A New King Of Sleeping Pads?! Nemo Tensor vs Sea To Summit Ether Light XT 

YES! I've been waiting for this video forever! I felt like I was in an ASMR video during the noise section but you highlighted probably the biggest downfall of the Ether Light XT for a lot of people. But it's the only pad I've ever used where I sleep through the night without waking up to adjust - so comfortable. AGREED on the pillow lock system. The velcro also messed up my girlfriend sleeping bag when she put her pillow in her sleeping bag good due to the velcro grabbing at it.

Awesome review! Will have to check out the Ether Light XT! Thanks for sharing!

I went from a Thermarest to the Nemo Tensor wide and couldn't be happier. I clock in at 110kg and my sleep quality is fantastic. I have a Sea to Summit Ascent II Sleeping bag for a really cosy set up.

Awesome video. Like most others I have spent a lot of time researching and trying out the right sleeping pad for me. I purchased the nemo Alpine which is awesome and have defiantly considered the ether light XT. When I did my evaluation the nemo seemed to better on size and pack weight. I would really like to give the ether a go, just can’t justify having any more pads.

Nice, good to see a review that includes a pad other than the tensor, it's mostly sold out everywhere so options are a must!

I have a little different viewpoint. I just bought the STS Ether Light XT Women's to use on my futon. I was hit with a very bad case of sciatica and have pretty much spent the last 5 weeks laying down on my left side. But this "4-inches-of-air" pad is keeping pressure off my hip/leg! I slept well last night, no noise, can actually sit up with little to no pain! It's so comfortable! And I don't think it's noisy at all. I was concerned from reviews I read. Maybe because I'm a quiet sleeper and don't wiggle around?? At any rate, for anyone with back problems, you might want to consider this for pressure relief. Can't speak to the camping aspects but I know I'm not alone in back issues and pain. Its a great pad in my opinion. Glad I didn't have to shop around. Got the right pad on the first go!

Thanks for this! It helped me finally decide on which mat to buy after weeks of deliberation. I ended up getting the Sea To Summit Ether Light XT and have not been disappointed!

Way to go Devin. At least someone who agrees with my pad of choice. I am 6 '4" and the 4 inch pad makes a significant difference.

Finally someone talks about fabric finish for quilt sleepers.

Always great vids! For whatever it's worth, I have the new tensor and the old one (which had synthetic fill inside) and the old one molded pretty bad when I used my breath to blow it up. Not sure if that will happen on the sea to summit, but just thought I'd share. I use pump sacks now and the weight is totally worth it. Cheers!

I don't like single use items so bought the Exped Schnozzel pumpbag that doubles as a dry bag. The connection is a little looser to the Nemo pad, but it works.

I purchased the women’s regular s2s xt after trying to find any available stock of the nemo tensor (due to not living in the us). So glad I struggled because that guided me to this glorious pad! Even the 20 inch is super comfy for a side sleeper, I highly recommend

So glad the Ether Light is getting some more love. It’s the unsung king of inflatable pads. After a ton of research, I’ve only ever used that pad and no other. Well worth the extra weight and size for much better sleep, especially I’m a 6ft2 big side-sleeper guy.

Having gone from a closed cell foam to inflatable. I noticed a night and day difference. My Thermarest all season was my go to sleeping pad. But just recently on the last two trips I've noticed pressure points at my shoulders and hips(being a side sleeper). I usually fully inflate the thermarest, but lately I have maxed it out then let a little air out. I hoped it would make the pad a little softer. But it did not correct the problem. Honestly I do not see the Ether light being any noisier that my Thermarest. As a backpacker in his sixties I want to stay in the game. I have quite a few trails ahead of me yet. So investing in my sleep is very important. Your video is well timed for my situation. I will be looking for the Sea to Summit. Thanks

For your Velcro problem. Buy Velcro from home improvement store, and cut opposing pieces. Peal sticky back and adhere to a comfortable fabric. Then stick to exposed Velcro on sleeping mat. That way, only the comfortable fabric is exposed creating a non stick surface. And if you ever use the proprietary pillow, simply remove your Velcro strips.

