Sea To Summit - Ether Light XR Insulated Air Sleeping Pad

I am a 181cm, 100kg side sleeper and just bought the S2S Etherlight XR. It arrived this morning and my [**first impressions are here.** ](https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/1isa5ot/comment/mdq8c2p/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button)

Auspost delivered a new S2S Etherlight XR (regular Mummy) this morning so I set it up next to my old Thermarest Xtherm (2020 model) - Here are my first impressions. **Comfort** \- It feels more comfortable than my Xtherm. At 10cm thick it is much more plush. **Size/shape** \- The extra 4cm in width feels good. I am a 181cm, 100kg side sleeper and this feels like a better size and shape for me. It is also wider near the foot which is very welcome. **Profile** \- the Etherlight is higher at the sides than in the middle which feels a lot more stable. The Xtherm with its horizontal baffles regularly made me feel as though I was about to roll off the side. **Noise** \- They are roughly the same in volume but it is a different sound. The Xtherm sounded like a muted chip packet - still crinkly but not as noisy as the old Xlite. The Etherlight sounds more like a thick balloon - still makes a noise but a lower pitch. **Weight** \- Heavier. On my scales the Xtherm is 440g. S2S was 481g. **Warmth** \- The design looks pretty good. The new Etherlight uses reflective aluminium film - similar to the thermarest. The welds use a loop in the centre so it maintains an air gap even at the weld. Will actually take a few nights outside to really tell. I am not expecting it to be as warm as my old mat but we shall see. **Slipperyness** \- The fabric feels a little more grippy than the Xtherm so hopefully won't slip around as much. Once again - will need a few nights in the outdoors to really tell. **Packability -** Great. It folds down to same size as the Xtherm. I believe is a great improvement over the old Etherlight XT due to the new insulation. So on most points the Etherlight looks to be a winner. Size, shape and comfort is great. Weight is a bit higher and warmth is TBD but I feel like this is going to be my main mat form here on.

I tried both and went with the Ether Light XR. It came down to what felt good. I didn’t think the baffle design on the Tensor AS was comfortable or distributed weight well and much preferred the baffling on the Ether Lite as a side/stomach sleeper. I plan on upping the R value with a Z-lite pad if necessary.

The Ether Light is woven nylon just like the Nemo, but 30D vs 20D for the top. I compared them back in May, but I remember they felt fairly similar material-wise. I did think the Nemo was slightly more crinkly. The Ether Light is a little slippery, but I think it makes it easier to flip around. My last pad was a polyester Exped Dura which had a lot of friction going on with my clothes, which made it annoying to flip around at night because my clothes and quilt would get bunched up and twisted.

No problem! It was one of the reasons I switched pads. The other was that I didn’t find vertical baffles all that great for side sleeping. The arm I slept on frequently went numb, and I’m pretty sure it was from the baffles pressing against it.

I’ll second the XR. It’s pretty comfy for stomach/side sleeping. But also, I tried out the NeoLoft at REI this weekend and holy crap is it a comfy cradle of air.

Picked up a S2S Etherlight XR and had my first 4 days on it recently. Super comfy, even as a side sleeper.

Sea to summit etherlight xr is very comfortable for a side sleeper as well, while not being too heavy or bulky.

The new **Sea to Summit Etherlite XR** Mummy Large. 10cm/4inches thick and comfy. Packs small. 580grams. other good current inflatable pads - Nemo Tensor All Season - Thermarest NeoAir NXT - Naturehike R5.8 (Budget option at $90)

Sea To Summit Etherlite XR

The Sea to Summit Etherlite Woman has been replaced by the new Etherlite **XR** which is warmer lighter and packs smaller. My advice would be to test lie in a shop - Thermarest NeoAir NXT - [Sea to Summit Etherlite XR](https://seatosummit.eu/en-ch/products/ether-light-xr-insulated-air-sleeping-pad) - [Nemo Tensor All Season](https://www.nemoequipment.com/products/tensor-all-season-insulated-sleeping-pad)

The newly updated version Etherlite X**R** which came out around April is a much better pad. Packs smaller, weighs less and is much warmer. It uses silver reflection film instead of insulation. I owned the XT before and let me tell you if you can sell the XT and buy the XR it's that good. https://seatosummit.com/products/ether-light-xr-insulated-air-sleeping-pad?srsltid=AfmBOoq_8pObfHzj71aOkuP45MvfnKwCO0wnHfKuJmTFyxk1hzqLM942 Ether Light XR Insulated Air Sleeping Pad

Same. Had the chance to try both in stores. I am a side sleeper / stomach who turn around a fair bit and just preferred the Ether (Long Wide)

