Sleeping bag liner
Product 2019
Femme, Homme, Enfant
We tested the “Compact plus 11°C” version of the Sea to Summit Thermolite Reactor model. But there are several other versions that range from + 8 ° to + 18 °. The “Compact plus 11°C” is sold in one size only. It has a sarcophagus form, perfect for someone smaller than 1.80 m. But otherwise to have a complete body coverage you will need to opt for one of the other versions. We carried out these tests over several months, in bivouacs, tents, and winter refuges.
First observation: it replaces, in a more compact and lighter way, the usual fleece bags. Additional advantage: it can be used as a sleeping bag liner. The manufacturer states an 11°C gain, its performance is more like 7°C, which in relation to its weight and packable size is already a pretty good heat gain. The Thermolite synthetic fabric has two layers, one in 80g/m² and another in 110g/m² at the most sensitive areas of the body, the feet and at the top.
The breathable fabric is soft and really pleasant creating a lovely comfortable feeling, and effectively eliminates that very uncomfortable problem of the synthetic sleeping bag that sticks to your skin when you sweat.
The material is stretchy, allowing you to move around in the bag without feeling squeezed in because of the extra thickness. A draw-cord keeps it done up so it doesn’t slip, but it’s not easy to manipulate with the hood adjustment of the sleeping bag itself. It’s better just to tighten it a little bit to be able to keep your freedom of movement.
Smells! Well it seems to resist them extremely well! Even after several days of use! It can be machine washed without problems, which also has the advantage of increasing the life of your sleeping bag that can then be washed less often.
Another bonus is that the Sea to Summit Thermolite Reactor makes your sleeping bag more versatile: multi-seasonal. Alone, it can act as a sleeping liner in a refuge, or sleeping bag in hot weather under cover, and coupled with your sleeping bag you have a real thermal gain that you can adjust according to the ambient temperature, the altitude for example, during a long trek. It comes in a small, compact bag.
In conclusion, the Sea to Summit Thermolite Compact Reactor has real heat benefits for a very reasonable size and weight! It’s a bit expensive for a cloth bag, but, quality that’s made to last. A quality investment that is very versatile, ideal for trekking, travel, and mountaineering from a refuge.
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
Receive your answers by mail. Do you have a particular question concerning the design, use, durability or other about a tested product? We will answer your question personally.
