Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Review Update | Best Sleeping Pad? |

[@scottmcculloch4599]

I bought the Sea to Summit Ether Light XT after seeing your first review on youtube and I am so glad I did. It was so comfortable and I slept so well. It was as good as my mattress at home. Thank for the good work!

[@JustinOutdoors]

Ya man, so darn comfy, it's great!

[@tullochgorum6323]

I've got around 30 nights on my pad and pretty much agree with your review. Most comfortable pad I've ever used, and by some margin. As an average sized guy I went for the Women's Large - better R value and for side sleepers the width in the middle means that for the first time ever I have a pad where my knees don't hang over the edge. Some points you didn't cover: 1) The baffle system means that the edges don't collapse like you find on most other pads. This makes the effective width greater than you'd expect from the measurements. With other pads I would often wake up on the ground. So far, with the Ether, I've never fallen off. 2) The system for fixing the pillow is a game-changer. As a side sleeper I like to place if off to one side, and this works just fine. The pillow stays put all night long. Never found a reliable way of doing this before. 3) According to S to S, they made a decision to use a more expensive and reliable baffle welding system that requires a heavier fabric. The big failure point with most pads is blown baffles - to get the lightness they have to use a less reliable system. The payoff for the slightly higher weight is a far more robust pad. Last time I asked they were claiming zero baffle failures in the field. If that's true, it's a big deal because I have experienced a lot of baffle failures with other brands even though I'm super-careful with my pads. And on longer hikes, baffle failures are a major downer. 4) Finally, the other big failure point is the valve, and the Ether design is the best I've seen, with full set of spares, and all parts accessible for self-repair in the field. So in my view, much the best pad on the market and well worth the extra weight for anyone who values a good night's sleep. In 50 years of wild camping I've never slept through so many nights without waking up. If I need more insulation in the winter I'll simply carry a foam mat to put underneath.

[@JustinOutdoors]

Great points!

[@hikinvikin]

Hi Justin. Just wanted you to know, your channel is my new favourite one bacause; you don't try to be a comedian, and I believe your reviews objective, and you are not afraid to agree if you have been wrong. Great, great channel 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@JustinOutdoors]

Thanks! Objectivity is definitely a pillar for my channel. I'll always call it like I see it!

[@brib9716]

You should note that the pad you're reviewing is actually the insulated version since it has the orange logo on it. The non-insulated version has a yellow logo and the women's version has a red logo.

[@JustinOutdoors]

Good point! I updated he video description. Hopefully people see it.

[@patbar8306]

Saved me from buying the wrong pad! Almost bought one on sale thinking it was the insulated version but luckily found this comment and saw it was the uninsulated version.

[@JustinOutdoors]

@@patbar8306 I do say it's the insulated version on the video description. Unfortunately, I can't go back and change the video!

[@patbar8306]

@@JustinOutdoors It wasn't the video, It was just me not reading the description well on the bag I was about to buy. I Saw a deal and got carried away lol. Keep up the great reviews!

[@JustinOutdoors]

@@patbar8306 glad you caught it! Haha

[@robinoja]

Got this pad mainly because of your reviews. No regrets, this thing is awesome and super comfortable. Also got the Trekology 2.0 pillow and it's just small enough to fit into the Ether Light's sack when not inflated. Keep up the good work mate!

[@JustinOutdoors]

Solid pillow/pad combo!

[@CrossoverGenius]

Thank you for the updated review! I’ve made the ill-advised decision to online shop for some gear for a trip I have planned in the summer, and was looking for a plain & honest run down of this pad.

[@Cartoonwarper]

After using the XT on two short trips I've gone back to using the Xtherm. I bought the XT late Summer last year based on yours and others reviews. In comparing it with the Xtherm in my living room it was more 'comfortable'. But when using it in the field I felt the heat being drawn from me - well above freezing. I now consider comfort to be a balance of cushion and thermal insulation. I'd rather lie on a less cushioned pad with good thermal insulation than a plush pad with a lower R value . The new revised R values have vindicated my decision. I actually thought it less thermally insulating than the Thermarest Xlite (previously 3.2). I should have sent it back at the time saying it was not as warm as advertised. But I loved inflating it. I have never enjoyed inflating a mattress as much. Instead of being a pain at the end of a day - it was a joy. If only S2S could improve the R value this would be a fantastic pad. But for now - back to the Xtherm (which allows me to use a much lighter sleeping bag in Summer too). Again - this is only my experience - and warmer sleepers will probably be fine. Thanks for the longitudinal feedback. Too many reviews are just initial impressions (or merely unboxing).

