The Boab is a roomy, synthetic sleeping bag made for cosy camping nights that accompany fishing, paddling or trekking adventures. In warmer weather, the full-length zipper with dual zipper sliders allows you to customise your ventilation or open the Boab completely flat for use as a quilt. You can sleep easy knowing that the fabrics and Revive Loft insulation are RCS-recycled and bluesign-APPROVED, and that the Boab is one of our 1% for the Planet products.
Roomy Fit
Tapered rectangular shape — ideal for side-sleepers and people who feel constrained in mummy bags.
Quilt Mode
Full side zipper extends through footbox with double sliders — open flat as a quilt.
Recycled Materials
50D RCS-certified recycled shell + liner + Revive Loft synthetic insulation. bluesign-APPROVED.
YKK #5 Zipper
Industry-leading YKK #5 zipper with zipper plough — reliable, snag-free operation.
Sustainable
1% for the Planet commitment — supports biodiversity conservation.
3 Temp Ratings
Two temperature options (30°F / 15°F) across 8 size combinations.
Roomy Tapered Rectangular Shape (NEW SHAPE)
The Boab uses a tapered rectangular shape — wider than a mummy, narrower than a full rectangular. Provides three practical benefits:
- Side-sleepers can sleep in their natural position (mummy bags constrain side-sleeping)
- Back sleepers have more room to roll over
- Couples can fit two Boabs side by side (although cannot zip together)
- Pillow compatibility — easier to fit a standard camp pillow
Per STS: "Room to move. Wider than your standard mummy bag, the Boab's broader, unisex shape offers plenty of room to sleep in a natural position."
Full-Length Zipper Through Footbox (NEW VENTILATION MODE)
The full side zipper extends through the footbox with double zipper sliders — enables multiple ventilation configurations:
- Bag mode — fully zipped, mummy-like closure
- Vented feet mode — open footbox zipper for ventilation
- Quilt mode — open fully flat as a blanket
- Shoulder snap mode — open shoulders + zip closed below
Per STS: "Choose your level of warmth, ventilation or open the Boab flat as a quilt because the main zipper has two sliders that continue through the footbox."
Recycled Materials (SUSTAINABILITY — IMPORTANT)
The Boab is built from RCS-certified recycled materials:
- Shell: 50 Denier recycled polyester
- Liner: 50 Denier recycled polyester
- Insulation: Revive Loft (recycled synthetic insulation)
- DWR finish: non-PFAS (PFAS-free)
RCS (Recycled Claim Standard) is an independent certification that verifies recycled content throughout the supply chain. bluesign-APPROVED means the manufacturing process meets strict environmental and consumer safety standards.
Per STS FAQ: "Do recycled materials have a shorter lifespan than non-recycled materials? Regardless of whether recycled or new materials, the correct care is key to maximising the lifespan of outdoor gear."
Revive Loft Synthetic Insulation (NEW — NEW MATERIAL)
Revive Loft is STS's line of recycled synthetic insulation. It's the synthetic counterpart to RDS-certified goose down (used in the Alpine, Ascent, and Basecamp sleeping bags).
Synthetic vs Down — key differences:
- Synthetic: Heavier, cheaper, retains insulation when wet, dries slower
- Down: Lighter, more expensive, compresses smaller, loses loft when wet
Synthetic is ideal for:
- Wet/humid conditions (synthetic retains insulation when wet)
- Casual camping (weight penalty less important)
- Budget-conscious buyers
- Vegan-friendly (no animal products)
Revive Loft's advantages over generic synthetic:
- Recycled content (sustainability)
- bluesign-APPROVED (environmental + safety)
- STS-specific quality control
YKK #5 Zipper with Zipper Plough (NEW — NEW ZIPPER TYPE)
The Boab uses a YKK #5 zipper with zipper plough:
- YKK = Japanese zipper manufacturer, world leader in quality zippers
- #5 = size class (medium-weight, not the lightest)
- Plough = fabric fold/cover over the zipper teeth
The plough is a piece of fabric that folds over the zipper teeth when closed — provides two benefits:
- Prevents snags — fabric covers the teeth so nothing catches
- Reduces cold infiltration — fabric barrier blocks cold air from passing through the zipper teeth
Per STS: "YKK #5 zipper with zipper plough provide reliable, snag-free operation."
Draught Tube Along Zipper (NEW — TECHNICAL FEATURE)
A draught tube (also called a draft tube or draft collar) runs along the zipper — a fabric tube filled with insulation that blocks cold air from passing through the zipper teeth. Most common in cold-weather bags but STS includes it on the Boab for all-season versatility.
Per STS: "Draught tube along zipper helps retain warmth and keeps our cool air."
