Ether Light XT Extreme Review // Best Sleeping Pad for Cold Sleepers?

[@davidbutler1825]

Justin is truly a man of faith. Sleeps in bear country, in a tent, with earplugs in. I, on the other hand, am listening to the movement of every pine needle. Haha! I don't even zip up completely in a sleeping bag, in case I need to fling off the bag and deal with a "situation." I've been wearing a winter motorcycle suit and then using an unzipped sleeping bag over the top of me.

[@BulldogBadger]

🤣🤣🤣

[@PaulMessner]

Brilliant overview Justin. Looking forward to my XT extreme turning up tomorrow

[@patchy1995]

Looking forward to this review mate! You gone for regular or large?

[@PaulMessner]

@@patchy1995 just the regular. They are quite generous in size anyway. Testing it in the Lakes on Saturday

[@patchy1995]

I’m so undecided on whether to get the Xtreme as a year round pad it’s simply the pack size making me think twice

[@PaulMessner]

@@patchy1995 If it’s as good as I expect then it’s worth the bit extra bulk for the luxury for me. Each to their own I guess. I may choose a smaller pad if I were doing a long multi day hike.

[@patchy1995]

@@PaulMessner good stuff. I can deal with the weight, more so I don’t want it take to half my pack haha. Be a good test out seen great reviews on the Ether light comfort being next level

[@verasilva]

Just took mine on a backpacking trip in the S. CA mountains and LOVED IT!!! I’m a very cold sleeper but this puppy finally did the trick. Never slept better on trail, warm and super comfortable. Also, got the rectangular extra wide size because I’m a side sleeper and wanted more room, and it almost felt like a bed. I was so happy. Highly recommend it despite the extra weight. This is my luxury item. 👍🏻🙏😃

[@thehikertube]

Fantastic, really like the etherlight XT regular wide so this one could be a option next winter. Thx good review as always.

[@andrewbstevens]

Great review like always Justin! Only thing extra I wanted to see was you laying on the pad so I could visualize how much extra space that 21.5 inch width provided.

[@pggonzo]

Always thorough. Not sure I will ever camp at those extreme temps but I appreciate the work and efforts for your product reviews. Nice job.

[@andrewfitzpatrick9799]

Just got this pad on Black Friday. Can’t wait to take it out this winter. Love the review. Glad I went with the regular size. Definitely didn’t need anything bigger. Also I don’t think it’s too noisy at all in my living room. But I sleep like a log.

[@larchlarch9851]

Justin you did it again, another great review !

[@tillsy23]

Designed in Perth too! I was quite surprised considering our temps here in Western Australia rarely drop below 5 degrees C

[@JustinOutdoors]

Probably why it took them so long to get a warm pad to market that was good for backpacking! haha

[@southcoastoutdoorsuk6301]

Just bought one after seeing your review , can't wait for some cold weather ,nice one fella 👍

[@alexlycan4624]

Appreciate the review justin! Love the insulted women's large XT from your recommendation. Wish the packed weight and size on this was a bit smaller, but that's the sacrifice for a warm winter pad

[@cjones7692ify]

probably the best review I've ever seen 👌

[@DoseofDirt]

Awesome review! Really need to try sleeping on one of these! Love all the temp readings you get to really know how cold you can take a pad. Awesome!

[@JustinOutdoors]

I love nerding out on that kind of stuff. haha

[@nicsten9346]

Difficult decision between this one and the xtherm. The xtherm ist lighter and more compact but was very unstable and kind of fragile in my short testing in the store. Don't know if the extra weight of the StS is worth the better comfort. Great review though

[@artfisher1235]

If you are accustomed to Big Agnes prices, these prices are no big deal. However, I can't handle the noise you demonstrated. If not for that, I would go for it immediately. Thanks for the informative review.

[@olivierdechelette6944]

Hi Justin, awesome review! What's the bluetooth thermometer you're using with your phone app? Could you give me the references please?

[@JustinOutdoors]

Inkbird :)

[@yomotii]

Excellent review... really what I was looking for.

