Is it worth paying more for Sea to Summit over a budget brand?

It depends on use case. The Sea to Summit eVac and Ultra-SIL models carry higher verified-purchase ratings and a stronger brand reputation for materials, while budget options like Frelaxy and Hikenture draw far larger review volumes at a fraction of the price. For occasional car camping, a budget sack is often sufficient; for waterproofing, weight savings, or heavy trail use, the premium models are more frequently recommended.