Sea to Summit Comfort Plus vs. Therm-a-Rest Neoair XTherm

The Comfort Plus and the Neoair XTherm are two different sleeping pads designed for two different activities. The Comfort Plus is a little bit heavy pad but it provides exceptional comfort, making it a good option for family and car camping. The Neoair XTherm, on the other hand, is a lightweight sleeping pad designed for backpacking. It compromises on comfort but it is lightweight and packs small. Let’s take a closer look at both sleeping pads.

Sea to Summit Comfort Plus SI Mat

Type: Self-inflating
Shape: Semi-rectangular
Weight: 2 lbs. 8 oz.
R-value: 4.1
Thickness: 3.125 in.

Sea to Summit Comfort Plus is a perfect mat for camping or backpacking when you value comfort above overall weight and pack size. This durable pad has an innovative valve that makes inflation and deflation a breeze.

Construction

The SI in the name stands for Self-Inflating. There’s a foam core that expands when the valve is open. This is Sea to Summit Delta core technology. When filled with air, the foam creates supportive cushioning and warmth by trapping your body heat. That gives this pad an R-value of 4.1, which is suitable for chilly weather but not the coldest of winter conditions. The other significant benefit of foam is efficient inflation. When you get to camp, just spread out the pad and open the inflate valve. The foam will soak up the air like a sponge. When you’re ready to lay down on it, you can finish off the last bit of air needed by inflating it a bit more with your breath.

Valve

One of the downfalls of a foam mat is that deflating it and packing it away can be more time-consuming than an air pad because the foam inside naturally wants to self-inflate. But Sea to Summit innovative valve keeps air from going back into the pad as you push it out. This valve also has a feature that allows you to fine-tune the softness by burping air out a little at a time to reach what’s most comfortable for you. The whole valve is flush with the mat so it doesn’t stick out awkwardly in the tent and that reduces the chances of warranty issues.

Comfort

The surface fabric is soft and it’s a little bit stretchy. It sticks to the bottom of your sleeping bag so you don’t slide around on it and there’s a silicone print on the bottom so it doesn’t slide on the tent floor. If comfort is your priority, choose this pad because it’s more comfortable than NeoAir XTherm.

Stuff Sack

A stuff sack is included to stow it away while you’re traveling but when it’s stored at home for long periods of time, I’d recommend laying it flat or folding it as few times as possible with the valve open. It’s available in a few different sizes so you can choose the best fit for you.

Verdict

This is a great option for campers who occasionally go backpacking and want a comfortable pad that can do it all.

What I like: Durable construction, soft and stretchy surface is comfortable to sleep

What I don’t: Heavy and bulky

See the Sea to Summit Comfort Plus SI Mat

Therm-a-Rest Neoair XTherm

Type: Air pad
Shape: Mummy/rectangular
Weight: 15 oz.
R-value: 6.9
Thickness: 2.5 in.

Therm-a-Rest Neoair XTherm is a sleeping designed for cold-weather adventures. It features a high R-value that provides excellent warmth while keeping the weight and pack size low. In 2020, Therm-a-Rest also updated the valve system to improve its functionality.

Construction

The pad features a Triangular Core Matrix construction that minimizes heat loss without adding any bulk to the system. This technology has an edge over down and synthetic fills that are bulky and less durable. The internal baffling structure and 2.5 inches of thickness make this pad very stable and supportive for sleepers. As mentioned earlier, this pad has a high R-value, which is 6.9 making this pad an ideal choice for cold-weather adventures. The insulation you get from the cold ground is very good that you can use this pad for 4-season adventures. The overall design is compact and less bulky. It also packs down super small taking less space in your backpack. These features also make this pad an ideal option for backpacking.

Valve

In 2020, Therm-a-Rest improved the valve system for better performance, which mainly includes faster inflation and deflation. Therm-a-Rest calls this the WingLock. It maximizes airflow, which makes inflation and deflation quicker. It also has a toggle option for one-way inflation to save energy. The older valve was a frustrating system and this new valve is miles apart from the older one in terms of functionality. It’s much easier to use and more effective. When you are inflating the pad, the value doesn’t allow air to escape. This is one of the biggest advantages of this new system. In addition to the valve, there’s an included pump sack for effortless inflation.

Comfort

Therm-a-Rest Neoair XTherm is not as comfortable as the Sea to Summit Comfort Plus because it has a slightly narrow bottom half and the surface is also somewhat slippery. It’s also available in the rectangular shape that provides a little more legroom but it’s bulky and packs large. If comfort is your top priority, choose the Comfort Plus SI Mat because it’s comfortable and it doesn’t slide around.

Stuff Sack

Therm-a-Rest also includes a stuff sack with this pad. It allows you to compress this pad to a small size. When fully compressed, it takes a very little space in your backpack. This pad comes in three sizes and two shapes so the pack size may vary depending on the size and shape of your sleeping pad.

Verdict

Therm-a-Rest Neoair XTherm is a cold-weather sleeping pad that compromises a little on comfort due to its tapered bottom but it provides excellent warmth. It has a high R-value of 6.9, which makes it an ideal 4-season sleeping pad. If you can compromise a little on comfort, this pad is the go-to option for year-round use. Keep in mind it can be a little too warm for summer nights.

What I like: Very warm, packs small, lightweight, and a true jack of all trades sleeping pad

What I don’t: Lacks comfort due to narrow leg area, expensive

See the Therm-a-Rest Neoair XTherm

Comparison Table

Which one is right for you?

If you are looking for a comfortable sleeping pad for camping and weight is not critical for you, choose the Sea to Summit Comfort Plus SI Mat because it’s very comfortable and easy to use. It has an R-value of 4.1 and it does a very good job if you are considering it for 3-season adventures. Since it is a self-inflating pad, it’s very easy to set up because it doesn’t require blowing. On the other hand, if you want a lightweight pad for year-round backpacking, choose the Neoair XTherm because it’s lightweight and packs small. It also has a hefty R-value, which makes it a good option for 4-season adventures.