[@natea1042]

I looked at this pad just recently in the Large. Its huge and heavy weighing over 36 ounces in the sack and looks like you're carrying a second tent its so big. I also found that my hip touched the ground if you slightly deflated it for comfort. I tested it side by side with a Thermarest X-Therm Max and found the X-Therm better in every way except for noise (yes, the X-Therm, despite being thinner, was more supportive. If I had to guess its due to the numerous baffles Thermarest uses). I was actually kind of bummed since I much prefer the inflation system of Sea To Summit. Ultimately I'm keeping the X-Therm and am going to make an adapter for it that will attach to an Exped Schnozzel pump sack. If anyone cares the X-therm max is 10 ounces lighter, despite being rectangular vs mummy, and takes up 2/3 the pack volume of said StS Extreme Large. The size and weight alone are going to make the Extremes an easy pass for most people unless its a car/base camp mat.

[@Orwan01]

How does it compare to the more compact and higher R value thermarest xtherm?

[@natea1042]

Xtherm is far smaller (packed) and lighter. Unless you really like the feel of the Ether Light its just worse overall. I'm a pretty picky sleeper and generally find myself on my side and feel the Xtherm is better in every way except for noise and its rather poor pump bag. A slight addendum on the noise I noticed though the Xtherm just crinkles. If you slide on it, its quiet while the Ether Light or Nemo Tensor make a squeaky rubber sound. Anyone who's slid off a pool float will know what I mean.

[@JustinOutdoors]

That's a video for the fall! Winter Sleeping Pad Comparison! The differences would be similar to the Ether Light XT Insulated vs Xlite. The Xlite is warmer and lighter but the Ether Light is a lot more comfortable for me and much easier to use.

[@ctekjiopez]

briefly and to the point. thanks

[@kristaps2010]

Beautiful nature. Thanks for sharing

[@WilliamTheHeretic]

That's beauty! I have a mec vectar that I love, but I'm going to pick up this S to S close to the fall for my winter camping.

[@CA-kg8yy]

I’m debating or trying out the Sea to Summit Comfort XT Insulated (it’s huge). I need one that is wide (25” +) and comfortable

[@JustinOutdoors]

Lots of great 25 inch pads out there (including the Ether Light XT Extreme)!

[@lakorai2]

EXPED Downmat UL or Synmat UL Winter LW. These weigh almost 3/4lb less than the Etherlight XT Xtreme and have a smaller packing size. The Exped Downmat UL has a higher 7 R value.

[@natea1042]

@@lakorai2 Except the Exped mats taper hard at the head which I find annoying for pillow placement or if you side sleep and put your arm under your pillow. Never understood that design aspect and StS makes their mummy pads almost full width on the head end which is much better. Exped makes good mats but for me its rectangle or nothing from their brand.

[@normblais5120]

Great review . Thank you 👍🏼👍🏼

[@IIISentorIII]

I had the opportunity to get the Regular Large Ether Light XT for 160 Euro (190 $) here in Switzerland and took it. I 'm gonna use it for Autum and Snow Wintercamping with The Hilleberg Soulo here in the Swiss Mountains :) I already tested it for a couple of nights an mine actually do not makes a lot of noise, I did hear that the previous version sounded like a bag of chips. This one does not and I have almost superhuman hearing ;)

[@blueneet84]

One thing to consider is Sea 2 Summits after sales care is fantastic. I purchased a used xt and it turned out to have a slow leak. I found a number of holes and sent it to them for repair. They sent me a new pad entirely out of good will.

[@matthewfurst1577]

Your videos and experience are such a helping hand, thanks. So now I now own the Sea to Summit ether light xt, feels a bit cold, what do you think might be the issue, should I get a thermarest xtherm? Thanks 🚶

[@TheTrailDancer]

It's amazing!!! I have been using it!!! :)

[@susannebjursell351]

Nice review 🏕 someone claimed the extreme is less noisy than the insulated version..what do you think? 🤔

[@JustinOutdoors]

Same same :)

[@chefegzyle]

Hey man I love your videos. I have a personal question for ya (you don't have to answer) What is your day job? you have hinted at it, and what you have said, that I have heard, it sounds really cool. Just curious! Keep up the great work!

