The Ether Light XT Extreme Insulated Air Sleeping Mat is extra thick, extra stable, and very warm backpacking and mountaineering sleeping pad suitable for all seasons and weather conditions.
Key features & benefits
- Inflatable.
- 4 Different sizes & shapes.
- Very thick pad.
- Very stable with air-sprung design.
- PillowLock system.
- Insulated.
- High R-value.
What is in the name
As mentioned in the key features above, this is an inflatable sleeping pad, this is behind the word Air in the name.
You have 4 different shapes and sizes, mummy and rectangular, and they are all shown below. This is very convenient as it allows you to choose what fits you best and to avoid unnecessary bulk and weight in the pack.
Note that they officially have separate pads for women with a bit different parameters and R-value.
The pad is quite thick for a backpacking item, the thickness of all versions is 4 inches (10 cm). So this is thick enough for any type of sleepers, no matter if you sleep on the side, on the stomach, or on the back.
Multi-function valve
The pad is equipped with a low-profile valve, and this is a patent-pending multi-function valve developed by this brand. It integrates i) an inflate port with a one-way valve to prevent air loss before you seal the valve, ii) a rapid air dump deflate port, and iii) a fine tune button to adjust for comfort. This all is in one compact, low profile unit shown in the pictures below.
Very stable
The pad comes with Sea to Summit’s Air Sprung Cells, the cross-section of the pad is shown below. Each Air Sprung Cell reacts on the pressure independently. This allows the mat to conform to your body shape, and it also provides support and comfort by more evenly dispersing pressure across the mat’s surface, and bouncing is reduced to minimum.
This extra thick design (hence the letters XT in its name) is achieved by many TPU loops that are used to connect the top and bottom fabric layers to the Air Sprung Cell dot weld pattern.
With these loops, the top and bottom layers are positioned further apart, and this creates larger pockets of air when inflated. This improves comfort and reduces weight.
Insulation & materials
The pad comes with dual-density layers of synthetic THERMOLITE insulation that acts together with the Air Sprung Cells to prevent convective heat loss and internal air movement. So you have a pad for true four-season performance. This makes it different from their other pad with a similar name, the Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Mat, so do not mix them.
The official R-value is large 6.2. From what I have seen on their site, they write also about a version for women with the R-value of 6.3. Note that this is based on the ASTM F3340-18 R-values. Their mats are independently tested at a laboratory to precisely controlled standards.
They use a durable 30D/40D nylon face fabrics that are quieter than many other lightweight fabrics. This material also provides grip that keeps you on the pad during the night.
PillowLock system
This is a feature that works with a Sea to Summit pillow (that should be ordered separately. This includes hook-and-loop fastener patches so that the pillow is fixed in place.
Please see more about this feature in this video:
Airstream Pump Sack
The included stuff sack doubles as a pump sack. This makes inflation easy and keeps potentially destructive moisture out of the interior of the pad.
Who is this Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Extreme Insulated pad for
Regarding the insulation, you have already seen, the pad is for all seasons and climates. I have included it in my list of best cold weather sleeping pads.
Regarding the weight, with 25.4 oz (720 g) for the mummy-R version, this is a very light pad. But it is true that there are even lighter options on the market. See this Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm Ultralight Backpacking Air Mattress to see what I mean. So it is not included in my list of ultralight sleeping pads for backpacking.
Regarding the packed size, it is also in the group of very compact sleeping pads. The mummy-R version measures 9.4 x 6.9 inches (24 x 17.5 cm). So this is indeed a pad suitable even for backpackers.
Regarding the size & thickness, you have already seen that there are several sizes to choose from, for short and for tall users. The thickness is such that it is suitable for everybody.
Specifications:
- Weight:
– Mummy-R: 25.4 oz (720 g).
– Mummy-L: 33.5 oz (950 g).
– Rectangular-W: 33.5 oz (950 g).
– Rectangular-L: 37 oz (1050 g). - Dimensions:
– Mummy-R: 72 x 21.7 in (183 x 55 cm).
– Mummy-L: 78 x 25.2 in (198 x 64 cm).
– Rectangular-W: 72.1 x 25.2 in (183 x 64 cm).
– Rectangular-L: 79.1 x 25.2 in (201 x 64 cm). - R-value: 6.2.
- Thickness: 4 in (10 cm).
- Insulation: synthetic.
- Packed size (L x D):
– Mummy-R: 9.4 x 6.9 in (24 x 17.5 cm).
– Mummy-L: 11 x 7.3 in (28 x 18.5 cm).
– Rectangular-W: 11 x 7.3 in (28 x 18.5 cm).
– Rectangular-L: 11 x 7.3 in (28 x 18.5 cm). - Stuff sack/pump weight: 2.2 oz (62 g).
Final words, rating, pros & cons
In summary, this Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Extreme Insulated Air Sleeping Mat with an R-value of over 6 provides high level of insulation even in extreme cold conditions. It is very light and compact, and its 4 inches (10 cm) thickness makes it suitable for all users. I have included it in my lit of best inflatable sleeping pads. Fully recommended.
Please see how I rate this pad, I take the mummy-R version as the representative:
Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Extreme Insulated Air Sleeping Mat
Pros
- Stable.
- Comfortable.
- Quiet.
- Thick.
- Insulated.
Cons
- Expensive.
BEST PLACEs TO BUY
For more options please check under the category Sleeping Pads. Compare this pad with their Sea to Summit Ultralight SI Sleeping Pad which is even lighter. But see also their Sea to Summit Comfort Plus XT Insulated Sleeping Pad which is a unique 2-layer structure.
Let me know if you have questions or comments, there is a comment box below. Thank you for reading and have a nice day.
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