Backpacking Sleeping Pad Comparison: Xlite vs. Etherlight

[@offtraildog701]

Nice review. I have been using the Exped Synmat 7XL for years but wanted something more comortable. I bought the Etherlight last year after considering several variables and testing several pads including the NeoAir. The Etherlight came in 2nd on some specs but easily won on comfort for me as a back and side sleeper (6'1" 195#). I use the companion pillow and for me the combo has been the most confortable setup I have ever used. worth a litle extra weight and I made sure I "lost" those extra ounces with the EE quilt I ordered and use with it. At the end of a 2 week trip, I was proficient using the inflator and re-packing the pad. @12,000', it never took more then 4 very light exhales of air to fill the sack and fully inflate the pad which I often did inside my tent. Packs well w/ my ULA pack.

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks for sharing this, I've wondered whether the pillow that is designed for the Etherlight is comfy and stays put. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@DingDong-fq2mo]

The either light XT insulated is so comfortable for me that I also have an either light XT Air for summer camping. I usually take a torso length closed cell foam mat on those trips, which has many uses, but is also a bit of insurance in case it's colder than anticipated. To me, the comfort of the either light is so high that the weight penalty is worth it in almost all circumstances. My previous favourite was the exped synmat 7 UL (packs small and is quiet in comparison), but it's so old now that I worry about the it holding up over days, so use it for overnight and bike-packing. I have a large exped dry-bag pump sack for that, which doubled nicely as a pack liner. I agree that the pump sack for the either light is not ideal. As I usually pack my mat flat as you do, I've often thought about ditching the either light pump sack and using one of those electric inflators with a lamp, but it feels a step too far. Perhaps I'll try it.. A thoughtful comparison, as always.

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks so much! I'm of the same mind regarding the electric inflator -- seems like a good idea and lightweight, but don't want to depend on it versus a simple bag inflator.

[@birddogfarms6981]

Good timing, Dan.....I'm shopping for a new pad. I am not a big guy (5'7" and 160 lbs) but I sleep on my back and really like a wide pad. So many factors to consider (price, R-value, valve, noise when changing sleeping position). It feels like when you spend $200+ for a pad, it ought to do everything just right, including making the morning coffee......😂 Thanks for the video, Tom

[@ShastaBubba]

I hear ya! Might be a good use of REI's 20 percent off coupon. 🤔

[@tunedime]

What did you end up choosing

[@birddogfarms6981]

@@tunedime Thermo-Rest Neoair

[@tunedime]

@@birddogfarms6981 thank I’m similar height to you and a back sleeper so I was wondering thank you

[@AdventureswithWillem]

Two things of note. 1, I have had the etherlite (actually 2). I slept with some one the other night who had the etherlite and I'll tell you it is extremely noisy, never realised that when I myself had one. 2 It is only a matter of time before the etherlite will start to leak, hence I don't have one any more, my friends one the other night was also leaking. They develop tiny holes in the dipples that make the etherlite so comfortable to sleep on. When I say holes I mean 5-6 + holes. This has happened to both my mats. In S2S defence they replaced my mat free of charge on the first one and money back on the second one. Oh the etherlite is slightly wider than my current mat the thermorest xtherm which is definitely a plus.

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks for sharing your experiences. My Etherlight has only about 15 nights on it, so hoping for a better result than what you got!

[@YoureNowOnTV]

Same thing has happened to me. After two years I have 5 pin holes on the edge of the dimples on the top of the pad. Sea To Summit have sent me a new pad but I haven't used it yet. I'm thinking of asking if I can return it for a different model, maybe the bulkier self inflating Comfort Plus SI model.

[@ThomasRackwitz]

Can only second that. My etherlite started deflating every night on my current trip. Basically every evening I checked for holes and successfully patched them. Only to find more holes the next day. Stopped at around 20 patches. To be fair, s2s support instantly sends you a replacement home (not to where you at on your tip). So you can start the same patching game all over again with a new etherlite on your next trip.

[@CarlosDangerTheThird]

Great video! Thank you for the info and your time making it

[@ShastaBubba]

You're welcome. Glad it was useful!

[@smashedhulk8492]

Just the video I was looking for.

[@ShastaBubba]

Glad it was useful!

[@JimmyDevere]

Reading the comments, I am seeing some saying the Etherlight design is more prone to leaks. Having said that, are still able to get a comfortable nights sleep on the Xlite? How much does the loss in comfort translate to getting good rest? I am side sleeper as well.

[@JimmyDevere]

Actually I made a decision, and bought the large NXT Max based on this review. I think the extra width will give me the space to be comfortable and not have to wake up as much o turn over. Glad I read the comments though as I was leaning towards the Etherlight. BTW, I'm enjoying your series on Ultralight for Lightweights 👍 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIfFeaB-nbl7fqc

[@ShastaBubba]

No way to answer the question about comfort because it's such an individual taste thing. I can only say that I find the Etherlight to be much more comfortable than the Xlite so that I'm happy to carry the extra ounces and haven't had any issues with leaks so far. Having said that, I did get by just fine for several years with the Xlite (and did have one leak), so just depends on personal experience and what you're willing to put up with for weight savings.

