SEA TO SUMMIT
Price: £14 (13L) • Weight: 40g (13L) • Materials: Ultra-Sil 30D siliconised Cordura nylon • Features: non-wicking Hypalon roll-top closure, round base, 2,000mm water column rated • Sizes: 1L, 2L, 4L, 8L, 13L, 20L, 35L seatosummit.co.uk
The Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Is a very lightweight dry-bag made from siliconised nylon. This is a lightweight, flexible and slippery material, which makes it easy to pack in your rucksack – it easily squeezes past other items and doesn’t snag. The material is also translucent and lets in a surprising amount of light. Despite the dark colour of the sample I was sent for testing, I never had any trouble identifying items in the bottom of the bag, which can be an issue with dry-bags made from dark-coloured or thick material. There is a subtle ripstop pattern, and although it’s only 30D material – meaning that it’s quite thin – it has proven tough so far. I have no concerns about durability in normal use. All seams are fully taped. Despite only being rated to a 2000mm water column, I’ve found it no less waterproof than the other bags tested.
The bag’s shape is a basic narrow cylinder with a round bottom, although there is no grab loop to help with emptying the bag or hanging it up to dry.
However, this helps to keep weight down. The roll-top closure works as you’d expect – and one side is stiffened, which helps to make a good seal.
A headline feature for the Ultra-Sil is that the buckle can be easily replaced by the user (you just need a screwdriver). This is a big win for longevity, because buckles on products like this are easily broken – if you’ve ever stepped on one you’ll know what I mean.
Overall, this is a superb dry-bag. It’s very lightweight, affordable, should last a long time, and can be easily repaired. There’s little I’d change.
Also consider: Granite Gear eVent Sil Drysack, 13L, 50g, £27