The Best ULTRALIGHT PACKABLE BACKPACK? Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Daypack 20L - Review

Since I started traveling in 2006, whether it has been with checked or carry-on luggage, I have always always had a packable daypack. Something that takes up very little room in my luggage, but that I can whip out at my destination and take on daytrips, overnights, shopping, hiking, and anywhere else I might need to carry a few things with me.

I've gone through a lot of packable daypacks over the years, and the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Packable Daypack is by far the lightest and smallest I've ever had, and it's still super strong, durable, and water-resistant.

00:00 – Introduction
01:17 – Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Daypack features
02:39 – Shortcomings of the bag
04:25 – Final observations

#packablebackpack #ultralightpackabledaypack

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Free gear disclosure -
Sometimes I buy my own gear and review it. Sometimes companies send me gear for free in exchange for a review. I never agree to sponsored content, brand deals, or product placements. If a company does send me free gear, it doesn’t affect my review/opinion of the product. My reviews are honest - if a product sucks, you know.

[ThorSkin]

I recently had the Sea To Summit shopping bag in Bali and it was a lifesaver for those runs to the local warung or shops, the cordura material was so strong and durable, able to carry alot of weight and do what its made for, and packs down to the same size as your bag, excellent! Will not travel without it, it takes up no room!

[brucemurray]

I’ve also used a lightweight pack for years. Mine has two outer pouches that do add a little bulk. I also use it as a “packing cube/organizer” when packed in my suitcase.

[deborahpowell]

I have one similar that I bought at Lee Valley. It doesn’t fold up as compact but does have two outside mesh pockets and an inside pocket that can be used for smaller items. Love it.

[mindreader]

Nora, thank you. I bought this item a few days ago, and now I know how to use it and what my expectations should be. You created a good and practical video on how to use the ultra sill daypack. Magically. Dana

[boda.t]

Purchasing!! Thanks for the tip! I am starting a new travel spree and this is absolutely useful!

[pmeske]

Good review of this bag. I owned this exact version, including the colorway. I returned it because it doesn't have a sternum strap and a grab handle. The shoulder straps slip off my shoulders as they are made of the same material as the pack body- very slippery ultrasil nylon. I now own the Osprey ultralight wp version. It has both those missing features and carries weight a little better because of the sternum strap. And the shoulder straps are made of mesh and offer more friction. True, it's twice the weight as the STS but I can live with that. I don't pack it in its pouch but roll it like a t- shirt.

[PabloMelendez]

I have the previous model from 8 years ago. I learned quickly that it wasn't made for heavy things. I use it to contain only what I will use in flight. It's so slick that I can yank it out of my heavy personal item, which I will stow overhead. It will have my phone battery and extra layers and inflatable pillows. I won't mind kicking it when it's under the seat in front of me because the material is hard to soil.

Since it is very water resistant, I always use it to carry my things to the beach from the hotel. The thin shoulder adjustment straps are perfect to tie to the beach chair in such a way that a grab and run is impossible.

These ultra packable line of bags from sea to summit have proven super practical for me and they're still going strong. I'll, no doubt, will be updating the backpack eventually.

[romeoarrieta]

I’ve used mine as a Landry bag, grocery bag, carryon laptop bag and so much more. The packability and versatility are why it’s been on every trip I’ve taken for years. There are more comfortable and ergonomic daypacks, but this is the easiest to pack

[Kitsambler]

I've had mine for 12 years of annual heavy use; they're remarkably durable.

[havenothadmycoffee]

Osprey has a few backpacks that are collapsible and super lightweight AND have the origination and water bottle pockets that S2S is missing.

[catheriam]

I swear by my Eddie Bauer packable day pack. It does have the pockets to put small stuff in .. neither does it have padded should straps. (frowny face emoji). However, that is just my view on my existing product and many happy day travels with your pack of choice!

[Wendy-cfuk]

Would this backpack work for a personal carry on, fitting under the seat?

[markpuffer]

I use ultralight packing cubes and a packable grocery bag for the interior of mine.

[gsdls]

I have the Tucano Compatto Pack and may take it with me to Alaska next week. Thank you for the great review. I have been also looking for a more tactical foldable daypack for more compartments as you also mentioned. Not sure it exists.

[humberto]

Hi Nora, 👋 just first time in your channel, great info. liked & suscribed.
Planning going Mexico 🇲🇽 & Colombia 🇨🇴. Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦 I✌️🙌

[flamepunch]

which do you prefer?! this (Ultra-Sil Daypack) or the Osprey Dry Stuff Pack 20L (which you also reviewed)

[davidpeterzell]

I see you've updated options in the comments and suggested that some are "better." So in December 2023, what are the best packable daypacks? 

Like you, I like to travel with one bag. I typically use a luggage backpack like the large Tortuga backpack, especially when I fly places. It is optimal for carrying on to a plane and tossing into the overhead bin, but also can pass as a legitimate (almost) backpack in a pinch. BUT… I’ve been looking for a portable daypack to go with my setup…, for use at my destinations, but also to make flying on commercial airlines better. So obviously, backpacks like the Tortuga are too big to use as a daypack as I explore places or go to a conference. But a second big issue is that if I fly with just the backpack and then stow the backpack in the overhead bin, I won’t have easy access to in-flight essentials, like headphones, phone, computer, cables, snacks and a drink, book, mini-CPAP, etc. Also, when going through security in far-away places, security sometimes wanst to see all the liquids and toiletries. If they are in a small carry-on personal item, that's easier than hauling out of my big pack. So I’m looking for that perfect ultra-compact daypack/personal carry-on item to accompany my big backpack when I go through security and find my seat on the plane. Does that make sense? Could this be the solution? Best, David

[sct]

I have a Lesportsac backpack that’s very light weight also. Used it for years.

[schnickschnack]

nice review 👍 for city trips i prefer my Eagle Creek Packable Daypack - old version with 13 litres. Love it 😊

[SunartiYamin]

Good infoo but by the way, what brand of ur jacket. Look so nice..