[@JustinOutdoors]

I'm an environmental consultant! I complete environmental assessments for projects like bridge construction, habitat restoration, and ecological conservation.

[@adamrperkins]

Hey, awesome review as always. On a separate note... I noticed your REI Passage 2 tent. How do you like it as a backpacking tent?

[@JustinOutdoors]

I've been a lot more impressed with it than I thought I would be for use as a backpacking tent. I will have a full review coming out in a couple of weeks!

[@tottenhamteacher]

@@JustinOutdoors purchase a Lanshan off of your recommendations as I begin to build a light pack for shorter trips for my fiancé and I.

[@Alex-ck8up]

Thanks for your so good and nice advices and reviews man! A question : Isn’t this version too warm for summer, like the warmth of your own body reflected by the pad inconfortable during hot night?

[@IIISentorIII]

A question: Isn’t the Witerjacket and the Swowoard a bit too warm and heavy in the summer moths, like you, are sweating like a pig during a hot night with 100% humidity?

[@tillsy23]

Hey Justin have you ever tried using a fitted sheet/cover like the sea2summit coolmax fitted sheet?

[@JustinOutdoors]

Not yet!

[@carolinalink7040]

I had this same question, I was wondering if the coolmax fitted sheet would make this sleeping arrangement (with pad and quilt) even more comfortable.

[@tillsy23]

Yeah same here I was thinking this extreme ether lite would be too warm for my Aussie climate but could make it cooler with the sheet.

[@truthntrails]

Great review! I have the women's insulated version - question for you, do you store your sleeping pads rolled up or loose. Just read something about that because of the insulation and had never considered storing it differently like you would your quilt. Thanks!

[@JustinOutdoors]

I do store it rolled up! Storing it loose would probably help with the longevity of any synthetic insulation and definitely down.

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

Do you use the same tent in your testing protocol? I have a Bluetooth thermometer and I’ve noticed it reads warmer inside my tent than outside. The tent seems to trap in some warmth. Either way I think you have a great system for testing warmth

[@JustinOutdoors]

I used to use the same tent but after several trips with different tents where I tracked temperature differences between the inside and outside of the tent, there wasn't a big difference (for my tents). Wind/ventilation always made the biggest difference for inside temps, so I make sure to keep vents/doors closed when going through the protocol. I was actually surprised there wasn't a huge difference between single and double walled (double walled with lots of mesh). I thought the mesh would at least provide a bit more insulation.

[@tottenhamteacher]

Beginning backpacker but I love my sleep and went in on the pads. Shoot... just bought two regular Ether Light XT women’s size because I want the width... I usually sleep a bit cold but my partner a bit hot. I’m thinking keep one and one. For my case, Do you think the Extreme would be convenient even in the summer?

[@ello1234567]

Wondering the same thing about it it's ok for the summer too.

[@tottenhamteacher]

@@ello1234567 I’m wiping my down but will be returning to REI for the extreme as I was cold in the summer.

[@thomaspedersen1024]

Hi Justin Is it possible that you are going to make a review of the Sea to Summit Ether light xt Exstreme, where you compare it to some of the other winterpads, like Therm-a-rest NeoAir Xtherm, Nemo Tensor Alpine, Exped Downmat 9 and so on...?

[@impermanenthuman8427]

I bought the Large XT Insulated model on eBay, but was sent the XT Extreme version by accident. I live in Australia and intend to side sleep in temps between 30 degrees Celsius in Summer and down to 0 Degrees Celsius in winter (and possibly even -5 C but would be extremely rare) I have a large Thermarest Ridge Rest which I was planning on putting under the 3.2 R value XT Insulated if I got too cold on it in winter or if I was expecting to sleep on rocky ground that could puncture the inflatable pad, the ridgerest would add over 2.0 R value which would be plenty for winter. I am a cold sleeper, and another reason I specifically ordered the XT Insulated version rather than the Extreme was because reviews showed it was reasonably quiet when moving on it compared to the noisier Extreme version and also the Extreme is needlessly heavier. So question, should I bother returning the Extreme version? In your opinion won’t I just find the Extreme too warm, too noisy and too heavy? Thanks for any suggestions

[@impermanenthuman8427]

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated if possible? Thanks

[@JustinOutdoors]

If 0C is the lowest you'll go, then the Insulated will work great! You could always put a second foam mat under if the temp is expected to be below 0C. I find the noise the same between the Insulated and Extreme. I'd probably go with the Insulated and save some weight and bulk.

