20.5.2012

I bought the Ultra Sil day pack just before an 8 week backpacking trip to S.E. Asia and it has been fantastic! I bought it because I was travelling light and needed something that which wouldn't take up any space to use as a day bag alongside my 60L rucksack.The Ultra Sil is made from the same sort of nylon-y material as a sleeping bag stuff sack making it incredibly lightweight. When it's packed up in its carry pouch the bag is slightly smaller than a balled up pair of socks and about the same weight which makes it ideal for backpacking when space in your bag is at a premium. The carry pouch is actually attached to the bag and it hangs inside the bag at the top so you can put stuff in it,pull the draw cord tight and use it as a sort of internal pouch to store your keys/spare camera batteries/memory cards in etc which I thought was a pretty smart design (my tip for getting the rucksack back into the carry pouch is to turn the back inside out so the pouch is hanging on the outside and then tuck the shoulder straps back into the bag, zip it up and then stuff the rucksack into the pouch with your thumbs.I found the Ultra Sil incredibly versatile; I used it as my carry on bag for the plane, as my rucksack had to be checked on, so I could carry my essentials - book, iPod, jumper, water etc in the Ultra Sil and then when I arrived at my destination I could just transfer the stuff back into my main rucksack, pack up the Ultra Sil, stick it in a pocket of my rucksack and head off without having to worry about carrying a bulky empty day pack around. It was also perfect when you were exploring a place for a couple of days, I could just leave my big rucksack at the hotel and take out what I needed for the day with me in the Ultra Sil. Then when I was travelling the Ultra Sil would fit it into my rucksack taking up no space whatsoever! It had so many uses - taking towel etc down to the beach or my washing to the laundrette!Obviously to make the bag so light weight and able to pack down so small there have to be drawbacks, the main ones being the limitations to what you can actually in the bag. The material is quite thin and obviously not as durable as an ordinary rucksack which makes it susceptible to tearing if you're not careful - don't put any hard objects with sharp corners in it! Also the amount of weight you can carry in it is limited (I found that with any amount of weight in it the shoulder straps tend to slip so that bag ends up hanging by your bum; to get the bag to sit higher on your back adjust the straps comfortably and then tie a knot in the strap under each buckle so the strap can't slip through). After 8 weeks of hard, regular use none of the stitching on my bag is showing any sign of stress or wear but I was cautious of what I put in it. For example I'd be pretty worried about trying to carry something heavy and valuable in it like a laptop or DSLR, but tbh you should have a dedicated case for these and it's not really what it's designed for. More practically though carrying something like as heavy as a 1.5 litre bottle of water around in it all day with your other bits and pieces and having it banging around on your back (especially if you were cycling) would probably bust the straps in my opinion. You can only really carry 0.5L of water in the Ultra Sil, any heavier bottles I tended to just hold on to. Security is also a slight issue as the material is so thin it can easily be slashed by an opportunistic thief or the straps snapped and the bag ripped off your back by a passing moto rider.Another downside is comfort; to pack down to the size and weight that it does, the manufacturers obviously couldn't include any back padding so whatever you have in the bag you will feel pressing against your back which can be annoying, especially if it's hard and pointy...Although Sea to Summit claim that the Ultra Sil is water resistant I didn't really find this to be the case. When it rained my stuff in the bag got damp - not soaked, but appreciably damp and I didn't even subject it to any significant downpours as I was worried about the water resistance. Another issue with the water resistance which you might not initially consider is actually sweat resistance! I know it's grim & this is more likely to be a problem for blokes than girls, but if you're travelling in a hot country and you tend to get a bit hot & sweaty then so will the bag - there's no back foam/anything to wick your sweat away from your bag so the bag (and the contents) can end up damp which is pretty gross!In conclusion then, would I recommend the Ultra Sil to anyone else, or, with the experience of ownership would I buy it again? My answer would have to be yes - it is sooo useful, and the benefits of its size & weight far outweigh the downsides. I also think the price point is quite fair too. I hope that any reader of this review with an ounce of common sense can see that the downsides I have pointed out of the Ultra Sil are pretty much unavoidable sacrifices you have to make to produce a bag that packs down to the size of a rolled up pair of socks. If you look after it carefully/are sensible about what you put in it you should get a couple of years use out of it.

