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sea to summit ether sleeping pad in front of a tent on the beach

The Sea to Summit Comfort Plus features added assurance that you won’t be sleeping on the cold ground. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia


The Inertia

Unexpectedly cold nights in the backcountry are the worst. Shivering in your sleeping bag counting down the hours until morning is not an ideal way to spend your backpacking trip. What some folks forget to consider: Your sleeping pad provides a lot of warmth in your backcountry sleep system. But an inflatable sleeping pad can get a hole or even leak through the valve. Enter the Sea to Summit Comfort Plus. This backpacking sleeping pad features dual inflatable layers to a) dial-in sleeping comfort and b) provide a cozy, insulated pad regardless of whether you get a puncture.

In our guide to the Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads, the Sea to Summit Comfort Plus was our pick for the most resilient sleeping pad thanks to its unique dual-layer technology.

Pros Cons
Solid balance of weight and R-value Doesn’t pack down very small
Stable surface to sleep on throughout the night Noisy
Dual-layer redundancy

First Impressions of the Sea to Summit Comfort Plus

R-Value: 4
Pad Thickness: 2.5 inches
Weight: 1 lb. 13.8 oz.
Dimensions: 72 x 21.5 x 2.5 inches
Packed Size: 5 x 9 inches
Insulation: Yes

Although the Comfort Plus is relatively lightweight (especially considering its insulation), it’s a pretty large packed sleeping pad for backpacking. In my mind, the trade-off is worth it if the sleeping pad is warm and comfortable.

When I got the Comfort Plus inflated, I did a quick living room test. The pad sports a mummy shape but still has plenty of space for me to spread out on — worth noting that, at 21.5 inches wide, it’s slightly wider than a standard 20-inch sleeping pad. It felt reliably thick and well-cushioned and I assumed it would provide a comfortable night’s sleep while on backpacking trips. For that reason, I was excited to get it out in camp.

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sea to summit sleeping pad packed up

The Comfort Plus has an R-value of 4 but it isn’t the most packable sleeping pad. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Notable Features of the Sea to Summit Comfort Plus

To get the Comfort Plus inflated, you have two options. You can either inflate the pad the traditional way by mouth or use the included pump sack. Using the pump sack takes some time to get the sleeping pad inflated, but it’s easy enough to use and saves your breath. Conveniently (and like other Sea to Summit sleeping pads), the pump sack is integrated into the stuff sack, so it’s very hard to lose.

sea to summit sleeping pad

The Air Spring Cells provide a comfortable sleeping surface. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

The Comfort Plus has Air Spring Cells that are essentially little divots throughout the pad that evenly distribute pressure. The result is a pad that feels comfortable and supportive and doesn’t lose air throughout the night. The pad has dual-density layers of synthetic insulation throughout and the thickness contributes to the pad’s 4 R-value. The pad is advertised as a three-season pad but I think it would fare well in most mild wintertime conditions as well.

A unique feature of the Comfort Plus is the Pillow Lock system that allows you to secure your pillow to the sleeping pad with adhesive hook-and-loop patches. At the end of the day, the sleeping pad is easy to deflate and get back into the stuff sack.

sea to summit sleeping pad in a tent

The Comfort Plus isn’t the most compact sleeping pad but it’s warm and comfortable. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

One of my favorite features of the Comfort Plus is its dual-layer redundancy. Essentially, this means that the pad consists of two layers, a bottom layer and an upper layer. So, if one side of the mat punctures, the other side will still function until you’re able to repair it. Typically, when a mat punctures in the backcountry and you don’t have a repair quit, you’re S.O.L. But with this mat, you still have a layer of warmth and comfort (albeit a thinner one).

Luckily, my mat hasn’t punctured yet, but I do appreciate this feature should you encounter problems when you’re deep in the backcountry. This would make a perfect sleeping pad for someone who cowboy camps or just uses a primitive shelter with no floor. However, I do recommend you bring along the patch kit when you’re setting off on a camping or backpacking trip, just in case.


Drawbacks of the Sea to Summit Comfort Plus

As far as backpacking sleeping pads go, the Comfort Plus is a bit big. It packs down to 5 x 9.5 inches, so it’s not massive, but it does take up some space in your pack. Luckily, at 1 lb 13.8 oz, it’s still relatively lightweight.

Another downside of the Comfort Plus is that it’s on the noisy side. It crinkles when you move around. If you’re a sound sleeper it shouldn’t bother you, but if you’re someone who tosses and turns a lot, you may find it irritating.

Finally, it’s a pretty expensive sleeping pad for the specs. Sure, there is an added durability aspect, but as a team, we’ve rarely experienced deflated pads, so the dual-layer redundancy isn’t a crucial feature for us. That said, if you frequently cowboy camp or like to sleep in rough terrain, it’s a welcome feature.


sleeping bags and sleeping pads in a tent

The Comfort Plus is a warm sleeping pad perfect for chilly nights. Photo: Rebecca Parsons//The Inertia

Final Thoughts

Available in multiple different sizes, the Sea to Summit Comfort Plus is a warm, comfortable, and durable backpacking sleeping pad that works well for spring, summer, and fall. Although it doesn’t pack down as small as some backpacking sleeping pads, it’s still lightweight and provides generous cushion and insulation. With a 4 R-value, the Comfort Plus is a great pick for chilly conditions. Plus, the dual-layer redundancy helps ensure you’ll have insulation beneath you regardless of where you sleep.

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Editor’s Note: Don’t miss the rest of our top picks in our guide to the Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads. Complete your backcountry sleep system with one of our Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags. For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.

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