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'm pinning this comment, great info Philip! And good on Sea to Summit for fixing those issues. Though I'm still mad at them for launching their new versions right after I published this video 😂
Good review! Tested within current sleeping bag market and not in vacuum. Graph with weight vs degrees and possible alternatives in EUROPE - for that alone thumbs up!
You'll be fine at 0 degrees, but I'd reckon the Spark 3 is going to be a bit on the warm side for most summer nights. If you're looking for 4 season versatility, you may want to take a look at S2S's Ember series instead: a quilt like the EBIII has a comparable warmth rating, but I find it a lot more comfortable in summer (more like a blanket).
Hm, that's a tough one. My main concern would be that perhaps the one on the inside would be too compressed to loft properly, so you wouldn't benefit from the extra down layer as much as you'd hope. Perhaps a Spark 2 plus a quilt (like the ones from the Ember series) would be a better combo?
@@BelgianHikers thank you so much for your answer ☺️ well I’m quite small so they should have enough space to decompress 🤔 but that’s also a great idea ☺️
No mountain equipment sleeping bag get your interest? I’ve only heard good things about them. The Helium line is a bit heavier but are much cheaper and the fire (firefly, firelite) ones seem nice. I haven’t looked at the super light weight ones but the specs on these look winter worthy
I followed all the instructions from their own videos and website how to pack this. But after not even a year the fabric tore while stuffing it into the sack while hiking. Got any tip on how to fix it?
@@frankytap Well I’d probably go ask a professional seamstress for such a delicate task, but I would email Sea To Summit first. It’s a long shot, but sometimes companies’ll surprise you with their customer service.
Nice review and comparison. I wanted a 'real' winter sleepingbag for ages and searched, read and listened to many outdoor channels and gear freaks. I've heard alot about Cumulus Equipment Teneqa series so i looked deeper into the Teneqa850. Also thought about a military surplus system (summer + winter sleepingbag in one) or a Carinthia G-loft. But i bought the Cumulus Teneqa 850 and now temps need to drop asap to test it in real winter conditions in my tent or under a tarp. 🌨️🌲👌👍
Fingers crossed that you get to test it this winter 🤞🏻 It would be a shame to have to wait all year for the right temps. Cumulus is definitely on my list as well.
@@BelgianHikers thanks! Yes and when temps won't drop overhere the Alps or Eifel are not that far away. 😉 Cumulus has my respect because it's designed, made and produced in Poland.
My friend has a Cumulus sleeping bag and I borrowed it (using a liner) and it was great. Not the same model as you are getting but they definitely seem to make quality bags
@@BelgianHikers thank you. I just got one from columbia that looks just like yours... I've been looking at these bags though, so this video was a good find. Got yourself a new subscriber!
I am currently considering getting either the Spark 0 or Ember 1 to use in conjunction with my go-to Spark 2. I'm hoping this will give me a winter system that doubles as a summer system 🤞
wow amazing rewiev thanks a lot, im searching for quite some time now and watched a ton of reviews but yours was the most helpfull i dont know why you have so few Followers and views
Do you use a liner in the spark 3 or 4? Because i have to choose between both of them and normally i think a about using a liner so i don’t habe to wash these precious bags. So if i use a liner which weighs at least 250g evek without isolation, than i would choose a liner which give me 8 plus degrees of celsius like the thermolite reactor liner from sea to summit. But if i would take the spark 4 with this liner, wouldn t it be tooo warm? So should i rather go for the spark 3 in that case?
Hey Pasequale, I don't use liners myself, since I usually wear long underwear inside a sleeping bag. They are a good way to protect your down bag against sweat, but I'm not convinced the weight/performance ratio is all that great (and if you're looking at these, weight probably matters to you). I think it mostly depends on the temperatures you plan to use these in. If the Spark III plus the added warmth from a liner (or extra clothes, or an additional light quilt like the Ember series, ...) is easily warm enough, I would go that one since it's just more versatile. If you need the warmth of the IV then it's of course a solid option.
@@BelgianHikers thanks a lot for your long and detailed answer! In fact in several cases the spark 4 is overkill so in most cases i will have more weight with me and pack size with the spark 4 in comparison to spark 3. But i can have the spark 4 for nearly the same price as the spark 3 and as you said the weight to warm ratio with spark 3 plus other options is not as good as the warm to weight ratio of the spark 4. In fact as you said: with the spark 4 you have kind of more options and a safer feeling even if it is too heavy and warm for 3 of 4 seasons 😀 It is complicated with the camping gear. But we are dedicated to it ;)