7.8.2011

I bought the Ultra Sil day pack just before an 8 week backpacking trip to S.E. Asia and it has been fantastic! I bought it because I was travelling light and needed something that which wouldn't take up any space to use as a day bag alongside my 60L rucksack.The Ultra Sil is made from the same sort of nylon-y material as a sleeping bag stuff sack making it incredibly lightweight. When it's packed up in its carry pouch the bag is slightly smaller than a balled up pair of socks and about the same weight which makes it ideal for backpacking when space in your bag is at a premium. The carry pouch is actually attached to the bag and it hangs inside the bag at the top so you can put stuff in it,pull the draw cord tight and use it as a sort of internal pouch to store your keys/spare camera batteries/memory cards in etc which I thought was a pretty smart design (my tip for getting the rucksack back into the carry pouch is to turn the back inside out so the pouch is hanging on the outside and then tuck the shoulder straps back into the bag, zip it up and then stuff the rucksack into the pouch with your thumbs.I found the Ultra Sil incredibly versatile; I used it as my carry on bag for the plane, as my rucksack had to be checked on, so I could carry my essentials - book, iPod, jumper, water etc in the Ultra Sil and then when I arrived at my destination I could just transfer the stuff back into my main rucksack, pack up the Ultra Sil, stick it in a pocket of my rucksack and head off without having to worry about carrying a bulky empty day pack around. It was also perfect when you were exploring a place for a couple of days, I could just leave my big rucksack at the hotel and take out what I needed for the day with me in the Ultra Sil. Then when I was travelling the Ultra Sil would fit it into my rucksack taking up no space whatsoever! It had so many uses - taking towel etc down to the beach or my washing to the laundrette!Obviously to make the bag so light weight and able to pack down so small there have to be drawbacks, the main ones being the limitations to what you can actually in the bag. The material is quite thin and obviously not as durable as an ordinary rucksack which makes it susceptible to tearing if you're not careful - don't put any hard objects with sharp corners in it! Also the amount of weight you can carry in it is limited (I found that with any amount of weight in it the shoulder straps tend to slip so that bag ends up hanging by your bum; to get the bag to sit higher on your back adjust the straps comfortably and then tie a knot in the strap under each buckle so the strap can't slip through). After 8 weeks of hard, regular use none of the stitching on my bag is showing any sign of stress or wear but I was cautious of what I put in it. For example I'd be pretty worried about trying to carry something heavy and valuable in it like a laptop or DSLR, but tbh you should have a dedicated case for these and it's not really what it's designed for. More practically though carrying something like as heavy as a 1.5 litre bottle of water around in it all day with your other bits and pieces and having it banging around on your back (especially if you were cycling) would probably bust the straps in my opinion. You can only really carry 0.5L of water in the Ultra Sil, any heavier bottles I tended to just hold on to. Security is also a slight issue as the material is so thin it can easily be slashed by an opportunistic thief or the straps snapped and the bag ripped off your back by a passing moto rider.Another downside is comfort; to pack down to the size and weight that it does, the manufacturers obviously couldn't include any back padding so whatever you have in the bag you will feel pressing against your back which can be annoying, especially if it's hard and pointy...Although Sea to Summit claim that the Ultra Sil is water resistant I didn't really find this to be the case. When it rained my stuff in the bag got damp - not soaked, but appreciably damp and I didn't even subject it to any significant downpours as I was worried about the water resistance. Another issue with the water resistance which you might not initially consider is actually sweat resistance! I know it's grim & this is more likely to be a problem for blokes than girls, but if you're travelling in a hot country and you tend to get a bit hot & sweaty then so will the bag - there's no back foam/anything to wick your sweat away from your bag so the bag (and the contents) can end up damp which is pretty gross!In conclusion then, would I recommend the Ultra Sil to anyone else, or, with the experience of ownership would I buy it again? My answer would have to be yes - it is sooo useful, and the benefits of its size & weight far outweigh the downsides. I also think the price point is quite fair too. I hope that any reader of this review with an ounce of common sense can see that the downsides I have pointed out of the Ultra Sil are pretty much unavoidable sacrifices you have to make to produce a bag that packs down to the size of a rolled up pair of socks. If you look after it carefully/are sensible about what you put in it you should get a couple of years use out of it.

20.2.2015

Amazing bag, used it through a seven month backpacking trip in South East Asia and still use it today. Can't say just how good it is, it folds down so, so small when not in use that it's perfect for a day bag to be kept in your main luggage.I'd say it's very durable but I have got a small hole in mine from it getting caught on a very sharp rock but considering the amount of hiking and climbing I did, to only get one small hole in it is very good I feel.Another review I remember saying (possibly not on Amazon) that with a heavy load the straps would start to slip through and the back end up further and further down your back and to stop it you'd need to tie a knot in it.

