The Sea-to-Summit Ether Light XR Insulated Sleeping Pad is a lightweight, inflatable sleeping pad that is 3.9″ thick and features air-sprung cells for maximum comfort, making it far more comfortable than sleeping pads with horizontal baffles. Weighing 16.6 oz (in a mummy shape), it has a durable flat inflation valve and is easy to inflate by mouth or with the included pump sack.

• Weight: 16.6 oz (regular 72″ mummy)
• R-value: 4.1
• Type: Inflatable
• Dimensions: 72″ x 21.2″ (25″ widths, and 66″ short and 78″ long lengths, also available)
• Thickness: 3.9″ (10 cm)
• Insulation: Reflective platinum layer and synthetic insulation
• Antimicrobial treatment: Yes
• Included insulation sack: Yes
• Materials: 30d / 40d nylon
• Pros: Sprung cell design is very comfortable, includes a pillow attachment system
• Cons: Heavier than ultralight inflatable sleeping pads

The Ether Light XR Insulated replaces the former Ether Light XT Insulated Sleeping Pad (still available in clearance). I’ve been using the Ether Light XT for the past 5 years, and it is by far the most comfortable inflatable sleeping pad I own. As a side sleeper, I slept incredibly well on the Ether Light because its air-sprung cells adapted to the shape of my body and limbs. The new Ether Light XR uses the same air-sprung cell design, which mimics the feel of a spring mattress. But it has a higher R-value and folds up much thinner and smaller than the previous generation XT. Size matters with inflatable sleeping pads, as they can consume a lot of pack volume.

The surface of the Ether Light XR minics a spring mattress providing superior comfort

Air Sprung Cells

The sleeping surface of the Insulated Ether Light XR is made up of air-sprung cells, which mimic a pocket spring mattress so that the surface of the pad conforms to your body shape regardless of whether you sleep on your back or on your side. This helps keep you on the pad at night, without the need for extra side-rails to keep you from rolling off.

The Ether Light XR Insulated ASC rolls up much thinner and smaller than its predecessor, the Ether Light XT

At a full 3.9″ thick, the added comfort of a thick pad and the air-sprung cells is so worth it, especially on multi-day trips when sleeping well is essential. The Ether Light is also insulated with synthetic fibers and not just a reflective foil layer, making it a much quieter pad to sleep on. Despite being warmer (with a higher R-value), the Ether Light XR Insulated Sleeping Pad is substantially thinner than its predecessor and is only slightly larger than a 1L Nalgene bottle when packed.

Flat Valve and Pump Sack

The Ether Light pad comes with its pump sack for ease of inflation. It mates to the pad’s flat valve, a three-way valve: one for inflating the pad, with an integrated nipple to release air for more comfort, and a closed cap to completely close the valve. If you lift both caps to deflate the pad, the air rushes out of the big valve hole, so you don’t have to spend time evacuating the air or roll the pad up multiple times to force it all out. Flat valves are also much more durable than stick valves since they don’t require a screw-type lock and roll-up flat.

Sea-to-summit’s pillow attachment system will keep your pillow on the pad all night.

Pillow Attachment

I’ve never been one for backpacking pillows, but the Pillow-Lock attachment system that comes with the Ether Light XR is a game-changer. The Ether Light XR comes with four velcro pads that you can stick to the top of the pad. These hold a Sea-to-Summit pillow in place so it doesn’t move off the pad at night. It greatly enhances my sleep experience and comfort. I use a 2.5 oz Sea-to-Summit Aeros Down Pillow, but the pillow-lock system works with any of (and only with) Sea-to-Summit’s inflatable pillows.

Recommendation

The Sea-to-Summit Insulated Ether Light XR air mattress is a super comfortable sleeping pad with air-spring cells that mimic a spring mattress. At 3.9 inches thick, it conforms to your body and keeps you on the pad all night, whether you’re a back or side sleeper. A flat valve and durable exterior fabric increase durability and reliability, while an R-value of 4.1 is ideal for 3+ season backpacking and camping. Highly recommended!

Disclosure: Sea-to-Summit donated a pad for review.

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