Sea To Summit - Ether Light Series

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

I'm a side sleeper and I find the etherlight XT really comfortable. It creeks and croaks like crazy though so anyone you go with will hate you. And no, it doesn't go away. People say that but they are lying lol. I think they just got used to it.

Sharing cause I grabbed one - if anyone's looking Sea to Summit is dumping old inventory and the Ether Light XT Extremes that are still available are 40% off.

I tried the r-3.2 model, found it too cold. Exchanged it for the womans model, which has a slightly higher 3.5 r-value, and also found it too cold. (This was during spring trips at sea level.) I have not had this problem with other pads with roughly those r-values. There’s just something about the design of the old model, down insulation plus cold spots, that makes it sleep colder than the r-value would suggest. At least for me.

I tried the r-3.2 model, found it too cold. Exchanged it for the womans model, which has a slightly higher 3.5 r-value, and also found it too cold. (This was during spring trips at sea level.) I have not had this problem with other pads with roughly those r-values. There’s just something about the design of the old model, down insulation plus cold spots, that makes it sleep colder than the r-value would suggest. At least for me.

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.

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.

6’4”, 220, although with a back that does not require repair. Most comfortable backpacking pad I tried is S2S Comfort Insulated Plus. Weight is awful - 2.5 lb - but the double chamber system is excellent at balancing protection from the ground and support vs having a softer top to rest on. Large rectangular size provides enough space, especially if you are a back sleeper. Outside of double chamber systems like that one, basically Thermarest NeoAir are the best of the bunch. Pricy but thick and performant. The popular S2S Etherlight is thicker, but also requires being inflated firmer which makes it overall meh unless you specifically want ultra-firm.

If it’s rare, yes. However I feel like failing welds is becoming more common with new baffle designs, and I don’t want to through the hoops of buying and then returning gear all the time, and I especially don’t need it failing on me when I’m in the middle of the woods. I wouldn’t want a tent that might not be waterproof just because it has a warranty. It’s actually worse because you could test a tent right away whereas that poorly designed sleeping pad might need a good deal of use to expose its weakness. Maybe I’m off base here, just going based off posts I’ve read while trying to upgrade my sleeping pad (ended up returning the etherlight xt extreme)

Oh yeah it’s nonsense lol. I’m so confused honestly. I got it before the R value standardization made a scandal out of it. I knew it wouldn’t be as warm as its stated r value, but found it warm enough down to around 34F on its own. If I found a lighter pad with baffles like that I’d try it. Used to have a thermarest with horizontal baffles, got hip pain. Ccf pad, hip pain. Tried the new quilted air spring baffles that everyone is raving about in the form of the etherlight, still got hip pain. The etherlight I would have returned anyway though as I found it to be the equivalent warmth of the insulated static v plus my ccf, and even pairing the etherlight extreme with a ccf, and having it fully inflated wasn’t nearly enough for sleeping on frozen ground or snow. Having a hefty pad that’s neither warm nor comfortable was just unacceptable for a $180 (on sale) pad. So for now I’ll alternate between the klymit and my hammock lol

I hope the etherlight works for you. I’d get it from Rei in case you need to return it. I returned mine as the extreme version wasn’t nearly warm enough to justify the price and weight. I’d have put up with that if it was super comfortable but I found that it hurt my hips even when I let out a bunch of air (which compromised the r value even more). I was really bummed about it all. Thought I’d found my holy grail pad

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

Self-inflating foam mats seem like a good middle ground. I hadnt seen the nemo flyer. Looks very similar to the new sea to summit pursuit self-inflating that i just got (5cm thick, 600g). It's extremely comfortable and i cant wait to try it out, after getting zero sleep on my etherlight xt recently. Do you have the zlite for extra padding, or for extra warmth?

Ive used the sts ether light xt and the ba zoom ul, and the zoom ul is more comfortable for a side sleeper imo. Not sure if the xr is much better than the xt

Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated and Nemo Tensor are both widely regarded as The most comfortable pads. I have or tried both and they're great.

