Therm-a-Rest - NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad

Sleeping better is worth the additional 4.5 oz's all day long. Not every thing can be measured with weight. If you're more rested, an additional 8oz's is worth the tradeoff. More rested = more energy = more miles = more efficient = more happy. Stupid Light vs. Smart Light. Of course this all assumes you'll sleep better on the Tensor. I have both, but only just got the Tensor (25 x 72). I can tell you the NeoAir XLite NXT (20x72) isn't quite warm enough for me here in Montana's summer highcountry. I also dislike coming off it at night since it's so narrow. I'm migrating back to ccf pads or wider inflatables.

If you're in the states, [this](https://shop.sportsbasement.com/products/neoair-xlite-nxt-r-l-curry) is a killer deal for a great pad. I'm a quilt users myself and used an El Coyote 20 for my O. Small cottage brand in the US, amazing quality.

I have an EE Revelation, 850 fill, 20° that is toasty at 15° and I have an EE Enigma, 950 fill, 20° that is barely warm enough at 30°. I use a therm-a-rest neo air xlite that is R4.5 and am comfortable on it down to about 15°.

I’m a side sleeper and used an EE 20° quilt and NeoAir XLite NXT short on the CDT. My buddy had the Tensor All-Season. The Tensor is probably a little more comfy but not enough to justify the extra weight in my opinion. The noise level is about the same but I think the Tensor is probably a bit more durable. Both pads are super easy to patch with tenacious tape but my NeoAir did have some baffles delaminate the last couple of weeks of my hike. I think I might have slightly over inflated the pad sometimes, eventually leading to the ruptured baffles. All things considered, I will continue to use NeoAir XLite pads due to the weight savings.

The first thing you need is a skill: accepting disappointment. If you don’t want to go down the rabbit hole, you must accept that taking a stranger’s suggestion may result in you finding a better item later, and some regret that you didn’t purchase the “best” item first. You must then think: “ok, but I saved myself 15-30 hrs research.”  Complete gear list, 10lb $800 total: https://pmags.com/the-budget-backpacking-kit He also has a 15 lb $300 version  https://pmags.com/300-gear-challenge Cheapest is buying used or discount - check r/ulgeartrade, r/geartrade, and steep and cheap.  My recommendations:  Sleeping pad:  - cheapest is learning to sleep on CCF - Nemo switchback, ridge rest, or similar. Unbeatable value and reliability. (Pads advertise r=2ish. You can stack pads to double this, but folks typically find that foam pads are plenty warm for 3 seasons. Pads seem to sleep warmer than the r-value suggests, due to the way r-value for pads is measured - it ignores heat loss through the sides, which is minimal for thin foam and not minimal for thick air pads.) - lightest for the r-value inflatable is the Thermarest X-Lite NXT - more comfy and not too heavy is the Exped Ultra 5. (5=r-value of 4.8ish) You can buy a mummy-shape (in either regular or long-wide mummy) to cut weight or the rectangle (again in normal or long-wide) if you like to sprawl.  Sleeping bag:  I bought mine used, learned to wash it. It was a good learning project. 

I use a NeoAir Xlite NXT regular for backpacking, although not perfect, it gets the job done. Biggest complaint is when I sleep on my back, my arms will drape off the sides of the pad. I still sleep well with it. I grabbed the NeoLoft Regular Wide at launch for car camping. I use it for non-backpacking related sleeping. Using a Basesus handheld air inflater for it, it's very luxurious. The Basesus has enough juice to fully inflate it 5 nights. It's a complete dream sleeping on the NeoAir. I don't think I'd ever backpack with it. Just had to comment on how darn comfortable it is. I am a 50/50 side back sleeper.

ccf pad cut down to size for the doggo, and an inflatable pad (xlite or tensor) for you next to it -- or get used to sleeping on ccf pads too if that wouldn't be good enough and she couldn't be taught to accept it

