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Sea to Summit Kitchen Sink

rated 4.5 of 5 stars
photo: Sea to Summit Kitchen Sink bucket/sink

Original Review: July 30, 2015 rated 4 of 5 stars

Version reviewed: 5L

Sea to Summit Kitchen Sink 5L

Pros

  • 5 liter size
  • Good sized containers
  • Packs small
  • Drys fast

Cons

  • A bit difficult to fold

Sea to Summit Kitchen Sink 5l:

This is a water carrying device/container that folds for easy packing. I have a few sizes of these (5L, 10, 20L, and the Folding Bucket). See the picture for all 4 together. They pack small.  This one is the smallest at 5l, about the size of 2 decks of cards. 

Kitchen sink might not be the best name. It's a folding, self supporting waterproof container, not just for washing dishes. While they are good for washing, they are better just as a something to carry water. It is self-supporting. I would hesitate to fill it to the full stated capacity, though. 

A neat thing about it is that if I shake it out when through, then turn it inside out and shake it again, it doesn’t retain much water.  

Here is what it looks like mostly full:

kitchen-sink-5l.jpg


In comparison to the other sizes:

kitchen-sinks-full.jpg


Here is what they look like packed up:
Kitchen-sinks-folded.jpg

On one of the first trips for mine, it was extremely hot and I used it to wash a t-shirt.  It worked OK for that.

I see that some of the other reviews were not positive. Perhaps those reviewers expected too much from it.   The twisting wire isn't that big of a deal. The wire is loose inside a sleeve and can twist. You can tease it back into place - it happens to mine some times. Even with the wire twisted, I haven't had trouble getting the sink to hold water, though. I wouldn't overfill it.  

I think the biggest trick is to remember how to fold it to get it back into the package. Folding it the right way helps avoid the twisting wire issue. With it in 1 big loop, pull the wire across itself in the middle to make 3 loops in a line. Then fold each end loop into the middle, with the folds at the wire crossings between the loops. 

There is a belt loop on the carrying case, but I haven’t been bold enough to carry all of these around on a belt at once. It might look like batman’s utility belt. Perhaps sometime when my wife drags me to an indoor event that I would prefer to avoid will be an opportunity to try that out.

Update: August 7, 2015 rated 4 of 5 stars

Version reviewed: 10L

Sea to Summit Kitchen Sink 10l

Pros

  • 10 liter size
  • Good sized container
  • Packs small
  • Dries fast

Cons

  • A bit difficult to fold into carrier

This is a water carrying device/container that folds for easy packing. I have a few sizes of these (5L, 10, 20L, and the Folding Bucket). See the picture for all 4 together. They pack small. 

This one is the second smallest at 10l, about half the size of a paperback book. Kitchen sink might not be the best name. It's a folding, self supporting waterproof container, not just for washing dishes. While they are good for washing, they are better just as something to carry water. 

It is self-supporting. I would hesitate to fill it to the full stated capacity, though. A neat thing about it is that if I shake it out when through, then turn it inside out and shake it again, it doesn’t retain much water.  

Here is what it looks like mostly full:

kitchen-sink-10l.jpg

In comparison to the other sizes:

kitchen-sinks-full.jpg


Here is what they look like packed up:

Kitchen-sinks-folded.jpg


I see that some of the other reviews were not positive. Perhaps those reviewers expected too much from it.   The twisting wire isn't that big of a deal. The wire is loose inside a sleeve and can twist. You can tease it back into place. It happens to mine some times. Even with the wire twisted, I haven't had trouble getting the sink to hold water, though. I wouldn't overfill it.  

I think the biggest trick is to remember how to fold it to get it back into the package. Folding it the right way helps avoid the twisting wire issue. With it in 1 big loop, pull the wire across itself in the middle to make 3 loops in a line. Then fold each end loop into the middle, with the folds at the wire crossings between the loops.

There is a belt loop on the carrying case, but I haven’t been bold enough to carry all of these around on a belt at once.  It might look like batman’s utility belt. Perhaps sometime when my wife drags me to an indoor event that I would prefer to avoid will be an opportunity to try that out.

