Sea To Summit
Sea to Summit began in 1983 when Roland Tyson, a young outdoor enthusiast, started making lightweight outdoor products on an antique sewing machine in his bedroom in Perth, Western Australia. By 1991, after outfitting the first ascent of Mt. Everest, Sea to Summit was born.
Roland's passion and talent for creating cutting-edge outdoor equipment took him to the remote Australian outback and eventually the Himalayas, where he put his inventions to the ultimate test. In 1993, Penny Sanderson joined Sea to Summit, bringing her passion for exploration and innovation. They traveled extensively, testing products and iterating on designs.
Today, Sea to Summit is a successful global brand, with Penny and Roland's love of travel and design as the foundation. They still own and manage the company and are involved in everything from developing materials to delivering high-quality gear to customers around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of products does Sea to Summit offer?
What is the feature that makes Sea to Summit tents more spacious inside?
The Sea to Summit Alto and Telos tents feature a unique Tension Ridge architecture, which differs from the traditional design where tent brow poles angle down. Instead, the Tension Ridge is an antenna-like structure that angles up, allowing for a higher ceiling height without increasing the footprint. This design creates near-vertical walls, higher doors, and more space.
In addition, the Tension Ridge design enables the placement of vents at the highest point of the tent, improving ventilation and reducing condensation.
What are the differences between the Alto and Telos tents?
The Alto and Telos ultralight backpacking tents share several design features and provide ample space, ventilation, and versatility. However, there are some key differences between the two.
The Telos tents are fully featured and freestanding, with multiple set-up configurations, including Hangout Mode. They come in two- and three-person sizes.
On the other hand, the Alto tents are semi-freestanding and the lightest in our range. They are available in one- and two-person sizes.
Can you explain the difference between a freestanding and a semi-freestanding tent?
Freestanding tents are designed to stand without being pegged out as their poles offer sufficient structural support. This means that they can be pitched easily on any terrain without needing to be pegged out, except for the vestibules.
Semi-freestanding tents prioritize weight and packed size by using a combination of tent poles and pegs to maintain their shape.
What might be the reason for moisture inside a tent?
Moisture inside a tent is usually caused by condensation, rather than issues with the fabric or seam taping of the rainfly. When a tent is pitched over wet ground or grass, the moisture will turn into vapor and rise to condense on the inside of the rainfly. This is more likely to happen when the air temperature and dew point are very close together, and when there is additional moisture from sleepers' breath. Ventilation can help reduce condensation.
During rainstorms, it's essential to open the Baseline Vents of the Alto or Telos and create airflow from ground level to the Apex vents to maintain proper ventilation. Over-tightening the tensioners at the tent corners or vestibules can also cause the inner tent to shape in a way that allows condensation to collect on the ceiling of the inner tent and potentially enter the sleeping space.
If pitched correctly with proper ventilation, a Telos or Alto tent can effectively prevent condensation buildup.
What's the proper way to store my Alto/Telos tent or Escapist tarp?
Rolling a tent or tarp tightly before storage can trap moisture between the layers of coated fabrics and cause the coating to degrade over time. Storing a tent or tarp in a sealed container for long periods can also lead to constant humidity, which can negatively affect the coating.
To store a tent or tarp for an extended period, avoid using the provided stuff sack(s). Instead, fold them loosely and store them in a well-ventilated room with moderate temperature and humidity levels. This will prevent dampness and temperature extremes from affecting the materials.
What are the primary differences between down and synthetic sleeping bags?
Down sleeping bags are popular among lightweight hikers and campers due to their superior warmth-to-packability ratio. Quality down provides excellent performance, longevity, compactness, and breathability, making it hard to match with any other material.
On the other hand, synthetic sleeping bags perform better in very wet conditions compared to down sleeping bags. They are a budget-friendly option and slightly heavier than down bags, but still a good choice for those who don't mind the added weight.
Do you test your sleeping bags to determine their temperature rating?
Sea to Summit sleeping bags undergo temperature rating tests in certified laboratories, following the European Norm EN 13537 guidelines. This norm offers three temperature levels to assist you in selecting an appropriate sleeping bag.