[@davidmarbut]

Cartoonwarper my experience as well.

[@JustinOutdoors]

Based on the new ASTM standard, the Xtherm resists over twice as much heat transfer from you to the ground. The Xtherm is a in a league with very little competition at this point. I also found the Xlite to be warmer than the Ether Light and that kind of lines up with the new 4.2 r-value rating for the Xlite. It's too bad the Ether Light XT wasn'ta 3.8 r-value in comparison to the Xlite, I think it would then be solid for getting down to -4/-6C. For me, it is good down to just below freezing once the ground has thawed and I will keep using it under those conditions. Like you, I was disappointed with the warmth. You might still be able to return it to Sea to Summit directly! I'd try!

[@kke]

I got the Ether Light XT Extreme. It's great, not bottoming out in any position and it isn't noisy. The only downside is it's difficult to pack, getting the air out without using my flextrail gear mini pump as a deflator seems impossible. If you get all the air out, it packs pretty neatly.

[@bigmama3372]

It’s really easy when you start folding it up from the opposite site of the opening. Whenever you do one fold just squeeze it out until you’re all the way at the opening.

[@cedrics1220]

I have the extreme as well and its super easy to deflate. you just need to open the valve completely (twice) and roll it up from the opposite site to get all the air out. Once you rolled it all the way to the valve you can just close it and fold the mat together. Takes 3 minutes to do.

[@markevanpowell2157]

I like it - it's my fall and winter pad, though i sometimes throw some foam under it in the winter. It was interesting to see a lot of thermarest's pads go up with the new standard and s2s pads going down.. might paint a picture of how they both were advertising differently

[@lyndsaycollins6468]

Your reviews get better with every video. I’m liking all this content. Keep it up! 👍🏻

[@JustinOutdoors]

Thanks! I try and improve every time and it's awesome that you noticed!

[@nseight]

Always love your reviews :-) This sleeping pad does look 5 star luxury * Well wishes from Scotland :-)

[@JustinOutdoors]

It really is 5 star comfort! I wish it had the same warmth and weight as an Xtherm though :(

[@brandonbramlett5735]

Thanks for the review. Everything I wanted to know about the pad, you answered. Happy trails!

[@RaP22]

It's a good mat, definitely for UK weather all year round.

[@Red_Proton]

The "vortex effect," as you say, is called entrainment. By blowing air in from a foot away, you entrain atmospheric air into the bag with your breath. Works like a Dyson fan.

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

Thanks. I THOUGHT the Bernoulli effect was a different phenomena. I could not conjure up the entrainment moniker at all.

[@SimonBrisbane]

@@geraldhenrickson7472 It’s called the Venturi effect ( no not Ace Ventura effect, equally cool though). The Venturi effect is a direct consequence of the Bernoulli principle. So you were not exactly wrong, just not precise. Same effect is utilised by carburettors.

[@OutdoorTherapy2020]

Great review Brother! As always your content is excellent!

[@JustinOutdoors]

Much appreciated!

[@turbomecca5709]

Great & honest review + update! Much appreciated.

[@MattyOutdoors]

Didn't realize this pad was so thick, much cushier then I thought!

[@JustinOutdoors]

soooooo cushy!

[@itshardgettinganame]

Just ordered one of these after watching your videos, looking forward to trying it out

[@ColemanOutdoors]

Nothing better than a nice thick pad. It sounds great! But...whew...that price!! Probably worth it if it lasts!! Great review.😁

[@skippee358]

I thought the same about the price, but it was the best money I've ever spent

[@ColemanOutdoors]

@@skippee358 good to know. If my neoair goes, maybe I'll pay a little extra. I'm a tall man. I need that large rectangle though. Amazon $240.00 US I'm really impressed with Justin using it straight on the ground like that. That's tough stuff!