So that's why their XT pads have been on sale for the last few months. I finally snagged myself a short version after waiting over a year for a sale.

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 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.

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

The Sea To Summit Aether Lite XT should be on your list. It's profoundly comfortable and the insulated mummy is a competitive weight and warmth. If you can find the "women's" version, it's even lighter.

I thruhiked with a veteran who had his spine reassembled after an incident with an ied. He used a very thick self-inflating pad that was bed-comfortable and weighed about 2.5lbs. If it were my back I'd look for comfort first and damn the weight. Of the UL pads, the Sea To Summit Aether Lite XT insulated is the most comfortable, followed by the nemo tensor and pads from Exped. If you can find the aether lite in women's mummy, the weight is in spitting distance of the neoair xlite.

Sea to summit ether lite xt works great for me and I’m a side sleeper. It’s like 4 inches thick but still lightweight and comfortable

You've tested *all* of them? You find the Nemo more comfortable than an Etherlite XT? An REI Helix? An Exped? A Rapide SL? That doesn't compute for me. The Nemo is more comfy than a Neoair but well below all of those.

My only solution for back pain camping is a hammock. I have a sea to summit etherlite that’s strictly for above the treeline or desert trips, but in all honestly I don’t do a lot of those anymore because even the 3” thick inflatable pad is barely tolerable. I’d rather just do a trip somewhere with trees where I can sleep like a baby in my hammock 

I have the S2S Ether Light and it’s been great for me for side sleeping. I have not tried any of the others for comparison

I'm 50, 6' and 280lbs (I'm working on it!) and a Scoutmaster of 12 years with three backpacking trips on top of monthly car camping, Klondike, and a week at summer camp each year. I burned through an cheap inflatable in about 6 months before I finally bit the bullet and got a decent pad: [Ether Light XT](https://www.rei.com/product/188370/sea-to-summit-ether-light-xt-extreme-sleeping-pad?redirect-pup=false) Worth every penny. Long enough, warm enough for Klondike, and comfortable enough for my fatass to actually sleep on rather than simply endure the night.

You may have to keep trying. It took me a long time to find a sleeping pad that I was good with. I eventually now use a sea to summit ether light women's pad that's long and wide. It has the extra padding in the hips and shoulders for me as I'm an active side sleeper. That's when I'm on the ground though. I prefer hammocks now because I just can't stand sleeping on the ground with a pad unless I'm camping with my wife so then I find a way to make it work for a few days

We love our Sea to Summit pads!

I’m a 6’4” 220 lb late middle aged side sleeper with a bad back. I got a Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Extreme Cold-Weather Insulated Sleeping Pad, Rectangular last year and I love it. It’s 4” thick. I sleep very comfortably on it and my hip bone doesn’t touch the ground like what happens with most other pads.

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

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

Sleeping bag won't do anything for comfort while laying down. A good pad is what you want. Sea to Summit Ether XT Light, followed by Nemo Tensor, are my recommendations. Pillows are more forgiving. Wife and I use the Therm-a-rest ones.

I also love my Etherlite rec. large. I have around 100 nights on it, and I sleep better than at home. But I am in the opposite boat now, trying to find something lighter. They are heavily discounted right now (for example at Bergfreunde, but that ships from the EU), so it might be worth picking one up to try.

Same! I loved the feel of that pad, but I thought mine was defective!

That's so funny, I had the opposite experience. Used an XLite for a good long while and just accepted that my arms and shoulders always felt sore in the morning and/or went numb overnight. Switched to a Ether Light XT Insulated (regular mummy, not wide), took a tiny weight penalty, slept like a baby ever since. Sleeping pads are as personal as underwear. I will seriously never understand why one person thinks their preferred pad will work for someone else. You just gotta try a few till you find the one that works for your (unique, individual) body.

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.

Hey I have the black  S2S Ether Light XT Air Sleeping Mat (reg-wide) I normally hammock camp but tried a tent. I'm a side sleeper and had one of the worst nights sleep on the S2S Ether, I had to swap with my partner who has a thin 1 inch think Thermarest. Something about the S2S made my spine bend the wrong way on my side.

