I have been testing the new Sea to Summit Ultralight XR Sleeping mat, which is said to be “lighter, warmer, more packable and thicker than previous models”.
The Australian brand’s lightweight mat features “Thermal Core” construction, which is said to increase the insulation value while reducing weight. A layer of a reflective film is suspended between the dot welds of the mat to boost warmth by a claimed 16 per cent. I am presuming this is 16 per cent more than the previous model.
Sea to Summit state that the film reflects back radiant warmth to the person sleeping on the mat and reduces air movement within the mat to a minimum so as to improve insulation.
The Thermal Core technology also helps to make the Ulltralight XR mats more packable. The brand reports that the packed volume is reduced by 53 per cent from the old model.
Other features of the Sea to Summit Ultralight XR sleeping mat
R-value: 3.6
Weight: 415g (regular size).
Thickness: 6.5cm
151 Air Spring Cells to conform around your body and reduce pressure points, as well as giving greater stability and comfort.
Stuff sack with integrated pumpsack
XPRESS valve
Repair kit
Sizes: Small, regular (183cm x 55cm), large
Prices: £140, £150, £160
See: Sea to Summit
My thoughts: Sea to Summit Ultralight XR sleeping mat for camping
My first impressions are that this mat packs into a very small and very light bag. Even after use, it flattens down and rolls up into the same compact size.
But because of the size and weight I was worried it would not be comfortable. This concern continued after I’d inflated the mat. It is very easy to inflate thanks to the pumpsack. It took about seven eight bags of air to inflate and then a final extra inflation with one big mouth-to-valve puff.
The sleeping mat seemed quite thin compared to others, such as my Rab Stratosphere 5.5 sleeping mat, and it curled up a bit at one end so that it didn’t lie flat.
However, in use, it was very good. This is the most comfortable lightweight sleeping mats I’ve ever had or tested. I usually end up with sore hips in the night, even on the Rab that is 8cm thick, but the Sea to Summit Ultralight XR was ultra comfy.
There is an issue when you sit on the mat, rather than lie fully on it, because it sort of folds up around you and it is not that comfortable but this all changes when you are lying on it. The support along the body is great when lying down and sleeping.
I also found it to be insulating so it works well to keep out the cold. The R-value of 3.6 is not that impressive but I didn’t find it a problem. I will need to test the mat in colder conditions, although this sleeping mat is rated three season and not four season, so I expect it will be fine.
There will often be compromises when choosing small and lightweight products but I think the overall balance of features is great.
The mat is quiet to sleep on as well, which is important. I have slept on mats that make an annoying rustling noise whenever you move. The Sea to Summit Ultralight XR sleeping mat didn’t make a sound.
I would have liked it to be a little wider for greater sleeping comfort but that would then mean the mat would weigh more. I do think I’d happily add a few grams and increase the pack size for a wider mat.
The deflation process is really good. Usually, I find I need to roll up mats a few times after use to fully deflate them but the Sea to Summit Ultralight XR sleeping mat became quickly airless and it rolled up into the small pack on the first go.
Note that the mat has a system that allows you to add a Sea to Summit pillow. I might look into getting one of these because my makeshift pillow – excess clothing in a dry bag – kept falling off the sleeping mat in the night.
Also, it would be great to have some kind of grip on the base of the mat to stop it moving about the base of the tent. I use a two-person tent and this means there is room for the sleeping mat to move about. I wonder if these is a sort of grippy adhesive fabric that could be added to keep the mat in one place?
The new Sea to Summit Ultralight XR sleeping mat is not particularly cheap but I find that a lot of compact, lightweight kit is pricey. I do really like this product and if you are looking for a sleeping mat that takes up very little room in your camping pack, it’s well worth considering.
- I was sent the Sea to Summit Ultralight XR sleeping mat to test in return for an honest review.