[@skippee358]

@@ColemanOutdoors I'm 180cm tall, I brought the regular lenght. I never have any trouble staying on the pad

[@JustinOutdoors]

Ya, not a cheap pad, but it seems like companies are putting out more and more expensive pads. I think they can get away with it at this point because there are not a lot of good warm budget options out there.

[@katosthoff]

The women's is on sale right now.

[@LaconianConcepts]

Excellent review brother. I’ll probably be picking this up for my wife and myself. I’m not a ground sleeper but sometimes there are no trees so I want something I can use in a pinch that doesn’t take up too much room in my pack. These are acceptable size for me. Cheers!

[@jillmarissa7238]

Love your review, it is pretty much spot-on with my experience with it! I've used it about 40 nights as well. I don't find it too noisy, it's super comfy but I did get cold at night up by Mt. Baker even in August. I plan to give this pad to my daughter who sleeps warm and get the Etherlight Extreme for myself. It's definitely heavy but I'm mostly a weekend warrior so the extra weight doesn't bother me 🤪

[@philamongthehills501]

I have been playing around with pads for a while and currently have three to test. The one in this video which I used outdoors a few times and the latest Xlite, regular wide and tensor insulated regular wide. For years I had used the womens xlite. I wanted a wider pad and I was cool on the sea to summit pad in October when the temp was around freezing and I had my Feather Friends 20 degree bag but was in an elevated shelter a few feet above ground where I apparently got a lot of cool air. I wanted something wider than the xlite women's and this feels better. I had also used the tensor back in October and was not cold and on a floor on the ground and this was before its temperature rating. I prefer the comfort and air valves in both the sea to summit and nemo. I got the wider xlite with the latest valve to test. I do not believe the new xlite valve or air sack is as good as the other brands but at least does not lose air on its own.

[@JustinOutdoors]

The valves for the Nemo and S2S really are amazing and it's too bad Thermarest didn't adopt the same system.

[@rev.johnpate3231]

Nice! Great review! I've been testing out pads like crazy. I'm just about to order one of these if I can - regular, not large. There is no "elephant" for me. Adding 5 oz. does three things for me: 1) No crappy "it leaked on first use" reviews from the UL pads -- (check out Thermarest & Nemo), 2) Bye bye "potato chip bag" noise factor, 3) Thicker, better sleep. Oh and regarding #1, no freaking 15D or 20D "polyester" fabrics. More off the grid comments: Back in the 90's some things were mission-critical: Tents that don't leak, pads that don't leak, and stoves that don't blow up. Personally, those things are still mission-critical IMO!

[@perryrush5378]

I agree about the pad being the most comfortable. It is that for me too. I'm 69 years old and try to keep everything light but in the sleeping department I had to go heavier to get that comfort. I have been sleeping on mine for 3 weeks in the house and I am happy with it in my trial run. I have the women's 25 inch wide pad and so glad I got that. But the pillow really tops off my comfort. I have a down pillow over my light weight inflatable pillow which is blown up ever so slightly and now finally I can sleep in relative comfort.

[@JustinOutdoors]

That's awesome that you've spent 3 weeks sleeping on it at home. I do the same thing to test out gear. haha

[@readyme]

Thanks for the update. I will be ordering this soon.

[@JustinOutdoors]

Nice :)

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

As thick as that pad is , I'd think the R value would be higher . That's a bit of a bummer . That looks so easy to inflate ! Another solid review !

[@JustinOutdoors]

Ya, it would be crazy if the pad had a 4 r-value or something around there. Maybe V2!

[@LongStraightLines]

Great review thanks. Short and to the point!

[@escabrosa1]

First of all, great reviews. I remember in your first review of this that you were considering sticking with the women's model. Knowing what you know now, would you consider that a better option? I'm 6'2" at 230 lbs, and a side sleeper.

[@JustinOutdoors]

For me, the men's large is still the right call. The women's would be slightly warmer, but I'm going to be grabbing an Xtherm for those trips where I need higher r-value. I think the men's Ether Light and Xtherm will cover off all my bases for shoulder season and winter and then summer trips.

[@scotthunter4]

@@JustinOutdoors How tall are you Justin? I'm 5"11 and would appreciate the extra width as I'm a fidget although I don't necessarily need the extra length of the large.