Stronger seams is promising. I loved the comfort level of etherlight xt but had multiple get air leaks in all the seams so I gave up on using it.

I'm a "rotisserie" side sleeper, too, and the winners for me at the S2S Ether Light XT and the Nemo Tensor lines. I can't really tell the difference in comfort between them since they're similar designs. Just as another note, I'd suggest incorporating good sleep practices into your hiking, too! I'm in my 40s, so it's tougher to get a good night's sleep than it used to be. My body needs time to relax, so I need 3-4 hours after hiking to decompress. Make a bit of decaf tea, watch some videos or journal. Then eat dinner, take electrolyte supplements & low-dose THC edibles, and put on compression socks (I wear Vim & Vigr and like their designs). It's a whole ritual that helps calm my body down and prepare me for sleep.

I’d recommend looking at the Sea to Summit Etherlight XT insulated pads as they are currently on sale for 50% off direct from S2S. They generally are in the weight range of the pads you are looking at but right at the $100 price range right now. The R rating is only 3.2 so they won’t be as warm as some of your other options, but at the temps you mentioned it would be just fine.

So I know more about pads than back injuries (*knock on wood*). But I find pads with a dimple design to be most comfortable because you can usually avoid pressure points on them. Think the REI Helix or the Zenbivy pads or the Big Agnes Rapide or Zoom, or the Sea to Summit Ether Light or Comfort Plus. However, it may be that a firmer pad is actually better for your back?

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!

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)

They're selling off the S2S XT right now. Good deals to be had for the most comfortable sleeping pad there is.

OT, the North American clearance price on the remaining XT mats is incredible. $59 for the women's XT.

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.

This one from S2S might fit the bill: [https://seatosummit.com/products/ether-light-xr-pro-insulated-air-sleeping-pad?variant=44032184778925](https://seatosummit.com/products/ether-light-xr-pro-insulated-air-sleeping-pad?variant=44032184778925) I've had no issues with my UL Insulated one, though its R is \~ 3 so I combine it with a 2.5cm CCF pad for winter.

I have one and will only use it on the warmest of nights.  I use a sea to summit most of the time because it's pretty light and has a much higher R value.  It's also very comfy.

I had the old model and it made horrible noise in tent and especially when sleeping in cabins. My camping mates hated me. The spund was more like a rubbery groan instead of crinkly chip bag sound, very annoying. Hope that has been fixed.

Nemo Tensor, Kilos Gear AeroCloud Elite, Big Agnes Rapide SL, Thermarest NeoLoft. The Sea To Summit Etherlight XT is also comfortable but heavy and bulky for a backpacking 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.

I slept on a neoair it was uncomfortable and noisy I switched to a Nemo tensor not even in the same realm of comfort. I also have a sea to summit ether light xt and it's heavy but best pad comfort I have slept on.

As a 1'58" I've found that the way the pad is structured makes more of a difference for me than having full width. I think it depends a lot on your sleeping style. I really like the thermarest pads at regular width but can't handle the nemo or S2S style that narrow.

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 xt has been my go to. Best nights sleep I've had as a side sleeper

I really like the ether light!

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

I’m 6’ 180 lbs, typically a side sleeper. My favorite pad is the Sea to Summit Women’s Ether Light XT. 6’ by 25 inches and 4 inches thick… great for side sleeping. Yup, I sleep on a womens pad - the men’s large/wide pads are unnecessarily long for me as a side sleeper. Why carry weight I don’t use?

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.

The S2S Ether Light is GREAT. It is also heavy. Pick your poison, I guess.

I second the "very comfy" bit, it is probably the most comfortable sleeping pad I tried. However, nothing Ultralight about that pad. Stick with Nemo or try Thermarest.

I was referring to the Insulated version from StS. My bad (-:

I tried the Exped Ultra 3R at some point and especially for a side sleeper it is not a good choice. The outer tubes are thicker, meaning if you stick your arm out it feels weird. I owned the StS Ether Light (Insulated) and it was so far the most comfortable pads I had. Unfortunately it is not light. At the moment I use the Nemo Tensor (Insulated) and it is comfortable enough for me. No experience with the other pads.