I am your 1000th like. 👍🏼 Very useful film, I’m sold on the Nemo Tensor, thanks and best wishes from Scotland.

Great video. Thanks for the excellent comparison. Looking at one to buy. Would lie to know your stove tent setup in video. You take all that hiking ?? Or just out of your truck ??

Have both pads love the Ether Light. If you want the ultimate sleep experience get the Goose Feet Gear down pillow. I use the medium with 5oz of fill which weights 6.5oz. It has a pocket that allows you to slip in your puffy or a light weight air pillow. Big Sky International makes one that weights 1.5oz that works good. If you stuff your puffy as well as air pillow inside it is more comfortable than your pillow at home and almost the same size but compresses well.

I have the Nemo Alpine and the Sea to Summit Ether light and I find the Nemo to be more comfortable even though it’s an inch thinner. It also packs down just as small. The Nemo might be a bit smaller. Considering the Nemo is a winter pad and the Ether is a summer pad I’d say it’s a win for Nemo.

I watch all your videos, this is another excellent in depth review.

Haha. My wife got the STS women's version earlier this year and I got the Tensor because of the hype for both. They both feel like luxurious pads and both upgrades to our respective NeoAirs. That said, I am probably still taking my NeoAir to the Wind Rivers this week. It's still pretty comfortable for a few ounces less weight. Also found out last night that the Nemo Vortex pump bag works really well on the old style NeoAir valves. All this from a guy who also finds Klymit Static V to be very comfortable because I don't don't bottom out on those either except when sitting up on it.

Still using an Xlite, the older versions are noisy for sure but never had an issue with mine which was made just before the valve upgrade. I find it very comfortable but my only comparison is the original venture and the second generation ventures that I got for my sons. Only negatives I can add about it are that the aluminized mylar breaks down easily and you can see where the metallic coating has worn away when you shin a light on it. And I just had to ship it off today as it developed a bubble on on of the baffles :-( so I'll be back to my trusty venture util they get back to me. Part of me wants to try a 25" pad even though I have zero issues staying on a 20" pad as a side sleeper.

This video sold me! I'm looking forward to receiving my Ether Light XL Large version next week. Can't wait.

Great video! The tensor and xlite get a lot of love online elsewhere so it’s nice to see this review on the ether light. I recently found out that if the S2S pump sack is turned inside out, the smaller inner nozzle will fit and inflate the S2S pillows. Slightly embarrassed that I did not know that. LOL.

Very nice review. 👌. Will probably go with the Nemo. Ty

Yep that makes you and (I can see Justin's comment) Justin Outdoors now big fans of the S2S Ether Light XT! I ultimately went with the Nemo Tensor b/c of the value and black friday deal I got, also b/c S2S is almost always out of stock. They lost my business that day but I'm def going to take a look at their non-insulated version now for the warmer nights. I love the Tensor but hearing how much more comfortable the S2S version is...I gotta check it out! Thanks for the review!

I am looking for the most quiet, most comfortable sleeping pad to sleep in my Prius. Any recommendations? Ty!!!

Bought the Ether Light XT in March and I truly sleep like a good baby. I'm 6'1 and weigh 225ish...and no issues with support. I did "fight" with the pillow for a while. It was always moving around or slipping out from under me. Then I finally used those velcro-like stickers which secured my pillow....WOW...what a difference this made.

I have an alpine tensor. Weight is 17 ounces and it has a better R value than the Sea to Summit. I have used it for many nights in very cold temps, down to 10 degrees and sleep great. It is comfortable enough for me. Packs down small with the pump and everything takes up very little room in my pack.

Greeting from Hong Kong, great video and thanks for your sharing,

Using the Nemo Tensor long/wide for motorcycle and backpacking/bikepacking trips, and it's the only pad I've ever owned that doesn't wake me up at night with crinkling etc. I don't find myself backpacking in sub 20 degree temps, so not sure if the added R-value of the Ether Light would be worth it.

