Sea to Summit Pocket Wilderness Wash Review

Putting the Sea to Summit Pocket Wilderness Wash to Work

The Sea to Summit Pocket Wilderness Wash offers a convenient and eco-friendly solution for cleaning on the go. Sea to Summit designed this product for outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize lightweight and biodegradable options. With 50 dry soap leaves per pack, it promises to be a versatile companion for personal hygiene, dishwashing, and even laundry.

I stumbled upon the Sea to Summit Pocket Wilderness Wash while searching for a compact and environmentally responsible soap for my backpacking trips. I was tired of carrying bulky liquid soap bottles that often leaked or didn’t meet Leave No Trace principles. The promise of dry soap leaves that were gentle on the environment was immediately appealing.

Unboxing was straightforward, revealing a small, palm-sized pack containing the soap leaves. The pack itself felt durable and well-sealed, ensuring the leaves remained dry. I was initially impressed by the lightweight design and the absence of any strong fragrance.

Compared to carrying a small bottle of Dr. Bronner’s or relying on potentially harmful conventional soaps, the Sea to Summit Pocket Wilderness Wash seemed like a significant upgrade. I was also considering a similar product from Coghlans, but the Sea to Summit version had better reviews regarding its biodegradability. My initial excitement stemmed from the potential for a truly minimalist and eco-conscious cleaning solution in the backcountry.

Real-World Testing: Putting Sea to Summit Pocket Wilderness Wash to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Sea to Summit Pocket Wilderness Wash on a three-day backpacking trip in the Adirondack Mountains. I used it for washing my hands, cleaning my cooking pot, and even spot-treating a stain on my hiking shirt. The conditions were varied, with cool mornings, warm afternoons, and one evening of light rain.

The soap performed surprisingly well in these different scenarios. Two leaves were sufficient for washing my hands, producing a decent lather with a small amount of water. It cleaned the cooking pot effectively, removing food residue without leaving any noticeable scent or residue.

There was a slight learning curve involved in getting the right water-to-soap ratio. Too much water resulted in a weak lather, while too little made it difficult to dissolve the leaf completely. However, after a couple of uses, I quickly got the hang of it.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use on various camping and fishing trips, the Sea to Summit Pocket Wilderness Wash has proven to be quite reliable. The leaves remain dry and intact within the pack, even after being subjected to varying temperatures and humidity levels. There is no sign of degradation in the soap’s effectiveness.

Durability is excellent; the pack itself is sturdy and has not shown any signs of wear or tear. The soap leaves haven’t crumbled or lost their potency despite being jostled around in my pack.

Maintenance is virtually nonexistent. I simply ensure the pack is properly sealed after each use and store it in a dry place. Compared to my previous experiences with liquid soaps that often required thorough cleaning to prevent leaks, the Sea to Summit Pocket Wilderness Wash is a welcome change.

Breaking Down the Features of Sea to Summit Pocket Wilderness Wash

Specifications

The Sea to Summit Pocket Wilderness Wash comes in a small, palm-sized pack containing 50 dry soap leaves. The soap is biodegradable and fragrance-free. The manufacturer, Sea to Summit, claims it’s safe for personal use, pots, pans, clothes, or any outdoor gear.

These specifications are crucial for outdoor enthusiasts who need a versatile and environmentally friendly cleaning option. The biodegradable aspect aligns with Leave No Trace principles, while the fragrance-free nature minimizes attracting unwanted wildlife. The dry leaves ensure portability and prevent leaks, and their versatility simplifies packing for various outdoor activities.

Performance & Functionality

The Sea to Summit Pocket Wilderness Wash performs its job admirably. It effectively cleans hands, dishes, and clothing without leaving any harsh residues or odors. Its ease of use is a significant advantage, requiring only water and a bit of agitation to create a lather.

The primary strength lies in its portability and biodegradability. A minor weakness might be the learning curve for optimal water-to-soap ratio, which can affect lather quality. However, overall, the Sea to Summit Pocket Wilderness Wash meets and even exceeds expectations for a compact and eco-friendly cleaning solution.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is excellent, with durable packaging that protects the soap leaves. The lightweight design (the pack itself weighs next to nothing) makes it virtually unnoticeable in a backpack. The simple, rectangular shape is easy to handle and store.

The design is incredibly user-friendly. There is virtually no learning curve. The instructions are straightforward, and the compact packaging makes it easy to access the soap leaves even with gloved hands.

Durability & Maintenance

The Sea to Summit Pocket Wilderness Wash is designed to last for numerous trips, provided the pack is kept sealed and dry. The soap leaves themselves are stable and do not degrade easily. Maintenance is minimal, requiring only proper storage to prevent moisture damage.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Sea to Summit Pocket Wilderness Wash does not come with any specific accessories. There are no customization options available. However, its simplicity and versatility make it compatible with various cleaning tools, such as scrub pads or washcloths.

Pros and Cons of Sea to Summit Pocket Wilderness Wash

Pros

• Incredibly lightweight and compact: Perfect for minimalist packing.
• Biodegradable formula: Supports Leave No Trace principles.
• Versatile: Can be used for personal hygiene, dishwashing, and laundry.
• Fragrance-free: Minimizes attracting wildlife.
• Easy to use: Requires only water to create a lather.

Cons

• Requires finding the optimal water-to-soap ratio for best lather.
• May not be as effective as heavy-duty detergents for heavily soiled items.

Who Should Buy Sea to Summit Pocket Wilderness Wash?