Update: August 7, 2015 rated 3 of 5 stars

Version reviewed: 20L

Sea to Summit Kitchen Sink 20l

Pros

  • 20 liter size
  • Large sized container
  • Packing size is not too big for the capacity
  • Dries fast
  • Folds into carrier more easily than small ones

Cons

  • Heavy when full (Did I mention it holds a lot?)
  • Could it be too big?

This is a water carrying device/container that folds for easy packing. I have a few sizes of these (5L, 10, 20L, and the Folding Bucket). See the picture for all 4 together. They pack small. This one is the largest at 20l, about the size of a package of frozen vegetables so it is a little big. This one really is nearly the size of kitchen sink. 

It's a folding, self supporting waterproof container. While they are good for washing, they are better just as something to carry water. This one is very large though; 20 l is about 4 gallons or about 32 lbs.

It is self-supporting. I would hesitate to fill it to the full stated capacity, though.

A neat thing about it is that if I shake it out when through, then turn it inside out and shake it again, it doesn’t retain much water.  

Here is what it looks like mostly full:

kitchen-sink-20l.jpg


In comparison to the other sizes:

kitchen-sinks-full.jpg


Here is what they look like packed up:

Kitchen-sinks-folded.jpg

I see that some of the other reviews were not positive. Perhaps those reviewers expected too much from it.   The twisting wire isn't that big of a deal. The wire is loose inside a sleeve and can twist. You can tease it back into place. It happens to mine some times. Even with the wire twisted, I haven't had trouble getting the sink to hold water, though. I wouldn't overfill it.  

I think the biggest trick is to remember how to fold it to get it back into the package. Folding it the right way helps avoid the twisting wire issue. With it in 1 big loop, pull the wire across itself in the middle to make 3 loops in a line. Then fold each end loop into the middle, with the folds at the wire crossings between the loops.

There is a belt loop on the carrying case, but I haven’t been bold enough to carry all of these around on a belt at once (especially this big one.)  It might look like batman’s utility belt.  Perhaps sometime when my wife drags me to an indoor event that I would prefer to avoid will be an opportunity to try that out.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $25

Original Review: July 30, 2015 rated 4 of 5 stars

Version reviewed: 5L

Sea to Summit Kitchen Sink 5L

Pros

  • 5 liter size
  • Good sized containers
  • Packs small
  • Drys fast

Cons

  • A bit difficult to fold

Sea to Summit Kitchen Sink 5l:

This is a water carrying device/container that folds for easy packing. I have a few sizes of these (5L, 10, 20L, and the Folding Bucket). See the picture for all 4 together. They pack small.  This one is the smallest at 5l, about the size of 2 decks of cards. 

Kitchen sink might not be the best name. It's a folding, self supporting waterproof container, not just for washing dishes. While they are good for washing, they are better just as a something to carry water. It is self-supporting. I would hesitate to fill it to the full stated capacity, though. 

A neat thing about it is that if I shake it out when through, then turn it inside out and shake it again, it doesn’t retain much water.  

Here is what it looks like mostly full:

kitchen-sink-5l.jpg


In comparison to the other sizes:

kitchen-sinks-full.jpg


Here is what they look like packed up:
Kitchen-sinks-folded.jpg

On one of the first trips for mine, it was extremely hot and I used it to wash a t-shirt.  It worked OK for that.

I see that some of the other reviews were not positive. Perhaps those reviewers expected too much from it.   The twisting wire isn't that big of a deal. The wire is loose inside a sleeve and can twist. You can tease it back into place - it happens to mine some times. Even with the wire twisted, I haven't had trouble getting the sink to hold water, though. I wouldn't overfill it.  

I think the biggest trick is to remember how to fold it to get it back into the package. Folding it the right way helps avoid the twisting wire issue. With it in 1 big loop, pull the wire across itself in the middle to make 3 loops in a line. Then fold each end loop into the middle, with the folds at the wire crossings between the loops. 

There is a belt loop on the carrying case, but I haven’t been bold enough to carry all of these around on a belt at once. It might look like batman’s utility belt. Perhaps sometime when my wife drags me to an indoor event that I would prefer to avoid will be an opportunity to try that out.

