Our review: An entry-level backpacking sleeping bag with plenty of wriggle room
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For Australian outdoor gear experts Sea to Summit , manufacture started in the founder’s bedroom in the 1980s, but the company has since gained global brand status. Perhaps best known in the UK for their collapsible camp accessories, Sea to Summit range of sleeping bags and other camp equipment is impressive. The Sea to Summit Quest Women’s is a synthetic-fill generous-mummy sleeping bag with a shorter length, less shoulder space and more hip space to suit the female figure. It isn’t as warm or soft as its down equivalents but would make an adequate entry-level backpacking sleeping bag.
First impressions
If you've ever objected to women’s gear being coloured pink and purple, you won’t like the look of this sleeping bag but once it’s out of its rather tightly fitting stuff sack, you’ll find a few useful features. The fabrics feel pleasant and the full-length zip means you will be able to use it as a quilt on warmer nights.
How warm is the bag?
The comfort rating of 3°C makes the Quest suitable for UK summer conditions. The lack of shoulder baffle may allow draughts in but the hood drawcord also tightens the bag around the front. This sleeping bag lacks the warmth to weight ratio of many down sleeping bags.
How comfortable?
With a generous mummy shape and more space in the hip area, this sleeping bag has more wriggle room than some although it may be too short for tall sleepers. The inner and outer fabric offer a reasonable level of softness. The stiff fabric surrounding the YKK zip effectively prevents snags and should add longevity but feels initially crackly.
Is the down responsibly sourced?
This sleeping bag does not contain down.
Sustainability?
This sleeping bag is made in China.
Are other versions available?
The Sea to Summit Quest is also available in unisex regular and long sizes. The Quest II has a comfort rating of -1°C and is also available in women’s, unisex regular and unisex long.
Is it good value?
Perhaps not. For a similar price we preferred the softness and synthetic lofting of the Robens Icefall Pro, which also came with an effective compression sack but wasn’t quite as warm.
Best for:
Entry level backpacking in summer conditions.
Similar to:
The Rab Ascent 500 Women’s in terms of shape, weight and pack size but the lower price of the Quest is reflected in its synthetic filling and lower quality detailing.
Facts at a glance: Sea to Summit Quest Women’s Synthetic
- RRP: £135
- Shape: Relaxed mummy
- Fill: Synthetic. WaveLoft Polyester
- Weight: 1030g
- Packed size: 35cm x 20cm
- Comfort rating (European standard 13537): Comfort temperature 3°C (lower temperature not given)
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Looking for more options? Check out our roundup of the best sleeping bags for every camper in 2023, tried and tested by the experts at Countryfile.