I was in the same dilemma this week and ended up with the ether lite XR (XR is the new version). I think it’s incredibly comfortable from my one night this week. If you want something potentially comfier, look at the thermarest Neoloft, it’s more like a puffy air mattress if you’re into that. If you don’t care about size weight, look into something self inflating or something like a exped mega mat

Looking to upgrade my sleeping pad in a 12L 3-season overnighter kit, so optimizing for packed size. I know about therm-a-rest 3/4 pads, but I've had issues with nerve compression due to the baffle design, making it really hard to sleep. If there's nothing better out there, I can try to make it work. Its specs are hard to beat... I've been eyeballing the new S2S XR pad. Seems to pack even smaller than their shortest UltraLite pad (the orange one.) Weirdly the small and regular have the same packed size listed on the S2S site. Heavier than the x-lite but pretty packable, comparable r-value and I could actually sleep on it. Any other pads people would recommend? Really aiming for >3 R-value minimum so I can get 3 season usage. Thanks Edit: Ordered the Tensor Elite Short to couple with a torso-length GG thinlight. Technically that's two pads and not one, but being able to just throw the thinlight on the outside of the pack makes that a non-issue, plus I get the various uses it provides. We'll see if I regret my decision...

this is probably what I'm going to end up going with. ordered the tensor elite short and an S2S XR short to compare. S2S is heavier and bulkier but still pretty small with a better r value and durability. although at 12L it probably won't win out over the tensor

It's best if you can visit a local outdoor retailer like REI to try out some pads. That way you know what's comfortable for you, and can make some choices on picking the lightest pad that meets those needs. For me I find the Nemo Tensor (lightest), S2S Etherlight XR, and REI Helix (heaviest) to be reasonably comfortable pads as well. Xlite/Xtherm were definitely less comfortable last I tried.

I have the SeatoSummit Ether Light XR Reg Wide and love it. Super comfortable, warm and quiet.

I actually cross-shopped these three pads earlier this summer, and tried each one of them. My thoughts below: Packed size (smallest to largest): \-Nemo \-S2S \-Big Agnes Actual measured weight (lightest to heaviest): \-Nemo \-S2S \-Big Agnes Comfort (most comfy to least comfy): \-S2S \-Big Agnes \-Nemo I settled pretty happily on the S2S. It's significantly more comfy (IMO) than the other two. The other two have a slippery surface that makes the last 1" on each side unusable since you slide off it anyway. Even the Big Agnes, with it's raised outer baffle, doesn't help as much as you'd think since it's so slippery. For reference, I'm a side sleeper and move around quite a bit throughout the night. The S2S surface has more friction, is quieter, and just isolates movement overall a little bit better than the other two. I couldn't compare/contrast actual warmth since I've only taken them summer camping.

LOL, yeah I dove pretty hard into upgrading my sleep system this year. I tried the rectangular reg/wide in all pads. I settled on the S2S and love it. I used the Nemo several nights as well as the S2S several nights. The S2S is way ahead of the Nemo in terms of comfort, with only a slight penalty in weight. Packability is pretty similar, with a slight nod to the Nemo. You may be thinking of the previous gen S2S "XT" pads, which were not very packable, slightly heavier, colder, and maybe louder? The new "XR" version is fantastic. Big Agnes was another step up in bulk and weight, and I just couldn't justify either when the comfort wasn't as great as the S2S (which surprised me). I never camped with the Big Agnes, only tried it at home.

That comment is incorrect. It may be referring to a previous generation. Of the 3, the STS XR pad is least slippery. I sleep in pajamas and bring a leg up when I sleep, so the slipperiness is annoying for me since it just allows my leg to slide back down/off the pad (this is why I tried and ultimately moved away from the Nemo). The S2S had enough friction that it wasn’t an issue. I’m sure the dimples help, but the material itself is just different/better. Speaking of, I know the Nemo looks like it has dimples, but it really doesn’t. They do nothing.

I have it and love it. I’ve used basically all the popular pads over the years and I really, really enjoy the XR. It’s my current go-to.

Only used it about 7 or 8 nights, but none so far

31° is lowest I’ve had it out. Didn’t feel cold.

I've been liking the new Sea to Summit Ether Light XR Insulated. Usually go for a wide, but using the regular mummy and have gotten some good nights sleep on it. It is a bit loud though.

StS Ultralight Insulated. Anything packable with R value about 3 should be OK.

I'm using sea to summit ultralight insulated pad since many years. Weight and volume are critical for me. Works better than an underquilt for me.

I don't like the horizontal baffles and height. I tend to fall off an xlite. That's why I got that sea to summit ultralight insulated one - much more stable and despite being thinner it's warm and comfortable on my hips.  But some people don't have that issue with xlites.  I'm selling my old xlite on gear trade subreddit. I'm sure it makes no sense for someone in the EU to buy from me in NA. But I'd it does then take a look at my profile and see if the price makes sense for you. 

