MOST DETAILED SLEEPING PAD REVIEW EVER // Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Review

[@RavenWindrunner]

I discovered on my first use of this pad in my tent, that I have the combo that is super loud. Any time I moved around on the pad it made a lot of noise. Turning over from one side to the other was easily heard in other tents nearby and I felt self conscious moving around, afraid I'd either wake someone up or stop them from falling asleep. I also weigh around 205 lbs and bottomed out at the hip and shoulder on my side if I let some air out to soften it.

[@tsengmactantan7854]

I love your review in such detailed and the quick tempo you dive into stuff. I have quesitons about the noize of different pads when body moving. There's only a few review talk about it.

[@hikinvikin]

Exped Downmat UL is running circles around this pad especially during winter. It's warmer and lighter. Sea to summit Etherlight XT Insulated got better pumpsack, is wider, and is faster to deflate. My first Etherlight XT started to lose air from the valve, I'm having my second one now. Fingers crossed it's not starting to leak

[@YoureNowOnTV]

Welds at the dimples failed on mine in five places after a year. Other people on KZbin have had similar issues. Either that company rep you spoke to was new at StS or lying. It’s a more common issue than people assume. Comfortable pad but the pinhole punctures on the top where the dimples are is an issue.

[@alexabney7913]

I really appreciate how quickly you dive into stuff. I do think there’s some room to relax but info really like to dense nature of this video. It’s edited well to keep the pace natural but I kinda feel like im on 1.3x speed or something haha. Love your content! Just sharing my thoughts

[@ar110sp]

ive used like 2yrs, it is the most comfortable sleeping pad... the insulated version works reasonably well in winter as well... a regular wide version is literally like a bed ~

[@hikebot]

My friend had that pad. Was the loudest thing I’ve ever heard while he was shifting around at night. Also he froze his ass of at 32F said it was like ice under him even at 40F he wasn’t happy. He returned it. Probably a great mid summer pad if camping alone with earplugs.

[@helpfulcommenter]

Justin is becoming the most thorough gear reviewer on YT

[@freeze1975]

His channel is overrated

[@patrickbaker9040]

Great review. Found the pad cold around 32F. The bottom tore easily and fixing those small leaks at the seams was maddening. I weigh 240lbs.

[@mezmerya5130]

it's maddening about modern pads. i never use anything thinner than 70d bottom. but then they fail at seams in 3-4 years. nuff said.

[@ddff5242]

please compare this pad to the big Agnes rapide sl. they look very similar except the rapide being warmer.

[@TimmyBobinson]

I bought the Ether light XT and the Ether light XT extreme - BOTH failed on me after minimal use at the weld points. The extreme failed in FIVE places. If it wasn't for the lifetime warranty, I would have no faith in these sleep pads. S2S statement, "I can count on one hand the amount of returns we have had." hmmm...

[@YoureNowOnTV]

Same with me on the Ether light XT. I was hoping the Extreme would be better but I’ll start clear of it.

[@lonetreeoutdoors]

Great review!! I had a similar experience with using the ELXT Extreme and wondered why i slept so cold with such a high rated r value sleeping pad.. I figured it had something to do with the motion of my body and air movement inside the pad.. makes more sense now!

[@xjessukx]

It would be nice to see it compared against the nemo tenser insulated for comfort and warmth

[@lucasmdonald7486]

I had both and sold the ether light , the Nemo wins on all counts for me and is very quite . The ether light has a rubber sound when tossing around during the night , I’m a side sleeper and just found the Nemo more comfortable and smaller to pack away .

[@natehoover5266]

I only have experience with a couple pads as I'm only a year or so into my backpacking career, but I got this pad on Justin's recommendation and I love it.

[@valdius85]

the pillow stickers work for everyone with an adhesive and some minimal DIY skill :) Great review :)

[@danielmeyer3795]

Was completly uncomfortable for me, now using my less rigid Exped Synmat Ul, 7cm thick. I think it depends how you sleep, Exped has two slightly thicker side tubes, this seems to work for me. My son gave it back as well after one night. Comfort seems to be different for everybody.

