Review: Sea to Summit Kitchen Sink
Laura and I went to REI today to pick up a few last minute things for our Big Trip. One thing I had been contemplating was some kind of wash basin to do laundry and dishes in. This of course becomes crucial after a few days of riding and things get a bit ripe and you have to interact with the general public.
A fellow tourist we know used a large rubber bowl that fit just right in his pannier. He nested all the contents within the bowl to make things fit. While it worked just fine, I decided to see if I could find a soft shell version and came upon the Kitchen Sink by Sea to Summit at REI. They come in various sizes and I picked up the 20 liter version.
Folded up, the Kitchen Sink seems impossibly small! It comes with its own zippered pouch. When you remove it, it expands similar to a sunshade for a car. When not filled with water, it resembles a really limp plastic bag that doesn’t seem at all capable of carrying 20L of water.
However, once you fill it (and you do have to fill it near to capacity for it to take shape), it miraculously fills out. The sink has handles to let you move it around with all the water (the 20L version weighs about 30lbs when full of water!).
I tried it out with a bit of laundry (1 cotton seersucker, 2 pairs cycling shorts, 2 pairs wool boxers, 1 wool shirt) and it was able to fit it all and still give me some room to slosh around. You do have to be a bit careful, since it’s really easy to knock water out of the “sink.”
I was impressed with my initial test and look forward to using it on our trip. It’s small and easier to pack then a hardshell basin. However, due to its design, it is susceptible to tears and punctures so we have to be extra careful where we place it. The jury is still out, but I’m hopeful that it will be useful. It’s just a question of durability.
(No, you’re not seeing double. Yes, I have two identical shirts.)
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Sea to Summit is usually relaible stuff. I have some of their stuff sacks. We just ordered their pocket towel, 18″ by 36″ and stuffs into a pouch the size of a hacky sack. The sink looks like a cool idea, should pay for itself by keeping you out of coin laundry-mats.
Thanks,
Jack
Russ,
Sure enjoy your blog and approach to life. Another idea for a durable, inexpensive tub is to take a collapsible 5 gallon water container (most camping stores carry them) and cut the top out. It folds up small, and the clear plastic is way tough.
Best of luck on your tour…!!
-Steve
I have the 5L one and although sometimes I wish I’d sprung for the 10L size, when I’m traveling alone it does just fine. I wash my dishes and clothes in it, although with the clothes it’s one piece at a time due to the size of the sink, but that’s okay. It takes a little practice to get the right amount of water in there to prevent slosh, yet to have enough to wash the clothes. Highly recommended.
I use an empty Ortlieb pannier. While touring SE Asia I put in the washing in the morning. Rinse it at lunch and hang it over the back. It would usually be dry by the time I arrive.