[@impermanenthuman8427]

@@JustinOutdoors thanks man 👍🏻

[@blueneet84]

How did the extreme hold up? Was it too warm for us down under?

[@bigbywolf6510]

I bought this based on your other S2S mat review. I have the rectangular large version. It's definitely most comfortable mat I've slept on. The unique design is great. Only negatives are that it weighs 1kg with accessories. It's quite big too. But if you value sleeping comfort like me then go for it.

[@xjessukx]

Is the extreme worth the sacrifice in weight in pack size compared with the thermarest neoair xtherm?

[@JustinOutdoors]

For comfort, 100%. For me, it will really depend on the trip as to which one I will bring.

[@GIRLplusDOGAdventures]

Do you still take a foam pad winter camping to put underneath? Or just rely on the R-value of a winter pad like this? I definitely agree that S2S should put some soft layer on the top especially for the price of the pad already. NEMO and EXPED currently do it and would keep the pad in the premium category for sure. I have the Etherlight XT Insulated and took it down to 27F and definitely think it was the lower limit for that pad. I'm not a cold sleeping but I felt the coldness on the bottom.

[@JustinOutdoors]

In winter, I always take a foam pad to put underneath. Partly for the warmth but also in case my pad fails. I really don't want to be caught without a warmth backup during the winter.

[@natea1042]

Nemo and Exped do not put any soft layers. The difference people feel is in the mat material. The former are a polyester with a waterproof coating the latter is nylon. I had both StS and Nemo side by side and really couldnt tell a difference against my skin. The only thing that might change is bare skin contact in high heat but in 50-60F degrees of Spring they both felt pretty much the same.

[@GIRLplusDOGAdventures]

@@natea1042 I think I was thinking of the honeycomb grip material that Exped has on their pads. It's a soft, matte texture to me so feels better against the skin and it doesn't have as much as the plastic noise as my S2S pad.

[@marycarter6186]

@@JustinOutdoors Hey Justin! For years I just used the Nemo Switchback as my pad, and you are using it wrong. The metallic side goes up and facing you as you sleep; this is what reflects the heat back!! Please correct this for all the noobs. Going out for winter camping this weekend and finally got a pad (although I've camped in similar temps and been toasty)--decided to splurge!

[@JustinOutdoors]

@@marycarter6186 The way the switchback is designed, the orange is actually supposed to be facing up because the reflective film is sandwiched between the grey and orange exteriors. Grey side up is actually less effective due to no air space adjacent to the film. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eInXcoGldp1ngLs

[@Em_Dee_Aitch]

Just go with the Big Agnes Rapide SL. It’s the next best thing, both in comfort and warmth.

[@jacklock]

Can you compare this to the Nemo Tensor Alpine?

[@JustinOutdoors]

The Tensor Alpine is a pretty outdated pad at this point with an r-value of 4.9. I'll wait until they update it with something in the 6+ r-value range before reviewing it.

[@Globetrotter-1]

Like sleeping on a squeaky Durex. Temperature 🌡️ outside is always way colder than inside a ⛺ tent ...so testing the thermometer readings outside on the ground is not really showing the insulating values of a mat...unless you actually sleep outdoors without the ⛺ tent.

[@henkka_95]

Just thinking how cold you can sleep with Ether Light XT +Therm-A-Rest Z Lite? Can it handle winter situations? Mostly sleeping 3 seasons so slightly saving weight and package sounds nice... just wondering temperatures when it's like have to buy extreme version -10c ->? I'm sleeping with two sleeping bags (synthetic and down, both can handle -10c so easily i can go -20c -25c with those bags. and big thanks for your overviews! love them!

[@jays4979]

Looks to be the same size packed as my EXPED Synmat XP 9 LW which is 25 inches wide & super warm for winter camping. Justin how would this compare?