Note: "our" appears to be a typo for "out" — should read "keeps out cool air"
1% for the Planet Commitment (SUSTAINABILITY)
Per STS: "1% for the Planet® is a global movement of people and businesses like ours working together to drive environmental impact. The Boab Sleeping Bag, along with our entire reVIVE Sleep Range, contributes to vital biodiversity conservation. Your support benefits organizations working to protect endangered ecosystems and wildlife."
1% for the Planet = businesses donate 1% of annual sales (not profits) to environmental causes. Members include Patagonia, YETI, Black Diamond, and STS.
The Boab is part of the reVIVE Sleep Range — STS's collection of sleep products using recycled materials and 1% for the Planet commitments.
Comparison: Boab vs Hamelin (NEW — IMPORTANT COMPARISON)
Per STS FAQ — direct comparison:
Boab (Synthetic, this product):
- Roomy shape (good for side-sleepers)
- Ability to be vented
- Converts to quilt in warm weather
- Synthetic insulation
- All-around camping and travel
Hamelin (Synthetic, separate product):
- More technical hood and footbox
- Free Flow zip system (premium zipper feature)
- More suitable for backpacking (lighter, more compact)
Use case:
- Car camping, travel, fishing, paddling → Boab (roomy, cozy, value)
- Backpacking, trekking → Hamelin (lighter, more technical)
The Hamelin was previously built (STS for $176) — this comparison helps shoppers choose between the two synthetic STS sleeping bags.
No Zipper Coupling (IMPORTANT LIMITATION)
The Boab cannot zip together with another Boab or with other STS sleeping bags. Per STS FAQ: "No. The Boab is only offered in a Left zip version. The Trek / Women's Trek sleeping bags would be a better option for this use."
Why no zipper coupling?
- Single zip direction (Left only)
- Single-quilt design (not dual)
- Tapered rectangular shape doesn't nest well
Implication: Couples will need separate bags (or consider the Basecamp Down, which does zip together with another Basecamp).
Performance Scales (NEW — STS PERFORMANCE CLASSIFICATION)
STS classifies all sleeping bags on three scales:
1. Weight Class:
- Ultralight (under 2 lbs / 900 g)
- Lightweight (2-3 lbs / 900-1350 g)
- Midweight (Boab's class) (3-4 lbs / 1350-1800 g)
2. Packability:
- Ultra Compact (under 5 L)
- Compact (5-8 L)
- Midsize (Boab's class) (8-12 L)
3. Climate:
- Warm (35°F+ / 2°C+)
- Cold (Boab's class for 15°F version) (10-25°F / -12 to -4°C)
- Extreme Cold (under -10°F / -23°C)
The Boab's classification: Midweight / Midsize / Warm-to-Cold — a mid-tier generalist bag.
Best Use
Activity
Car Camping, Travel, Overnight Treks, Fishing, Paddling, Family Camping
Materials & Insulation
Shell
100% Post-Consumer Recycled Polyester (50D, RCS-certified, non-PFAS DWR)
Liner
100% Post-Consumer Recycled Polyester (50D, RCS-certified)
Insulation
Synthetic (Revive Loft, recycled)
Certification
RCS-certified recycled, bluesign-APPROVED
Sustainability
1% for the Planet member, part of reVIVE Sleep Range
Temperature Ratings
Temp Ratings Available
30°F ISO Lower Limit (-1°C), 16°F ISO Lower Limit (-9°C)
Women's ISO Comfort
36°F (+2°C) for 30°F rating; 25°F (-4°C) for 15°F rating
Dimensions & Weight (8 SKU combos)
| Size |
Total Weight |
Fill Weight |
Compressed Volume |
| 30°F / Short |
43.3 oz / 1228 g |
26.21 oz / 743 g |
9.3 L |
| 30°F / Regular |
49.1 oz / 1392 g |
29.98 oz / 850 g |
10.2 L |
| 30°F / Regular Wide |
54.7 oz / 1551 g |
33.69 oz / 955 g |
12.3 L |
| 30°F / Long |
55.1 oz / 1562 g |
33.69 oz / 955 g |
12.8 L |
| 15°F / Short |
59.0 oz / 1673 g |
42.33 oz / 1200 g |
14.4 L |
| 15°F / Regular |
67.5 oz / 1914 g |
49.38 oz / 1400 g |
16 L |
| 15°F / Regular Wide |
75.3 oz / 2135 g |
52.91 oz / 1500 g |
17.6 L |
| 15°F / Long |
75.5 oz / 2140 g |
52.91 oz / 1500 g |
17.2 L |
Construction Details
Shape
Tapered Rectangular (roomy, side-sleeper-friendly)
Zipper
YKK #5, Left-sided, two-way full zipper through footbox
Zipper Coupling
No (single zip direction, not pairable)
Zipper Plough
Yes (fabric cover over zipper teeth, prevents snags + reduces cold infiltration)
Draught Tube
Yes (along zipper, blocks cold air infiltration)
Shoulder Snaps
Yes (allows shoulder ventilation when open)
Accessories / What's Included
Includes
Compression Sack
Performance (STS scales)
Weight Class
Midweight (3-4 lbs / 1350-1800 g)
Packability
Midsize (8-17.6 L across all variants)
Climate Class
Warm (30°F version) to Cold (15°F version)
Profile
Brand
Sea to Summit (Australian outdoor gear, founded 1994)
Category
Synthetic Sleeping Bag / Roomy / Car Camping
Activity
Car camping, travel, overnight treks, fishing, paddling
Season
Spring through fall (15°F version handles early winter)
Sustainability
RCS-recycled, bluesign-APPROVED, 1% for the Planet
Washing
Use a mild, technical fabric wash (like Nikwax Tech Wash or similar). Machine wash on gentle cycle in cold water. DO NOT use regular laundry detergent — fabric softeners, bleach, and standard detergents degrade the DWR finish, the recycled fabric, and can damage the Revive Loft insulation. Zip the zipper fully before washing to prevent damage to the slider or fabric.