I have a tensor, xlite, and exped 3r -- I think they're all reasonably comfortable, although tensor probably at least 10% more comfy than both. Expeds can be bought cheap (sometimes $100), but if that's not the main concern it's between the tensor and xlite: tensor has 40d bottom and 20d top, xlite is 30d/30d; tensor is 5.5r / xlite is 4.5r; tensor (r/w) is 18oz, xlite max is 19oz. Historically the xlite has been considered more durable + repairable, but with the new fabric changeup recently, not sure that'll still be the case. Tensor is probably what I'd recommend to you. Also, trial version exists that is lighter but less warm (~3r) which could be warm enough for you.

I'm actually a stomach sleeper and find the xlite very comfortable for that, although the noise is definitely an issue when sleeping without a thin pillow. I do think the tensor is slightly more comfortable, but I have to get the air pressure just right, more-so than the xlite. Interesting we have different experiences like that!

Get the xlite nxt short, definitely long enough and only 11.5oz. Could also get an older xlite women's, that's slightly lighter and supposedly warmer (but maybe less comfortable and more noisy) Get the Enlightened Equipment Enigma APEX 20, short/regular, 7d fabric inside + 10d fabric outside (26.75oz) for ~190 euros

The current pad I use is an older 25" xlite that was chopped just below my knees and re-welded. It's my favorite, being 2.5" tall. The crinkling does annoy me and wake me up out of my sleep sometimes though.

Hey! I found that not blowing my pad all the way makes it more comfortable for me! Maybe you could give it a try? + I got the RW version which really changes the game in width

Girlfriend and I use Thermarest neoair x lite pads (for over 200 nights). We honestly don't find them too loud, and I am a light sleeper. The weight/R value ratio is great. I would suggest getting a wide version depending on how comfortable you are with 51cm width for the regular size mat.

1) Patch your Xlite 2) If not working, buy a Nemo Switchback. Start with the full one and cut it down until you don't want to take anymore off. Enjoy a never popping pad. If too hard, double up for your torso

I like the STS UL Insulated in XS. For me, the low height is comfier than the balloony X-Lite

I've been fine with an R2 CCF down to 20f limit. A 3mm ccf added makes it significantly warmer and more comfortable. A short accordeon and full length 3mm is a great combo. For an air pad, the Sts Insulated with an R3.2 is a limit for me. XLite around 4.5 is cosier and more than enough imo. I prefer the STS for comfort

Xlite Wide Mummy is also wide where it matters and lighter

I kind of regret not buying a thermarest xtherm instead of the neoair I think. Fairly big R value difference: - neoair wide/regular mummy: R=4.5, 16oz - xtherm wide/regular mummy: R=7.3, 19oz 3oz (+19%) weight difference for 62% higher R value I backpack a decent amount in hot DC summer/falls though and felt the x-therm might just make me too hot.

Ya prob should have just bought an x-therm for flexiblity though I'll say I've been warm enough with my xlite nxt down to the 20s.

I have both pads, notice no difference in comfort, and sleep equally well on either one. Guess I’m just an easy sleeper - certainly after a long hike!

I started out with a wide rectangular pad (Nemo Tensor Insulated at 540gr), before realizing I slept just as well on a regular mummy pad (Thermarest Neoair X-Lite at 380gr) or even a torso length pad (X-Lite at 205gr). Too often people (including myself initially) think they need a wide rectangular pad for whatever reason.

>For people that move when they sleep, I’ll take all the width I can get And yet, for what it’s worth, it’s this kind of statement that leads many to get a wide pad even if they don’t really need it 😉 I frequently switch sides and yet found I can do this just as well on a regular (short) mummy pad. If you wanna drop your pack weight, you’ve simply got to try things out.

I have used the Tensor Insulated RW (predecessor of the All Season) and (older generation) X-Lite mummy extensively, and I sleep equally well on both. Therefore, I prefer the X-Lite for it’s lower weight.