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. 

just switched from an old Nemo Tensor for a similar reason - i was never able to deflate it to a comfortable point without my butt touching the ground below; instead i always slept on it "overfilled" which led to lower back pain almost every night. recently switched to the S2S Ether Lite XT Insulated and it's a great option! not only is the extra thickness very comfy, but the "quilted" design really seemed to minimize pressure points unlike other pads' architectures (e.g. horizontal baffles of Nemo, Thermarest, and similar)

sea to summit ether light xt - sweet spot for weight and durability. I prefer my exped lw for comfort (it's wide and even more silent) but these are not as durable. 3-4r are enough for what I do, for iceland I'd personally take a warmer one. But I'm a quilt user.

I got the S2S this year and I sleep very well. Side sleeper, 5'10", 210 lbs.

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

etherlight xt pads never had down. they were synthetic insulated

For another option... I had a sea to summit etherlite xt for 5 years and loved it. Eventually died. Tried saving weight and got a neoair xlite nxt. Hated it and it broke within a month. Crinkly and uncomfortable. Went back to the sea to summit and it's good.

I went with StS Ethlite XT. Much more comfortable than the tensor as a side sleeper. But I don’t nitpick over grams. Heck I carry a kilo of a chair for the comfort at camp. Still under 13ish kg.

They are pads for life. I geuss it comes down to which you find comfortable. I gladly shelled out for my StS because I sleep like a rock on it. Eyes closed, wake up 9 hours later without any soreness. Btw just checked: The Nemo Extreme W+L is 279 while StS Large rectangle is 239. So I have no idea where you are getting any of your info.

STS Etherlite XT, best I’ve tried.

Thermarest neoair xlite nxt wide is great. I was using the STS Ether Light XT which is super comfy but heavy and a little cold. The NXT is amazing for me even as a side sleeper. This version is 3 inches thick instead of the old 2.5, and the chip bag noise has been seriously muted. I think most complaints are about the old version. Still worth it for the wide imo Edit: the pumpsack is worthless, find another option. I cut the valve out of it to use as an adapter for my exped schnozzel which doubles as a pack liner.

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

Side sleeper with a bad back here. Can highly recommend the sea 2 summit ether light xt large rectangular. Certain exped pads with vertical baffles sound promising also but I've not tried them

Side sleeper here. I have the ether light xt large wide. It's quite good for me. Id like to try out an exped mat with vertical baffles though

Love my Sea to Summit Ether Lite XT. Recently went back to tent after hammocking for years and pad was biggest issue I had before with sleeping in tents. I found the Ether Lite a great pad (light, comfortable and pretty affordable relative to others)

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

Yup, if it's as comfortable as the previous model and delivers on the 4.1 R-value, it would be the dream pad for me. The current XT insulated is at best a 2.5 not a 3.2.

They might have fixed that already with the XT. At least the XT insulated I bought last year is silent, not a even a hint of crinkling.

Also a side sleeper. +1 on the Ether Light mentioned by another commenter. For pillow, I have a stuff sack that has a layer of fleece on the inside- holds my sleeping clothes by day, at night I turn it inside out and shove my puffy inside. I find that more comfortable than a blow up pillow.

In November I went to a store and blew one up new and laid on it on the showroom floor. It was comfortable but sounded like a loud squeaky balloon. Every time I shifted weight or switched sides it was loud. Even someone walking by looked at me and said “that’s really noisy”. Because of this I bought the Nemo Tensor which is much quieter than the Sea to Summit.

I mis-read the post. I didn’t know there is an XR model coming out. I tried the XT

Teton XL cot and pad. Takes up so much room, also heavy. For car camping, it’s totally worth it. I use S2S Ether Lite XT (the women’s version) for lighter camping and it’s not bad. Reasonably comfortable for something that packs down small. But I bring the gigantic Teton whenever it’s even remotely feasible.

