Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Nano Travel Day Pack Review

I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen a packable day pack that packs that tiny. Opens up some interesting options for basecamping.

I have one in the earlier fabric, but have not even used it ; ). For backpack summits I usually reach for the rei flash 18 because of its sternum strap and hip belt.

I liked everything about the UltraSil Nano except the shoulder straps.  Just a flat, unpadded piece of silnylon that immediately folds and bunches and becomes a thin rope that cuts into your shoulders.

Admittedly, any padding in the straps would ruin the ability to pack as small, but as I find the pack unusable as is, I’d gladly trade for a slightly large compressed size.

I mostly fixed the bunching should strap issue with a minimalist sternum strap I added. The pack absolutely needs this mod.

I tried the Ultra Sil, and didn’t like it for the reasons mentioned.  I found this pack:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M

U9E1BB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_f abc_ZWQ3412MEGK9ZFEZ60B7?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
<p style=”text-align: left;”>to be more usable, if heavier, and easier to pack in other luggage than the REI Flash 18. I’m using this as a day pack on trips where I am traveling for business, but sneaking in a day hike on local trails.</p>

The 20L Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Travel Day Pack (no “nano”) at less than 3 oz is $10 more and is reported to be more comfortable with larger shoulder straps and fit larger humans better. Slightly heaver material as well.

Have not tried one yet.

I was asked to post pics of my sternum strap mod. It uses a camera strap buckle and pulls on the inside edges of the shoulder straps, pulling them flatter and wider. It’s non-adjustable so I sized it before sewing on.

Nicely done, great info, thanks!