[@JustinOutdoors]

I've never used a Synmat unfortunately

[@boredandagitated]

What if I just throw a Nemo switchback or something under the normal ether light? Would that fix the cold ground problems from Spring camping

[@MidwestMotocamp]

Does the rubbery material help keep the pad from slipping around the tent? I toss and turn when sleeping.

[@JustinOutdoors]

A little bit!

[@megweb362]

I just got one and tested it in October, got to about -10C. Have you had any issues with the air pads feeling a bit chilly in terms of the air inside it not getting warm enough and sapping body heat? I also have a S2S Ether Light for the summer and noticed a bit of the same issue, like the air inside the pad was chilled. Sea to Summit recommended a CCF pad on top to mitigate this but I haven't had a chance to test it. All the times I've used it I have had a very good sleeping bag and it never dipped below the comfort ratings on them.

[@XanderBudnick]

I've given mine 4 nights now and every night was cold below me. from -3C (26F) down to -23C (-9F) and I had a CCF pad underneath. My bags rated down to -30C (-25F) The only time I was warm was when I put my CCF mat on top of the EitherXT Extreme Pad. I've had it fully inflated, and tried deflating it slightly to see if that would help. I'm pretty confused with the whole thing and at this point, I think I'm returning mine.

[@LaurenceGreaves]

I have the exact same experience as Xander, when the air temperature is below +5c I need a CCF on top to stay warm. I'm thinking of just switching to a xtherm

[@kallyltura7918]

so that means you guys don't recommend it for temperatures like -20°C?

[@megweb362]

@@kallyltura7918 no, I wouldn't recommend the Ether Light at this point. I use an old Exped DLX 9 downfill now. It was my brother's and though it's heavy, it's extremely warm and comfy. I will be upgrading to the Ultra 7R Long/Wide for the weight reduction, but these are by far the best pads I've tried now. Even warmer than the X-Therm, technically, and also quieter than the crinkly-ness of the X-Therm. The X-Therm is still lighter though so if that's a sticking point for you and you don't mind the bit of crinkly noise, the X-Therm will serve you just fine.

[@prepperdek2705]

How tall are you Justin?

[@JustinOutdoors]

5'10

[@prepperdek2705]

@@JustinOutdoors I'm 5'11, I went for the large one

[@louissix4822]

Hello Justin, question? Do you sell or donate any of your unused or tested gear? I'm an amateur back country hiker just starting off. You have great and informative videos I must say.

[@JustinOutdoors]

Not really, I don't have as much gear as you might think! haha

[@louissix4822]

ok sounds good, safe travels, hiked Highline yesterday, nice a dry there now and great views of Canmore.

[@samsmith8870]

I'd like to request that you review the Gear Doctors ApolloAir sleeping pad. It cost $100, claims an R-value of 5.2, and weighs 17 oz. It can be found be on Amazon. Thanks!

[@JustinOutdoors]

I'm very skeptical about the 5.2 r-value. The technology in Xlites is really the only one that can achieve that warmth to weight ratio unless these guys have invented something new. Otherwise, the 5.2 is a lie or they are infringing on intellectual property rights.

[@deviatorz]

how do you roll it up and put it back into the bag? I am having trouble fitting it back inside..

[@JustinOutdoors]

I fold it into thirds and then roll it super tight

[@wanderingaloudwithmark3057]

Hi Justin Just came back from a kayak camp. A part of my sleep system is a thermarest neoair all season. Lately I have noticed pressure points at my hips and shoulders. I tried relieving this by slightly deflating the pad. Without letting to much as to be hitting the ground. I am a side sleeper due to lower back issues. Will the sea to summit pad elevate my issues with pressure points? Also looking for a three season version atm.

[@JustinOutdoors]

The Ether Light XT pads are the only ones where I never feel pressure points and have slept through an entire night without waking up.

[@wanderingaloudwithmark3057]

@@JustinOutdoors thanks it is good to get a field tested opinion of equipment. I take it that the 4 inch pads offer the most comfort. Have you heard anything about the thermarest topoluxe? As well what happened to the nemo tensor? Has it been discontinued? To be honest I have have a nemo tango solo and I am very disappointed. It has been discontinued and no more support offered.

