Thermarest NeoAir Xlite vs Xtherm: Which Ultralight Sleeping Pad Wins?

Choosing the right ultralight sleeping pad can significantly impact your backpacking experience. This detailed comparison pits two giants in the ultralight sleeping pad world against each other: the Thermarest NeoAir Xlite and the Thermarest NeoAir Xtherm. Both pads boast premium materials and innovative designs, but cater to different needs and preferences. The key differences lie in their weight, warmth rating (R-value), and overall durability, impacting their suitability for various weather conditions and adventures. This review dives deep into each pad’s features, performance, and pros and cons to help you decide which one best suits your ultralight backpacking requirements.This head-to-head comparison focuses on crucial factors like weight, packed size, warmth, durability, comfort, and ease of inflation/deflation. We'll examine the R-values, material construction, and overall user experience of both the Xlite and Xtherm. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of which pad offers the optimal balance of weight, warmth, and durability for your next adventure, whether you're tackling a three-season backpacking trip or braving the elements in winter conditions.

Pros And Cons

Read more: Thermarest vs Sea to Summit Winter Sleeping Pads: A Detailed Comparison

Price and What You Get

Both the Thermarest NeoAir Xlite and Xtherm are premium sleeping pads, reflecting their high price points. The Xlite retails around $199.95, while the Xtherm is slightly more expensive at $229.95. This premium cost reflects the quality materials and thoughtful design of both pads.

For this price, you're investing in significant weight savings. Both pads are remarkably lightweight, making them ideal for backpacking and ultralight adventures. The included stuff sacks and repair kits add to their value proposition for long-term use.

Weight, Packability, and Size

The NeoAir Xlite is incredibly lightweight at a mere 12 ounces (340 grams), setting a new benchmark for ultralight sleeping pads. The Xtherm, while still very light at 15 ounces (430 grams), is slightly heavier, a trade-off for its increased warmth and four-season capabilities.

Despite the difference in weight, both pads pack down remarkably small, easily fitting into their included stuff sacks. The Xtherm's slightly larger packed size is justifiable given its added insulation and suitability for colder conditions. Both pads are available in a variety of sizes, offering options to suit various body types and sleeping preferences.

R-Value and Warmth

The R-value is a crucial factor when considering sleeping pad warmth. The Xlite boasts an R-value of 4.2, suitable for three-season camping. While marketed as a four-season option, its performance in truly frigid conditions might require supplemental insulation.

The Xtherm, on the other hand, features a significantly higher R-value of 6.9, making it a true four-season pad ideal for winter camping and high-altitude adventures. This increased warmth is a direct result of the thicker insulation layer which makes it warmer but also heavier than the Xlite.

Materials, Quality, and Noise

Both pads utilize high-quality 30-denier nylon for their top and sides, ensuring durability and tear resistance. The Xtherm features a more robust 70-denier nylon bottom for enhanced puncture protection. This difference reflects their intended use cases, with the Xtherm being designed for more demanding environments.

Both pads have a distinct crinkly sound due to their internal construction and the use of a metallized film that reflects heat and provides insulation. This is a common characteristic of inflatable sleeping pads and shouldn't detract significantly from their overall value and effectiveness.

Comfort and Stability

Both pads offer a comfortable two and a half inches of thickness, providing adequate cushioning for most sleepers. Their horizontal baffling design minimizes pressure points. However, both pads exhibit a slight loss of stability near the edges, especially if you're a restless sleeper who rolls around a lot.

Staying within the central area of the pad is crucial for maintaining consistent comfort and support. Consider a wider pad if you're a side-sleeper or tend to roll frequently during the night.

Inflation and Deflation

Inflation is straightforward for both pads using the included inflation sacks, although the winglock valve system can be slightly finicky. Adjusting air pressure requires some patience as the valves are not perfectly intuitive. The pre-roll deflation method, necessary due to the internal construction, is efficient but requires an extra step.

The deflation process involves a pre-roll to release air, followed by rolling the pad to its packed size. This method is effective, but the extra step may be seen as slightly cumbersome. The overall inflation and deflation experience is workable but presents minor challenges for both models.

Conclusion: Which Pad Should You Choose?

The Thermarest NeoAir Xlite and Xtherm are both exceptional ultralight sleeping pads with minor differences that cater to varying needs. The Xlite's superior weight and slightly lower cost make it an excellent choice for three-season backpacking where weight is paramount. Its 4.2 R-value is adequate for most warm-to-moderate conditions, but it might need additional insulation in extreme cold.

The Xtherm's higher R-value of 6.9 positions it as a robust four-season option, capable of handling colder temperatures and high-altitude camping. Its slightly increased weight and price are justified by its increased warmth and durability. The choice ultimately hinges on your budget, preferred camping conditions, and tolerance for added weight.