, the Rab Mythic Ultra bags are amazing. ME equivalent would also be good.
What are your thoughts on beefing up an ultralight bag on colder trips with a blanket, possibly a down one?
Unconvinced. The best option I've found for that is a super lightweight PHD baseless bag using 1000 fill power down, works fine in a heatwave, but also make an excellent liner bag upgrade. I don't find down blankets very efficient.
I have a Thermorest Ohm 20 which is light, packs very small and is plenty warm to sleep in a tent down to freezing. It’s quite expensive though.
I have 2 sea to summit bags. The SP2 and SP0 which you mention. The SP0 is fine for 3 season use here in Aus if not at altitude. Cant imagine it would be good for 3 seasons in UK, even with thermals. It is very nice space and weight wise.
SP2 i have never managed to sleep "in" as its too warm for the trips I have been on.
Bought a quilt when it was on sale and I love it. Sea to summit TR i think it is called. Move space to move around and full length zip means it works well in this climate. Most of the time I lay it unzipped on the mat and lift it over me when it cools off in the night.
Only other thing I can compare is an aged Snugpac Merlin 3. About as warm as the quilt, more restrictive and about four times the volume packed.
Likely not especially helpful, sorry.