Sea to Summit SI Seat
Accessory
Rating
| Rating: | 8.6 / 10 |
| Comfort | 1.9 / 2 |
| Durability | 1.7 / 2 |
| Versatility | 1.7 / 2 |
| Weight | 1.6 / 2 |
| Value for Money | 1.7 / 2 |
Sea to Summit SI Seat Review
This was the second dedicated sit pad I’ve had the opportunity to try out. As the name suggests, this little pad is designed as a sit pad but what isn’t so obvious is the ‘SI’ part of the name that stands for ‘set inflating’. What this means is that rather than being a foam folding pad like the Exped Sit Pad Flex, this pad is closer to a camping pillow. Once you unroll it and open up the valve, the foam insert inside the mat expands. While its not necessary you can add a breath or two if you like for a bit of extra firmness but that’s about the limit of effort needed.
The valve system is a smaller version of those on Sea to Summit Sleeping Mats which have a two-way valve system that you open fully to release the air or plug in the first layer to allow you to fill up the mat with an extra breaths. Plug in the final layer and the air stays put. It’s a very simple system to use.
While this mat is designed purely as a sit pad there is also the option of using it as a flat pillow. Its doesn’t have the bulk of a dedicated inflatable pillow but if you’re the sort of person who doesn’t like larger bulky pillows, then you’ll get away with this as a multifunction piece of equipment.
As far as a sit pad goes this would have to rank as one of the more comfortable options around surpassing the foam mat options but with that there are some down sides. The first is the bulk. This little pad is larger than inflatable pillows but slightly larger than the solid foam sit pads. The Sea to Summit SI Seat just feels a bit bulkier because you roll it up to store in its little bag when not in use.
The other bonus with this unit is that it’s built for durability and will cope with being used on rock, log or the ground. Even if you somehow manage to puncture the bladder, this unit will still work well.
Weight wise the little pad comes in at 96 grams which is not as light as the other alternatives and that’s the downside of the added comfort this mat provides.
Price wise this unit came in at AUD$39.95 RRP at the time of testing which is a reasonable price and one that most people won’t baulk at paying.
Overall this little sit pad has the lead on comfort over solid foam mats like the Exped Sit Pad Flex as well as the lead in the versatility stakes.
So is this one going to be my sit pad of choice? In my case, the answer is no but if you value a bit of extra padding when you’re out on the trail and looking for a seat, then you can’t go past Sea to Summit SI Seat.
We Like
- Lightweight at 96 grams
- Great price!
- Very cushioned
- Versatile as it’s able to be used as a low pillow as well
We Don't Like
- Bulkier than some of the lighter options on the market
Would I Use this for hiking
This won’t displace my favoured Exped Sit Pad Flex but for those that like that extra cushioning then you can’t go past this mat
Best Use
- For those who want good comfort on the trail both in the cushioning and moisture prevention when sitting down
Buy One
You can purchase the Sea to Summit SI Seat at Snowys
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Investment
AUD $39.99 RRP
Sea to Summit S.I. Seat as sold
Sea to Summit S.I. Seat valve system