Yes. Camped in around -7 deg C in the snow with it as a longer trip shakedown.  No issues with cold due to the pad  Also on the PCT we started in late March so we had cold nights (close to -5 C) in the desert including adjacent to snow around San Jacinto.  I replaced it with CCF in the Sierras but we timed that to have almost no snow. Only a couple cold nights in the Sierras. I like the S2S pad and it's likely to become my go to for an inflatable pad (thus I am selling those xlites, but keeping my double exped 3R)

Canadian side sleeper here. I often 3 season camp down past -5 deg ( probably closer to -10 deg ) depending on what the mountains decide to do. Not much camping in snow but a lot of waking up in it. I've never needed R value of 5. Are you sure you do? Have you tried anything else? Exped lists their 5R being good to -20 C. That's not 3 season is it? That seems overkill to me. Exped 3R in the shortest length (with any dangling feet on top of a pack or something) would be my preference for an inflatable for the brand's you listed. It's quite a bit lighter than those options and is worth a consideration. I have slept many nights in the previous version of it in a double wide with a partner (which may have had a slightly different R value than what is available now).  I also just spent a lot of nights on a slow LASH on the PCT (where I had slept in the temperatures of interest  - down below -5 C in both desert and mountains) on a sea to summit ultralight insulated short pad. This was very comfortable and warm. it's like 350 grams. Eventually on trail I went with a CCF pad (Nemo Switchback ) to reduce base weight a bit - and that hurt my hips when camping on some surfaces but was a compromise I accepted for many nights. This was much lower R value but warm enough on cold nights down below -5 C.  

I have the Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated pad and I find it quite comfortable. I’m a side sleeper and it feels comparable to a normal bed at home. I’ve been using it for 7 years now and it’s still in perfect shape. Never had a puncture or any kind of issue with it. I find it significantly more comfortable than the cheap pad I had before it

It’s because that pad specifically is known to do that. The sea to summit ultralight insulated pads are fabricated completely differently and make zero noise when you move around. That’s not a reason to switch to foam because there are better solutions

I’ve never used that pad, I have the sea to summit ultralight insulated pad and it works very well. It’s comfortable and reliable and packs down really small. Any higher end pad (like in the $100+) range should be good

The ether light XR is the first pad that’s given me just as good a night sleep as I do at home. It’s such a comfortable pad. I’m a side sleeper and nothing compares to it for comfort for me. It can be a bit noisy so when I’m tossing and turning before falling asleep it can be a bit of a nuisance but it’s never hindered my sleep

It’s not crinkly or rustly, can be a bit squeaky! But think it also depends on sleeping bag material. Like I said it’s never cause me an issue but my partner has commented on it before

If comfort is a priority, you’ll do no better than the new Sea To Summit Ether Light XR.

I just got the updated Sea to Summit Ether Light XR and can't wait to give it a proper test run next weekend. It was super comfy on my living room floor. Comes in a few 25" wide options. If you need higher R value, there's the pro version which is 4-season.

I'd give it a 9/10. Very comfy, great packed size, teeny bit heavier than I'd want (but comfort totally justified it). There were a couple cold spots but the pad had deflated as the temp dropped, so I just topped it off and all was well.

Oh totally. It went great! I had a 25° western mountaineering bag and temps were 39° on my thermometer the first night. The pad was great. No cold spots. For reference I slept terribly and was cold in 37° on a rapide pad in December last year. It could have also been the quilt I was using. I had zero issues with the pad and it was of course very comfortable. 

\+1 for the Ether Lite! I've got a bunch of pads, but I always end up going back to this one for comfort. The material is a little squeaky and I would trust it below freezing, but it's very comfortable. I've also seen it on sale regularly for less than $150.

I own all the pads you have listed, I would go with the Tensor All Season. You might also take a look at the new XR version of the Ether Light. I believe they updated this version with a more traditional mylar style insulation resulting in better weight and a higher R-Value. If it's anywhere near the comfort of the old version, it would be a solid option. You might also look at pairing any potential pads with something like the Gossamer Gear thinlight. It would add quite a bit of protection with around an additional 0.5 R-Value.

Sea to summit has a lifetime guarantee on their products which ultimately became my deciding factor in choosing them between the same two pads you mentioned.

