A year ago, the thought of an air mattress was enough to make me cringe with memories of a sore back and uncomfortable nights on the ground. Their poor designs and habits of deflating had ruined my image of inflatable beds forever, or so I thought, but thanks to the Comfort Deluxe mat and Aeros pillow those associations have changed. I started using the combo last December when I transitioned to full-time life on the road. It was meant to be a temporary solution until I could source foam pads for my Excursion, but after a week of use, I knew the Sea to Summit system was there to stay.
SEA TO SUMMIT | COMFORT DELUXE SI MAT
The Comfort Deluxe S.I. pad is the base of the system and in my opinion the best part. There are plenty of features to love, like the S.I.’s multi-function valve which can be turned around and twisted to adjust one-way airflow, allowing the pad to inflate freely, or preventing it from taking in air while you roll it up for storage. We could also brag about how it’s lighter than a standard house pillow, or how it borrows technology from the medical and aviation industries to create an air-tight seal that lasts longer than ever before, but none of that matters compared to how comfortable it is. The plush 4-inch-thick body invites you to sink into it forever, providing plenty of cushion to keep you from feeling the ground below. It is also perfectly balanced with Delta Core technology to provide ideal support for your back and sides throughout the night. As a side sleeper, I have yet to wake up with a sore back even after a year of use. With an R-value of 5.2, it is plenty warm during the winter and cool during the summer, while the 30-denier, knit-polyester fabric feels soft and welcoming in any conditions. I’ve enjoyed sleeping on this pad so much that I’ve actually smuggled it into friends’ houses to use instead of their guest beds.
$170 AND UP | SEATOSUMMITUSA.COM
SEA TO SUMMIT | AEROS PILLOW PREMIUM
The Comfort Deluxe isn’t the only key to sleeping like a rock while on the road. I also have another trick up my sleeve, the Aeros. Like the Comfort Deluxe, the Aeros is light, weighing just 2.8 ounces in the medium size or 4 ounces in the large. Either can pack down to fit in a coffee mug, making it easy to toss one in your truck on any adventure. But don’t let their size fool you; the Aeros is also one of the most comfortable and supportive pillows I’ve used. Fully inflated, it measures up to 5 inches thick, with a scalloped bottom edge to keep it centered on your head. As a side sleeper, this keeps the pillow resting comfortably around my shoulders instead of being pushed aside. The exterior features brushed 50-denier polyester knit; it’s satisfyingly soft without being delicate and is supported by curved internal baffles which gently form to your head. A synthetic fill and TPU bladder are layered beneath, wicking away moisture while improving comfort. Unfortunately, those layers make a crinkling noise that takes some getting used to, but it’s not as bad as other camp pillows I’ve tested. I can forgive that though, because the Aeros inflates in just three breaths, and has served me well for six months of sleeping without ever giving me a sore neck. Try that with another camp pillow.
$43 AND UP | SEATOSUMMITUSA.COM