[@Pasequale100]

is it possible to blow up the neo air xlite nxt with the mouth without mold creating in the pad and without reduced isolation because of moisture going in the pad?

[@ShastaBubba]

Not possible to blow up anything without moisture being transferred via our breath (to my knowledge). Whether that moisture is enough to actually create the dreaded mold or loss of insulation is a topic of debate. I use an inflation sack because it's easier, but always top off with breath and haven't seen any evidence of either problem. Might be more significant issues in higher humidity environments than where I usually hike.

[@CharmingGecko]

Hi Dan, I picked up the Zoom Ul from Big Agnes this week. It’s 17 oz for a Wide version, and just as comfortable as my Etherlite XT. I have two if you’re interested in giving it a try.

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks for the offer, that's very kind of you. The Zoom is brand new, but has some attractive numbers for sure! Wondering about durability though with the 20d?

[@CharmingGecko]

@@ShastaBubba Yeah, that's surely something to be aware of. I always take a thin foam pad with me, as to prevent punctures. Nice to be aware of though.

[@wanttogo1958]

With the Thermarest Extherm you could add that you get 70D on the bottom as a little extra insurance in the winter. I use an EE pad cover on my Thermarest Xlite combined with a 1/8 EVA foam pad underneath and I really don’t notice the noise so many complain about. I have the original version of the Xlite. EE doesn’t make that sheet, I think they called it, anymore last I checked but it also provides a nice space at the head on the underside where you can add some padding to lift the head area and know it won’t slip away in the night. There are two, small tabs on the outside, one on each side, to which you can secure your pillow. Nice review and comparison.

[@MTtroutfisher406]

Interesting video! I’ve been happy with my Nemo Insulated Tensor though these look great. 🤔

[@ShastaBubba]

Good to hear from a Tensor fan! thanks!!

[@tomnoyb8301]

1) Rolling is always better than folding for both longevity and packability. This is true for sleeping-pads, as well as tents, groundsheets, etc. Assuming rolled Sea-to-Summit pad fits into its inflation bag (both being long and thin-ish), it's actually a win for Sea-to-Summit. 2) Biggest problem with all pads is micro-pinholes at the welds (applicable only to heavy users). Almost no pad-maker lists a weight limit and the one(s) that do list ridiculously low weight limits. Regardless, after having purchased eight top-of-the-line pads, all eight leaked within a week. And all leaked at the welds where patches were either ineffective, or leaks quickly spread to all welds.

[@ShastaBubba]

Wow, what incredibly bad luck with the leaks! I agree that rolling is better for the longevity of the pad -- just doesn't fit as well in the pack. ;-)

[@tomnoyb8301]

@@ShastaBubba - It's not luck, it's weight. All pads use essentially the same thermo-bonding-layer, so the weld formed by that layer fails at the same pressure (weight), regardless brand. Yet, virtually none of the pads publish their weight limit. (more...) Rolling is actually better for packing, because rolled-items support a pack's dimensional structure, transferring weight to the hip-belt as well or better than a frame. Frames are heavy, rolling items weighs nothing. Plus, rolled items stored vertically side-by-side are each equally available without unloading the pack.

[@JimmyDevere]

Curious what you mean by rolling? Do you mean just stuffing? I am confused because a ten usually has to rolled and folded and will be to long on the width side to fit in backpack, right?@@tomnoyb8301

[@alexfrance3141]

I have both of them. Side sleeper. For me X light is WAAAAY more comfortable.

[@ShastaBubba]

Awesome, thanks for sharing!

[@Утконос-г5д]

was using sea to summit for 4 years, not very often. 5 carpets, 4 went away with warranty issues. different countries where i bought them, different years. think about it. baffle design is unstable for durability. im afraid to take sea to summit in a far distance hikes now....

[@ShastaBubba]

So far, so good for me, but durability does seem to be a valid concern for the Etherlight. Thanks!

[@FranklinHicks-qs4gs]

The xlite feelings like balancing on a beach ball.

[@ShastaBubba]

I hear ya. I've held on to mine just in case I decide to use it on a long trek to save a couple ounces, but otherwise I've switched now to the Nemo Tensor all season UL for the increased R-value.

[@FranklinHicks-qs4gs]

@ShastaBubba I've tried tons of pads. Ether light. Rapide, tensors you name it. The horizontal baffles are just my least favorite for comfort. I know it helps them get a great r value for the weight but I'll take the weight penalty for a better night's sleep

[@ShastaBubba]

@@FranklinHicks-qs4gs Makes sense. What's your favorite then?

[@FranklinHicks-qs4gs]

@ShastaBubba for in flatables, the rapide

[@ShastaBubba]

@@FranklinHicks-qs4gs Awesome, thanks! I'll take a loook at that.