2.4.2017

This is super lightweight and packs down into a tiny ball you can fit in a pocket or clip to your belt loop. It's great for when you're travelling and need a day pack, for music festivals, or day trips. I took mine round the world, using it as a day pack for when I was working out of cafés, when I was visiting the beach, and as a backup extra bag when changing locations. I've worn it while riding scooters and in the pouring rain.There's only a few downsides, which are inevitable for a pack like this:* The material it is made out of is strong but thin. This is great for its purpose, but the straps are made of it as well. You can put a lot of weight in this without it breaking,

25.2.2012

This is an incredible piece of gear. I use it as a backup day-sack when I travel with a larger backpack. The large backpack I can leave in the hotel room, and just grab this tiny bag, open it out, and stuff it with whatever I need for the day. A hat, bandanas, rain coat, rain pants, sunglasses, water... everything fits in nicely in to the 20 litre capacity.Hell, this pack deserves a 5 star rating just for the gasp of fascination as people see you unfold the tennis ball sized pouch into a backpack!There is however one flaw, which I wish the creators would correct in future versions. A sternum strap - something to hold the two shoulder straps together. Otherwise I find that they slip apart,

13.11.2015

This is a super product and I am really pleased with the quality and its performance. I bought it to save taking a heavier backpack on day trips, sightseeing or trips to the beach. It packs really small and is easy to get back into its little bag. It's well made and can hold a couple of sweaters, a 1lt water bottle, snacks and a couple paperback books. I would not use the pack on a challenging hike or trek that would require filling it to capacity, as the straps do not spread the load and could prove to be uncomfortable. It cannot replace a more weighty backpack, but as a small light weight day bag I don't think it can be beaten.

18.12.2013

This day pack has to be one of the most cleverest bits of backpacking gear I've ever seen. It weighs only 68 grams and literally folds into a compact size that could fit into a tea cup with ease. Backpackers will love the fact that you can use this as your day pack while on day trips or traveling round cities, if you leave your bigger rucksack in a hostel or secure place. It is durable and can store those essential items for long treks as it can hold 20 liters. The yellow design is my personal favorite but all the colors look nice if you want to personalize your choice.

11.5.2014

... I am still very pleased with this amazing bit of kit. My first impressions were that it was so light and thin that it would not stand up to a great deal of use but it just carries on doing the job. It easily carries a full set of waterproofs and a bottle of water and a sandwich for a day out.The only modification I would recommend is to use a carabina (or similar arrangement with some form of sternum strap) to hold the straps together. This makes a very comfortable arrangement - even just wearing a tee shirt or pullover.Highly recommended.

19.7.2012

I used this as my daypack on a sunny holiday where I travelled with a larger carry-on pack which was bigger than I needed for just wandering about town.I used this daypack every day, if nothing else as a portable safe, rather than leave stuff in a vulerable room. Despite being ridiculously light, it has a fairly large (claimed) 20 litre capacity. I wouldn't want to put anything too heavy, such as a 2 litre bottle, in it for too long, but if you pack carefully and sensibly, this pack does a great job.I'd recommend combining this with the

6.3.2015

I purchased this to keep stored under my motorcycle seat for those occasions when I suddenly find myself making an unexpected purchase when on my motorcycle. When packed away it is so small that you can store it in the smallest of spaces. The quality of materials is excellent and despite the fabric being very thin, the strength and quality is apparent.When in use, the pack is not the most comfortable to use as the focus on lightweight & small packed size means that luxuries such as padding & thick straps are sacrificed.

19.6.2015

Fantastic product, folds up tiny and weighs almost nothing. I'm a cyclist and I use this bag almost daily, it's showerproof (rather than fully waterproof) and incredibly useful. I had one before for several years but eventually lost it, had to buy another one immediately. The little bag it folds into (which it is attached to and which is inside the bag when the bag is in use) can be used for coins or keys when the bag is in use as it can tightened by the little drawstring. The straps are adjustable. Recommend highly.

5.9.2013

As much as i haven't used this much yet, the few times i have it's been great.I had to take a few bits elsewhere on my bike so used this, then on the way back just put it in my pocket.When out for a wander one day i threw it in my girlfriends handbag then when we decided to do a quick food shop, we used this.When we go out walking as a family sometimes, i let my younger sister use it as she barely carries anything, but my bag is already full.Simple things i know, but it's been great for tasks like that.

17.4.2019

bought this as a replacement after my original one died after 5 years heavy use. it's a bit bigger and bulkier than my previous one (but not by much) but still really like it. Bear in mind this is meant to be a small secondary backpack that packs small. it isn't the most comfortable backpack for long use with heavy items, but that isn't what it is designed for. I use it as a secondary back when doing long distance backpacking to hold shopping/ dirty laudry/ valuables when at camp and love it.

2.10.2013

I needed a light weight day sack because of restrictions with an aircraft booking. What I did not expect was that I had possibly the most useful piece of walking kit I have ever bought. Great size, shape and quality and as of yet I still dont know how tough it is. It carries both shapes and materials that I was sure would damage it but nothing even marks it. It is so light that I have looked round my feet for it until I realised it was on my back, or is that just a thing pensioners do?

1.2.2012

This is the second of these bags I have bought. It holds quite a lot considering its fairly small size, and best of all packs down into a stupidly small sack (this in turn is a useful little key holder or other small thing when in use). It seems to be fairly waterproof and robust. The only thing I think might improve it would be a pocket, perhaps with a zip or velcro; this of course might make it larger when packed down but only fractionally so.

Sea to Summit Ultra Sil Daypack - Reviews

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