I’ve slept on the Comfort Plus for a couple dozen nights and just picked up the Ether Light XT Extreme after having a couple nights of bad hip pain using the comfort plus. I haven’t slept on the Ether Light yet, but it seems to be much more comfortable for side sleepers like myself. I got the regular sized Ether Light XT Extreme and have the rectangular Comfort Plus. The Ether Light is a lot smaller when packed and I’m sure the non-extreme would be even smaller yet when packed. I also think the 3” thickness of the Comfort Plus is slightly exaggerated, seems to be less than that, but that’s anecdotal. The Ether Light is markedly thicker and fellow side sleepers seem to really enjoy it. I think both are pretty nice, but based on the necessity to sleep on your side and reduce packed size/weight, would recommend the Ether Light.

The Ether Light XT was very comfortable, would definitely recommend if you’re primarily a side sleeper. If not, and you will be primarily car camping, the Comfort Plus will do well. The Ether Light’s are not on sale anymore either which is a bit of a bummer.

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.

i have a seat to summit ether lite insulated. it is a little noisy, but the comfort is worth it

Go to REI and try them. Sea to Summit makes a 4” pad but personally I found it had too much of a “waterbed” feeling.

I had the opposite experience somehow. I had to return the etherlite after waking up with a sore back every night.

One of the guys I go on trips with got his this week. Be interesting to see how it performs vs my S2S ether extreme!

I have a S2S ultralight insulated air and it’s very comfortable as a side sleeper. I never bottom out.

The Ether light has a layer of foamy stuff rather than metal foil, so it is a lot quieter. But in my experience not very warm

>What are the best sleeping pads out there? Is it worth to buy one $80 plus or some of the cheaper ones any good? It really depends on your criteria. The market is largely geared towards lightweight, but lightweight by nature of design always comes with compromises in product quality since less material can be used. You're much more likely to have punctures and leaks in expensive lightweight pads than you are in cheaper closed cell foam (CCF) pads, but the CCF pads will be significantly bulkier and heavier. High R-Value lightweight pads will often increase the price significantly, but depending on the temperatures where/when you camp, you may not require an insulated pad. So it really comes down to your specific use case for the pad. Generally speaking, Therm-A-Rest is the leader for lightweight/compact pads, but it often comes with the highest price tag. Big Agnes, NEMO, Sea-to-Summit, and Exped are the most popular all-around options for people who don't need the absolute lightest/compact pad (though these brands still have options that will closely compete with Therm-A-Rest). Klymit is a good budget-friendly option. Personally, I own a Klymit Static V and last year I bought a Sea-to-Summit Ether Light XT Insulated which has replaced my Static V. I went with the Sea-to-Summit because it's a thicker pad and known to be very comfortable, while still being relatively lightweight/compact with a good R-Value. I don't have any complaints so far. I made this [Sleeping Pad Comparison Table](https://algonquinbeyond.com/blog/sleeping-pad-comparisons-buying-guide/) that you can use to sort and filter through different options. There's a Buying Guide at the top of the page that I'd recommend reading first as well.

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.

Agreed, I had to return my Etherlight XT since it was too cold to use even in summer. If these live up to their R-values this time it could be new king of comfort.

When I started backpacking I went for the whole no pillow and thermarest thing to keep weight down but it just didn't work. I was barely sleeping and in agony in the mornings. For me the sea to summit etherlite was my saviour at 4" thick. I don't find the r value very warm compared to a thermarest. It's heavy (21.1oz in the long wide version) and bulky but it makes backpacking tolerable and possible (I almost quit entirely). You may need a pillow too. I had to kiss goodbye to any weight savings on that and after trialling no pillow, stuff sack pillow, trekology, sea to summit aeros and nemo fillo I finally gave in and got the exped mega pillow as I needed proper height. Another tip is to put something between your knees such as spare clothing or rain gear in a bag. If you sleep on your back place it between your knees. Sometimes back pain can be caused by lack of support in a certain area. Some of us can't do ultralight on our sleep pads and pillows because our body won't let us.

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.

