The Sea to Summit Comfort Plus XT Insulated Sleeping Pad is an advanced 2-layer construction with a high R-value, built in two sizes, compact and reliable.
Key features & benefits
- Rectangular air pad.
- Unique design.
- Two sizes.
- Insulated.
- 2 Layers of XT Air-Sprung Cells.
- High R value.
- PillowLock.
- Compact.
- Airstream Pump sack.
What is in the name
In fact, the name doesn’t tell you, but this is an inflatable or air pad. The letters XT should indicate that this is an extra-thick pad, at least for such a type. About the words Comfort Plus, I shall say a bit more below.
They build the pad in two sizes, and you have the dimensions shown in the picture below. So you realize that neither the RW nor L version is really very wide, but this is OK. However, the difference in the length is substantial.
Extra thick?
Is it extra thick as they say in their description? Well, both are 3 inches (7.6 cm) thick. So I would not call it extra thick, they have their Ether Light XT Extreme Insulated Air Sleeping Mat which is much thicker.
However, here you have a very unique construction that compensates for more thickness. The pad has 2 layers of their interconnected Air-Sprung Cells. This is supposed to provide i) unparalleled support, and ii) redundancy in case of damage to 1 layer. The picture below shows the cross-section through its two layers.
On the other hand, these Air-Sprung Cells adapt to your body locally, without much effects on the surrounding cells. So the structure is very stable and without bouncing.
Each of the Air-Sprung Cells may look soft and not supportive enough under a localized pressure. But no worry, when you lay down you will realize how well it works. The body weight is dispersed nicely and you will have the pad that molds to your body shape.
Insulation
There are two components here. The Exkin Platinum insulation reflects your radiant heat back to you, and the Thermolite HL-1 synthetic insulation prevents convective heat loss.
The Thermolite HL-1 is used in Sea to Summit sleeping bags, sleeping bag liners and sleeping mats. The letters HL mean ‘high loft’. So this is a fiberfill constructed with a unique 3D crimp of hollow-core and solid fibers. As a result, you have an excellent lightweight warmth with a superior durability.
The insulation lofts up inside the mentioned Air Sprung Cells and this prevents convective heat loss from your body to the cold ground.
The result is a very good R-value of 4.7. This is a reliable and laboratory-tested R-value, this brand has accepted the industry standard ASTM F3340-18 since January 2020.
Note that there are other factors which will determine how well a sleeping mat insulates you, but this is the most reliable that you can have.
The fabric & construction
The words Comfort Plus imply a series of mats with an internal layer of 40-denier nylon dividing the mat into an upper and a lower chamber.
The cross section given previously shows that the welds of the lower and upper cells are offset throughout the entire mat. As a result, you have the greatest possible support and insulation, note that there are no parts without insulation (cold spots).
On a uneven terrain the bottom layer can be inflated to a higher pressure as a barrier. But the upper layer can be fine tuned for comfort and softness. I mentioned already the built-in redundancy, so even if one layer gets punctured, you can still get through the night with the other layer of the mattress intact.
Such a dual layer construction is perfect for ultimate comfort and insulation, but the price is that you have a few ounces more (the weight is discussed below).
The valves
There are two multifunction valves on the pad for the two separate layers. So you can inflate, fine tune, and deflate very quickly. So each of the valves can be used for both inflation and deflation, and for a fine tuning as well.
Note that you have a carry sack that doubles as what they call the Airstream pump. With this you can have the pad ready in a couple of minutes and with ease.
Other details
The pad is is quiet, this is important for some sensitive users. But this may be dependent also on the material that is under the pad, just to know.
You also have their PillowLock design, several siliconized sections that prevents your Sea to Summit Aeros pillow from slipping (pillow not included). They are visible through the pillow in the picture below.
Please see more in this short video:
Who is it for
Regarding the insulation, you have seen its R-value, and this is a reliable number. So the pad is good enough for year round use in almost any weather conditions.
Regarding the size & packed size, it is good that they offer two sizes, but this is typical for Sea to Summit. So if you carry it on the trail, you can still choose the smaller one to avoid unnecessary weight.
The RW version is long enough for most of users, it measures 72 x 25 inches (186 x 63.5 cm). But if you are a tall person you will have to carry more weight.
The packed size for the RW option is remarkable, only (L x D) 11 x 5.6 inches (28 x 14 cm). So no matter how you transport this pad, it will not take much space.
Regarding the weight, they describe it as a camping pad, and its weight is 2 lb 10 oz (1185 g). This is still light enough to be carried on the trail if necessary, but there are lighter options, you can see them in my list of ultralight sleeping pads for backpacking.
So if it is designed primarily as a camping pad, they could have made it wider, and perhaps even thicker. In view of its parameters, somehow, I miss to see its best use.
Regarding the price, it is quite steep, but here you have a truly advanced product and a great brand behind it.
Specifications
- Type: insulated air pad.
- Sizes: RW, L.
- Weight:
– RW: 2 lb 10 oz (1185 g).
– L: 2 lb 14.4 oz (1295 g). - Dimensions (L x W):
– RW: 72 x 25 in (186 x 63.5 cm).
– L: 79.5 x 26 in (202 x 66 cm). - Thickness: 3 in (7.6 cm).
- R-value: 4.7.
- Packed size (L x D):
– RW: 11 x 5.6 in (28 x 14 cm).
– L: 11 x 6 in (28 x 15 cm). - Repair kit included.
- Stuff sack.
Final thoughts & rating
In summary, this Sea to Summit Comfort Plus XT Insulated Sleeping Pad is yet another excellent product of this renown brand. It is unique with its two-layer design and there is lots of advanced technology here.
It is a bit heavy for the trail, but on the other hand it is not really extra wide for a camping pad. I see it in between the two worlds. In any case, fully recommended if you can afford it.
Below you can see how I rate it against my usual rating criteria, so that you can easily compare it with some other products of this type here in the site:
Sea to Summit Comfort Plus XT Insulated Sleeping Pad
Pros
- Unique construction.
- 2 Layers for redundancy.
- Stuff sack doubles as a pump.
- For all seasons.
Cons
- A bit heavy for the trail.
- Expensive.
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Gareth Mulreid says
Weight
3
Comfort & features
10
R-value
10
Packed size
4
I went out recently winter camping with this mat and it was toasty warm. Its the most comfortable sleeping mat I own (and I own a lot – Nemo Tensor, Therarest X-lite, BA Rapide SL, BA Q-Core Deluxe, Neoair Topo Luxe and Klymit Double V). The dual layers provide good redundancy meaning you don’t really need a closed cell foam mat. It’s honestly like sleeping in your bed at home. It also seems wider than a usual wide pad, Its oversized for sure (I have it in a large). Bad points are the weight, its 1.3kg and its pretty bulky but Its still my go to winter camping mat regardless.
Jovo says
Thank you so much for this comment, it is of a great value for readers. I must say you have an incredible collection of pads, these are among the best on the market.