I’m not sure the result is exactly the same R6.2 of the Ether XT Extreme, but I’d hazard a guess it’s at least a 3.0 or 4.0 (final, based on my feeling), because according to my feeling the result comes very close to the Nemo Tensor Insulated, which is rated at R4.2. Only they add a double-density layer of Thermolite to the inside top and bottom of the inflatable pad, instead. This is basically what Sea to Summit does to its Ether Light XT Extreme. I oftentimes use it by inserting my sleeping pad into the Reactor liner (instead of myself). But it does improve comfort and warmth to a decent degree in my opinion. I’ve found the advertised gains to optimistic. It can be hard to get actual performance, so we’re left with our overall feeling. Weight is around 390g and expected temperature gain is 25☏, or 15☌ on average. It’s a mummy-shaped liner with drawstring closure at the top, and comes in a nice Ultra-Sil stuff sack. The110g/m2 Thermolite fabric is quite stretchy but very comfortable to the touch. But if the concept of “layers” applied to sleeping system insulation makes sense to you, a sleeping bag liner can be a very effective and versatile way to add a few R’s (or ☏) to a sleeping bag. Sleeping comfort is very subjective and personal. While this test/review isn’t comprehensive, I did apply somewhat of a scientific approach and tried to give you something better that “this is great” or “this sucks”. For the size and weight, I would recommend it as a comfort item, if you can fit it into your budget. I have no way of knowing what a 7-9° F increase inside the bag equates to in temperature range outside the bag but, I can say this. When I added the liner, I went from being comfortable to being very warm as my base layer temperature went up to 82-86° F with the outside temp still at 28-30° F. Outside of sleeping bag w/o liner 45° FĪs you can see from the numbers, the sleeping bag and pad was working at their designed levels and keeping me comfortable with a base layer temperature of 75-77° F with an outside temp of 28-30° F.Outside of sleeping bag w/o liner 42° F.Ground Temperature at start of test 28° F When I added the liner, I got out of the sleeping bag and allowed 10 minutes for it and the pad to cool. Test conditions: All temperatures taken from three locations (center of chest, center of body and center of left thigh) using an infrared thermometer and then averaged. Sea to Summit Thermolite Reactor - Extreme.Temp: 30° F Precipitation: 60% Wind: 0-5 mph Conditions: Cloudy with light sleet The hammock was open and the sleeping bag top was fully exposed. I also wore a medium weight base layer to provide a good surface to measure temperature that was not skin. I used a sleeping bag rated at the current outside temperature, a low R-value sleeping mat to insure I wasn't gaining a lot of warmth from the mat, and a hammock to insure I wasn't gaining heat from an enclosed space. Because sleeping comfort is such a personal thing, I will try and provide as much information here as possible so that you can make your own informed decision. I was very skeptical about the +25 degrees claim of the Thermolite Reactor Extreme so, I set up this little experiment to see just how well the liner worked.
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