Drying
Tumble dry on low heat with clean tennis balls (3-4). The tennis balls break up clumped Revive Loft insulation, restoring loft and warmth. Air drying is possible but takes much longer and may leave insulation clumped. Do not dry clean, iron, or use high heat.
Revive Loft Insulation Care (NEW)
Synthetic insulation (Revive Loft) clumps over time, especially after compression in the stuff sack. To restore loft:
- Tumble dry on low with 3-4 clean tennis balls
- Hand-fluff the insulation periodically
- Store uncompressed for long-term storage (use the large mesh bag, not the compression sack, when not traveling)
- Revive Loft is more resilient to moisture than down, but proper care still extends lifespan significantly
YKK #5 Zipper Care
Periodically lubricate the zipper with a zipper lubricant (like Zip Tech or beeswax-based zipper wax). Keep the zipper clean of debris, sand, salt. To prevent snags, keep the zipper plough in good condition. Do not force the zipper — back it up and clear any obstruction before continuing.
Draught Tube Care
The draught tube along the zipper is critical for thermal performance. Periodically inspect for:
- Insulation clumping inside the tube
- Fabric tears
- Stitching failures
If the tube compresses or loses insulation, the bag will lose significant warmth around the zipper area.
DWR Finish Renewal
The non-PFAS DWR finish on the shell will wear over time. To renew:
- Wash the bag first (clean surface for DWR application)
- Apply a non-PFAS DWR spray (like Nikwax TX Direct Spray-On or similar)
- Tumble dry on low to activate the DWR (heat sets the treatment)
Renew DWR annually or whenever the shell starts to "wet out" (water stops beading and soaks into the fabric).
Storage (Long-Term)
DO NOT store compressed for long periods. Store in the large mesh storage bag (not the compression sack). Compression over weeks/months permanently damages Revive Loft insulation, reducing loft and warmth.
Store dry, clean, in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight. UV degrades both the 50D recycled polyester fabric and the DWR finish.
Compression Sack Use
The included compression sack is for transportation only — not for long-term storage. Compress only as much as needed to fit in your pack. Reduce compression over multi-day trips as the insulation settles.
Repairing the Recycled Shell
Small tears in the 50D recycled polyester shell can be repaired with Tenacious Tape or STS repair patches. Clean and dry the area, apply the patch, and allow to cure for 12-24 hours before use. Larger tears or seam failures may need professional repair — contact STS warranty service.
Mildew Prevention
Always dry the bag completely before storage. Synthetic insulation can develop mildew if stored damp — a musty smell, black spots, and reduced insulation performance. If mildew develops, wash with a mild antimicrobial wash, dry thoroughly, and inspect for permanent damage.
Activity-Specific Tips
- Car camping: Use the roomy fit to store clothes, books, snacks inside the bag — the synthetic insulation handles being compressed overnight.
- Travel: Use the compression sack for airline check-in. The Midweight class is acceptable for most airlines' standard luggage dimensions.
- Fishing/paddling: Synthetic insulation handles humid/wet conditions better than down. If the bag gets wet, drain it and air dry as soon as possible to prevent mildew.
- Family camping: The roomy fit accommodates sleepers of all sizes. The Tapered Rectangular shape is more forgiving than mummy bags for kids and restless sleepers.
- Quilt mode: In warmer weather, open the bag flat as a quilt. This mode is also great for "glamping" or sleeping under the stars.