[@elscruffomcscruffy8371]

Great sleeping pad, it's just super expensive here in Australia! Like, too expensive!

[@talecomarreco]

here in Brazil too

[@JDubbsadventure]

I have the extreme one and love it. But I think I still prefer my Mondo king xxl by thermorest. That said this is better for backpacking over the mondo king

[@eddieknight2202]

How does it compare to zenbivy ultralight

[@davidanderson6947]

Hi Justin. Instead of the Nemo Tensor Insulated or the X-therm, you might want to experiment with the Nemo Tensor Alpine (R4.8 under the new testing standard). Like the Tensor Insulated, it's also 3" thick with box baffles - so the edges don't collapse like the x-therm. Even deflated by 10%, I'm thinking it might be a good option down to about -8C with a quilt.

[@JustinOutdoors]

The tensor alpine weight is a bit of a turn-off for me. I've picked up a tensor insulated and have been trying it out a bit and it is really comfortable. The xtherm is just so warm and I need one either way for winter camping (I rather not have to carry multiple pads to double up on warmth).

[@davidanderson6947]

@@JustinOutdoors Tensor Alpine without stuff sack, repair kit & inflation sack weighs 690g. Xtherm MAX without repair kit & inflation sack weighs 640g. So, the Nemo is 50g heavier - but way more comfortable & about 2" wider when inflated. Xtherm beats it on weight (50g), R-value & toughness of the fabrics used.

[@JessieBanana]

The air flow being a factor in the R value makes sense and I wonder if the reason that the Comfort Light has a higher R value is because the quilting goes through the pad, so the air can't move as much.

[@JustinOutdoors]

The r-value testing standard isn't able to test air movement unfortunately, but I think that the quilting going through would help restrict air movement.

[@maxpower3529]

Long term reviews are for sure missing in the hiking community, great idea. What is your opinion on the etherlite vs the nemo tensor?

[@JustinOutdoors]

I agree! I've only played around with the tensor in store. It was almost as comfortable as the Ether Light XT, but not quite there for me. I'm hoping to pick up a Tensor Insulated to take on trips in 2020 to get a solid understanding of it's capabilities.

[@troysorensen3047]

Great update! I'm a little worried about July Alpine hikes with this one (R3.2). Have you tried Exped Synmat HL Winter MW with R=5.0?

[@JustinOutdoors]

Beginning of July was right on the edge for me. It's probably still the pad I'll take for July/August/September in the alpine, but May and June were a little too chilly. Do-able, but a little chilly.

[@bigbywolf6510]

I will buy either light extreme, as you said between nemo and this one. Either is more comfy, based on your recommendation if its true I will sub to you :) I am coming from neo xlite btw

[@PaulVoorberg]

Thanks for the review, very helpful. One thing I missed though: what's in your experience the coldest temperature that you can comfortably sleep in with this mat? I ask because I'm trying to decide between purchasing the Light XT Extreme with an R-value over 6 or this one.

[@JustinOutdoors]

I find it good to just below freezing!

[@TheTrailDancer]

Hey J, Which one did you like more the Men's or Women's? I am thinking of getting the W Large because of the higher R-value. Thoughs? Have you tried the Big Agnes Q-Core or Nemo Tensor? If so, how do you think it compares? I know pads are a VERY personal choice. :) Thanks and nic Vid!

[@JustinOutdoors]

Hey! I went with the Men's only because it has more room above the shoulders and I sometimes put my hands near my head when sleeping. If my hands/arms stayed below my shoulders 99% of the time, I would have went with the women's for the higher r-value!

[@TheTrailDancer]

@@JustinOutdoors ya that is what I am wondering. Have you tried any of the Big Agnes QCores yet? or the Tensors? If so, how do you compare them to the S2S? Did you go with the Large, or Rectangle one? If you went with the large, do you wish you went with the rectangle one?

[@MichaelEFerry]

This pad is comfortable but extremely loud. Any tips on making it quieter?

[@kickchick1974]

How could they have gotten the weight so wrong???

[@traphil9051]

Why didn't you take the regular wide size? I think about buying this pad but not sure if I should get the large or the RW. I'm 5'8 :)

[@JustinOutdoors]

The reg/wide only comes as a square version and is actually heavier than the large! It just came down to weight for me. You might want to consider the women's large! It's basically a mummy reg/wide and also warmer!

