Thank you to Stephanie for her input on the women's version of this bag. So rare to see the women's version of anything outdoors reviewed! Much appreciated!
I just bought the updated Spark 0°F version, and it seems they've really listened to all the feedback. The zipper is now double-sided, making it easy to get in and out, and they've added more down insulation in the draft collar along the zipper for extra warmth. At 6'7" and 270 lbs, I opted for the long version - doh 😂, and it fits perfectly.
I just used it for Urban camping. It's so claustrophobic because of its tight space. I'm 5'8 165 lb and I just find it so small. But no doubt it's crazy packable and you can tell it's made with quality and high-end materials.
I have the Spark III, and I love it. I did have to practice with the zipper to avoid feeling/being trapped, but hiked the CT and TRT with it. It’s lightweight, durable, and comfy. It still looks like new.
Damn! Very well done vid! I rate vids based on content, clarity, editing, audio and visual. From 0 to 5 (5 being the highest), your vid hits 5 on all points. Keep up the good work.
Steph was a good addition to this video. A Justin style review on women's outdoor gear is really helpful for guys like myself shopping for our spouses.
For that price I'd go with Western Mountaineering; I like the Terralite semi-rectangular, 20 degrees, just under 2 lbs. Doesn't have the issues described with these Sea to Summit bags.
Using the Spark III and agree with it’s weaknesses. However, with current cold summer nights at the Baltic Sea my Sparky has grown to me even more. I even enjoyed using it like a quilt. And I’m about to buy the Spark 0 as an addition to sleep in even colder nights than I have last winter or as a ultra lightweight summer bag. Anyways, the cold drafts should find an end with the two together.
I have the spark IV. I am a very cold sleeper, but this bag is crazy hot. I have only tried it in the summer in high mountain area and also had a tent. I used it as a quilt, actually half a quilt as I was sweating inside. I am very happy with it. Now I may have to get the spark II or III for the summer.
Thanks for a great and honest review. It sounds like Sea to Summit should keep making bowls and cups instead of sleeping pads and bags. I hated their ether light xt.
Considering this in IV for the Alps in September, my concern is that filling amount is just not enough for -5C comfort rating, I guess it should be at least 600gr or even more.
I have the women's Altitude ATII -10C sleeping bag. I had heavily debated between the Flame and the Altitude, and I think the Altitude is the better bag. It did feel a little chilly when it gets to the 0 degree mark, but this year I'm switching up my sleeping pad and I hope that will bring out the bag's performance, because my pad was definitely cold. We camped last year in mid August and the nighttime temp hit -5 the first night, and then I ended up with a puncture to my pad the 2nd night *facepalm* I think my bag is ultimately what kept me reasonably warm for both instances. Looking forward to testing it out on my Exped mat!
Hi Justin. Great review as always. I'm looking for some time for the Alpine 2 or 3 series from Sea to Summit, bags that seem much better built for winter conditions. If you get your hands on one of these, can you please post a review for them? Thank you. :)
I have both the SP 4 and warmpeace solitare, for exactly the reason you’re describing - small neck and zipper baffles. The SP 4 is a quality product. But when you go much under freezing a more lumpy and regular sleeping bag is nice, ie the solitaire with its 1,7kg and 1,2kg of down insulation 🤌🏻🪶🪶
I would agree with you, Justin. I have this bag (S2S Spark IV) men’s version (because I’m tall) and find the warmth ratings to be off and cold- but I had my husband use this bag and he broke the zipper on the first night while trying to get out in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. He nearly froze in the bag, while I was super warm in my zPacks sleeping bag. I really wanted to love this bag- but it’s another disappointing S2S product.
hi justin , jerome from france. You should think to show the size of compacted bag for the next test ;) For example, i was amazing about that ...on paper !, and i was expecting for seeing that here. Regards Thank you for all those videos;.....french and swiss hikers are looking a lot at the us hikers channels, especially for losing weight . Channel: grandeur nature / trekattitude etc.