[@JustinOutdoors]

@@wanderingaloudwithmark3057 I don't find pad thickness to be that big of a factor actually. I find the baffling system to be the most important for comfort and horizontal baffles are the least comfortable for me.

[@_68niou1]

But are there any quirks?

[@JustinOutdoors]

Oh you 😂

[@jonsanford2515]

Through user error, I damaged a Nemo Tensor recently. I managed to put a 3” long cut in it. So far, the patch is holding, but I’ve still been doing some research in case I need to replace it. I’m about the same size as you, and find the 25” Tensor is probably a little wider than I need, but I don’t want to go all the way down to 20”. Having used the wide and regular etherlight, how do they compare to the wide Tensor in useable width. And, how close is the insulated etherlight to the Tensor insulated in warmth?

[@JustinOutdoors]

The Tensor wide has some pretty good usable width but that extra 1.5 inches on the Ether Light XT regular makes it come close. The tensor is definitely warmer that the Ether Light XT Insulated.

[@lakorai2]

Paria Recharge XL could fit the bill with the 4" height and 23" width.

[@davidshirley6850]

Just curious what will a higher r value pad feel like in warmer months, trying to decide if I should get higher r value pad as only pad or do I buy 2 different ones...I live in Tennessee so in winter it does get into 30s

[@JustinOutdoors]

If temps only get down to around 30, then you're probably looking at a pad with a 3 to 4 r-value (unless you sleep really cold). Lots of great 3-seaon pads with mid-3 r-values to choose from!

[@davidshirley6850]

@@JustinOutdoors but will a higher r rated pad be too warm in spring or summer temps

[@lakorai2]

@@davidshirley6850 It can be. I wouldn't want to bring the Thermarest Xtherm during the summer.

[@BobPritchard]

@@davidshirley6850 I thru hiked the AT with a Thermarest Xtherm (R7). I was forewarned it would be too hot but I never noticed. And it has a thicker fabric unlike the Xlite's which my companions had and were regularly springing leaks. I did start with a 20F quilt, switched to a 40F quilt in May and slept in my S2S bag liner when the temps were hot. I finished in late July and was never disappointed with the Xtherm choice - other than its regular(read narrow) dimensions.

Interesting, you use grams for weight but inches for length 🤔😊. Nice video. Got allot of my questions answered

[@Maddonkeys]

That thing is huge

[@JustinOutdoors]

Yup!

[@dtomic17]

That's what she said 😂

[@kenken-ss7jn]

That type of the orange pumpsack should be standard instead of that crap that comes whit it

[@emeliehammarstrom15]

Is there ANYONE who've tried this pad between 0F and -15F? I need to know if I can use it during real cold winter..

[@g.g.hochstetler2286]

Why not just get the Nemo Alpine and get a smaller package. That thing is the size of a sleeping bag.

[@JustinOutdoors]

Nemo Alpine's r-value is way too low for winter

[@oacy16]

Got mine recently. It sucks. More than twice as big as nemo tensor in size and weight. Material feels rubbery.... Regret not buying another nemo tensor...

[@JustinOutdoors]

Definitely bigger and heavier than most other pads out there, but it's also significantly warmer and, in my opinion, more comfortable. It has a 50% higher r-value than even the Nemo Tensor Alpine. If you don't need the higher r-value, then a pad like the Tensor Insulated would work great!

[@oacy16]

@@JustinOutdoors Thanks for reading and replying on my comment. I'm planning on a hiking trip to the rockies this September. This was a third pad in our group. Have two tensors with down sleeping bags 🎒 as a sleeping system for two people in a group. For third person We decided to go a bit heavier on a pad because only synthetic sleeping bag 🎒 was available. Size and weight of a pad disappointing with conjunction of a synthetic sleeping bag leaving very little room for supplies in a backpack...

[@oacy16]

@@JustinOutdoors At high elevation it could be quite cold in September in Jasper... By the way how far did your GDT run go?

[@sinepari9160]

Try waking up with those ear plugs down in your inner ears. Horror story. I can't stand those crinkly-sounding pads.. you would think there would be better technology to prevent the potato chip sounding pads.