Running these analyses costs money. Buy through my links to help keep lights on! I may get a small commission.
Top Pros
Top Cons
Reddit Reviews
bro_nicamy partner is a very cold sleeper an got the Therm-a-rest Neoair Xlite NXT MAX 4,5 for a Norway trip. I´ve used the same pad. We had 11 days in the tent and we slept very well! never been cold. It packs small and is reasonably light.
DeputySeanI own an xlite large and an uberlite
DieTryin510The NXT xlites are much quieter...could not get a good night's sleep with the previous version. I have both the Nemo AS & latest xlite in wide...prefer the Nemo by a small margin (better comfort with small weight penalty).
HatchidI feel like my Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite NXT (max) (I have the largest version of the regular model) and it feels very durable. So far it survived a 2 Bikepacking trips through Germany, cowboy camping and a festival. It's really thick so very comfy. It's also really warm. My model weights about 380g and very light.
I have the therm-a-resr neoair xlite nxt. It's light, small packaging size and incredibly good insulation.
He4vyD00dy6’4 240lbs here, side sleeper as well, I use the thermarest neo air xlite in size large. I know it’s over your budget but I have had mine for 7 years no issues, it packs up super small and is real lightweight.
MaleficentOkra2585It sounds like your pad is too narrow for you. I have the wide version of the Neoair Xlite and I sleep like a baby on it.
PsychologicalRoyal90I have a Therm-a-Rest Neoair Xlite RW (440g) thermal air mattress and it is perfect. It’s easy to pack, well-designed, and very easy to inflate. I tested it in Germany back in the spring, and I didn’t feel cold at all. But I tested it in the shop. I highly recommend the test.
TurbSLOW[here's](https://www.reddit.com/r/WildernessBackpacking/s/7vAF6wA3dd) some suggestions I made recently. None are UL really but neither is the pad you're coming from. Best bet is probably the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite in the usual mummy size for best/lightest in the segment. Exped Ultra 5R is fantastic but decidedly not UL
Do you have a max budget? Do you have a good sleeping bag to pair it with? Any of the modern inflatable pads will fit in your bag unless you've brought enough other stuff to cross the continent on foot, lol Here's our experiences, though not a comprehensive review of everything on the market. TLDR probably get you an Exped Ultra 5R. Nemo Tensor: I am a flopper and tended to roll onto the edges, which made them collapse and dumped me onto the ground. Pad is comfortable otherwise. It does make quite the crinkly sound when moving. Exped Ultra 3R: probably a bit cold when temps are approaching the lower end of your range. Large side baffles (like the Big Agnes you linked, I think) keeps you from flinging yourself off the pad. Thick and comfortable. Fantatsic pump sack inflates the thing in like 20 seconds. Was entirely too cold for us where it gets colder than your range. Side note, it was paired with a Big Agnes sleeping bag which was horrible. Terrible bag. Exped Ultra 5R: all the pros of the 3R but warm enough! Great pad, my wife's current go-to. Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite MAX: or whatever the yellow rectangle \~5R one is. Lacks the side bolsters of the Exped and is thinner, but is very comfortable and IIRC lighter. Another great pad, my current go-to. Pump sack is beyond useless, too porous and leaks air instead of blowing into pad. I just blow it up by mouth. Generally, I've found we prefer rectangular pads. If you're with someone else and you both have rectangular pads - make sure they fit in your tent! Many tents are tapered and your feet will overlap which is super annoying
