Looking for the perfect dry storage solution for your outdoor adventures? The Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Bag might just be what you need. This dry bag offers a reliable way to keep your gear dry whether you’re backpacking, biking, or traveling. With its waterproof construction, it’s a versatile option that caters to the needs of fast and light adventurers. In this review, we’ll dive into the details of the Ultra-Sil Dry Bag. We’ll also explore its key features and how it performs in various outdoor scenarios.
Specifications
Material: Ripstop nylon with a slippery finish
Capacity: 3 liters to 35 liters
Waterproofing: Fully tape-sealed construction with double-stitched seams
Shape: Cylindrical
Best use: Backpacking
See the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Bag
Key Features
- Ultralightweight design
- Constructed from bluesign-approved 30D Ultra-Sil Cordura ripstop nylon
- Translucent fabric for easy visibility of contents
- Taped seams for enhanced waterproofing
- Compact and space-saving
- Available in various sizes from 3 liters to 35 liters
- Hypalon roll-top closure
- Reinforced stitching at stress points
- Patent-pending field repair buckle
- Suitable for backpacking, bike touring, and travel
Overview of the Sea-to-Summit Dry Bag Lineup
The Sea to Summit Dry Bag lineup offers a comprehensive range of options to suit different outdoor needs. From the lightweight and ultra-portable Ultra-Sil bags to the heavy-duty and rugged Big River bags, there’s something for every adventurer. The lineup includes various sizes, ranging from 3 liters to 35 liters. It caters to both individual and group gear storage requirements. Each bag is crafted with attention to detail. It utilizes high-quality materials like bluesign-approved 30D Ultra-Sil Cordura ripstop nylon for durability and reliability in challenging environments.
In addition to size options, the lineup also features different levels of waterproofing and special features to enhance usability. Whether you need extreme waterproofing for water sports or space-saving technology for compressing bulky items like sleeping bags, there’s a bag tailored to your specific needs. With a focus on durability, functionality, and versatility, Sea to Summit dry bags are trusted by outdoor enthusiasts worldwide for their performance in demanding conditions.
Comparison of Key Features
When selecting a dry bag for your outdoor adventures, it’s essential to consider various factors to ensure it meets your needs. Here’s a comparison of key features across the Sea to Summit Dry Bag lineup:
Weight
The Ultra-Sil bags stand out for their lightweight design. It makes them ideal for backpackers and travelers who prioritize minimizing pack weight. In comparison, heavier-duty bags like the Big River series offer more durability but come with added weight. They are suitable for activities where ruggedness is paramount.
Waterproofing
While all Sea to Summit dry bags boast impressive waterproofing, the Ultra-Sil bags feature a 2,000mm waterhead rating. They provide adequate protection for most outdoor activities. For extreme conditions or water sports, options like the Big River bags with a 10,000mm waterhead offer superior waterproofing. It will ensure your gear stays dry even in the harshest environments.
Durability/Ruggedness
The Heavy Duty and Big River bags excel in durability. They are made from robust materials designed to withstand rough handling and abrasion. In contrast, the Ultra-Sil bags prioritize lightweight construction, sacrificing some ruggedness for enhanced portability and space-saving capabilities.
Material Space
These bags minimize material space, making them ideal for situations where every ounce of space counts, such as ultralight backpacking. As you move up the lineup, bags like the Big River series offer more material space. They accommodate larger gear and provide added versatility.
Overall Space
Bags equipped with eVac and compression technology, such as the Ultra-Sil Compression Dry Sack, allow you to maximize space by removing excess air and compressing bulky items like sleeping bags.
This feature is particularly useful for backpackers and campers looking to optimize pack organization and minimize volume.
Load Limit
Heavy Duty and Big River bags boast impressive load limits of up to 220 pounds. They are suitable for carrying heavy gear or equipment. While lightweight options like the Ultra-Sil bags have lower load limits. They still offer ample capacity for essential items without adding unnecessary bulk.
My Experience
The Spicy Orange, boasting a 13-liter capacity, is a standout choice for outdoor enthusiasts seeking lightweight and reliable dry storage. As an avid backpacker, I’ve put this bag through its paces, and it has exceeded my expectations in several key areas.
First and foremost, it lives up to its name with an incredibly lightweight design that doesn’t compromise on durability. Constructed from bluesign-approved 30D Ultra-Sil Cordura ripstop nylon, the material feels robust yet remarkably thin, contributing to its featherlight weight. Despite its thinness, the material proves surprisingly strong, withstanding typical wear and tear encountered during outdoor adventures. However, it’s worth noting that caution should be exercised around sharp objects to prevent potential pinhole leaks.
The transparency of the material is a standout feature. It allows for easy visibility of the bag’s contents without the need to unzip or open it fully. This proves especially useful when quickly identifying and accessing specific items while on the trail or in camp. Additionally, the taped seams on the inside of the bag provide peace of mind. They prevent water seepage and ensure the contents remain dry even in wet conditions.
While the Ultra-Sil lacks eVac or compression features, its simplicity is a boon for those who prioritize minimalism and packability. With proper packing techniques, including thorough air removal before sealing, I’ve found the bag capable of accommodating a surprising amount of gear while still maintaining a compact profile. However, it’s essential to recognize that this bag has a waterhead rating of 2,000mm. This makes it suitable for most outdoor activities but less ideal for extreme waterproofing needs.
What I like about this bag
- Ultralightweight Design: Exceptionally lightweight, making it ideal for backpackers and travelers looking to minimize pack weight without sacrificing durability.
- Durable Construction: Crafted from bluesign-approved 30D Ultra-Sil Cordura ripstop nylon, the bag offers robustness and reliability, capable of withstanding typical outdoor wear and tear.
- Transparency: The translucent fabric allows for easy visibility of the bag’s contents, eliminating the need to unzip or open it fully to locate specific items.
- Taped Seams: The taped seams on the inside of the bag provide added protection against water seepage, ensuring the contents remain dry even in wet conditions.
- Space-saving: Despite its thin material, the Ultra-Sil Dry Bag can accommodate a surprising amount of gear with proper packing techniques, maintaining a compact profile in your pack.
What I don’t like about this bag
- Limited Waterproofing: With a waterhead rating of 2,000mm, it does not offer the extreme waterproofing needed for activities in exceptionally wet conditions or when submerging the bag.
- Lack of Compression Features: Unlike some other dry bags in the Sea to Summit lineup, the Ultra-Sil Dry Bag does not feature eVac or compression technology, which may limit its ability to compress bulky items.
- Potential for Pinhole Leaks: While the material is thin yet durable, users should exercise caution around sharp objects to prevent potential pinhole leaks that could compromise the bag’s waterproofing.
- Not Suitable for Heavy-duty Use: Due to its lightweight design, the Ultra-Sil isn’t the best choice for carrying heavy or sharp-edged gear that could potentially damage the bag over time.
- Limited Waterproofing Testing: Some users may feel uncertain about the bag’s waterproofing capabilities, especially in extreme conditions, due to limited testing or personal experiences.
Final Verdict
The Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Bag offers a compelling combination of ultralightweight design, durability, and transparency. These features make it a standout choice for backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking reliable dry storage. Its robust construction and taped seams provide peace of mind against water seepage. At the same time, the translucent fabric allows for easy visibility of contents without the need for constant unpacking. Despite its lack of compression features and limited waterproofing rating, the Ultra-Sil Dry Bag excels in its simplicity and packability. This makes it an invaluable addition to any adventurer’s gear arsenal. While it may not be the best choice for extreme waterproofing needs or heavy-duty use, it shines in its intended applications, offering unparalleled lightweight performance and space-saving capabilities.