[@malbig2344]

I paid £120 for the pad and £30 for the pillow, I wear hearing aids and am as deaf as a post when they are taken out, I also snore like a bulldog, so the squeaky sound will not bother me... What a great review... One question though, British cold and American cold weather would be I imagine a bit different from each other, will this pad be suitable for say minus 2?

[@MrKelemen]

Hi Justin, I’ve bought my large pad right after your comparison video of sea to summit, nemo and thermarest. I love the comfort and here in the uk the r value at least for me is good enough for three seasons use. That being said, just last year I’ve had to exchange mine for exactly the same reason with the leak being on the same place at the welding. I honestly hope this was just an issue with the earlier models because after seeing your video just now and hearing sea to summit’s comment on it does make me wonder if that’s a more common manufacturing issue than they are willing to admit… Great video as always nevertheless!

[@perryrush5378]

Losing air at the weld seems to be a common problem. What a shame for such a comfortable pad!

[@emainz1]

I love this pad. Got it on Justin’s recommendation and can’t go back to anything else. So freaking comfortable.

[@tanvach]

Unfortunately was't comfortable enough for me to justify the increased weight, price, and reduction in R value compared to Nemo Tensor :( My sleep was about the same between the two pads. Maybe the XT is more durable?

[@rgmALC]

So your contact at S2S said that they have had 5 or less weld failures, when you have 2 on one pad? I think they may have been exaggerating.

[@SS-st6ou]

or he just doing an awesome ad for them ... 🤣🙈🙈🙈

[@YoureNowOnTV]

Any fluffy soft surface pillow will work with the Velcro. You don’t have to use a Sea to Summit pillow.

[@helpfulcommenter]

I’m at day 31 on the PCT (that’s desert miles) and the pad is holding up great

[@The_real_dennis]

I am using the nemo tensor insulated long wide and can highly recommend it

[@helpfulcommenter]

Wait till it inevitably pops

[@Post-Alone]

​@@helpfulcommenterhahaha 😂

[@OutsideChronicles]

Love the IR camera, great catch. I do not see the advantage of this pad over my Thermarest NeoAir Extreme. I guess the comfort of 4in over 2.5in, but size and weight are negligible especially since this pads real world r-value does not hold up. Another great video, thanks for what you do!

[@abalone317]

Excellent, efficient review - thank you so much!!

[@stephentuck6607]

Great review. Very detailed. Have you done a review on the winter mat version, the Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Extreme which I think is rated with an R Factor of 6.2? I would be interested to know what you think of it.

[@nickhikesinthewoods6150]

You know I wonder if I can put Velcro on my Big Agnes pad for my sea to summit pillow would that even be a good idea

[@p__jay]

got their Comfort Plus Insulated mat and absolutley NEEED that pack / pump sack....why don't they sell it seperate?

[@rodrev_hiking6757]

I changed from Thermarest Uberlite (Popped in Iceland Despite Gossamer Gear Foampad underneath) to Thermarest Xlite to S2S Etherlite Insultated . Increased my Baseweight but Boiiiii my sleep recovery is crazy good. Ordered the Extra Wide Regular long Rectangular Shape . I sleep like on my Bed at Home . Maybe Better xD i love the Stuffsack that Functions to inflate the Pad . I just love this Pad. I didnt attach the Pillow Lock System its useless for me

[@vpredhouse]

Thanks, dude! I've always wondered why this pad gets so friggin cold in moderately cold temps! And it squeaks a lot on my DCF tent floor but not at all on my other tent floors. All that said, it's definitely a very comfortable pad for an overweight side-sleeper with a bad hip! Testing the updated Tensor in the Eastern Sierras this weekend.

[@bunterkessel]

After about 30 nights I had at least five failed weld points.