Update: August 7, 2015 rated 4 of 5 stars

Version reviewed: 10L

Sea to Summit Kitchen Sink 10l

Pros

  • 10 liter size
  • Good sized container
  • Packs small
  • Dries fast

Cons

  • A bit difficult to fold into carrier

This is a water carrying device/container that folds for easy packing. I have a few sizes of these (5L, 10, 20L, and the Folding Bucket). See the picture for all 4 together. They pack small. 

This one is the second smallest at 10l, about half the size of a paperback book. Kitchen sink might not be the best name. It's a folding, self supporting waterproof container, not just for washing dishes. While they are good for washing, they are better just as something to carry water. 

It is self-supporting. I would hesitate to fill it to the full stated capacity, though. A neat thing about it is that if I shake it out when through, then turn it inside out and shake it again, it doesn’t retain much water.  

Here is what it looks like mostly full:

kitchen-sink-10l.jpg

In comparison to the other sizes:

kitchen-sinks-full.jpg


Here is what they look like packed up:

Kitchen-sinks-folded.jpg


I see that some of the other reviews were not positive. Perhaps those reviewers expected too much from it.   The twisting wire isn't that big of a deal. The wire is loose inside a sleeve and can twist. You can tease it back into place. It happens to mine some times. Even with the wire twisted, I haven't had trouble getting the sink to hold water, though. I wouldn't overfill it.  

I think the biggest trick is to remember how to fold it to get it back into the package. Folding it the right way helps avoid the twisting wire issue. With it in 1 big loop, pull the wire across itself in the middle to make 3 loops in a line. Then fold each end loop into the middle, with the folds at the wire crossings between the loops.

There is a belt loop on the carrying case, but I haven’t been bold enough to carry all of these around on a belt at once.  It might look like batman’s utility belt. Perhaps sometime when my wife drags me to an indoor event that I would prefer to avoid will be an opportunity to try that out.

Update: August 7, 2015 rated 3 of 5 stars

Version reviewed: 20L

Sea to Summit Kitchen Sink 20l

Pros

  • 20 liter size
  • Large sized container
  • Packing size is not too big for the capacity
  • Dries fast
  • Folds into carrier more easily than small ones

Cons

  • Heavy when full (Did I mention it holds a lot?)
  • Could it be too big?

This is a water carrying device/container that folds for easy packing. I have a few sizes of these (5L, 10, 20L, and the Folding Bucket). See the picture for all 4 together. They pack small. This one is the largest at 20l, about the size of a package of frozen vegetables so it is a little big. This one really is nearly the size of kitchen sink. 

It's a folding, self supporting waterproof container. While they are good for washing, they are better just as something to carry water. This one is very large though; 20 l is about 4 gallons or about 32 lbs.

It is self-supporting. I would hesitate to fill it to the full stated capacity, though.

A neat thing about it is that if I shake it out when through, then turn it inside out and shake it again, it doesn’t retain much water.  

Here is what it looks like mostly full:

kitchen-sink-20l.jpg


In comparison to the other sizes:

kitchen-sinks-full.jpg


Here is what they look like packed up:

Kitchen-sinks-folded.jpg

I see that some of the other reviews were not positive. Perhaps those reviewers expected too much from it.   The twisting wire isn't that big of a deal. The wire is loose inside a sleeve and can twist. You can tease it back into place. It happens to mine some times. Even with the wire twisted, I haven't had trouble getting the sink to hold water, though. I wouldn't overfill it.  

I think the biggest trick is to remember how to fold it to get it back into the package. Folding it the right way helps avoid the twisting wire issue. With it in 1 big loop, pull the wire across itself in the middle to make 3 loops in a line. Then fold each end loop into the middle, with the folds at the wire crossings between the loops.

There is a belt loop on the carrying case, but I haven’t been bold enough to carry all of these around on a belt at once (especially this big one.)  It might look like batman’s utility belt.  Perhaps sometime when my wife drags me to an indoor event that I would prefer to avoid will be an opportunity to try that out.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $25

Original Review: July 30, 2015 rated 4 of 5 stars

Version reviewed: 5L

Sea to Summit Kitchen Sink 5L

Pros

  • 5 liter size
  • Good sized containers
  • Packs small
  • Drys fast

Cons

  • A bit difficult to fold

Sea to Summit Kitchen Sink 5l:

This is a water carrying device/container that folds for easy packing. I have a few sizes of these (5L, 10, 20L, and the Folding Bucket). See the picture for all 4 together. They pack small.  This one is the smallest at 5l, about the size of 2 decks of cards. 

