I generally run cold and have struggled to find a good sleep system that provides the trifecta of warmth, comfort and portability. The Sea to Summit Sleep System – a modular system that includes a Spark Down Sleeping Bag (comfort rating -1º), Aeros Ultralight pillow, Ether Light XT Insulated Air Sleeping Mat, a Silk Blend liner, and a Reactor Extreme liner – proved itself under the starlit chill of Arapiles in autumn.
Setting up the Etherlight XT Insulated Sleeping Mat was a breeze with the one-way valve and airstream pumpsack that’s conveniently integrated into the stuff sack. It took about 3.5 sacks of air to fill the mat and the pumpsack includes a nozzle, when turned inside out, to fill the Aeros Pillow. It’s 10cm thick and has a 3.5 R-value so stayed warm and plush while both back and side sleeping.
On the first night, the forecasted low was 9ºC so I slipped the Silk Blend Liner inside the -1º rated 850+ Down Fill Spark Sleeping Bag. I’m 168 cm tall so I was hesitant to go for the regular size (170 cm) sleeping bag but it had enough wiggle room for extra layers and movement. The hood and footbox are highly water resistant so I wasn’t worried about getting wet and the Silk Blend Liner provided a bit of extra warmth (+8%) and kept the sleeping bag clean.
It took a bit of shuffling to get into the liner and bag, with a shorter half zipper, but once I slipped into position, I was impressed with how cozy I felt. The large (183cm), and surprisingly quiet, sleeping mat allowed me to shift positions without falling off the mat, while the Pillow Lock System kept the pillow perfectly in place. It was the best camp sleep I’ve had in a while.
The next night’s temps dropped to 3ºC so I turned to the Reactor Extreme Liner to give me a bit of extra warmth. The drawcord footbox made it easy to wear as an extra layer while getting ready for bed and the soft, stretch-knit fabric added an extra element of comfort.
I was quite impressed with this portable and ultralight sleep system and the versatility and variety of the products allow for comfortable, backcountry camping from early Spring into the start of Winter.
Products Included:
- Spark Women’s Down Sleeping Bag
- Aeros pillow – Ultralight Regular
- Etherlight XT Insulated Women’s Sleeping Mat
- Silk Blend Liner
- Reactor Extreme Liner
NEED TO KNOW
Intended Use:
Ultralight Backpacking
| Product | Weights (as tested) | RRP (AUD) | Packed Size |
| Spark Sleeping Bag (Regular -1º) | 610g | $649.99 | 16 x 16 x 28cm |
| Etherlight XT Women’s Sleeping Mat (Long) | 650g | $379.99 | 12 x 12 x 28cm |
| Reactor Extreme Sleeping Bag Liner (Compact Mummy) | 380g | $134.99 | 7.5 x 12 x 15cm |
| Silk Blend Sleeping Bag Liner (Compact Mummy) | 150g | $179.99 | 6 x 8 x 12cm |
| Aeros Ultralight Pillow (Regular) | 60g | $54.99 | 5.5 x 5.5 x 7.5cm |
More Info: seatosummit.com.au