I am the same weight as you so maybe can help here. Have you looked at the Sea to Summit XR or XR Pro? The R values are 4.1 and 7.4 respectively, with the Pro being heavier too. The regular is ~22" and 19.8oz vs the BA at 18oz, so if you can fit on a <6' pad, that gives you another 2"/10% of width and almost doubles your R-value for only ~2oz. I side sleep and roll a lot on mine and find it very comfy. Note I do have a large though because I'm over 6' tall and don't like my feet to hang off the end, it is 25.2" wide (6'6" long) but sadly much heavier at 25.4oz

The brand new (literally new this week) Sea to Summit Etherlight XR pad looks impressive for weight to R-value ratio. Might check that out. It replaced the XT which they spent the last few months selling 50% off (I got one). So it has the same quilted/tufted/dimple style baffling as the Tensor, sorta. There's a huge difference in comfort depending on your body between the dimpled baffling of the Etherlight/Tensor and the horizontal baffling of the Xlite. I can't sleep on horizontal baffling despite all the good features of the Xlite. I've been happy with the Etherlight, which I always purchase at REI and return within the year because they can develop pinholes especially around where your elbows contact the pad when rising or laying down. I didn't buy the last one from REI because it was so cheap direct from S2S but the next time I need a new one I'm going with the new XR.

yuuuuup I use Sea to Summit Etherlight pads and it's the same. Buy from REI and just return within the year. Buy new when a new upgrade comes out. Like they just upgraded it and called it the XR, less weight, better R-value. I just put up with the pinholes and patching them on trail because I can't sleep better on any other pad.

Most don't last very long if you're using them more than 30 nights a year in my experience. These manufacturers are banking on most buyers using them less than that. For super avid backpackers and thru-hikers, obviously we use them way more and therefore need to replace them more frequently. I've always bought them from REI and get them replaced under their policy within the year. Or if it's little seam weld pinholes, take advantage of the warranty (I use Sea 2 Summit pads mostly). But yeah I think the companies just absorb the loss from heavy users, who are a minority of total sales they make globally. Most people just buy a pad to go camping once or twice a year and it just sits in their closet for years before it gets the same amount of camp time as we'd put it through halfway into a thru-hike. Not sure if that made sense - still pre-caffeine today edit: getting holes from pokey things is a given despite the best careful babying if you're out enough, especially in the desert. but i'm not really talking about those kind of holes (that can be patched) - i mean the phantom leaks that can't be identified or fixed easily, like seam welds, valve stuff, etc. (especially on quilted/dimpled baffles) whenever i've returned a pad it's got several patches on it - i keep the solider well bandaged until he can't fight any more

All my sea to summit pads have developed stress pinholes in the dimple welds, nothing to do with anything I could have done or prevented as a user, it's a common defect with that style of baffle.

Good for you for taking care of all your gear. I also take good care of my gear and get many miles out of it. Your response sounds quite lecture-y and finger waggy tbh, making the assumption that others don't take good care of their gear. All my sea to summit pads have developed stress pinholes in the dimple welds, nothing to do with anything I could have done or prevented as a user, it's a common defect with that style of baffle. Manufacture defects on pads are quite common and have nothing to do with user care. No matter how much you baby your sleeping pad, if it has a weak valve attachment, it's gonna develop a leak.

they both kinda suck tbh try a nemo tensor, big agnes rapide, or sea to summit etherlite, or thermarest neo air

Yes on the ether light but get the newer XR version which has a higher r rating.

I went with the S2S Ether Light XR for side sleeping comfort, good weight and size, and upgraded r-value. No regrets!

I've seen a few comments about cutting a Thinlight pad down to size, if required. But from the specs the Thinlight is shorter and narrower than typical inflatable pads. I've just ordered a regular size S2S Ether Light XR, which is 72in long x 21.7in wide. The rolled Thinlight pad is 58.7in long x 19in wide. Is this an issue? I also want to use a Thinlight pad to protect my inflatable pad.

Tra i menzionati possiedo il Sea to Summit e posso parlarne bene. A pari caratteristiche c'è il cinese Naturhike di cui ne parlano molto bene.

Excellent mattress! I used it with pleasure but then switched to the thermarest which is lighter and I feel great with it.

Ive had the same issue with the NXT. I went with S2S, its great for me and my tosses and turns.

Ive the new one. Its slipper as most of these pads. Ive put some silicon on it so I dont have that problem.

S2S XR. It's great.

Sea to Summit Etherlite XR. 4" thick, 4.1 R value. Super comfy and no drama in getting it inflated.

I own and use both. Both are now backups to my therm a rest neo loft bc that big boy is like sleeping in a real bed and is worth every ounce. But between the Nemo and ether light I’d say the Nemo is lighter and comfy, but the ether light is a tiny bit thicker and more comfortable, and the ether light is also more durable. My Nemo is still functional but I did have to patch it up once.