So in summary these are good bags IF you can afford them?? Funny enough, I am pairing mjne with the Tensor Insulated pads as well! The bags and pads are super comfortable. The Spark and Flame are hard to beat for quality, fit, reasonable warmth and incredible packability!
Shoot! I didn't know the Flame was a women version of the Spark 😢 Well, because it's not cheap, i will keep my Spark For sure, the zipper is hard to zip and unzip. I get stuck all the time!
The zipper is pretty bad - number one reason not to get one. The zip on my spark II failed after about 6 trips. We were tenting in 0 deg c, my son wanted to go to the toilet in the night, and I could not for the life of me get the bag open. After a struggle the zip separated and was unable to be used. Luckily the zip in the spark II is only a half zip and I had a thermal liner and down jacket. No complaints apart from that - they just need to use a more reliable zipper.
She speaks. Very nice nice addition, hope she continues. And a very complete review. You are one of three reviewers that actually do a review, the rest are infomercials that I no longer watch. Thanks.
I cant figure out if this guy is just a wussy or can a person be truly comfortable in this bag slightly under freezing temps. 🤔 1st he said the zips are the beat he's used then that they suck, ugh which is it. Im really trying to find a good cold weather bag. Any help is appreciated.
learn how to zip ;) and where and when to buy it for a lower price, than everything will be good ;) The spark 4 gives more value for money than the spark 3 in my opinion.
It's also available in Europe without the import duty of bags from the USA. The park IV, are listed here d as -8°C comfort rating. On the PCT my wife found it gets cold at freezing - she has the spark.
@@DannyBoyOutdoorsTravel having used and tested 3 pads and a bag from Sea to Summit, I have to say that while their gear is beautifully designed, they do have a few pros and cons. I feel like the temperature ratings are a little overestimated on their bags. I have an Altitude ATII that I do like, but it's rated to -10C and I don't think it holds up to that. I do not like their sleeping pads at all, I find the air pads do not keep the cold from the ground off your body compared to the Exped I have now, and the SI pad I tried was warm, but designed so narrow that I couldn't keep myself on the pad at all no matter what I tried. I am hoping the Exped mattress will make the bag perform better this year and then I don't have to lug my brother's -29 Mountain Hardwear bag everywhere.
I swear if I come to the mountains to find people making youtube videos its not gonna be pretty. Shame on you. You're supposed to be there to grow, to experience. Not for this. Seriously theres a whole shelf of shame in hell for you two. You need to rethink . My god is this really where we are headed...
Thank you to Stephanie for her input on the women's version of this bag. So rare to see the women's version of anything outdoors reviewed! Much appreciated!
Expect more of Steph's thoughts on the women's versions of gear in the future! And maybe some reviews featuring just her :)
Agreed! 👍
yes, enjoyed hearing Steph's input too!
I just bought the updated Spark 0°F version, and it seems they've really listened to all the feedback. The zipper is now double-sided, making it easy to get in and out, and they've added more down insulation in the draft collar along the zipper for extra warmth.
At 6'7" and 270 lbs, I opted for the long version - doh 😂, and it fits perfectly.
I love the bit 03:42 where Justin mimes and looks at Steph. Priceless and made me smile so much. Thanks for the content. X
I just used it for Urban camping. It's so claustrophobic because of its tight space. I'm 5'8 165 lb and I just find it so small. But no doubt it's crazy packable and you can tell it's made with quality and high-end materials.
I have the Spark III, and I love it. I did have to practice with the zipper to avoid feeling/being trapped, but hiked the CT and TRT with it. It’s lightweight, durable, and comfy. It still looks like new.
Damn! Very well done vid! I rate vids based on content, clarity, editing, audio and visual. From 0 to 5 (5 being the highest), your vid hits 5 on all points. Keep up the good work.
Steph was a good addition to this video. A Justin style review on women's outdoor gear is really helpful for guys like myself shopping for our spouses.
