Sea to Summit Traverse Tv III sleeping bag review: an eminently practical bag for varied conditions

The Sea to Summit Traverse Tv III is a hard-wearing and versatile synthetic bag that makes a practical camp companion whether you’re sleeping out in high summer or the chilly shoulder seasons

Sea to Summit Traverse Tv III
(Image: © Sea to Summit)

Advnture Verdict

A roomy synthetic bag with an adaptable design that allows you to use it comfortably in varied conditions and temperatures throughout spring, summer and autumn.

Pros

  • +

    Versatile

  • +

    Roomy

  • +

    Comfortable

  • +

    Great ventilation

Cons

  • -

    Basic hood

  • -

    Not the lightest

  • -

    Not the most packable

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First impressions

The Sea to Summit Traverse Tv III solves a common three-season bag problem. Lots of them are warm enough for chilly spring mornings and autumn nights, but they often tend to be too hot in high summer, leading to overheating – which can be just as uncomfortable as being cold. 

But the Traverse Tv III from Aussie brand Sea to Summit is designed with true three-season versatility in mind, making it the ideal choice for campers who often venture out in variable conditions.

The well-thought-out design incorporates dual side zips and a foot vent, offering plenty of different ways to dump heat. It’s stuffed with synthetic insulation that is easy to look after and retains its insulating performance even when wet.

Specifications

RRP: $200 (US)/£200 (UK)
Weight : 1kg 440g/oz (regular), 1kg 670g (large)
Length: 203cm/80in (regular), 216cm/85in (large)
Max user height: 183cm/6ft (regular), 198cm/6ft 6in (large)
Pack size: 36x23cm/14x9in
Fill: Synthetic WaveLoft
Comfort limit: -4°C/26°F
Limit: -10°C/14°F
Compatibility: 3- to 4-season

In the field

We were seriously impressed with the adaptable and configurable design of this bag. You can zip everything up tight for maximum warmth, but also open all the vents – or even spread the bag out as a full quilt – in milder weather.

That versatility makes this an eminently practical bag for varied conditions as well as a good value pick, since you can genuinely use it comfortably throughout spring, summer and autumn. It is cut fairly generously too, with a relaxed rectangular mummy shape that will be appreciated by restless sleepers or by those who don’t like the confined feel of a more tapered mummy-style bag.

The hood design is not the most refined, but it does the job. And although that synthetic fill and accommodating fit adds a little weight and bulk when packed, it is still a practical size for camping and backpacking.

Matthew Jones

An outdoors writer and editor, Matt Jones has been testing kit in the field for nearly a decade. Having worked for both the Ramblers and the Scouts, he knows one or two things about walking and camping, and loves all things adventure, particularly long-distance backpacking, wild camping and climbing mountains – especially in Wales. He’s based in Snowdonia and last year thru-hiked the Cambrian Way, which runs for 298 miles from Cardiff to Conwy, with a total ascent of 73,700 feet – that’s nearly 2½ times the height of Everest. Follow Matt on Instagram and Twitter.