[@RobboOutdoors]

I used mine for the first time on the weekend and the noise when I rolled over woke the whole camp site...It was like sleeping on a field of bagpipes...A lot of other reviews say one of the 'pros' of the pad was the crinkle free silent nights sleep....It is thick and comfortable but the noise...:(

[@Post-Alone]

Haha sleeping on a field of bagpipes?! Brilliant 👏

[@GoodkatNW]

I find the Tensor insulated and BA Q-Core are both more comfortable. Personal preference, I guess

[@PhilHaddon]

I've got one. I'm a side sleeper but just can't get comfortable on it despite all the reviews saying it's the most comfortable pad ever. If I let it down a bit it's then too cold if the ground is 9°c or lower

[@mettevilain6750]

please make a review comparing this one with the nemo quasar 3d. Seems to be the two sidesleeper comfort kings on the market, but the nemo is quite overlooked. I know its heavy but still for some comfort is the number one feature :0)

[@rickallenrealtor]

Any recommendations as to how to get the pad back into the sack easily?

[@GearPriority]

fold it in thirds

[@theoutdoordogandhikinggirl]

My experience is that other pillows work as well with the patches 😉.

[@curtelverd]

I purchased the Ether Light XT a few months back. I am taking a 4 night backpacking trip to Jasper National during mid-July. I've seen where lows can get down to 30 degrees F. Do you think this pad with an 1/8" foam underneath will be warm enough?

[@rodrev_hiking6757]

Had no Issues with the Pad in Iceland Highlands in the low 30 at nights and i didnt even bring a Foampad underneath. Used a 20F Downquilt , no probs . Am neither cold or warm sleeper

[@jezza3946]

Is it better then the ether light xt extreme?

[@JerryHernandez]

Hey Justin gear video! Can you shed some light on how S2S claims the womens version has a higher R value. Maybe a women's large might work for added warmth? Side note: Big Agnes Rapide sl. What do you think?

[@natehoover5266]

Customer service and warranties are almost more important than anything else. I just had a bad Customer service experience with a company and they did not stand behind their product so I'll never buy from them again, which is unfortunate because I definitely would have bought more.

[@unightie]

You have an infrared machine!? Cool

[@natehoover5266]

Bro! You got samples from STS for your videos? Justin, you are a legend!

[@Juanaponymous]

Is this not the ‘insulated’ version?

[@apsynto]

The Velcro patches do a great job of sticking to your hair and scratching your face as well if you don't use a pillow

[@rachelbrain]

I'd love to see you compare this to the Nemo Quasar 3D Insulated pad. It's a heavier pad, but it's amazingly comfortable. I'd be really interested to see if its comfort level is comparable to the Ether Light XT. I rarely see it mentioned on backpacking channels, probably because of the weight, but it has been wonderful for me.

[@alexanderroberts3424]

I was going to ask for the same comparison. I've been considering the quasar, glad to hear it's working out for you!

[@rantg]

so this or NeoAir XLight ?

[@spectre4130]

What tent is that in the background?

[@GearPriority]

Lunar Solo

[@syindrome]

Gotta sleep with the pink spoon for extra warmth

[@fernyology]

Great video man

[@brianbartulis9709]

Areobed of 1992 had baffles/touch deflate. Change a molecule it's not Chiffon margarine patent violation as chairs X design? 200.00 balloon a dog can ruin is just silly. ~ We had two very large high priced (very comfy) foam self inflatables, but was recommended to store unrolled. (huh? who has the room for such?) Deflating rolling would cramp hands/forearms to fit in the stingy sacks, like girdle on a fat lady. yikes! ~ Unrolled stow? meh, until I could figure I put them in the truck bed, but silly me closed the valves inflated. They both went boom under 90° day/tonneau covered truck bed while at work. :-l ~ Best was very huge/heavy polly filled bags (rated 20°?) under huge lean two on top of cut cattail stalks at lake edge..snow 'n 30° over night. Two zipped together as queen pretty much. Best hasn't been had yet. Mummy bag in a hammock doesn't have room for the tinkle/coffee can at feet btw. (-; Squared bottom bag one can change clothes in ta boot. Fahhh, fold as a mumster need be.

[@rd5854]

I thought I was the only one who's arms fall asleep while sleeping on my side in the Backcountry. Anyone have a remedy for this? Other than not sleeping on my side

[@victorl.7771]

It is a very comfortable pad indeed but really not warm enough for its price/weight. So overall am disappointed and will stick to their other model the Ultralight Insulated with similar R value but feels warmer (cheaper but not as comfortable).