For Sea to Summit unisex sleeping bags, the LOWER limit is used as the standard temperature rating, which is suitable for male users. However, female users should refer to the COMFORT rating when selecting a unisex bag.
On the other hand, Sea to Summit Women's Specific Sleeping Bags are rated using the COMFORT rating.
Have you responsibly sourced the down in your sleeping bags?
Can you explain how the Ultra Dry Down in your bags is treated?
- Ultra-Dry Down is free of PFCs and PFASs, which are potentially harmful chemicals.
- Ultra-Dry Down is not a coating, as a continuous layer would significantly impact the loft of the down. Instead, it's a finish that's applied during the down processing stage. This finish consists of very small polymer particles that make the plumes and feathers hydrophobic.
- The application of Ultra-Dry Down does not affect the loft of the down or cause clumping in any way.
Can I use my down sleeping bag in wet conditions?
Sea to Summit uses Ultra-Dry Down insulation in all their Down Sleeping Bags. Coupled with DWR coatings on all sleeping bags, a bit of moisture is nothing to worry about. Our PFC-free treatment helps down to maintain 60% more loft, absorb 30% less moisture, and dry 60% faster than untreated down when exposed to wet conditions.
However, if you're dealing with extremely wet conditions, you may want to consider a Synthetic Sleeping Bag as your best option.
How should I properly wash my Sea to Summit sleeping bag?
Washing your Sea to Summit sleeping bag requires some care to avoid damaging the insulation and fabric. Here are the general steps to follow:
- Consult the care label: Before washing your sleeping bag, read the care label to check for any specific instructions or limitations.
- Spot clean as needed: If there are any stains or spots on the sleeping bag, spot clean them with a gentle detergent and water before washing the entire bag.
- Use a front-loading washer: Front-loading washing machines are typically better suited for washing sleeping bags than top-loading machines, as they are less likely to damage the insulation.
- Use a gentle detergent: Use a mild, non-detergent soap or a specialized sleeping bag cleaner to wash the bag. Avoid using fabric softeners, bleach, or other harsh chemicals.
- Wash on a gentle cycle: Use a gentle cycle with cold water to wash the sleeping bag. Avoid using hot water, as this can damage the insulation.
- Rinse thoroughly: Rinse the sleeping bag thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
- Dry properly: Air drying is the best way to dry your sleeping bag. Hang it up in a well-ventilated area and fluff the insulation periodically to ensure it dries evenly. Avoid using a dryer, as the heat can damage the insulation and fabric.
It's important to note that washing your sleeping bag too often can cause it to lose loft and warmth over time. Only wash your sleeping bag when it is visibly dirty or has a noticeable odor.
What are the advantages of choosing an air sleeping mat?
Sea to Summit's Air Sprung Cell sleeping mats provide exceptional comfort in a lightweight and compact design. They are perfect for fast and ultralight adventures where weight and pack size are crucial factors.
Moreover, these sleeping mats are incredibly easy and quick to inflate. Each stuff sack has an integrated Airstream Pumpsack at the base that uses the Bernoulli effect to inflate your mat in just a few breaths with minimal effort and condensation.
What features make your air mats exceptionally comfortable?
Are PFOA, BPA, or flame retardants present in your sleeping mats?
What could be the reason for my sleeping mat losing air overnight, and what steps can I take to address it?
If you notice that your sleeping mat is losing air overnight, there are a few steps you can take to address the issue. Firstly, you need to determine the source of the air loss. For Air Sprung Cell and lighter-weight Self Inflating mats, you can submerge the mat to check for bubbles. For Comfort Plus Double SI or Comfort Deluxe SI mats, wiping the inflated mat with soapy water is the best option.
Begin by checking the valve – submerge only the part of the mat where the valve(s) are located. If bubbles come out from the valve, replacing the valve insert may resolve the issue (contact us for more details).
If the air loss is coming from the body of the mat, mark the point where the air is escaping with a ball-point pen, dry the mat, and clean the area to be repaired using isopropyl alcohol. Then use the repair kit that was supplied with the mat to fix the issue.