I picked up the Ether Light XT extreme for £150 other month. R value is 6.2 and comfy

Looks like they're being discontinued? Maybe a new model is coming? Sea to Summit website * [Ether Light XT \(Regular\)](https://seatosummit.com/products/ether-light-xt-insulated-sleeping-pad?variant=19512258166887) - $119 * [Ether Light XT \(Regular Wide\)](https://seatosummit.com/products/ether-light-xt-insulated-sleeping-pad?variant=19512263278695) - $131 * [Ether Light XT \(Large\)](https://seatosummit.com/products/ether-light-xt-insulated-sleeping-pad?variant=19512258199655) - $131 * [Ether Light XT Extreme \(Regular\)](https://seatosummit.com/products/ether-light-xt-extreme-insulated-air-sleeping-pad) - $137 Amazon * [Ether Light XT \(Regular\)](https://www.amazon.com/Sea-Summit-Insulated-Sleeping-Regular/dp/B07ZYJVGMH) - $119 * [Ether Light XT \(Regular Wide\)](https://www.amazon.com/Sea-Summit-Insulated-Sleeping-Regular/dp/B084SF5MFF) - $131 * [Ether Light XT \(Large\)](https://www.amazon.com/Sea-Summit-Insulated-Sleeping-Regular/dp/B08491KSTQ) - $131 * [Ether Light XT Extreme \(Regular\)](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B093GHK11C) - $137 I love my (regular wide) Ether Light XT as a side sleeper, can't go back to my NeoAir Xlite, I'll worry about grams elsewhere.

I got you, also a side sleeper, this is what I finally settled on: * [Ether Light XT Insulated Air Sleeping Pad - Regular Wide](https://seatosummit.com/products/ether-light-xt-insulated-sleeping-pad?variant=19512263278695) - 4" thick & 25" wide - After spending most of the AT on a 2" thick & 20" wide Neoair, the thickness and extra 5" of width of this pad is heaven when side sleeping. * [Nemo Fillo Camping Pillow](https://www.nemoequipment.com/products/fillo-backpacking-and-camping-pillow) - Hybrid foam and blow up pillow, best pillow I have tried, much better than the blow up only pillows. I usually only blow this up like 50% and it cradles my head real well. I also throw some clothes in a stuff sack and throw that between my knees when sleeping.

Sea-to-Summit Ether Light XT (25" Wide version) was a game changer for me after spending so many nights on a standard Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite. They make an Extreme version with a higher 6.2 r-value, but the cost is about double ($240) what you want to spend. Can't put a price on good sleep when thru hiking though...

have you tried NEMO Tensors? Trail, Trail Ultralight, or Extreme Conditions - all pack down to 10x4in, 1lb 1oz to 1lb 4oz. 3.5in thick so very comfy for me as a restless side sleeper with hip problems! smaller/lighter than the sea to summit Ether Light XT Extreme i was using.

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.

When you put it on a hardwood or vinyl floor, does it sound like a balloon rubbing when you move on it? The XT was bearable on silnylon tent bottom, but with wood hut or a PU tent bottom everyone in a 50 foot range hears every move.

I’ve only used mine twice (xt women’s insulated) and it was super comfortable but I tend to flop around a lot and my husband could hardly sleep with how noisy it was. It annoyed it me too. Super super comfortable though!

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

Ok, so for me foam makes a world of difference in comfort. Air pads feel more bouncy and I find it harder to roll over, etc, which is honestly hard enough later in pregnancy. I also found the Ether somewhat plastic feeling and crinkly sounding. The stretchy fabric on the Comfort Plus SI is super comfy and quiet. I have found the 3” enough, but I’m a back sleeper. I’ve had both the women’s version and the men’s and the women’s seemed to have denser foam, therefore a bit heavier for its size and warmer. Hope you find the perfect one for you!

Self-inflating mats are basically 1990’s technology. Heavy and less comfortable than fully inflatable mats. Get yourselves decent comfortable inflatable mats like. Sea to Summit Etherlight XT insulated or Exped Ultra.