[@chadpolski5987]

Will this pad work for the Canadian Rockies during July, August, and September?

[@streglof]

I'm currently looking at the ultralight insulated, which is almost identical in spec and a lot cheaper. Why go with this one over the ultralight?

[@Vodkafatter]

I also bought this amazing sleeping pad. I agree with the nice comfort but I think the cool of it is a little issue that i found for myself. Do you have any tips for making this more warm when you are going out in around 0 Celsius? I could really feel the cold from underneath. I have seen someone use a Therm-A-Rest - Z-Lite and heard about using a reflective rescue blanket under the sleeping pad. Thx in advance.

[@JustinOutdoors]

How cold was the ground? I find that the ground is WAY colder in the spring than in the fall and, as a result, I need a warmer pad or to supplement my pad. Putting a closed cell foam pad (like the Zlite) under the etherlight is the best way to add warmth to it. A mylar blanket will help a bit, but not as much. I've used the Ether Light XT below 0C in the fall with no problems, but that's because the ground is much warmer. Something to keep in mind!

[@Vodkafatter]

​@@JustinOutdoors Thx alot for answer and curiosity. I don't know about the grounds temperature, but it makes alot of sense what you are saying. I was sleeping in a open wood shelter, so wasn't really sleeping on the ground but maybe the wind cooling underneath combined with the low temperature was making the woodfloor to cold for my sleeping pad? :)

[@JustinOutdoors]

@@Vodkafatter the wind would definetly be a huge huge factor if there were lots of gaps in the wood.

[@Vodkafatter]

@@JustinOutdoors well again, thx alot for help :) Love your videos btw. Keep up the nice content

[@timdinte]

How tall are you ? Wondering why you got the Large, when looks like the Regular length would be fine for you? I'm 6'2 or 188.5cm but thinking of saving some weight?

[@JustinOutdoors]

I'm 5'10. I went with the large for the width. I only use wide pads now, for the comfort.

[@timdinte]

@@JustinOutdoors thanks mate, stay safe at the moment. I do like wide pads too i think ill order a large haha its less than 200g difference.

[@IvanBaas]

how about comparison this PAD with Sea to Summit foam versions?

[@JustinOutdoors]

I wish I could compare everything, but the wallet doesn't agree! haha

[@wedtrttyt]

Hi. Great review. I am mostly a summer backpacker but I want a 3 seasons mattress. I am a sidesleeper and i would like to purchase the ether light xt but not sure between the insulated or non-insulated version. I am a bad-noise sleeper and do you know if ether light xt air is much more “silence” than the insulated version? I consider to buy xt air for summer and insulated for fall/spring but only if there is a significant difference between the two in terms of noise. Otherwise i will go with the insulated only for all 3seasons Greetings from Romania

[@JustinOutdoors]

I haven't played with the uninsulated, but would go with the insulated for sure. I don't think it would be any noisier than than the noninsulated.

[@sheilam5991]

When you move close to the edges, do you feel like you are going to fall off? Is it baffled enough to stop that rocking motion that the thermarest neo air has? Thanks

[@JustinOutdoors]

The Ether Light XT has a ton of edge support, it is one of my favorite features! Way better than my Thermarest Neoairs

[@lockednloaded105]

Gday Justin. Just curious if you’ve tried the Ether Light XT Extreme yet. The standard Insulated one hasn’t been available in Australia for over 6 months now but the extreme version has come out. Just curious on your thoughts. Cheers mate 👍🏻

[@JustinOutdoors]

Working on it!

[@lockednloaded105]

@@JustinOutdoors cheers mate. The Large Rectangle Extreme in Australia is $429 😰 so can’t wait to see your review on it before I fork out that much. Love your show. Keep up the good work 👍🏻

[@torrentson]

Which one would you prefer and why? Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated vs Big Agnes Q Core Insulated SLX?

[@JustinOutdoors]

I haven't tried the big Agnes. But based on the features on both, I think I'd like the s2s better still.

[@torrentson]

@@JustinOutdoors okay, thanks for your input and great videos!

[@michaelsrowland]

I Don't understand why no one does a review of this sleeping pad where it is being used in a tent. I believe it will be very difficult to blow up while in a tent.

