Best Sleeping Pad I Have Ever Used… Maybe // REI Helix Review

CHECK IT OUT HERE ➡️ geni.us/HelixS...
Disclosure: This item was sent for free for review purposes. My conclusions in the video are my own and were not influenced by the company or external factors. You can read my full disclosure statement at gearpriority.c....
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[@l8sgirl]

This pad is $111 USD right now at REI for members during the annual sale :) Thanks for reviewing it!

[@viking2fi]

I got this pad for my wife and kids at $90 last December, then as your mentioned it droped down to $60 and luckily we were in the window and received a credit. They like it and now that the weather is finally cooperating we'll be able to use them more.

[@sundaymorninghikes6275]

Really enjoy your videos and reviews! You are very comfortable in front of the camera - I guess talking about stuff you love makes that easier!

[@behind-the-gear]

I have both the helix and Nemo tensor and my opinion is it’s warmer and more comfortable. If you look at the price with what you get nothing really compares. Especially on sale!

[@tatooine_dream]

tensor v2?

[@ArbitraryLifestyle]

That baffle style IS the best, but let's make sure we mention that Sea-to-Summit came up with the idea and make amazing pads.

[@wolfeadventures]

Wonder if they will have the leaking issue their other pads had.

[@GreysonPlaisance]

This pad really is nice. My first one had a leak but I traded it for a new one and I haven't had any issues at all with it. It's crazy warm and comfy. Makes a bit of noise but not bad.

[@DerekBriggs-y8x]

what is the name of the cinch chords on Justin sleeping pad in this video?

[@danielsingh9415]

The bison video link didn't post 😕 Tho i saw part of it from Kane's channel

[@djw8504]

I just ordered one in the blue, and it’s all because of you!lol!!

[@smellybearc7411]

Where’s that video you talked about in the video?

[@veenstramark]

I have a few questions regarding comfort when switching from the Etherlite XT to the REI Helix. Are there any compromises in terms of comfort? Additionally, I am curious about the effectiveness of the pump sack that comes with the Helix, compared to the one that comes with the Etherlite. I know this pad is cheaper, makes less noise and is warmer, but is there any downsides?

[@FlufLord]

Ive had the Etherlight XT for a couple years and just bought the helix on sale today. After throwing it together in the living room I’m already impressed. Very little compromise imo, but that’s a very subjective thing to decide. I’m not bothered by it bottoming out when sitting up since I use a 1/4” closed cell pad underneath anyway. That’s the only legitimate, albeit minor gripe I’ve found with it so far. I’ve used an Exped Schnozzle pump sack with all my pads, and thankfully the helix shares the same diameter that seems to be industry standard. This means the pump sacks from the Etherlight, the Helix and the Schnozzle all work interchangeably. The one that comes with the Helix is bigger than the one with the Ether but much simpler, and doesn’t seem to be intended as storage, rather it comes rolled up inside. Between the Ether and Helix sacks, the Ether has more utility and the Helix is theoretically faster and easier to use. I say theoretically because it flopped open on my first try and then I switched to the Schnozzle. Sorry for the wall of text but I hope this was helpful!

[@BigDawgCAM]

I also just picked up an REI Helix to compare to the Etherlight XT and can confirm what Charlie commented. You will bottom out when shifting positions or sitting up, but in all honesty... I think the Helix may actually be more comfortable when side sleeping. The dimpling design is more pronounced than on the Etherlight XT and it just cradles the space between my chest and thigh perfectly. I'm super excited by this pad

[@veenstramark]

@@FlufLord thank you for your comments. I like to sit on my pad and play games in my tent, so I am concerned about it bottoming out when I sit up. This could be a deal breaker for me. I have also grown attached to my Ether Light pad, particularly the rubberized texture, and the sound it makes when I get into bed just makes me feel like I'm camping. Additionally, I only backpack during the summer, and I have found that the Ether Light pad provides enough warmth even on the coldest nights. I think I am just going to stick with my pad and upgrade it when it breaks.

[@BigDawgCAM]

​@@veenstramark I would 100% agree with you then. You would probably bottom-out sitting upright on the REI Helix, but since I tend not to spend a ton of time in my tent when I'm not sleeping, this wasn't my main concern when I bought it. If I could go back as a side-sleeper (and maybe I will just sell/buy), I would buy the EtherLight XT non-insulated for summer camping and the REI Helix for spring/fall camping. Really sold combo of pads

[@mikkel1470]

I was 🤏🏽close buying the Big Agnes zoom UL, But now i dont know anymore😅 have you tried the Big Agnes zoom UL? I live in Norway, so i find it very har to fint the best sleeping pad because of the weather and the emviorment. And i really enjoy beeing outside, But for the last 2 moths i’ve tried to focus more on comfort on my sleeping because i have never had a good night sleep outside before. I’m only 15 years old, But i have lots of experience. Sleeping outside from 18 degrees celsius down to -22. I dont sleep that much in -22 But i want a pad that i can use down to 0 degrees celsius. And can you help me choosing which one i should choose? Either the Big Agnes or that one in the vid. Btw love your videoes man!🤩

[@GearPriority]

The Helix is warmer and more comfortable than the Zoom UL but not as light. I have a comparison video coming out on the main channel in a couple days!