For that price I'd go with Western Mountaineering; I like the Terralite semi-rectangular, 20 degrees, just under 2 lbs. Doesn't have the issues described with these Sea to Summit bags.
Using the Spark III and agree with it’s weaknesses. However, with current cold summer nights at the Baltic Sea my Sparky has grown to me even more. I even enjoyed using it like a quilt. And I’m about to buy the Spark 0 as an addition to sleep in even colder nights than I have last winter or as a ultra lightweight summer bag. Anyways, the cold drafts should find an end with the two together.
I have the spark IV. I am a very cold sleeper, but this bag is crazy hot. I have only tried it in the summer in high mountain area and also had a tent. I used it as a quilt, actually half a quilt as I was sweating inside. I am very happy with it. Now I may have to get the spark II or III for the summer.
Thanks for a great and honest review. It sounds like Sea to Summit should keep making bowls and cups instead of sleeping pads and bags. I hated their ether light xt.
I love my etherlight XT 🥲😅 best Pad ive ever used . Mostly Iceland and Norway in 3 Season . Together with a UGQ Bandit Quilt 20F
Great video to help choose a bag in general. I would love for you to do a review of a Taiga bag as they are made in Canada!
Considering this in IV for the Alps in September, my concern is that filling amount is just not enough for -5C comfort rating, I guess it should be at least 600gr or even more.
so which sleeping bag would recommend instead which is comparable to the Spark 4 but with warmer performance?
I just got mine, tried it a night at home, and yeah the zipper is a massive issue! I hope the flame 3 will do to just around freezing temp though 😨
Your review is really helpful before purchasing the price sleeping bag. Especially I couldn't find the review of Flame in other videos. Thanks a lot!
The zipper is the most frustrating part of my Spark.
I have the women's Altitude ATII -10C sleeping bag. I had heavily debated between the Flame and the Altitude, and I think the Altitude is the better bag. It did feel a little chilly when it gets to the 0 degree mark, but this year I'm switching up my sleeping pad and I hope that will bring out the bag's performance, because my pad was definitely cold. We camped last year in mid August and the nighttime temp hit -5 the first night, and then I ended up with a puncture to my pad the 2nd night *facepalm* I think my bag is ultimately what kept me reasonably warm for both instances. Looking forward to testing it out on my Exped mat!
Found one for 400cnd on market place the -6 I was Soo happy I can't wait for colder night to try it
I have the sea to summit accent 2.
As my winter bag, I love it. Got some great features.
Thanks for the review. Very helpful! The negatives seem to win over the positives...
Finally a review which also mentions negatives..
Thank you for the detailed review🙏 It really helped me to decide why not……
Have you looked at the Sea to Summit Ember quilts at all?
Hi Justin. Great review as always. I'm looking for some time for the Alpine 2 or 3 series from Sea to Summit, bags that seem much better built for winter conditions. If you get your hands on one of these, can you please post a review for them? Thank you. :)
I have both the SP 4 and warmpeace solitare, for exactly the reason you’re describing - small neck and zipper baffles. The SP 4 is a quality product. But when you go much under freezing a more lumpy and regular sleeping bag is nice, ie the solitaire with its 1,7kg and 1,2kg of down insulation 🤌🏻🪶🪶
I like your review. They really are very helpful.
do you think these are good sleeping bags for their current closeout prices of 200-250?
Hey Justin, I have a sea to summit spark 3… I’m sure it’s a 32 degree bag but I took it out for a night a few winters ago and my god I was frozen 🥶.
Same! Their rating is completely off...
I would agree with you, Justin. I have this bag (S2S Spark IV) men’s version (because I’m tall) and find the warmth ratings to be off and cold- but I had my husband use this bag and he broke the zipper on the first night while trying to get out in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. He nearly froze in the bag, while I was super warm in my zPacks sleeping bag. I really wanted to love this bag- but it’s another disappointing S2S product.
hi justin , jerome from france.