[@readyme]

Do you have any experience with the Big Agnes insulated Q core SLX? On paper they are almost identical...with the Big Agnes being about $30 cheaper. Thanks.

[@JustinOutdoors]

I haven't, but I would guess the baffling system on the Ether Light XT is more comfortable.

[@hoser7706]

Is this still your go-to pad? No returning to the Tensor or Xlite?

[@JustinOutdoors]

It's still the most comfortable pad I own and my go-to when temperature conditions allow for it's use.

[@brandonfoley7519]

Hey is that strap on the pillow good? I was looking at that pillow on Amazon But didn't think the strap would be long enough?

[@JustinOutdoors]

I've used it on multiple wide (25 inch) pad and it's worked without a problem!

[@deezrf]

Have you looked at the sea to summit air chair

[@JustinOutdoors]

I haven't! I'd be too scared to use it with such an expensive sleeping pad, haha

[@KevJC79]

Comfort is key

[@Jake19852]

Leaks?

[@kevinstarski1598]

Somewhat comparable specs to Nemo Tensor...

[@JustinOutdoors]

Very comparable! I'm hoping to test out the Nemo Tensor under field conditions this year to see how they do head-to-head.

[@jonbrown314]

I liked s2s but have started to loose trust in them. Lying about the mates weight is just one example. There sleeping bag ratings have also been a bit suspect and slowly more people have been confirming them to be colder then advertised. The fill weight just don't match the fingers from other manufacturers temp ratings. Even the box baffles are shallow at the seams. Ends up making a less thermally efficient bag. I'm also not surprised they have used a sneaky R value test to boost it's number. It's all done in the name of making the states impressive but if they keep it up s2s will get a bad reputation.

[@mariapazsilvasantibanez5315]

hi there, I was wondering how tall are you and which size is your sleeping pad??

[@JustinOutdoors]

I'm 5ft10 and the pad is a men's size large!

[@mariapazsilvasantibanez5315]

@@JustinOutdoors thanks!! why didn't you go for the regular size? just wondering.

[@JustinOutdoors]

@@mariapazsilvasantibanez5315 I find the large more comfortable for me! With the regular size, I feel like I don't have enough width to toss and turn.

[@gabrielmarias972]

Hi! What widht do you use 55cm or64? Thx

[@JustinOutdoors]

64 all day!

[@gabrielmarias972]

@@JustinOutdoors thanks! Please can you give me the exact weight in Large with the stuff sac? Thanks a lot

[@kathylyon8848]

How much does the women’s weigh?

[@JustinOutdoors]

Depends on the size! seatosummitusa.com/collections/womens-specific-sleeping-mats/products/womens-ether-light-xt-insulated-sleeping-mat

[@scotthunter4]

Hi Justin, do you know how the Ether Lite XT Insulated compares to the Comfort Plus XT Insulated? Both seem very similar expect the Comfort Plus is a dual chamber design and only slightly less thick, and also has a higher R value. www.seatosummit.co.uk/products/sleeping-mats/comfort-plus-xt-insulated-mat/

[@JustinOutdoors]

Hey Scott. Unfortunately I don't know much more than you! I haven't had a chance to get my hands on the Comfort Plus XT.

[@genevievemount4210]

I find it way too noisy, what am I doing wrong?

[@JustinOutdoors]

The material is a bit plasticky sounding. I wear ear plugs 🤘

[@kevingallagher7507]

I find that inflating it until it's quite firm reduces the noise. I'm always worried I'll pop it but it does make it quieter!

[@PyreneesPathfinder]

Will this fit comfortably in the Lanshan 1

[@JustinOutdoors]

It fits in the Lanshan 1, just. It fits a lot better in the Lanshan 1 Pro.

[@PyreneesPathfinder]

It fitted great thanks for your help

[@shanedogaviation]

How is this pad for side sleeping?

[@JustinOutdoors]

Comfiest I've ever used!

[@chainsawversustree]

Grrr it’s a mat not a pad stop saying pad 😳 Anyway I’m buying this Pad,mat, mattress

[@JustinOutdoors]

haha, it's hard enough for me to keep the metric/imperial stuff straight in my head! never mind all the weird terms you brits have for things!