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

A fully inflatable mat like the Etherlight is lighter and much thicker. But significantly more money. Which is why I said what I said originally. 38 mm isn’t comfortable for most side sleepers.

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.

Same. I move at night, used a Sea to Summit Ether LT Women on the PCT and I’m now enjoying the simplicity of the Switchback. Surprisingly good sleep. Put a Thinlite at your hips if needed.

For me, only the S2S Ether Lt XT and the Nemo Tensor work. Horizontal baffles are a nightmare with the "slipping off" feeling and movement! I sleep on my side and stomach and sometimes back, and those two work great.

Agree. I have Nemo tensor and S2S Ether Lt xt because I find horizontal baffles very uncomfortable.

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 !

https://imgur.com/a/78A23hn Hey all! Just picked up the new Etherlight XR, literally just opened and inflated it but curious if anyone has any questions for me about it compared to the old one. I don’t see any information about this online from YouTubers or any posts on Reddit. So let me know if you want me to check anything. The seams claimed to be improved, as far as I can tell they look a bit different than the last model (which I didn’t own) Inflating it with the two in one bag/inflated was pretty easy too! I live in Florida but am a sucker for new gear (my 11 year old pad just kicked the bucket) so I hope this isn’t too warm for the summer months. Leak testing it right now and will see if there are any issues out of the box.

I’m not super sensitive to it, and did not own the last one. That being said i think it’s pretty quiet compared to lots of other pads I’ve heard. Let me see if I can get a sound recording for you

Per the marketing material. Stronger seams, lighter, and a much smaller pack size. Also the insulation is better/different. Looking inside you can see reflective sheets.

Yep I follow what you’re saying. I see 0 ways that is possible on this current design https://imgur.com/a/xuKrSc7

I’m actually camping with it Saturday. Set up in a tent it’s very quiet actually. Not much sound when adjusting position. But yeah super comfy. And even me at 270lbs I can sit in my side and not bottom out (inflated a lot though)

I've been curious about this: I've used the Ether Light XT Extreme (r-value 6.2) year round here in the PNW, and honestly felt like it has slept warmer than the Tensor Extreme Conditions (r-value 8.5) in the snow here. Unless you are talking about the original Ether Light XT *Insulated* (r-value 3.2)?

I've personally found the Ether Light XT Extreme to be pretty quiet. Along with it being the comfort king, imo. Been my primary pad for the past four years. This updated XR Pro packing down so much smaller and weighing somewhat less is very intriguing!

Nope! I’ve used the Ether Light XT, Ether Light XT Insulated, and Ether Light XT Extreme: all three are very quiet. Honestly think a lot of people have mixed up sleeping pads, or have some other/older Sea to Summit pad, when they mention noise on the XT models.

Nope! I’ve used the Ether Light XT, Ether Light XT Insulated, and Ether Light XT Extreme: all three are very quiet. Honestly think a lot of people have mixed up sleeping pads, or have some other/older Sea to Summit pad, when they mention noise on the XT models.

Nope! I’ve used the Ether Light XT, Ether Light XT Insulated, and Ether Light XT Extreme: all three are very quiet. Honestly think a lot of people have mixed up sleeping pads, or have some other/older Sea to Summit pad, when they mention noise on the XT models.