Kitchen sink might not be the best name. It's a folding, self supporting waterproof container, not just for washing dishes. While they are good for washing, they are better just as a something to carry water. It is self-supporting. I would hesitate to fill it to the full stated capacity, though. 

A neat thing about it is that if I shake it out when through, then turn it inside out and shake it again, it doesn’t retain much water.  

Here is what it looks like mostly full:

kitchen-sink-5l.jpg


In comparison to the other sizes:

kitchen-sinks-full.jpg


Here is what they look like packed up:
Kitchen-sinks-folded.jpg

On one of the first trips for mine, it was extremely hot and I used it to wash a t-shirt.  It worked OK for that.

I see that some of the other reviews were not positive. Perhaps those reviewers expected too much from it.   The twisting wire isn't that big of a deal. The wire is loose inside a sleeve and can twist. You can tease it back into place - it happens to mine some times. Even with the wire twisted, I haven't had trouble getting the sink to hold water, though. I wouldn't overfill it.  

I think the biggest trick is to remember how to fold it to get it back into the package. Folding it the right way helps avoid the twisting wire issue. With it in 1 big loop, pull the wire across itself in the middle to make 3 loops in a line. Then fold each end loop into the middle, with the folds at the wire crossings between the loops. 

There is a belt loop on the carrying case, but I haven’t been bold enough to carry all of these around on a belt at once. It might look like batman’s utility belt. Perhaps sometime when my wife drags me to an indoor event that I would prefer to avoid will be an opportunity to try that out.

Update: August 7, 2015 rated 4 of 5 stars

Version reviewed: 10L

Sea to Summit Kitchen Sink 10l

Pros

  • 10 liter size
  • Good sized container
  • Packs small
  • Dries fast

Cons

  • A bit difficult to fold into carrier

This is a water carrying device/container that folds for easy packing. I have a few sizes of these (5L, 10, 20L, and the Folding Bucket). See the picture for all 4 together. They pack small. 

This one is the second smallest at 10l, about half the size of a paperback book. Kitchen sink might not be the best name. It's a folding, self supporting waterproof container, not just for washing dishes. While they are good for washing, they are better just as something to carry water. 

It is self-supporting. I would hesitate to fill it to the full stated capacity, though. A neat thing about it is that if I shake it out when through, then turn it inside out and shake it again, it doesn’t retain much water.  

Here is what it looks like mostly full:

kitchen-sink-10l.jpg

In comparison to the other sizes:

kitchen-sinks-full.jpg


Here is what they look like packed up:

Kitchen-sinks-folded.jpg


I see that some of the other reviews were not positive. Perhaps those reviewers expected too much from it.   The twisting wire isn't that big of a deal. The wire is loose inside a sleeve and can twist. You can tease it back into place. It happens to mine some times. Even with the wire twisted, I haven't had trouble getting the sink to hold water, though. I wouldn't overfill it.  

I think the biggest trick is to remember how to fold it to get it back into the package. Folding it the right way helps avoid the twisting wire issue. With it in 1 big loop, pull the wire across itself in the middle to make 3 loops in a line. Then fold each end loop into the middle, with the folds at the wire crossings between the loops.

There is a belt loop on the carrying case, but I haven’t been bold enough to carry all of these around on a belt at once.  It might look like batman’s utility belt. Perhaps sometime when my wife drags me to an indoor event that I would prefer to avoid will be an opportunity to try that out.

Update: August 7, 2015 rated 3 of 5 stars

Version reviewed: 20L

Sea to Summit Kitchen Sink 20l

Pros

  • 20 liter size
  • Large sized container
  • Packing size is not too big for the capacity
  • Dries fast
  • Folds into carrier more easily than small ones

Cons

  • Heavy when full (Did I mention it holds a lot?)
  • Could it be too big?

This is a water carrying device/container that folds for easy packing. I have a few sizes of these (5L, 10, 20L, and the Folding Bucket). See the picture for all 4 together. They pack small. This one is the largest at 20l, about the size of a package of frozen vegetables so it is a little big. This one really is nearly the size of kitchen sink. 

