The Sea To Summit eVent Compression is 20-inches tall with a 9-inch diameter and a total volume of 20-liters. Its made of 70D nylon with an eVent fabric bottom that allows air out but prevents water for getting in. It has all the familiar features of a sleeping bag stuff sack including compression straps and a pull handle on the bottom.
Performance Comparison
This model looks just like your average sleeping bag stuff sack but also provides great protection from water.
Waterproofness
This model did remarkably well in this metric and received an astounding 9 out of 10. From casual use to out more intense testing, everything stayed dry inside this product throughout testing. When we held it underwater, tons of bubbles escaped through the eVent, but no moisture crept inside the bag. Our testing towel remained completely dry after submersion and after being dragged through the water.
The only models to beat eVent Compression in this metric were the Watershed Colorado Duffel and the YETI Panga 50 which were both air and watertight. The YETI Panga retained enough air it took a 170-lb man's entire body weight to submerge it. While these two models may be more waterproof, they are much heavier and would be serious overkill for sleeping bag stuff sack.
Our testing towel was completely dry after this model was submerged and dragged behind a paddle board.
If you are willing to make a small sacrifice on this metric for a small, more versatile bag that doesn't require the protection of an outer backpack, our Best Buy, the Sea to Summit Big River has a more durable shell. It is better suited as an all-around dry bag.
Lots of bubbles escape as the eVent successfully lets air out but keeps water from seeping back in.
Ease of Use
Using the eVent Compression for the specialty purpose of a sleeping bag stuff sack couldn't be easier. In order to remain watertight, most dry bags are also airtight or at least resistant to air moving through the fabric. This would make stuffing a sleeping bag inside and compressing it down a near-impossible challenge. This model has the ingenious addition of an eVent on the bottom which allows air to exit, making stuffing and compressing not only possible but a quick and easy task. Other lightweight models like the Osprey UltraLight Dry Sack make seem like an alluring choice for backpackers, but they lack which makes them a terrible choice for a stuff sack.
The lip of the bag is more typical and closes using the classic roll-top. It is simple enough to roll it closed, pull the compression lid in place, and strap it down. If you plan to use it as more than a sleeping bag stuff sack, this model fails to provide internal compartments for small items. It also has no carrying straps and is easier to transport inside another bag.
The venting feature makes this model simple to stuff and even easier to compress.
For a more travel-ready model that is both a stand-alone bag and easier to carry over long distances, the SealLine Black Canyon Boundary serves the dual purpose of a backpack and a dry bag.
Features
The eVent Compression has all of the typical features of a sleeping bag stuff sack. It has normal flat bottomed cylindrical shape, the compression lid plus straps, and a pull handle on the bottom. The eVent at the bottom of this model is what makes it truly unique. This feature allows air to escape while it is being stuffed and compressed but prevents water from returning into the inner compartment.
It does not feature any D-rings or lash points and is meant to be stored inside an outer bag. The Sea to Summit Big River on the other hand, has four sewn lash loops and is made of more durable fabric, which allows it to be attached to your watercraft of choice.
A pull strap on the bottom makes unstuffing your sleeping bag a quick job.
The eVent Compression tied with the YETI Panga for top marks in this metric. Unlike the eVent Compression, the Panga features removable backpack straps and internal zippered compartments.
Durability
In order to live up to the prerequisite weight standards for lightweight backpacking gear, the eVent Compression was forced to sacrifice its durability. Lightweight material is just never going to be as resistant to cuts and tears. The thin material of this model is not very durable when outside of a backpack, but it is strong enough to withstand abrasions from being shuffled around inside a pack.
The eVent Compression stayed intact throughout all of our testing which was all done without the added protection of an external pack. The same cannot be said for the other ultralight models we tested. The Osprey UltraLight sustained a small puncture at some point during testing but when and how is unbeknownst to us.
Thin material makes this model prone to damage unless its used inside a larger pack.
For a significantly hardier alternative that is not only able to withstand solo use but can take a serious beating without showing signs of wear, check out the YETI Panga instead.
Best Applications
This model is great at exactly what it was designed for; to act as a waterproof stuff sack. The 20-liter size that we tested for this review is ideal as a sleeping bag stuff sack. It is lightweight, easy to use, and keeps your sleeping bag dry no matter how inclement the weather is along the journey. Redundancy never hurts so throwing your sleeping bag in the eVent Compression before packing it away in a larger duffel is the closest guarantee you'll get to a dry night's sleep on a multi-day rafting trip.
This model is your classic sleeping bag stuff sack but with a waterproof twist.
Other Sizes
Sea to Summit makes the same model in five different sizes, 6-liters, 10-liters, 14-liters, 20-liters, and 30-liters. We tested the 20-liter model which was the perfect size for a 100% down, 3-season men's large sleeping bag. Other sizes may be a better fit for different sleeping bags, and the smallest models would be ideal for protecting down jackets.
Value
At $44.95, the eVent Compression is reasonably priced for a mid-sized dry bag. It may be almost double the cost of a standard lightweight stuff sack, but when you're backpacking in the Pacific Northwest, we're pretty sure it will have paid for itself the first night when you have a warm and dry sleeping bag to crawl into.
The eVent is a nifty piece of technology that allows this model to be both compressible and waterproof.
Conclusion
The Sea To Summit eVent Compression is an ideal sleeping bag stuff sack and should be a part of any avid backpackers kit. We had zero hesitation in awarding it with a Top Pick for Sleeping Bag Stuff Sack. It has all the major design features of a stuff sack, its lightweight, and it's exceptionally waterproof. Everyone loves a dry bed, and with this product's protection, you'll never face a damp night's sleep in the backcountry again.