You should think to show the size of compacted bag for the next test ;)
For example, i was amazing about that ...on paper !, and i was expecting for seeing that here.
Regards
Thank you for all those videos;.....french and swiss hikers are looking a lot at the us hikers channels, especially for losing weight .
Channel: grandeur nature / trekattitude etc.
Can you recommend a good sleeping bag for winter camping for me.??
I need your help
Rab. Expensive, but mine has lasted years, and being cold at night is just miserable
Did you mention where on earth you guys are?? It's GORGEOUS
Really is beautiful where you are 🤩
Just ordered -15 degrees spark 4. Hope it will be warm to -10 degrees
Hows it going so far?
So in summary these are good bags IF you can afford them?? Funny enough, I am pairing mjne with the Tensor Insulated pads as well! The bags and pads are super comfortable. The Spark and Flame are hard to beat for quality, fit, reasonable warmth and incredible packability!
Shoot! I didn't know the Flame was a women version of the Spark 😢 Well, because it's not cheap, i will keep my Spark
For sure, the zipper is hard to zip and unzip. I get stuck all the time!
The zipper is pretty bad - number one reason not to get one. The zip on my spark II failed after about 6 trips. We were tenting in 0 deg c, my son wanted to go to the toilet in the night, and I could not for the life of me get the bag open. After a struggle the zip separated and was unable to be used. Luckily the zip in the spark II is only a half zip and I had a thermal liner and down jacket. No complaints apart from that - they just need to use a more reliable zipper.
Flame 3 - knew there was a draft coming through the zipper! Sleep zipper side down!
Merci Superbe Vidéo !!!
She speaks. Very nice nice addition, hope she continues.
And a very complete review. You are one of three reviewers that actually do a review, the rest are infomercials that I no longer watch. Thanks.
I cant figure out if this guy is just a wussy or can a person be truly comfortable in this bag slightly under freezing temps. 🤔 1st he said the zips are the beat he's used then that they suck, ugh which is it. Im really trying to find a good cold weather bag. Any help is appreciated.
That's a lot of money for a bag that won't keep you warm the way it should
learn how to zip ;) and where and when to buy it for a lower price, than everything will be good ;) The spark 4 gives more value for money than the spark 3 in my opinion.
My budget 700$
Based on its weight and warmth ratio, it is the best, the ratio is even better than Feathered Friends and Western Mountaineering.
It's also available in Europe without the import duty of bags from the USA. The park IV, are listed here d as -8°C comfort rating. On the PCT my wife found it gets cold at freezing - she has the spark.
@@fior2373 You are probably right, I mean if the temp rating is real, this bag should be the best, otherwise, it's overpriced.
@@DannyBoyOutdoorsTravel having used and tested 3 pads and a bag from Sea to Summit, I have to say that while their gear is beautifully designed, they do have a few pros and cons. I feel like the temperature ratings are a little overestimated on their bags. I have an Altitude ATII that I do like, but it's rated to -10C and I don't think it holds up to that. I do not like their sleeping pads at all, I find the air pads do not keep the cold from the ground off your body compared to the Exped I have now, and the SI pad I tried was warm, but designed so narrow that I couldn't keep myself on the pad at all no matter what I tried. I am hoping the Exped mattress will make the bag perform better this year and then I don't have to lug my brother's -29 Mountain Hardwear bag everywhere.
Is Justin 'miming' when his wife is narrating?
Now that's what you call Marital Teleprompting🤣😂😅
How can it be almost the best?! Sounds like major flaws!!!
Way overpriced for its performance. You can get a top notch western mountaineering bag for the same price.
Thats an expensive bag.
I swear if I come to the mountains to find people making youtube videos its not gonna be pretty. Shame on you. You're supposed to be there to grow, to experience. Not for this. Seriously theres a whole shelf of shame in hell for you two. You need to rethink . My god is this really where we are headed...