Sea To Summit SPI Spark

**SuperUltraKel** · 06-03-2016, 23:32

I just got in my new summer bag and thought I would share it with everyone here. It is a Sea To Summit SP1 Spark bag which has a low temperature rating of 46 degrees. I plan on using it exclusively for summer camping in the Southeast so I anticipate it's lack of heavy insulation to be perfectly adequate.
bag.jpg
It is an 850 fill dry down bag (which they have independently certified which I thought is a nice touch)
Certified.jpg
This bag truly surprised me with how light it is ... 13.9 ounces with the 1 ounce compression sack (12.9 ounces for the bag itself)
Sparkweight.jpg stuffsack.jpg
It absolutely blows my Mountain Hardwear Hyperlamina Spark bag out of the water both in weight and in packed size. (granted the Hyperlamina is a 32 degree bag and the Sea To Summit is a 46 degree bag so it's not quite comparing apples to apples, but still)
bottlespark.jpg handspark.jpg sparks.jpg sparks2.jpg
It is quite narrowly cut, but seems to be adequately long enough for me. (I am 5'11" so I am always on the verge of needing a long)
doorway.jpg hood.jpg openhood.jpg
While I have yet to actually USE the bag, I am excited to see how it holds up. I will definitely keep you all posted

**SilvrSurfr** · 06-04-2016, 00:27

Looks like a nice quilt. Where's the zipper? Can you use it as a topquilt or do you have to lay in it?

The bag has a rating of 46* F? That's a strange rating.

I have a HammockGear 40* TQ & UQ and they're nice for this time of year.

**SuperUltraKel** · 06-04-2016, 00:53

Originally Posted by SilvrSurfr

Looks like a nice quilt. Where's the zipper? Can you use it as a topquilt or do you have to lay in it?

It has a 1/3 length zipper on the left hand side so it can't really be used as a top quilt. As a side note, all of my pictures are taken with the bag inside out. I didn't realize that until after I had already taken them. LOL

**SilvrSurfr** · 06-04-2016, 00:58

So what are you using for under-insulation?

**SuperUltraKel** · 06-04-2016, 14:48

Originally Posted by SilvrSurfr

So what are you using for under-insulation?

I am still incredibly new to this so I don't have everything down yet, but my plan was to at least start off using my inflatable pad. I'm sure that the more I use it, the more I'll fine tune my setup.

**TrailSlug** · 06-04-2016, 16:03

Nice looking inside out sleeping bag.

I cringe looking at that mummy cut though. I need my room and this is why I love the top quilts vs the sleeping bags. That should serve you well and the pad should be enough for late spring summer camping.

**Mike04345** · 06-04-2016, 16:28

Welcome, Nice pics of your new bag. I too need the room and like the quilts but each to his or her own. I'm using a 40 degree hammock gear TQ and for now I ony have a 20 Degree UQ (Full lenght) So O have to hang it loose in warm weather. must say I like the weight of your choice.

**WV Mountaineer** · 06-04-2016, 20:34

Nice bag. It's good and light.

If I may, I'm going to give you some advice. Not telling you what you'll like. Just telling you what most like that have tried it. Better than a bag and a pad.

Top quilt and Under Quilt. I know they are expensive. But, the synthetics are much cheaper and, do very well too So, you have options .If you can sew or, are willing to learn to sew, you can build your TQ and UQ for winter temps, out of Climashield Apex, for $130. 3 season sets can be done for $100.

Not trying to interfere or, tell you you made a bad decision. Just suggesting this because they are SO much more comfortable than a sleeping bag in a hammock. Not to mention easier. Good luck and God Bless

**SuperUltraKel** · 06-04-2016, 21:44

Originally Posted by WV Mountaineer

Nice bag. It's good and light.

If I may, I'm going to give you some advice. Not telling you what you'll like. Just telling you what most like that have tried it. Better than a bag and a pad.

Top quilt and Under Quilt. I know they are expensive. But, the synthetics are much cheaper and, do very well too So, you have options .If you can sew or, are willing to learn to sew, you can build your TQ and UQ for winter temps, out of Climashield Apex, for $130. 3 season sets can be done for $100.

Not trying to interfere or, tell you you made a bad decision. Just suggesting this because they are SO much more comfortable than a sleeping bag in a hammock. Not to mention easier. Good luck and God Bless

Thank you very much for your input. That is actually why I am on here; to get advice and views from many who are more experienced. So I in no way feel like you are interfering. That being said, my goal here is to go as absolutely light as possible. Given that the trips I am currently outfitting for are in the heat of the summer in GA, my initial plan was to eliminate the pad altogether but I will need to test that out before actually going that route. I initially was gearing up for an ultralight tent setup and sort of discovered hammocks while looking to go lighter. I am planning a couple of fastpacking trips over the summer and don't want my pack to weigh me down too much while running. My initial thoughts when considering under and top quilts was that they were considerably heavier (though more comfortable) ... but I will definitely look into it a bit more.