Ether light is comfortable but if I was to purchase one now I’d probably go for thermarest neoloft based on reviews I’ve seen. Just above £200 but look out for offers

I also tried them both (NeoAir XLite NXT and now the Ether light XR) and can confirm the Sea to Summit is so much more comfortable and also more grippy. The therm a rest felt like a balloon and although it did feel warmer, the comfort wasn't even close

Maybe another option. The Sea to Summit Ether light XR is great to me. Thick enough, light enough and quite a non slippery surface with no noise. I heard the NeoLoft can be kinda unstable and balloony. Not experienced with the Zenbivy myself

I’ve slept well — like *well* — in the backcountry for the first time this summer thanks to the StS Etherlight XR mummy. (No experience with the prior etherlight, which I think some might be commenting on.) It’s absolutely worth the few extra oz to me, and the packed size is still fairly small. I previously was using the NeoAir, and it’s just no contest. I don’t slide off the StS, and I can sleep on my side. I will start to feel the pressure on my hip and have to change position occasionally, but probably don’t end up doing that much more than when I’m at home. I’d thought about buying the wide version because my arms always slid off and were uncomfortable with the NeoAir. I went with the regular width mummy StS and have had no problems with any body parts sliding off. :) Thought about the Nemo Tensor(s) real hard the last few years but never purchased one due to the reported leakage potential even with occasional use. I haven’t tried the BA. I tried the regular (non-mummy) exped 5R last summer car camping. It has raised side baffles (similar approach to BA), and I found it more comfortable than the neoair. So I bought the exped 5R mummy this summer for backpacking. 1. It’s a very aggressive taper on the mummy. (Whereas the ether XR is relaxed.) 2. Its packed size was significantly larger than the neoair, and I couldn’t actually fit it into my pack in the spot that works best. Luckily I then saw that the Ether was a new version and returned the exped mummy, got the StS. The StS is more comfortable than the 5R rectangle, and I’ll probably use it for car camping too in the future.

The XR has not been very slippery in my experience. I stay in place better on it compared to other pads I've had, and it stays in place better on the tent floor. I think if you want a wide pad because there's literally not enough room for your arms, etc., on the regular width, or that sort of thing, a wide absolutely makes sense. But if you want a wide pad because your arms (or you) technically fit on the pad but tend to slip off, it may be worth seeing how you do with a less slippery pad.

I’ve always slept terribly on NeoAirs for the reasons you described. It made such a huge difference to change to the Sea to Summit etherlight XR.

Same. I think the few extra ounces for the XR is worth finally getting a decent’s night sleep while backpacking.

I think you may have accidentally pulled the 18 oz figure from the Nemo Extreme, or the 2nd smallest size of the BA Rapide SL. If comparing pads of the same length/shape/R-value, multiple options mentioned in this thread are closer than 6 oz to the XLite. NeoAir Xlite NXT. S, Regular (66", 72"): 11.5 oz, 13 oz. R = 4.1. NeoAir Xlite NXT XTherm. Regular (72"; this is the smallest)): 15.5 oz. R = 7.3. Nemo Tensor All Season. Reg mummy (72"; this is the smallest): 14.1 oz. R = 5.4. Nemo Extreme Conditions. Reg mummy, Regular (72"; this is the shortest): 17 oz, 18 oz. R = 8.5. Big Agnes Rapide SL. Petite, Reg (66", 72"): 17 oz, 18 oz. R = 4.8. Big Agnes Zoom SL. Regular (72"; this is smallest): 14 oz. R = 4.1. Sea to Summit Etherlight XR. S, M mummy (\*66", \*72"): 15.7 oz, 17.6 oz. R = 4.1. \*These are 21.7" and 21.3" wide respectively (compared to 20" for all of the others).

I wrote in another comment -- the Sea to Summit Etherlight XR is a little bit wider than others in the small, regular sizes (21.7" wide for small mummy, 21.2" for regular mummy). I don't know that this would make a difference for people with broader shoulders, but I have a fairly slight frame and it did make a difference for me in that my arms don't tend to slip off as easily. (Although being more grippy is probably also a factor).

See a recent thread for some more feedback on this pad. I love the StS XR. Absolutely worth the weight over my NeoAir XLite. I sleep so much better. (Side, back, stomach). The baffles are comfortable and I don’t slide around on the pad. I can’t speak to durability or sub freezing temps.

Let me guess — Zoom UL? I ended up going with the Sea to Summit Ether Light XR, actually. I found out my local store was having a big sale on S2S gear, so I snagged mine for €190. The AeroCloud UL would’ve cost me €127 after VAT and import fees. Saving €63 just wasn’t enough to give up the 2-year warranty and local support. I have to say, I’m pretty impressed with the new XR mat. It’s the first ultralight mat I’ve used that doesn’t sound like a bag of chips when I move around — no annoying crinkle from the heat-reflective foil. The outer fabric is also surprisingly quiet. Comfort-wise, it’s excellent. Sure, there are more luxurious mats out there, like the Exped Megamat Ultra, but those are way heavier and bulkier. If the R-value holds up in real-world conditions, I’ll be even happier. My only real gripe so far is the thickness as it is advertised as 10 cm thick, while the reality is 9,5 cm ([https://imgur.com/a/Fgd9pHt](https://imgur.com/a/Fgd9pHt))

Sea To Summit Ether Light XR (XT is the old model, definitely go for the XR it's lighter, warmer and pack smaller) is a great all-rounder, one of the best actually when it comes to comfort-weigh-pack size ratio. Other good all-rounders are REI Helix and Zenbivy Ultralight Mattress, both of these has very similar comfort but are slightly heavier. If you seek ultimate comfort there would be there competitors: Zenbivy Flex Air Mattress, ThermaRest NeoLoft and Exped MegaMat Ultra. Each of these are basically best of the class, which one would be the best comes down to personal preferences as each of them using different baffle construction.