It's a folding, self supporting waterproof container. While they are good for washing, they are better just as something to carry water. This one is very large though; 20 l is about 4 gallons or about 32 lbs.

It is self-supporting. I would hesitate to fill it to the full stated capacity, though.

A neat thing about it is that if I shake it out when through, then turn it inside out and shake it again, it doesn’t retain much water.  

Here is what it looks like mostly full:

kitchen-sink-20l.jpg


In comparison to the other sizes:

kitchen-sinks-full.jpg


Here is what they look like packed up:

Kitchen-sinks-folded.jpg

I see that some of the other reviews were not positive. Perhaps those reviewers expected too much from it.   The twisting wire isn't that big of a deal. The wire is loose inside a sleeve and can twist. You can tease it back into place. It happens to mine some times. Even with the wire twisted, I haven't had trouble getting the sink to hold water, though. I wouldn't overfill it.  

I think the biggest trick is to remember how to fold it to get it back into the package. Folding it the right way helps avoid the twisting wire issue. With it in 1 big loop, pull the wire across itself in the middle to make 3 loops in a line. Then fold each end loop into the middle, with the folds at the wire crossings between the loops.

There is a belt loop on the carrying case, but I haven’t been bold enough to carry all of these around on a belt at once (especially this big one.)  It might look like batman’s utility belt.  Perhaps sometime when my wife drags me to an indoor event that I would prefer to avoid will be an opportunity to try that out.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $25

Version reviewed: 10L

A great lightweight camp sink that can hold a lot of water.

Pros

  • Holds 10L
  • Compact
  • Lightweight (less than 5oz)

Cons

  • A little tricky to twist back into its case
  • Outside and top takes awhile to dry

I have been using this for over 10 years. It holds a lot of water, has two sturdy handles that have never given way, and will not spill even on uneven ground.

It packs small and weighs less than 5 ounces. It needs to be twisted back into its carrying case, which can be a little tricky and takes a little patience, but it is a very minor inconvenience.  

The interior has not deteriorated over these 10 years or lost the ability to hold water (I just used it car camping last week). While I have mostly used it for washing dishes, I have also used it to rinse my feet off during a triathlon and before getting in my tent.

While the interior dries fairly quickly the exterior material is not waterproof and the straps and rim take quite awhile to dry if they get wet. But I don't think you can do better than this for a lightweight reliable camp sink.

Background

I have used it both car camping and backpacking for many years (I think I got it in 2008) and have not needed to replace it yet.

Source: received it as a personal gift

Version reviewed: 5L

Excellent choice for the backpacker, replace large tub you used when car camping. Folds up into small size. Neat rubberized lining really does hold water!

Pros

  • small pack size
  • clippable to outside pack
  • rigid design stay upright

Cons

  • heavier than plastic bag
  • belt loop stays wet

Sea to Summit brand kitchen sink is an excellent choice for your backpacking experience. There are multiple sizes available. I used the five liter version. This was plenty when I cooked meals that required multiple pans. However it might be a bit small if you wanted to do dishes for several people.

The storage has loops for carabiner in case you want to move out while it is still wet, also a belt loop as mentioned under cons in this review. The loops make this item very accessible. The design features are quite excellent as the sink folds out and pops up to maintain its shape while you wash.

I have not had a better sink with me while camping.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $19.95

Version reviewed: 5L

Bought the 5 liter sink a few years ago. It is great for its intended use of washing up dishes at the campsite.

Pros

  • Light
  • Efficient
  • Durable

I bought the 5 liter sink a few years ago, and it has held up under pretty rigorous use while backpacking and at base camps. It is great for its intended use of washing up dishes at the campsite, but its use is only limited by your imagination. I've used it to shave, as a bucket to carry water, when painting watercolours while on the trail, inverted as a food cover to keep the flies away from food.

It's light, straps nicely to the outside of my pack, and is remarkably durable. I usually boil a liter of water and mix it into 3 liters of cold water and have not noticed any deterioration of the fabric.

A buddy even borrowed it and wore it as a rain hat in a hailstorm.

