REASONS TO BUY
Incredibly light and packable
Decent weather protection and durability for the weight
REASONS TO AVOID
No additional storage pockets
Only one carrying option
Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Packable Review
A simple, ultralight duffel that packs down to the size of a tennis ball
Credit: Sea to Summit
RELATED: Best Duffel Bags
Our Verdict
With a measured weight of just 2.8 ounces and the ability to pack down to about the size of a tennis ball, the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Packable Duffel impresses with one of the most streamlined designs we've ever seen. The 30-denier Cordura nylon construction is less robust than most other competitors with heavier-duty materials, but is surprisingly durable and weather-resistant for its feather-like weight. With limited features and only one carrying method, the Ultra-Sil Duffel won't compete directly with full-sized expedition duffels, but makes an excellent choice as a carry-on, gym bag, laundry pouch, or all-purpose storage bag that can easily be packed along on any trip.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Packable | |||||
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| Awards |  |  | | ||
| Price | $50 List | $163.97 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers | $170 List $169.95 at Amazon | $65 List $64.95 at REI | $35 List $34.95 at REI |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Incredibly light and packable, decent weather protection and durability for the weight | Rugged build, comfortable removable straps, variety of carry options | Durable and weather resistant, comfortable carry options, convenient storage design | Lightweight, affordable, packs into own pocket | Lightweight, affordable, stows into a small pouch, has traditional grab handles and a shoulder strap |
| Cons | No additional storage pockets, only one carrying option | Only one small pocket, heavy, pricey | Shoulder straps are somewhat difficult to remove | Limited durability and weather resistance, no backpack straps | Lacks durable qualities, not weather-resistant, no stand-out features |
| Bottom Line | A simple, ultralight duffel that packs down to the size of a tennis ball | Our favorite model due to a heavy-duty build and versatile carrying systems | A fully-featured duffel with a sleek and durable design that's ready to tackle your next adventure | A light, packable, high-volume duffel with an affordable price tag | A basic, affordable, and lightweight travel duffel to take to the gym or use as an extra carry-on |
| Rating Categories | Sea to Summit Ultra... | Sea to Summit Duffel | Gregory Alpaca | REI Co-op Roadtripper | REI Stuff Travel Du... |
| Ease of Transport (25%) | |||||
| Storage and Ease of Packing (25%) | |||||
| Durability (20%) | |||||
| Weight (15%) | |||||
| Weather Resistance (15%) | |||||
| Specs | Sea to Summit Ultra... | Sea to Summit Duffel | Gregory Alpaca | REI Co-op Roadtripper | REI Stuff Travel Du... |
| Measured Weight | 0.2 lb (40L one size) | 4.3 lb (90L model) | 3.8 lb (90L model) | 1.6 lb (100L model) | 0.4 lb (30L model) |
| Size Options (volume) | 40 Liters (one size) | 45, 65, 90, 130 Liters | 30, 45, 60, 90, 120 Liters | 40, 60, 100, 140 Liters | 30, 50 Liters |
| Material (main body) | 30-Denier ultra-sil nylon | 1000-Denier nylon tarpaulin laminate | 900-Denier TPU diamond ripstop with additional bottom layer of 630-Denier nylon | 610-Denier coated Cordura polyester | Ripstop nylon |
| Number of Pockets (excludes main compartment) | 0 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| Backpack Straps | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| D or I-Shaped Opening | I | D | D | I | I |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
The Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Packable Duffel is an impressively light and packable bag that makes a convenient companion for any travel. While it doesn't score as well as heavier-duty models in some of our performance metrics, it does a great job at filling its intended niche as a convenient carry option to stash in the car, your purse, or your full-sized luggage. It makes an excellent choice for trips to the gym, grocery store, beach, or laundry mat, and easily stashes away in the attached stuff sack when it's not in use.
Performance Comparison
The incredibly lightweight Ultra-Sil duffel lacks the durability of other models but makes a great choice as a second bag or for daily use during a long vacation.