[@JRoss707]

The REI Helix Insulated Air Sleeping Pad is only showing up on the REI Co-op page, and it says low on inventory. I’m curious if that means this item is in closeout and being discontinued. Would be a shame it seems a lot of good sleep pads have been discontinued.

[@marijeweterings]

What campshoes are you wearing? And by the way... Have you already tested out the Big Agnes Zoom UL? I did and I prefer it over my Ether XT

[@williampennjr.4448]

How about the Gear Doctors memory foam pad with an R value of 4.5. Its on sale for $35

[@andreameigs1261]

You didn't give the link to the video you pointed at where you used this pad.

[@memathews]

Nice review, this might just be my next pay for should seasons and winter (with an added CC foam underneath).

[@quackerzzzz]

Love the video man! Do you know why using your link and on the REI website it only comes in washed blue colour? Looking to try and get the colour way in your video!! Thanks

[@rungavagairun]

You pump out so much content, I'm starting to doubt that you have time to sleep to test these sleep systems. ;)

[@brycewalburn3926]

I've taken the helix down to 21F with no problem. I'd be comfortable taking it colder than that.

[@BigDawgCAM]

That's what I like to hear! I love my SeatoSummit Etherlight XT, but I feel drafts and get cold even at temperatures in the high 30s. The 3.2 R-value just isn't enough

[@thibautmuraro6540]

Thanks for the video ! Have you ever tried the exped ultra 5R ?

[@GearPriority]

I have! It's a great pad. Not a stand out in any one feature but decent all-arounder.

[@thibautmuraro6540]

@@GearPriority thanks !

[@jayinla228]

Only one size liated on the site, wheres the bigger size?

[@skpowerz]

Is it possible to get REI products in Europe?

[@GearPriority]

For most places I think but I'm not 100% sure

[@rahelapuscas8518]

Yes. I ordered from them and it arrived in around 2 weeks.

[@Kaisersozze]

You're Canadian right? It would be nice to see reviews from Canadian stores like MEC, Atmosphere and Breaththeoutdoors.

[@helpfulcommenter]

I was defending him before but now I'm starting to suspect a shadow sponsorship or something

[@Kaisersozze]

@@helpfulcommenter It's odd for sure. It happens with other things as well like running shoes review channels I think.

[@helpfulcommenter]

@@Kaisersozze yeah. i'm still giving him the benefit of the doubt but it's just so odd, the consistency

[@Kaisersozze]

@@helpfulcommenter Yeah I mean it's his choice, but as a Canadian I have no use for all these stores and products that can only be purchased in the US. If you're Canadian at least do reviews from MEC once in a while. In fact I'm not aware of anyone that's doing it. There's already hundreds of people on youtube talking about REI.

[@GearPriority]

If MEC started making better products, I'd talk about their stuff more. As it stands, I wear pants that they make in almost every video and use their camp booties and slippers a ton. Atmosphere and BreatheOutdoors don't make products.

[@vi3tpo3t2o9]

Wanted to pick up this one but the Nemo Tensor ended up being only $119 so went with that instead

[@tatooine_dream]

its the way to go..very close in terms of comfort and warmth but 7 oz lighter and smaller pack size too

[@ryanmurphy8327]

How is the durability?

[@GearPriority]

I haven't had any issues, but I may have an anomaly. The best place for durability information is reading a bunch of reviews on different retailers websites.

[@helpfulcommenter]

the weight seems like a dealbreaker at least for long-distance hiking... even the Etherlite XT Reg pad is only 17.3oz and that seems heavy (though it's more comfortable than the neoair imho)

[@GearPriority]

It's not a light pad relative to the xlite, zoom UL, or tensor, but is pretty good for how warm it is.

[@firstname4337]

you also have the REI with an R value of 4.9 while the Etherlite is only 3.2 so you get more weight, but you also get more warmth and although the weight may be a deal breaker for you that doesn't mean it is for everybody there are many people who do the northern parts of the PCT or CDT who carry this much weight

[@helpfulcommenter]

@@firstname4337 I mean there's people who hike the PCT/AT/CDT barefoot or carrying a leaf blower too, that doesn't mean it's a good idea lol

[@markcummings6856]

@@helpfulcommenter Spot on. Plus it being heavy, it’s ridiculously BULKY! I would say it’s a killer selection for anything else besides thru hiking.

[@helpfulcommenter]

@@markcummings6856 Yeah I'd actually like to try it out just to see comfort because I like the quilted pads, I use the Etherlite for long trips and it's comfy but heavier than Neoair but I'm willing to take the weight penalty. I was hoping this would be lighter - but then it wouldn't be so warm and/or cheap

[@frogturtle]

Great and extremely comfortable pad with two problems I personally noticed. 1. It’s heavier than other popular backpacking pads 2. It bottoms out when shifting positions I sent mine back for an Xtherm. But the helix is a great pad and I could honestly sleep on it instead of my bed at home and still be very comfy.