I do like to sleep comfortably when backpacking, and have spent a lot of time trying to figure out what works best for me. I've tried many pads over the past decades, including these two, along with similar Exped sleeping pads like the Ultra, Versa, and Dura. I am primarily a side sleeper, so that informs some of my sleeping experience on these, and am 190cm and 95kg. Personally I was not able to sleep comfortably on the Exped MegaMat Lite, or its siblings (Dura/Versa/Ultra). A through-line in my testing of these is the vertical baffling: I regularly wake up and find my arm is numb. I think these might work better for me if I was primarily a back or chest sleeper; lots of people like them and recommend them. But in my adulthood I've probably maximum only got about two hours of sleep at a time on a design like these. I have only had to contact Exped for warranty once, and they ended up shipping me a new unit before I even had to send the old one back: top marks here in support. I just picked up the Therm-a-rest NeoLoft before the holidays and took it on two trips in Mt Hood National Forest. Maybe the most comfortable backpacking pad I've personally used recently, even if the large (long wide, 78x26) weighs 2lbs! When fully inflated it is 4.6" thick. One of the few pads I've slept more than six straight hours on, which is kind of how I prioritize pads. Not only comfortable, but has a soft-touch stretchy fabric which feels good against the skin (I tend to sleep with quilts rather than bags). The first night I did wake up to find my arm was numb, so curious if that was a one-off with a weird sleeping position... R-value is 4.7, so I haven't used it at all in the past 45 days because of the cold where I am. It looks like the REI exclusivity is now over in early 2025, and this can be picked up lots of different places. Honestly the thing I dislike the most is the valves; I just don't care for the old-style Therm-a-rest valves. Realizing your question was specifically about those two, I also wanted to recommend what I have found to be my most comfortable pads in recent years: 1. Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Extreme Insulated. This specific pad and its sibling, Ether Light XT Insulated, have been my primary pads the past four-ish years. They are 4" thick and the most comfortable pads I've used, probably tied with the NeoLoft. Never woken with my arm numb, and the only pad I've ever slept seven-plus hours straight-through. In the PNW I use the non-Extreme-variant in the warmer half of the year, and the Extreme-variant in the colder half. The stuff sack with the inflation aid built-in is the smartest I've seen. Extreme version has an r-value of 6.2, and the non-Extreme version r-value is 3.2. The Extreme has that spider-web looking Thermolite insulation, which in my mind is the most reliable winter/cold insulation; it doesn't crinkle and potentially fail like newer thin reflective films in other lighter pads (NEMO Tensor, Big Agnes Rapide, etc). On the flip side that makes the Extreme very heavy, more than 2lbs, and also packs down the biggest of any backpacking pad I've owned. 2. REI Helix. Been using this on-and-off for the past few seasons. One of the few pads that has me sleeping through the night. It is only 3" thick, but I have found the trick is to fully inflate: the dimples do a good jump of evening out my weight and not experiencing any arm numbness. The long wide is 1lb 13oz, and seems pretty sturdy compared to other REI-brand pads I've used in the past; no leaks yet... R-value of 4.9. I always wake up refreshed and feeling good on those mats, baring any environmental issues outside of the pad. I cannot recommend the NeoLoft in that way yet, but will continue to use and test it out in the near future with an additional foam pad underneath to make it safe for snow conditions (as the r-value stacks). And I don't think I will ever recommend an Exped pad for backpacking. Exped does make fantastic foam inflating car-camping pads though!

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.

The Rapide SL is really excellent. My partner and I have both been using them for quite a while now and I think it’s the comfiest pad out there. I’m also a side sleeper. I tend to agree it’s not quite as warm as it claims but I still use it during autumn and spring. However I do tend to sleep quite cold so that’s a factor to bear in mind with my opinion. I have the Sea to Summit Etherlite XT (my mid winter mat), which has a similar construction to the XR, and it’s also a very, very comfortable pad. The XR is the newer version of it and looks like an excellent pad and will be perfect for year round use. They are extremely lightweight for that kind of warmth. The Sea to Summit pads also come with little velcro stickers that keep your pillow in place, if your pillow is covered in fuzzy fabric (they’re made to lock Sea to Summit’s own pillows specifically but any fuzzy fabric pillow would work) which is a feature I really love. Broadly speaking, the pads with a “cushioned” build like the Rapide and the Etherlights, are the most comfortable for most sleepers, but they do weigh slightly more than horizontal or vertical baffle pads. For me, as an increasingly creaky 40 something, it’s worth the extra weight for a good night’s sleep.

You can’t go wrong with them. Another feature I love about the Sea to Summit is that their storage sack is also the pump sack. I’ve often forgotten to bring my Big Agnes pump sack when I’ve had my Rapide with, whereas that never happens with the S2S one. When they brought out the XR range a few months ago, I actually seriously considered getting one but just couldn’t really justify it when I already have the XT. They really are fantastic mats.