I love my Nemo tensor. Have been looking for the STS, but I don't think that the extra bulk and weight is worth buying it as well. The tensor is already so comfortable.

The timing of this video was spot on! I've literally been doing research the last couple days trying to decide which pad to buy. I'm curious though to what degree the STS pad is more comfortable than the Nemo pad? Like if the STS is a 9 out of 10 for comfort, would the Nemo be super close behind at an 8? Or more like a 6 or 7? Just curious where they both fall on the comfort scale?

If you could have one for use for car camping and backpacking. Tensor V2? Ether light XT Insulated? or Quasar 3D? I can't decide.

Thanks for the vid. I think you need to cover inflation devices/choices some time. The Flextail is nice.

Thanks for the video!!!

Nice video! I use EtherLight XT Insulated in combination with a simple "close cell foam" sleeping pad. Work very well for me.

What pump are you using towards the beginning of the video? Looks very convenient.

I have both these pads and definitely prefer the Sea to Summit. However I'm not a fan of the pump sack. Its OK however the Exped pump sack can also be used without blowing at all. I agree the nemo pump sack is better than the sea to summit, but it still requires a small blow to open it. I found I still therefore gets a little moisture in there. The large mouthed, full width air sacks can be used as dry bags and with the right technique can fill the matt very quickly with zero blowing.

went with the ether light & loving it ever since

May have to give it a try. I like the lager rectangle pads for ground sleeping

Bought ether light xt xtreme, I'm super happy

Gee thanks, Devin, my Tensor just arrived today-now I guess I'm already planning my next pad haha

The pillow lock system is awesome.

Nice video! The fabric noise perhaps results from Nemo using polyester and STS using nylon. IMO: Air pads and cooking systems are the two most frustrating BP categories! Everything else seems to work itself out. I'm currently A/B-ing the Tensor and STS' ULTRALIGHT INSULATED AIR SLEEPING MAT, not the Ether. I ordered one of each from REI. At first glance, the Tensor would be the winner. At 3" vs. 2" that's a no-brainer. And you can get a full rectangular pad where STS only offers a mummy. I've done two things so far: 1) I looked at their websites. THE SINGLE DEAL BREAKER for me is pad failure. I just returned a UL Therm-a-rest, leaked out of the box. And I don't mean me poking a hole in it, I mean mfgr defects, bad fabrics, sealing issues, valve issues, coating issues. On their websites: Nemo has a lot of bad reviews regarding pad failure; STS does not. 2) I emailed both companies asking about field repairs. Nemo's response was really stupid: "we don't sell repair kits." I responded with another question, no reply. STS: Very intelligent response and pad comes with self-stick patches. Nice, bc I don't want to fool with liquid cement out in the field. STS is 30D nylon on top, 40D nylon on bottom. Tensor is 20D polyester throughout. You can research what you think is best. Upcoming: My plan is to inflate both pads, bounce on them at home, sleep on them for a couple nights. Then return the one that makes me less happy. I want to like the Tensor but I'm afraid the UL hoopla has driven some manufacturers to lighten products too much. I've been watching this issue since the Ray Jardine days. Prior to 2000, everybody wanted "bomb-proof," mil-spec stuff. Today, the outcry is for UL - and then everyone complains when their stove blows up or their pad goes flat. Okay so, happy camping!

The STS pad is the one that I've kept my eye on and have planned to get! Thinking about getting the women's version. And now I've realized I've been thinking about this for almost 2 years now. hahaha

Of topic but what kind of tent was that that you were running a stove in?

4:20 FINALLY, someone does a sound comparison!! Thank you!

Have you used the sea to summit comfort plus?

For those with the Nemo tensor , what’s the lowest you’ve slept in temp wise? I’m looking at buying one . I’ve got a 20 degree quilt , won’t be going much below 20 degrees

I have the Cheapo Stay Awake Pad. Works great!

