HEAT REFLECTED, COLD REJECTED: THERMAL CORE® INSULATION Forget the old-school "more layers, more warmth" approach—Thermal Core® flips the script on insulation. It's engineered with a high-efficiency fill that doesn't just block cold air—it fights back against heat loss. A built-in infrared reflective film acts like a heat mirror, bouncing your body warmth back at you instead of letting it drift away through convection and internal air currents. The result? Less bulk, more warmth, and a smarter way to defy the cold.
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What is the Sea to Summit Ether Light XR Insulated Regular Sleeping Mat?
The Sea to Summit Ether Light XR is a premium sleeping mat designed for adventurers who want great comfort and insulation. With its Air Sprung Cells and Thermal Core insulation, this mat is perfect for cold-weather camping and multi-day treks where a good night's sleep is essential.
What is it made of?
The Sea to Summit Ether Light XR sleeping mat is made of materials that ensure comfort, durability, and insulation performance.
Insulation: The innovative Thermal Shield construction is the core of its insulation system. This construction integrates a reflective film suspended between the mat's weld points. This reflective layer is crucial in returning radiant body heat to the sleeper, helping to maintain warmth during colder nights by reducing heat loss through radiation.
Additionally, the design minimises internal air movement, which is essential in preventing convective heat transfer—the process by which warmth is lost when air circulates inside the mat.
Outer fabric: The Ether Light XR's outer shell is made of 30D and 40D nylon fabrics, perfectly balancing lightweight portability and durability. The 30D nylon is used in areas where weight-saving is critical, while the slightly thicker 40D nylon adds toughness to sections prone to higher wear and tear. This choice of materials ensures the mat is resistant to abrasions, punctures, and general outdoor use while remaining light enough for backpacking.
To further enhance durability, the mat employs liquid-extruded TPU lamination, providing an airtight bond between the fabric and its insulating layers. Unlike other lamination methods, liquid-extruded TPU is less prone to delamination, significantly extending the mat's life.
In addition, RF (Radio Frequency) welds bond the mat's layers securely together. These welds provide a durable seal and contribute to the mat's overall structural integrity, ensuring that it holds its shape and air pressure during use.
Sea to Summit has incorporated Ultra-Fresh antimicrobial protection into their Ether Light XR sleeping mat, ensuring long-lasting freshness and cleanliness during extended outdoor use. This technology is integrated directly into the mat's materials and works continuously to inhibit the growth of odour-causing bacteria. By preventing bacteria buildup, the mat remains fresher for longer, reducing the need for frequent cleaning and maintenance, even after multiple uses.
What are its features?
The Ether Light XR uses air-sprung cells. These small, interconnected air pockets create a more stable and supportive surface compared to traditional sleeping mats. By distributing the pressure evenly across the mat's surface, Air Sprung Cells allow for a more comfortable sleeping experience, as the mat conforms to the body's natural contours. This design minimises the mat's curvature between the weld points, reducing unnecessary weight while maximising comfort. Additionally, the mat is equipped with TPU loops to improve airflow and maintain structural integrity, further enhancing sleep comfort.
The Sea to Summit Ether Light XR sleeping mat comes with a stuff sack that doubles as a pumpsack, making the inflation process fast and effortless. This design eliminates the need for additional pumps, reducing the overall weight you need to carry and simplifying the setup. By attaching the pumpsack to the mat's valve, users can inflate the mat in just a few efficient compressions, minimising the risk of moisture buildup inside the mat that can occur with mouth inflation. This feature is particularly beneficial in cold or damp environments, where reducing exposure to outside air helps maintain the mat's insulating properties.
The mat is also fitted with a patented X-Press valve, which provides quick and precise control over firmness adjustments. Whether you prefer a firm sleeping surface or a softer one, the X-Press valve allows you to fine-tune the mat's air pressure easily. When it's time to pack up, the same valve enables rapid deflation, saving time and energy when breaking camp.
The Ether Light XR also includes a repair kit, giving you the confidence to handle minor punctures or wear while in the field. The kit is compact and easy to use, ensuring that even in remote locations, you're prepared to make quick repairs and keep your mat in service.
This Sea to Summit Ether Light XR sleeping mat comes in a regular size, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of users. With dimensions that provide ample space for comfortable sleeping, the regular size offers a perfect balance between coverage and packability. Measuring 183cm in length and 55cm in width, it suits most campers and backpackers without taking up excessive space in your pack. Despite its generous dimensions, the mat remains lightweight and highly compressible, ensuring it fits easily into the included stuff sack for convenient transport. This regular size offers enough room for side sleepers, back sleepers, and those who toss and turn during the night while still maintaining a compact and lightweight design that doesn't compromise on portability or comfort.
Features:
- Air Sprung Cells for enhanced sleep comfort
- Thermal Core Insulation reflects infra-red radiation
- Liquid-extruded TPU lamination for durability
- TPU loops for extra stability and durability
- Reflective film prevents convective heat transfer
- X-Press valve for easy inflation and deflation
- Ultra-Fresh antimicrobial protection
- Includes stuff sack and repair kit
R-VALUE of SEA TO SUMMIT ETHER LT XR With an R-value of 4.1, the Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated XR hits the sweet spot for true four-season versatility. It offers reliable thermal insulation that shields you from the cold ground, making it suitable for cool spring and autumn nights and winter adventures. This level of R-value ensures you stay warm when temperatures drop without the bulk and weight typically associated with high-insulation pads.
ETHER LIGHT XR VS ETHER LIGHT XR PRO With an impressive R-value leap from 4.1 in the Ether Light XR to a whopping 7.4 in the Ether Light XR Pro, the difference in warmth is serious. While the XR offers solid insulation for cold weather use, the XR Pro is built to take on true winter conditions, delivering high-performance thermal protection even in sub-zero temperatures. ETHER LIGHT XR VS ETHER LIGHT XR PRO PRODUCT COMPARISON FIND YOUR PERFECT FIT Fancy a regular or long shape? Do you prefer a tapered mummy cut for weight savings or a rectangular shape for extra wiggle room? The Ether Light XR pads come in various sizes and shapes to suit your body type and sleeping style. Compare the options, think about how and where you'll use your pad—and make a choice that sets you up for your most comfortable nights outdoors. COMPARE ETHER LIGHT XR DIFFERENT MODELS FAQ
What temperatures is the Ether Light XR suitable for?
With an R-value of 4.1, it performs well in year-round conditions, including cold weather down to around -10°C (14°F) when paired with the right sleep system.
Is the Ether Light XR a true four-season mat?
Yes, it’s considered suitable for four-season use, though extreme winter conditions may call for the XR Pro version with a higher R-value.
How thick is the Ether Light XR?
The mat is 10 cm (4 inches) thick, offering plush cushioning that’s especially appreciated by side sleepers.
How noisy is it at night?
It’s quieter than many ultralight pads, thanks to its Air Sprung Cell construction and soft fabric design.
How durable is the Ether Light XR?
Constructed from 30D/40D nylon with TPU lamination, it’s durable for regular backcountry use. A repair kit is included for added peace of mind.
How compact is it when packed?
It packs down to the size of a 1L water bottle, making it highly packable for lightweight adventures.
Does it come with a pump?
Yes, the stuff sack doubles as a pump sack, allowing for quick and hygienic inflation.
Is it easy to inflate and deflate?
Yes, it uses Sea to Summit’s high-flow multi-function valve for fast inflation, adjustment, and deflation.
Can I use it with any sleeping bag or pad system?
Absolutely. It’s compatible with any sleeping bag or sleep setup you already have.