Sea to Summit Camp Plus vs Sea to Summit Comfort Plus SI Pad

Sea to Summit Camp Plus SI Pad and Sea to Summit Comfort Plus SI Pad look almost identical, when you see one you have seen both. But not so visible differences related to the shell fabric make them very different. This is discussed here in detail.

Why this comparison?

As mentioned above, the pads look practically the same and people get confused. I had a question related to this exact issue in my YouTube video. The person could not figure out what makes the difference.

In my another text, I have already discussed the most important aspects of the woven and stretch-knit fabrics when combined with a TPU laminate as in these two pads. This text is a true base for my formal comparison of the pads in the present post, plus the fact that I have tested the Sea to Summit Camp Plus pad in the mountains.

Note that both pads are made in several different sizes and shapes. But for the purpose of comparison, here I take the same regular-wide (RW) version which I own myself. Its dimensions are 183 x 64 cm (72 x 25 in).

In the table below you can see the most important numbers and features:

 

As you see, the differences in weight and packed size are not big. But they may be important if you plan to carry the pad on a tour. I do carry my Sea to Summit Camp Plus SI Pad and you can see in in my text about testing in the mountains.

The R-value difference is not worth mentioning. In fact, both pads have exactly the same foam thickness inside.

Regarding the pad thickness, according to the statement from the brand this is because of the following: The woven fabric of the Camp Plus pad compresses the foam to a slightly greater degree, and this makes the Camp Plus as being slightly thinner.

However, the Sea to Summit Comfort Plus SI Pad is almost twice more expensive. I do not see any reason for such a big price difference. It makes no sense to me. 

My rating

You have seen already about the differences. But to better understand my rating, it is essential to know about several important facts related to the fabric, as described in my mentioned separate text about TPU laminate on woven and stretch knit materials.

In the table below, I give + to the pad which is better for the corresponding feature in the first column on the left.

 

Weight: You have already seen the official numbers as provided by the brand. The difference is due to fabric.

As discussed in my mentioned text, the knitted fabric is heavier itself. When a TPU laminate is applied to it, it may be less regular regarding its thickness, so the weight may be increased a bit. 

Packed size: Here again, the small difference is due to fabric features. The knitted material is bulkier in general. 

But I must add, from my own measurement the packed size of the Sea to Summit Camp Plus Self-Inflating Mat is better, (L x D) 13.8 x 7.1 inches (35 x 18 cm). 

Comfort: They write the following: “The stretch knit is generally perceived as being more luxurious; it is cooler to the touch in warm weather and warmer in cool weather (much as a flannel bedsheet would be).” 

This is what makes the Comfort Plus SI pad with its fabric more comfortable. Is this really important? Perhaps yes if you sleep directly on the pad, but most people will sleep in a sleeping bag and will not feel the difference.

Thickness: You have already seen above what makes the small thickness difference. Therefore, the difference is both small and also not important in terms of actual pad’s support.

Durability and reliability: These are the most important features here, both related to the fabric type combined with the laminate. I have discussed this in detail in my previous text.

The Sea to Summit Camp Plus SI Pad wins big time here.

I have seen some people complaining about micro-leaks that they have experienced with their Comfort Plus SI pad. There is no doubt that a TPU laminate is far more stable and more durable on a woven fabric than on a stretch-knit fabric.

The same holds for the tapes applied to seams, they typically hold better on a woven fabric.

Price: Here again the Sea to Summit Camp Plus SI Pad is a clear winner. If you follow the links below you will see the updated prices and you can compare.

• Sea to Summit Camp Plus SI Pad: Sea to Summit, REI, Amazon.
• Sea to Summit Comfort Plus SI Pad: Sea to Summit, Amazon.

Conclusion

Here is a video by the brand about the Sea to Summit Camp Plus SI Pad, please have a look:

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