How can I deal with mold growth on my Air Sprung Cell sleeping mat?
If there is mold growing on your Air Sprung Cell sleeping mat, you should first clean the mat thoroughly with warm water and mild soap. After cleaning, let the mat dry completely before packing it away.
To prevent mold growth in the future, it is important to store your sleeping mat in a dry and well-ventilated area. Make sure the mat is completely dry before storing it. If possible, store the mat unrolled and loosely folded to allow for air circulation.
If the mold growth is severe and the cleaning process does not eliminate it, it may be necessary to dispose of the mat and replace it with a new one.
What is the purpose of using sleeping bag liner?
What exactly is a Pillow Lock?
How can I fix my deflating Aeros Pillow or the issue of it no longer holding air?
The most common cause of air loss in Aeros Pillows is a puncture, a problem with the airproof barrier, or one of the RF welds. Moisture from condensed breath can cause issues with the welds or airproof barrier during longer-term storage, which is why we recommend storing your Aeros Pillow unrolled with the valve open. Repairing
Aeros Pillows can be challenging, so replacement may be your best option. If the pillow was purchased from an authorized Sea to Summit reseller, the replacement would be covered by the warranty. Therefore, we recommend contacting us to discuss the issue and explore replacement options.
How can I inflate my pillow?
Can you provide information on how to obtain Pillow Lock patches?
Is it necessary to double bag my phone when using a dry sack/bag?
Can Sea to Summit's X-Pot, Alpha Pot, or Sigma Pot be safely used over an open fire?
Can I use X-Pot, Alpha Pot, or Sigma Pot on an induction stove?
Are Alpha Pot and Sigma Pot suitable for use on a domestic stove?
Is it safe to use X Pot on a domestic stove?
Is it safe to wash X-Pot, Alpha Pot, or Sigma Pot in a dishwasher?
Is it possible to use a paper filter with the X-Brew coffee dripper?
Is it safe to use Delta Bowl/Plate in the microwave?
What size of compression sack should I choose for my sleeping bag?
If you have purchased a Sea to Summit sleeping bag, you can find the volume of the bag on our product pages. If your sleeping bag is from another brand, you can usually find the size of the stuff sack supplied with the bag on the manufacturer's website or on the product specifications page of a retailer's website. The capacity of the stuff sack is usually equal to the mildly compressed volume of the sleeping bag.
If you don't have the stuff sack, you can determine the volume of your sleeping bag by following these steps:
- Put your bag in a cardboard box that is larger than the bag.
- Measure the length and width of the box in inches.
- Press the sleeping bag down firmly until the upper surface is roughly level in the box (the bag is now mildly compressed).
- Measure the average depth that the bag occupies in inches.
- Multiply length x width x depth = volume in cubic inches.
- Divide the total by 61 = volume in liters.
- Alternatively, you can measure in centimeters and divide the total by 1000 to calculate the volume in liters.
Is it necessary to use a double bag when using a dry sack/bag for my phone?
Does the external pocket of the Rapid/Flow Dry Pack provide waterproof protection?
The external pocket of the Rapid or Flow Dry Pack is water-resistant, but not completely waterproof. The zipper is designed to be water-resistant and can withstand light rain, but it may not keep out water during heavy downpours. Additionally, while the seam that attaches the pocket to the body of the pack is taped on the inside of the main pack compartment, it cannot be taped inside the pocket. As a result, water may eventually seep through the seam into the pocket.
For this reason, we recommend that you use dry sacks to store any sensitive items you want to protect from water, even if you are using the external pocket of the pack. The main compartment of the pack is designed to be waterproof, so using dry sacks will ensure that your items stay completely dry.
Can you explain what IPX8 means?
Sea to Summit's TPU Accessory Cases and TPU Smartphone Cases have undergone IPX8 testing. This rating indicates that the products are waterproof up to a depth of 10 meters when correctly sealed for a duration of one hour.
It is important to note that an IPX8 rating does not guarantee that the electronic devices kept in these products will endure that level of pressure. Additionally, these storage items are not designed for deliberate submersion.