Credit: Nick Bruckbauer
Ease of Transport
The Ultra-Sil Duffel falls within a unique subcategory of our duffel days lineup with its ultralight/packable design. As such, it only includes one carry option. The nylon carry handles are permanently attached to the bag with reinforced stitching, and contoured panels extend from the main body to help strengthen the connection and distribute forces from the handles more evenly throughout the pack. The handles feel well-balanced and are reasonably comfortable even though they don't include any padding. This duffel is one of the only in our lineup that doesn't include adjustable handles or any shoulder straps, even among the ultralight/packable models.
The two main carry handles provide the only carrying option, but aren't padded and can get uncomfortable after a while, especially when the bag is fully loaded.
Credit: Nick Bruckbauer
Once you're done using this duffel, it stashes away into the attached stuff sack and packs down to the size of a tennis ball. The included carabiner clip makes it easy to lash the small stuff sack onto a backpack, purse, or larger duffel bag until it's ready to be deployed again.
The Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil packs down to the size of a tennis ball.
Credit: Nick Bruckbauer
Storage and Ease of Packing
The Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil's 40-liter storage volume is impressive considering its featherweight design, and is among the largest volumes of the ultralight/packable models that we tested. The primary storage compartment is accessed with a single straight-shot zipper that completely reveals the inside of the pack. While we typically prefer D-shaped zippers on duffel bags, the combination of this zipper design and the shape of the pack is quite effective.
The main straight zippered opening provides easy access to the storage compartment.
Credit: Nick Bruckbauer
The cavernous main storage compartment is handy and accessible, but we always would appreciate an additional storage pocket to help organize smaller pieces of gear. The other ultralight/packable styles that we tested include an external zippered pocket. As such, the Ultra-Sil Duffel still works great for hauling groceries, shoes, or dirty laundry.
Durability
The Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil has one primary material throughout its body. The 30-denier Cordura nylon is silky smooth and is one of the thinnest and lightest materials of any duffel in our lineup. As would be expected, this bag's durability is undoubtedly much lower than heavy-duty 1000-denier expedition duffels. However, weighing in at less than three ounces and packing down to the size of a tennis ball, this bag's durability is very impressive when considering its tiny footprint and lack of heft. For its intended use as a carry-on bag, gym bag, or secondary travel bag for laundry or souvenirs, the durability is certainly appropriate. It gave us no durability issues during our testing period, and we would expect no problems with regular use. Further, Sea to Summit guarantees their gear against defects in materials or workmanship for the lifetime of the product.
The ultra-sil Cordura nylon is lighter and thinner than most other materials, but is reasonably durable for its weight.
Credit: Nick Bruckbauer
Weight
The Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Duffel weighs in at just 2.8 ounces (0.2 pounds) for its 40-liter size, making it one of the lightest duffels that we've ever tested. With such a lightweight and packable design, you're sacrificing the durability, carrying options, and storage features found on more robust duffels, but for its intended purpose, this bag sure impresses.
Weight is an important consideration, but shedding the pounds or ounces usually means sacrificing durability or features. Here, some of the lightest bags in our test demonstrate their packability.
Credit: Nick Bruckbauer
Weather Resistance
While this bag's 30-denier nylon material is waterproof, the seams are not fully sealed and provide a potentially vulnerable spot through which water can enter. The zipper has a water-resistant protective flap but also isn't fully waterproof. While the Ultra-Sil won't be fully submersible underwater and might not withstand extended downpours, it's plenty protective to keep its contents dry from splashes and short trips out in the rain.
The weather-resistant zipper and water-repellent coating provide worthy weather protection.
Credit: Nick Bruckbauer
Value
With one of the more affordable price tags in our lineup, even among the smaller ultralight/packable options, the Ultra-Sil has a very reasonable price. Even though you're sacrificing durability and certain features with such a light-duty bag, its size, weight, and lightweight price tag make it an excellent value for its intended purpose.
The Ultra-sil duffel provides great value with its versatile, lightweight design and affordable price.
Credit: Nick Bruckbauer
Conclusion
The Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Packable Duffel is a convenient ultralight model that works great for a variety of everyday uses. The thin and light material is surprisingly durable and weather-resistant, storage capacity is impressive for its size and weight. While we ultimately preferred other ultralight models with additional pockets or carrying methods, the Sea to Summit is one of the lightest and smallest we've ever seen and would make a great choice to pack along on your next trip.
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Nick Bruckbauer
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