I ordered the Etherlight based on many great reviews. I immediately hated it. To me it felt like laying on a rubbery squeaky pool toy. So on my next trip to REI, I took the time to try all the higher-end models and left with the Tensor. It seemed to have the best combination of weight, comfort, fabric noise and stability. It really pays to try before you buy...if you're able.

what pump where you using on the sea to summit?

Between your and Justin's review along with a good endorsement from Philip of Sectionhiker, I chose the S2S. Thank you.

I am going between the Sea to Summit vs the Nemo Quasar. What are your thoughts on the 2 of them? Thanks.

I am using a TaR Uberlite and a S2S Etherlight XT - both in the large mummy version...the Etherlight is WAY more comfortable in my opinion. I only use the Uberlite when I need the smallest volume (not weight) possible - which is in a Bikepacking setup. Otherwise I'd always go for the S2S.

I got the women's large Ether Lite for the extra R-value. It's comfy but squeaky af! Wanted the Nemo Tensor but couldn't be found in Europe when I was looking.

Great comparison! I don't like monopolies so it's good to see a competitor move in!!

Durability too…think the StS has the Nemo beat. Had a very hard to find pinhole in my tensor and I baby my gear. Am worried that will become an issue based on all the reviews I have read. Think I will have more confidence in my StS ether pad. Also wondering how a zenbivy sleep system would improve the ether. Going to maybe invest in that one next season.

My buddy just picked up the Ether Light XT Extreme. He loves it.

What gadget did you use to fill it up with air?

I have the women's Ether Light XT, but can't figure out if I'm actually sleeping better or not vs my EXPED. I feel like I sleep well on both so not sure if I should return the S2S since it was expensive. Is it just field testing over a certain period of time? Or would I notice right away the sleep is better?

I got the Ether light XT extreme, and it shows an R value of 6.2. Is this correct or have I a different pad? Also I've only used it once so far and indeed found it very rubbery and loud in my tent (Nemo dragonfly).. However, if you put a blanket underneath it that helps a lot. Still undecided about it, it's super comfortable but loud and bulky.

I'm all for comfort but the noise would drive me nuts as I'm a very light sleeper! I'm going with the NEMO Tensor Regular Wide since I'm a side sleeper and heard they were the best for people who sleep mostly on their sides.

These are the pads I'm looking at. Idk what to get? Both! Why is it so hard to decide? A couple ounces here, a few dollars there, less or more noise.

That Sea To Summit is looking good!

Greeting from Hong Kong, thanks for your review. Btw, Ether Light is my favourite, I don't mean Tensor is not good

Is there a non insulated STS version? I need something cool for summer. Yes the ExPed sack is a bit of a pain. Shnozzle.

Sea to summit etherlite xt Rectangular reg wide is a dream! Its awesome! Was soo tired of slow inflation, so tired of 20" inch wide pads where you can roll off or your arms fall off the sides. Pads that were only 1"-2" inches thick! 4" inches with the etherlite! 25" inch wide in reg wide and long versions. Warm too with the slight insulation. Can buy the etherlite xt extreme if you need more warmth R-value. The integrated pump sack is the best ive ever used! Night and day compared to the trekology UL 80 i was using. Although that is a great budget pad! Cost is the only down fall with the etherlite but its worth every penny! Hike on!

I really enjoy my Ether lite ! Very comfortable !

Can you just flip the ether light around to avoid the Velcro?

Talking only about the EtherLight XT "insulated" (but that would even more applies to the non insulated) : although they claim 3.2 r-value many people reported that it feels colder than it should... and 3.2 isn't a lot to begin with.. If you rarely camp a 30°F/0°C I bet this ain't a big issue. Another cons is the 10cm/4inch height, you could start touching the wall depending depending your shelter style.

Hey bro what are those shoes? The gray with black laces... what ARE THOOOSE???

I really wish I could create my own sleeping pad that combined features I like from 3 sleeping pads: I want the shape and the baffles and the valve from the Sea to Summit, the soft fabric from the Nemo Tensor, and the warmth to weigh ratio of the Neoair. Can’t have it all though I guess!! 😩

Is this eagle mnt by chance? Love the content. Thanks

Tapered pads seem to fit better in most tents I have found.