Just switched from the NXT to the Sea to Summit XR. It’s a bit heavier but more comfortable, like night and day for me. Decent R Value, packs small, quieter. Pads are definitely an individual choice, so I use the REI return policy to make changes.

Ether light xr has been the most comfortable pad I've had. Highly recommend. Easily the best upgrade to my sleep when backpacking. It also has a blow bag pump to blow up the pad that's part of the bag it comes in. Don't make my mistake and hold it against your mouth to gill it. All you do is connect it, hold it open and blow a few times and the whole thing fills with air damn near instantly, then fill the pad. Took me like 20 seconds to blow up my pad (not that it really takes that long without it.

Surface it's not smooth rubber but reminds me of a fabric almost? I definitely didn't slide around on it much but I don't think that feature is a deal maker. Size wise I'm a bigger guy and I went with the regular tapered one, my arms do just kinda drop off the sides so if you're in a similar boat consider the rectangular one for more room. Pack size is about the size of a 32 oz nalgene water bottle and actually a bit smaller. So quite compact. The tapered pad works for me size wise but it'd definitely be more comfortable it I had gone with the rectangular version. And yes the bag uses pretty much an air vortex, not be to be a huge dork but its using a phenomenon called the Bernoulli principal.

Can't speak to the tensor, but just got the Either Light XR and it's really comfortable. I've been carrying around an absurdly large pad because I can never get comfortable as a side sleeper on most standard ones, and this is the best nights sleep I've gotten since switching. It probably comes down to the baffle style tbh. I've tried the vertical and horizontal ones and neither felt good on my shoulders or hips the next morning. If you don't like the dimple style baffles though, you should go with the tensor. Haven't pushed the temperature rating to it's limit yet, but if you're not going in extremely low temps I can't imagine 4.1 won't be enough for a majority of the year.

Im about 190. The pad sinks to the floor if I'm not fully laying down on it, but once I'm spread out it completely supports me with ample loft. Before this I've been carrying around a megamat lite 12, which is enormous but like sleeping in a bed. This is the first alternative pad that I've actually felt support in my shoulders and hips.

this pad is so comfy imo, my partner has it, i’ve borrowed it a few times and idk what i was thinking buying anything different. my partner is 6’2 200 lbs and a side sleeper, he really likes it. i bought the sea to summit ether light xr last year and im regretting it because i know what im missing out on (it’s the mec vectair)

Etherlight XR is the same excellent comfort as the XT with a better R value.

Some mats have internal noise when you move: the crisp packet effect. Etherlights it’s the surface. It’s a much more rubber-like surface that produces a squeaking noise when you rub your skin over it. Doesn’t bother me, but it’s a different noise effect than other brands.

Awesome! That's good to hear they sorted out the insulation problems of the XT. I just purchased the XR myself, but I haven't had the opportunity to use it anywhere other than my living room. It's definitely much comfier than my old thermarest !

I got ether light xr, and I got WL (I’m 6.2ft male), on sale for like 80$ new. It fits, I like it. I decided to get one because I got my girlfriend one in WR and she enjoyed it, pump system is easy, compact and it is 3 inch thick

I had cheap sleeping pad, had klymit pad, thermarest scout and now ether light. It isn’t slippery for me nor any different from others. Especially because it is 2 of us in 2p tent so there isn’t any room to slide too. And since I got Nemo sleeping bag it has a pocket for my pillow within hood, so pillow is always attached and isn’t sliding away. If you’re 6.2ft or under - try to score ether xr in women large and you’ll be comfy on budget

I love my Ether Light highly recommend and from what I've heard there warranty is exceptional. I went with the XT Insulated req wide amazing sleeps on it.

His findings pretty much match my experiences. I have a S2S etherlight insulated. It's so cold with a quilt, It really feels like it's doing nothing, even in summer conditions. Comfortable though.

i have a couple etherlights for different seasons. My partner got the REI helix which surprised me for how good it is for the price

I thought I needed a thick wide pad as a side sleeper. I got an S2S Etherlight. About half way thru a thru in ‘21 I had to try an XLite, because supply chain. Dropped about 9ozs and kicked myself the rest of the way down the trail for being so gullible. The XLite was much more comfortable for me sleeping and I could really feel those 9ozs off my back. Get that and bring a few ozs of Blue Chew and your gal will carry the rest of the gear! Ha!

