Sea to Summit Aeros Review
Compare prices at 2 resellers Pros: Very small packed size, lightweight, great support
Cons: Not super comfortable
Manufacturer: Sea to Summit
Our Verdict
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Sea to Summit Aeros | |||||
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| Awards |  |  | | ||
| Price | $42.95 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $39.95 at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers | $42.50 at Amazon Compare at 3 sellers | $59.95 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $39.95 at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Very small packed size, lightweight, great support | Very comfortable, great support, easy to adjust thickness, washable exterior | Very comfy, easy to adjust air volume, ergonomically shaped for back and side sleepers | Lightweight, small packed size, down pillow top | Lightweight, small packed size, easy to use |
| Cons | Not super comfortable | Heavy, not for extended backcountry trips | More expensive, down is allergenic to some users, a little heavier than its inflatable peers | High price tag, not overly comfortable, pillow top fabric is noisy | Less comfortable than other models, can be punctured, noisy |
| Bottom Line | This is our favorite model for extended backpacking trips | This pillow provides excellent comfort and is adjustable for all kinds of sleepers in most camp settings | This model adds significant comfort, but at a weight penalty | A high premium for a good pillow, complete with a down topper and lightweight portability | Yes, you can find something more comfortable, but you won't find many this lightweight and packable |
| Rating Categories | Sea to Summit Aeros | NEMO Fillo | Air Head Down Pillow | Sea to Summit Aeros Down | Big Agnes AXL Air Pillow |
| Comfort (25%) | |||||
| Weight (20%) | |||||
| Ease Of Use (15%) | |||||
| Packed Size (20%) | |||||
| Support (20%) | |||||
| Specs | Sea to Summit Aeros | NEMO Fillo | Air Head Down Pillow | Sea to Summit... | Big Agnes AXL Air... |
| Type | Inflatable | Hybrid: Compressible and Inflatable | Hybrid: Compressible and Inflatable | Hybrid: Compressible and Inflatable | Inflatable |
| Measured Weight (oz) | 3.1 oz | 9.0 oz | 5.4 oz | 2.6 oz | 1.8 oz |
| Packed Volume (L) | 0.4 L | 1.4 L | 0.6 L | 0.4 L | 0.3 L |
| Length | 14 in | 16 in | 18 in | 13 in | 16 in |
| Width | 8 in | 9.5 in | 12.5 in | 9 in | 10 in |
| Thickness | High side: 5 in; Low side: 4 in | 4.5 in | 4 in | 4.7 in | 4 in |
| Stuff Sack included? | Yes, with drawstring | Integrated Stuff Sack. Velcro strap as well. | Yes, with drawstring | Yes, with drawstring | Yes, with drawstring |
| Materials | Polyurethane bladder, Brushed 50D Polyester Knit Cover | Polyester, microfiber / microsuede outer layer | Partially recycled polyester, down, urethane | 10-denier nylon top, 20-denier nylon base, thermoplastic urethane bladder | 4-Way stretch nylon w/ TPU coating |
Our Analysis and Test Results
For this review, we tested the regular size of the Sea to Summit Aeros. We were excited to find an inflatable cushion that offered more comfort than you might expect from an air-filled bladder. This pillow is lightweight and has a small packed volume. It's also thick, simple and to adjust, and easy to pack away. Although the Aeros' comfort did pale in comparison to the compressible pillows in this review, our Top Pick for Backpacking is a worthy addition to your pack on multi-day backcountry ventures.
Performance Comparison
Comfort
The Aeros was significantly more comfortable than all of the other inflatable pillows we reviewed. This is accomplished mostly thanks to its soft outer polyester cover over the baffled air chamber design and greater thickness. Additionally, one side of the Aeros is elevated an inch higher than the other side, giving you a couple of options to help fit your ideal thickness. While the Aeros' contouring did help cradle our heads, there is still a noticeable wobble to the pillow. This is also one of the smallest pillows we tested, so it doesn't offer any extra real estate for your head. It isn't unbearable, but comfort is not where this pillow excelled.
Weight
Weight, or lack thereof, is an area where the Sea to Summit model performs very well. Weighing only 3.1 ounces on our scale, this pillow is lightweight enough to all but disappear in your pack. Although it is heavier than the other inflatable pillows we tested, we still prefer to take the Sea to Summit on extended trips because it's much more comfortable and easier to use. Weight is where spending extra money often pays off.
Ease of Use
The Sea to Summit is one of the easiest inflatable pillows we have tested to operate. It fully inflates in just three breaths. If you want to let out some air, adjust by pushing the small button inside the inflation valve to slowly release air. This is a great design that allows more fine-tuned adjustments without the risk of all the air escaping. The Sea to Summit and fits into the hood of almost any mummy bag. Packing the pillow back into the stuff sack is a breeze.
Being on the small and slightly wobbly side, though, this pillow did work its way out from underneath our heads occasionally in the night. It cannot be machine washed or dried either. Also, as with all inflatables, blowing it up and adjusting until it fit our comfort level was more work than merely unpacking the synthetic fill pillows we tested.
Packed Size
Our backcountry Top Pick packs away to a small cylinder. Taking up only 0.4 liters of space, it is easy to justify bringing it along. Here again, the Aeros is bested by other inflatable pillows we tested, yet it still soars ahead of the rest of the competition, because of the other features it brings to the table. This pillow is great for backpacking trips lasting several days or longer. We also like bringing this pillow along while traveling, as it doesn't take up much space and is handy on long car or plane rides.
Support
The Sea to Summit provides firm support in comparison to most other models reviewed. If you like firm pillows, fill this one up on three breaths, and it will stay that way until sunrise.
Value
If you take long trips into the backcountry and yearn for some lightweight comfort, this pillow has good value. For its small packed size and weight, it provides way more comfort than your dirty fleece jacket.
Conclusion
Overall, we are impressed with the Sea to Summit Aeros. For backpackers, using this pillow is a definite upgrade from a mound of clothes from your pack or a climbing rope. Its packed size and low weight make it almost unnoticeable in your pack. However, what you will notice is a lack of neck discomfort/pain the following day. While it's not the best choice for primarily car campers, backpackers and even travelers who want an actual pillow without the extra baggage will appreciate this one thoroughly.
— Ross Robinson