Does the velcro come applied or is that something we can choose not to put on? Thanks

"Pumpsack" is a word that just cracks me up, every friggin time

I've been looking at the STS pads but I'm torn between comfort and weight. There are so many options out there right now.

what pump did you use for that??

I’m a small person but I just can’t sleep on a 20” pad, that little extra width on sea to summit pads makes a surprisingly big difference. Plus I ditched the stuff sack and I use an Exped schnozzel inflator (also multi use as dry bag)

Devin, what’s the name of the piece of gear you were inflating the pads with?

Whats the weight of each pad when fully inflated?

We just got a set of the Ethers and have yet to test them in the field, but they are so much more everything than our old Thermarest pads. I will try and remember to post our thoughts after our trip next weekend.

I will be moving to the Tensor Alpine after having a NIGHTMARE with the Etherlight XT Insulated. It seems that the S2S works well for weekend warriors, but for someone who is on a long term trip like myself: it is completely unreliable. For context, I am on a long term bike-touring trip and generally camp every night if possible. I have been on the road for about 6 months. After around 20-30 nights of sleeping on the mat, the "air springs" begin to fail; one at a time. You'll wake up on the floor one morning, patch the leak, and then the next morning there is another leak. This "domino effect" will continue until the pad has up to 30 patches on it. This is a known issue with the mat that S2S seem unwilling to acknowledge. I have spoken to numerous other people with the issue, including one guy who is his 4th replacement (also full of leaks), and although S2S are willing to replace the mat every time it fails, this doesn't make up for the nights spent sleeping on the ground until they send the replacement. AGAIN: This is not an isolated incident. It is a common occurrence with people using the Etherlight XT Insulated long term. In the end I managed to get a full refund from the store that I purchased the mat from and will be taking my money to Nemo instead - which is a shame, because I am generally a fan of S2S products and have always supported them as a company.

Great Vid, what are your thoughts on the R. Value difference? Nemo is 4.2, S2S is 3.2. Could you tell a big difference?

Ether Light XT in R seize is actually lighter with 17oz

k it's memorial day sale again and Nemo is 40% off. but having a 12oz thermarest I really find myself looking for a more comfortable pad. Plus all my other stuff are UL already, I got the s2s women's insulated short. All the reviews I've seen so far pointing to s2s being more comfortable. Plus, in REI I am really not that impressed with the comfort level of Tensor. It doesn't feel that different to my very squeaky thermarest.

Thoughts about the ThermaRest NeoAir® XTherm™ PAD?

You are correct about the air gap. That is just physics. No need to guess.

I've had two factory defects of Nemo Tensor in a row. Their quality control has really slipped

Please make a video on sleeping pads for 2 persons

Nemo's baffling is superior, and it's super comfy. IF they'd just make it out of anything more durable than 20D I'd get another one. You so much as look at those cross-eyed and they'll spring a leak.

Oh, man, that S2S Ether Light XT is so Gucci. I mean, that entire price-range of pads is Gucci, obviously (I certainly wouldn't kick the Tensor out of bed on a cold night, literally), but that plush-looking beauty is the first one to _really_ turn my head & give me a serious case of wallet envy. Meanwhile, I'm over here, hitherto perfectly satisfied with my Zoobelives pad & Trekology pillow, suddenly finding myself out on my proverbial balcony singing Somewhere Out There to a grey slip of tufted fabric. That is a very, _very_ nice pad, sir. Hot damn.

Are people having leaks issues by the bonds on these Nemos.

Could you flip the sleeping pad over so you don’t get stuff stick on the Velcro?

STS ether light xt insulated is better... with more durable material, thicker, pillow lock is useful... i have both...

Still rocking my Uberlite because weight savings > everything 😅

If you’re in a double tent the noise that mattress makes will make heads turn and smile…😂

Good review. You dismiss most the world by not either saying or adding on the screen or in the video description the metric weights or measures.