They’re half off right now, about $100

I love the etherlight, I’m a side sleeper and it really helps prevent my arm from falling asleep. The only downside is the bulk. It takes up a lot of space in my pack. When I’m out for long hauls I don’t have the room for it and switch to the Tensor All-Season.

This is why I've switched to Kilos elite pads after wasting decades and £££s on Nemo, Thermarest, etc. Kilos pads are at least 1/2 the price of the 'premium', but still unreliable, pads and easily the comfiest I've ever used. They look similar to the S2S Ether lites (which started leaking after 3 nights) but are way comfier for some reason.

I was sporting the s2s ether light and had to let so much air out. Got zenbivy ultralight fully inflated is wonderful. 200 pounds side to stomach sleeper. Seems to have a different type stretchy material.

oh hello, followed the same route as you. Just picked up an S2S Ether Light today to test, as I'm a cold side sleeper and haven't quite found the solution yet. How have you found it for warmth? It is heavier, but sleep deprivation weights a lot as well.

Check out the sleeping pad comparison chart I posted. It's a quick reference for pack size and weight across multiple brands. The best 2 light air pads that are still comfortable: Big Agnes Rapide SL NEMO Tensor (any version really) I personally prefer the Rapide SL but my wife really likes the Tensor. Both available in 20x72 up to 25x78, I always recommend at least a 25" wide. Both insulated and smaller packing that the other that may offer more comfort or insulation like the Big Agnes Campmeister Deluxe or Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft. Maybe not as small as some cheaper Amazon pads or the infamous Klymit static V but guaranteed more comfortable. They also have lifetime warranty which I know doesn't help you in the woods, but does protect your investment in the event there's a leak you can't find. The Big Agnes zoom is too crinkly like all the Thermarest air pads are. The Sea to summit etherlight packs too big for what it is and the external material is super squeaky on a tent floor.

Ether light I found noisy and sold it.

You need a warmer sleeping pad. Or double up the S2S.

Went from Tensor to a S2S Etherlight and it is even better. The extra 1/2” of thickness makes a lot of difference if you’re a side sleeper (or heavier)

That’s what I did also. Went from crappy Amazon pad, to x-lite, to Tensor, to Etherlight. Each one was leaps and bounds improvement over the previous.

Side sleeper here. +1 for the Ether lite. On sale right now for $100

100% this - your Ether Light only has an R-value of 3.2 which is way too low for 0-15°F temps (you need at least 5+ for those conditions), no amount of merino will fix heat loss through the ground.

I love my sea to summit ether lite. Im also a big dude who sleeps on his side. I have the biggest one and the insulated version. Its more than $200 but goes on sale occasionally and its well worth it

I really like the Sea to Summit Etherlite. I use it for bikepacking, backpacking, music festivals...pretty much everything. I need an alarm to get up in the morning. 4 inches thick. Quiet. Mine weighed in at 20.8 oz. If you aren't super tall. I reccomend the women's version. You can get a 25"x72" "women's" pad and it is a little bit warmer in R value than the men's version. But no matter what you get for length...the 25" wide version is worth it for sure.

is that the new one that just came out? they say its a bit warmer but packs down smaller than the old one. they were selling off the old model cheap on the company website a few weeks ago. I don't know if they have any left but I got the women's wide for $60. Its my backup now! 🤣

Agreed the Exped is surprisingly comfy for a side sleeper. I went with the ultra 5r but that shouldn’t make a difference. Tried and eventually got rid of: thermarest, ether light, klymit.

As a cold sleeper for the love of God do not get the ether light. I had it for a while and I was just dang cold all the time unless it was properly warm out. The winter version is absurdly bulky. Even worse is I can't sleep on fully inflated pads so had to let some air out which reduces the r value even further. Then it developed a slow leak. I bought the nemo all season in wide and it's night and day on warmth and noise. Tbh though if dealing with freezing temps I'd be taking a winter mat as a cold sleeper. Or be prepared to bump with a foam supplemental mat. After some absolutely freezing nights I don't push boundaries on this. ETA thermarest wasn't thick enough for me but this was the old model the newer one is 0.5 thicker so maybe it's enough.

Agree, I had one and it was very squeaky, sometimes even like rubbing balloons together. Could also be due to pad rubbing against tent floor. Exped pads never have the same issue.

Basically the best value pad you can get right now. I have a S2S Etherlight, which is a great pad, but I'm looking to cut down the weight and pack size.

