Choosing the right ultralight sleeping pad can significantly impact your backpacking experience. This review pits two popular contenders against each other: the Alton Insulated and the Sea to Summit Etherlight XT. Both boast incredibly lightweight designs, weighing in at approximately 500 grams, making them ideal for ultralight adventures. However, despite their similar weights and pack sizes, key differences emerge in terms of durability, comfort, insulation, and price. We'll delve into a detailed comparison, examining the pros and cons of each mat to help you determine which best suits your needs and priorities.This head-to-head showdown analyzes crucial aspects including material quality, stitching, inflation methods, and most importantly, insulation. We'll explore the subtle differences in comfort and packability, assessing the long-term durability of each pad based on observed wear and tear. Ultimately, this comparison aims to provide a clear and unbiased assessment, enabling you to make an informed decision based on your individual requirements and budget, whether prioritizing warmth, durability, or cost-effectiveness.
Read more: Thermarest vs Sea to Summit Winter Sleeping Pads: A Detailed Comparison
Pack Size and Weight
Both sleeping mats boast remarkably similar pack sizes. The Sea to Summit Etherlight XT might be marginally larger, but the difference is negligible for most backpackers. Both mats also weigh approximately the same at 500 grams, making them incredibly lightweight options for ultralight backpacking.
While the weight is nearly identical, the quality of the stuff sacks differs slightly. The Sea to Summit's stuff sack exhibits superior stitching, showing less wear and tear after extended use compared to the Alton's. This is a minor detail, but it contributes to the overall perceived quality.
Unique Features and Durability
The Alton mat includes a thoughtful addition: a small internal pocket containing self-adhesive patches for quick repairs. This is a valuable feature that enhances the longevity of the mat, ensuring that minor punctures can be addressed easily in the field. This is a practical detail frequently overlooked in competitors.
The Sea to Summit features a more traditional design and build, with a slightly thicker feel, potentially indicating better durability. The speaker mentions some fraying in the Alton's stitching over time, suggesting the Sea to Summit may hold up better in the long run. However, this is subjective based on the usage of the reviewer.
Size and Comfort Comparison
The Sea to Summit Etherlight XT is slightly larger in both length and width compared to the Alton mat. However, the Alton mat proved surprisingly comfortable, despite its smaller dimensions, accommodating a larger person without issues. Both mats utilize different inflation methods which could impact comfort. The reviewer prefers the design of the Sea to Summit.
Both mats offer comparable comfort levels, according to the reviewer. The difference in inflation methods (toggles for Sea to Summit, long tubes for Alton) appears to have minimal impact on comfort. Despite size differences, both accommodated the reviewer's size comfortably.
Insulation and Price
A key differentiator is insulation: the Alton is insulated (R-value 4.2), while the Sea to Summit Etherlight XT is not. This impacts warmth significantly, with the Alton providing noticeable warmth even after brief use. This warmth comes at a cost, with the insulated Alton being considerably less expensive than similarly insulated competitors or the Sea to Summit (which is less insulated).
The price point is a major factor. The uninsulated Sea to Summit is more expensive than the Alton, and similarly insulated mats are in a higher price range. Considering the insulation value, the Alton offers exceptional value for its price.
Material and Noise
The Alton mat's material feels more durable, with a cross-weave design and a waxed coating that reduces noise during use. The Sea to Summit, while comfortable, exhibits a noticeable crinkling sound when moved. This difference in material quality is significant for minimizing disturbances during sleep.
The Alton mat's durability is noticeably superior to that of the Sea to Summit. The speaker highlights the absence of the crinkling sound from the Alton, emphasizing its quieter performance. The superior durability translates to a more confident feeling when using the mat on uneven surfaces.
Overall Conclusion and Recommendation
Both the Alton Insulated and Sea to Summit Etherlight XT are high-quality mats, each with its strengths and weaknesses. The Sea to Summit is slightly more comfortable and durable in terms of stitching, but the Alton offers superior insulation at a much lower price point, plus a nifty repair kit. This makes the Alton a great value proposition.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual priorities. If insulation is a top concern, the Alton's superior R-value and cost-effectiveness make it the winner. However, if you prioritize a slightly larger and potentially more durable mat and don't need insulation, the Sea to Summit is a solid option.