Source: bought it new

Version reviewed: 5L

Stable, high capacity, high compressibility. I recommend two of these for an extended trip.

Pros

  • Stable
  • Capacity

This sink is a great addition to an extended trip pack. It's not really a fast and light item, but if you backpack in comfort then definitely bring it. It holds enough water to take a bath, do dishes, filter lots of water, or make LOTS of dinner.  

I like how it bows out at the bottom, this greatly increases stability. Large top makes it easy to scoop water in and out of it, but watch out for fire embers and pine needles.  

I have had this for a few years, and take it car camping and on all backpacking trips where my wife is present.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $25

Version reviewed: 10L

Great little outdoors kitchen sink. Used it to wash my Primus EtaExpress pot and pan, as well as my My-Ti Brunton folding spork in a test run. Holds water at any level (does NOT have to be full to hold water, does NOT have to be completely full to stand up on its own). Handles make carrying that much water easy - they're nice on the hands.

Two Cons, perhaps three:
- Handles take about 10 times as long to dry as the rest of the material. Long after the sink had been sun/air dried the handles remained damp.

- The nylon on the outside of the sink is not coated like the inside water-holding portion. This means the outside actually partially accepts water (gets wet) while the inside is impervious to water or repels it. This makes the outside take longer to dry than the inside. If the entire sink was coated like the inside dry time would probably be around 3 minutes on a warm, sunny, windy day.

Nevertheless, aside from the handles, having shaken most of the excess water off, dry time in the sun with a bit of wind is around 10-15 minutes, with respect to giving turns to both the inside and outside to dry.

- Oil and odors do not remove so easily from the inside coating. I cooked a Backcountry Kathmandu Curry and washed the dishes afterwards in this. I'd say it took a good 9 cups of water and 1 1/2 tablespoons of CampSoap to wash it out after dumping the wash water. After cleaning the sink with soap twice and rinsing it, it still retained traces of oil and a slight smell of the curry.

Pros:
- Holds a full 10 liters (2.6 gallons)

- Stands on its own easily with any amount of water (doesn't tip over)

- Has a very compact packed size (a flat cylinder about 5.25" across x 1.75 high)

Price Paid: $19.95

Version reviewed: 5L

This is a sweet little sink. I love this thing. It's great for washing dishes, washing hair, carrying water, soaking your feet, whatever. I have used the sink a few times now and I love it more and more each time.

It stows very small for its capacity and it makes washing dishes a breeze. It doesn't have to be full to function as intended. Since buying this sink, I no longer dread washing dishes, I look forward to it. Another great product from Sea To Summit.

Price Paid: $20

Version reviewed: 5L

A fold-up 5 gallon bucket for about 9 ounces!

Pros

  • Light
  • Holds shape
  • Packs down small

The 20 liter sink and a .4-1 Liter scoop make for a full bath. (You can bathe with water that is not potable. However, take care to keep the water out of your ears when rinsing your hair.)  If you have long hair, a refill of the sink will be needed for a full shower.  

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $30

Version reviewed: 10L

So many different uses. It is great to take down to water source and fill it up (10 Liters) and than bring it back to camp to filter and fill up your other water containers. It is also great to fill with water and add boiling water and use it as a washing sink (for dishes or hair or whatever). I have used it on every trip.

Price Paid: $19.95

Version reviewed: 5L

Great item. It has completely changed my attitude to cooking and cleanup when backpacking. I used to avoid cooking entirely because I didn't want to deal with the cleanup. 

Now I cook whatever I want without worry about cleaning.

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Specs

5L 10L 20L
Price MSRP: $19.95
Current Retail: $19.95-$32.95
Historic Range: $10.95-$32.95
Reviewers Paid: $19.95-$30.00
Capacity 1.3 Gal / 5L 2.6 Gal / 10L 5.2 Gal / 20L
Dimensions 9 x 11 in / 23 x 28 cm 11 x 15 in / 28 x 38 cm 14 x 18 in / 35 x 46 cm
Packed Size 4.5 x 1.75 in 5.5 x 1.75 in 6.25 x 1.75 in
Weight 3.5 oz / 98g 4.7 oz / 134g 6.6 oz / 188g
Best Use Camping, Backpacking
Product Details from Sea to Summit »

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