First thing is to experiment, try some ideas and figure out what combination of tricks work work best. Don't worry about having the lightest kit until you figure out what you want to do, then you can figure out how to trim weight. Here's a few cheap ideas that should work in some combination: I'm looking at your ether light and thinking that's probably too cold to be used alone, I'd start with layering a foam pad on top, ⅛in foam should do it or just try whatever is cheap. Putting the foam inside the sleeping bag can be a big warmth boost. Experiment with a VBL, you can try a Christmas tree bag for a few bucks, but beware of overheating and sweating too much. Get a lightweight blanket and trim/hem it to make a simple overquilt. Try an extra fleece sleep layer from amazon or something cheap. Bring a heat safe bottle and pour hot water in and sleep with that. Wear a beanie or pehaps a balaclava that you can roll down over your nose to your lips just enough to help pre warm the air before inhale but not too much to restrict breathing. It's tough to find a beanie that fits just right where it is bothe comfortable and functional but the right one can be very helpful at keeping warm. Try a mix of these, you probably have some of these already, see what works and what doesn't, then iterate until it's working for you.

I have the sea to summit ether light insulated, they have the rectangle shape that is pretty wide and is currently on clearance. Lifetime warranty. I use it with the nemo disco, love the spoon shape. Might be worth a look at the s2s site, might still have some available

It's literally not possible. The megamats are comfortable because they have several inches of foam inside of them. The foam makes the pad super soft and supportive. There is no way to make that packable. Backpacking air pads are either air with insulation or foam filled but really thin, like 1.5 inches. The most comfortable backpacking pad I've found is the sea to summit light because it has a lot of small baffles instead of long continuous tubes like most pads. That makes it a lot more supportive. But it will never compare to a megamat.

Sea to Summit has a structure they call "air sprung cell". I personally own an old NeoAir but have tested a Sea to summit pad with that structure and I must say, it was much comfier. I've been trying to justify chucking in the money for a new pad, but am not there yet.

When I did Baker I brought a closed cell pad (Nemo switch back) and an inflatable (Sea to summit) for comfort and redundancy. You'll be hard pressed to find a new bag that's also lightweight for $200. You'll probably need to see if you can find something used or I would recommend you see if you can rent one.

Ended up getting a couple sea to summit mats on sale for $60.

Big Agnes and sea to summit checks all your boxes. Small/compact, uses vertical baffles to prevent that bouncy castle feeling and provide actual support

Rapide sl is peak. My favorite pad. Ive got a sea so summit pad that i love too but can't remember the name of it. It has like a 7 or 8 r value tho.

I personally think Sea to Summit pads are comfortable.  Nemo Tensor might interest you as well. 

Buy once cry once. Thermarest, Nemo, Sea to Summit. They make the best small, lightweight, comfortable pads.

My wife has S2S mattress - the one you are looking at or slightly colder and she likes to sleep warm. We were doing Tour du Mt Blanc this year and you want all the comfort you can get for multiple days of 1000 m up and downs even if it is worth few grams more. Nemo seems to be thicker though? And you don't have to inflate it all the way, so it will make more room for your hips but watch out, too close to the ground and it'll get cold in the middle of the night. We both use Cumulus 250 quilts and I have Thermarest NeoAir Xlite (R 4.5) - I was sweating some nights so if anything, Nemo will be too warm for the proper Summer and maybe shoulder months.

I can’t say for these specific models but I have owned three sleeping pads in my 41 years, Sea to summit, Nemo, and thermarest. The only one that has never gotten a hole in it is the thermarest and it is my oldest pad!

Don’t go self inflating if you want that much height. Car camping, yes, any of the massive, tough, heavy self inflating mats will be fine.   Go to a camping/bushwalking shop and try a Nemo tensor insulated (wide). Fill it up then let out juuuust a bit of air. You can put a closed cell foam mat underneath if you can’t get a balance between a comfortable shape and your hips touching the ground.  Sea to summit are also comfortable but don’t insulate as well.   Also - I know you know this - it’s easier if you can lose a bit of weight. I find it much less comfortable sleeping on the ground after gaining weight. 

Samw with my sea to summit absolutely unbelievable how comfy it is.

Can't say long term but I just replace my sea to summit pad with a Tensor All season. Very comfy just about to leave on tour with it.

I just picked up a Sea to Summit sleeping pad earlier this summer after years of making do with the cheap Walmart foam pad. I've slept so much better with my new setup, especially because I also bought their inflatable pillow that attaches to the sleeping pad. Wasn't the cheapest setup but very well worth it.

I have the S2S and love it! Side/back sleeper.

For me the S2S works where others don’t work. I find horizontal baffles extremely uncomfortable … it feels as if anything closer to the edge falls down and doesn’t give any support. So for me the S2S works for longer trips and for shorter I use a short version of the Nemo Tensor.

Love my S to S pad also. Rivals my Select Comfort bed at home. Bought a back up in case they go out of business.