[@helpfulcommenter]

Pillow lock system is annoying tbh I took off all stickers but one. That’s all it takes. Sometimes I actually wanna shift my pillow around.

[@SBK_ALL_DAY]

OUt bag does not connect to the bag at all they are different sizes entirely

[@helpfulcommenter]

Holy cow I had to check my KZbin player because I thought it was at 1.5x speed

[@Truth-Seeker75]

KAPOW - SCIENCE!!! Nice work. Always appreciate the integrity in your videos. But, slow down my friend - hearing you clearly will keep the clicks coming more than a few seconds of video longer than you’d like.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Try the Extreme! So much warmer, and not much heavier or bulkier.

[@bearhawk426]

I've used mine at -23° F (-5° C) and been very comfortable. I feel that I am a pretty average cold sleeper.

[@rgmALC]

I’m gonna say this was a lie…

[@rodrev_hiking6757]

@@rgmALC used mine in the 20F in Icelandic Highlands without a Foampad underneath and a 20F down Quilt by UGQ and was never cold ...

[@tridoc99]

Why would the woman’s pad have a higher R value than the men’s?

[@at0mic282]

Lmao... Sea to summit might need a bigger hand for counting. My pad recently sprung a leak at the welds (as is to be expected because of stress concentration at these locations) and I've seen quite a lot of ppl woth similar issues on Reddit etc. Don't get me wrong, this pad is awesome and light weight for the comfort and insulation you get (I don't feel like R3.2 is wrong here), but the welds are a problem an S2S asks you to destroy your old pad and just sends you a replacement... not very environmentally friendly when just a patch kit could've solved it.

[@apocsurvival916]

I thought this was rated as 6.3 r value??

[@GearPriority]

That's the Ether Light XT Extreme. This is the Insulated.

[@apocsurvival916]

@@GearPriority Gotcha Justin 👌, I do see that other video you have on that. Watching it now. We trust you. Btw, great vids from your last trip. Very envious!

[@kpj5]

Beware, Its actually hard and not comfortable at all and I so wanted to love it. If u let air out it just becomes a wobble mess.. still on the hunt 😝 maybe big Agnes’s qcore

[@wintunewrep]

I deflate mine a little to make it more comfortable and I'm not bothered by it wobbling

[@stdr04]

I hate the wobble. It’s a bit heavier, but try the Thermarest Trail Pro. It has a suede-like material on top that’s not squeaky or slippery. Also, no wobble. No one talks about it because it’s over 2 lbs, but it’s more comfortable than all these other inflatables hands down.

[@kerry1383]

Fwiw, a pad will lose pressure as air gets colder regardless of whether you’re using the bag or your breath. The bag is to reduce getting moisture inside the pad during inflation in colder temps from your breath.

[@GearPriority]

But your breath is warmer than the air, so the delta is greater.

[@SS-st6ou]

yeah tou said the same for the quasar 3D ...most comfi night and so on .... duuude be objective ...

[@GearPriority]

I've never used the quasar 3d and have never talked about it...

[@SS-st6ou]

@@GearPriority apologies, , my bad !

[@nrs8043]

Count on one hand the failures?! There’s more you tube videos on the failures of this pad than you can count on one hand

[@ashtoddphotography]

Still though, nothing comes close to the thermarest neoair range for their weight and warmth. I honestly don't know why folk bother with anything else.

[@MrWipex]

If you don't mind waking up on the ground middle of the night, you may enjoy this one. The pad has been failing me time and time again in the air spring dimples (holes). Their welding technique is just rubbish!! Do Not Buy this pad!! I used it maybe 20 nights , and had 5 leaks in 5 different dimples. They have a serious quality issue, unfotunately.

[@BushcraftEurope]

It's lound and shit, breaked about 15 camping trips. Do not buy

[@camperp195]

Trekology UL 80 or UL 140 beats this hands down,and is a third the price