[@BigDawgCAM]

Hopefully they can fix the bottoming out on future models because even at the higher weight, the REI Helix is super comfortable and warm. Excellent value for the money

[@Taffer-bx7uc]

That's interesting in the bottoming out and I noticed that too. It wasn't like that before. I owned an older model that was thicker and didn't have the bottoming out issues until I got a more recent model. Disappointing to hear it wasn't fixed with this version.

[@hamiltonharper]

Dude are you living in the desert now? Keep seeing your vids with that in the background

[@GearPriority]

I went down to the desert for a bunch of trips over the winter. Winter in Canada last many many months, so if I want to make 3-season content between September and June, I have to head south.

[@firstname4337]

that's want Canada looks like due to global warming

[@markcummings6856]

👍

[@lakorai2]

Interesting. I like the baffle design. However the 1 year warranty and the fact that REI will not repair gear after the warranty is up makes this a hard pass. REI does not stand behind their products and does not actually care about the emviornment. If they did this would be lofetime warrantied and they would repair leaks. Thermarest, Nemo, Sea to Summot etc all do this.

[@GearPriority]

I would definitely like to see a lifetime warranty from REI. That is a con relative to other pads and something I wish I had mentioned. The other brands you mentioned don't repair the leaks though. The cost and impact of shipping the product back and forth is greater than just sending a new one. I have recently been through the warranty system for Thermarest, Nemo, and STS and that was the case for all three.

[@kevinedward-jt2vs]

OH BUT THAT WEIGHT!!! oooouch

[@RagdollRalph]

"There hasnt been a pad that combines comfort, warmth and affordability ever before." Now that quote doesn't make any bloody sense. I think you're missing a "In this way" portion of that sentence or something.

[@helpfulcommenter]

I'm not a conspiracy theorist but it does seem like you're really into hyping REI stuff a lot

[@GearPriority]

When they make good stuff, I will talk about those products. This is only the 2nd video about an REI product on this channel out of 38 videos. There are two products I think they make that are really awesome - the Flash 55 and the Helix. I'm not sure what other products you've seen me really hyping from them that makes it something that stands out relative to other brands.

[@markcummings6856]

REI Hater lol

[@helpfulcommenter]

@@GearPriority ok my bad i guess if we're just talking about this channel... i was talking about all your content - i could have sworn i've seen rei tents and quilts and pads promoted on your main channel unless i'm thinking of another creator

[@helpfulcommenter]

@@markcummings6856 I just spent about $300 at REI so I'd hardly call myself a hater lol

[@helpfulcommenter]

@@markcummings6856 I'm just saying that since Miranda left REI it seems like I'm seeing their products being promoted on other channels more, but no clear sponsorship, like I said I'm not a conspiracy theorist but it all just seems sus

[@sagrav84]

I don't like this anymore, REI sponsoring and now all out of the sudden they are the best...

[@GearPriority]

REI has never sponsored one of my videos

[@Algorythmfpv]

Just got my BA Rapide SL 25% off for the Memorial Day sale and even though I had a quilt that was far too warm I got some of the most comfortable sleep I've ever gotten in a tent. Rapide SL and Nemo fillo elite luxury. is an absolute dream combo for a side sleeper. can't wait to take it on trail, also can't wait to try my UGQ bandit with it to top off the cake with a little frosting. Gonna be sleeping on clouds!

[@BigDawgCAM]

I actually bought both the REI Helix and BA Rapide to compare during the REI sale. I ended up sending back the BA Rapide because it was heavier, less comfortable, and more expensive. That being said, the REI Helix definitely bottoms out when sitting up, so that may be a deal-breaker for some people.

[@tanvach]

⁠@@BigDawgCAM I’m actually thinking about getting either the Helix or Rapide. You said the Rapide was less comfortable, care to expand?

[@BigDawgCAM]

​@@tanvach Sure! I would just say I found it to be "average" level of comfort. My scale looks something like this: Poor = Thermarest Neoair Average = Nemo Tensor Good = REI Helix Excellent = Sea to Summit Etherlight I found the vertical baffles to be better than horizontal baffles, but not as comfortable as the true dimple design that's more like the REI Helix/S2S Etherlight. That being said, the REI Helix does bottom-out a bit when you sit up. So if that's a deal-breaker to you, or you anticipate having to sit on your sleeping pads for extended periods of time, I would go with the BA Rapid or something else. Besides comfort, the big perk of the REI Helix to me is the high R value. I love the S2S Etherlight, but at only ~3 R-value, it's just not suited for all three-seasons of camping/backpacking I like to do previously in Colorado, and now in Minnesota. Anything below 50 degrees and you can start to feel cold seeping through the sleeping pad. The BA Rapide is better at 4.2, but I've actually heard it being described as feeling colder than that. So at