NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad

My go to *is* my UL backpacking pad (Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT)…doesn't sound like what you're after, but I have done a multi-week trip with it. I'm a side sleeper and find that having a second inflatable pillow to use between my knees is the real game changer.

You didn’t list the weights but the Neoair Xlite NXT weighs 12 oz, whereas the Nemo pad weighs 18 oz. That’s an enormous difference in UL terms. If those are the only choices, pick the Xlite. (All this assumes you are attempting to lower your baseweight to the minimum, else why ask on this subreddit?) You could then do what I did and shorten it to 3/4 length and use your backpack under your feet. That configuration is easier to adapt to than you think. That gets it close to 9 oz — half of the Nemo.

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite with an r-value of 4.5 weighs 370g. You don’t need a stuff sack.

Have you looked at a Thermarest Xlite? Better warmth to weight than those options.

If you wanna make it even more lighter and packable, there’s a way to [shorten it](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=90Fx6TLNEJQ) down to three-quarter length and use your backpack for the lower body insulation. That’s what I do. Mine weighs 270 g after the modification.

That’s old news. They’ve altered the way they make them so they are nowhere near as noisy anymore. They used to sound like crinkly paper when you turn. No longer.

Test both and then decide, because everyone has a different body. I personally switched from the Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated (size L with similar baffle structure to the Tensor) to the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT (size RW). Both are wide, the NXT is just regular length and as a side sleeper, I’ll never go back. I think the crucial point is to inflate it to the right pressure because overinflation won’t be comfortable. My preferred pressure is when I sit on the pad I almost touch the ground, but when I lie down, it feels perfect.

I’ve got both and definitely prefer the S2S. The dimpled mat is somehow more comfortable the higher you inflate it. I found the Therm-a-rest louder and less comfortable.

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.

Xlite + Thinlight is a very nice combo. It’s just somehow more bedlike. I slide the Thinlight under my quilt’s padstraps.

I have found that in my case it’s not actually the comfort of the sleep system but just inability to get good sleep the first couple of nights. I’m a light sleeper at home too though. I have just accepted this as a fact and push through the first days. Hiking is easy and simple so the lack of sleep doesn’t hit quite as hard. I have tried comfier pads but the problem persisted. Now I use an Xlite coupled with a Thinlight on top. Still nice and light but feels better than just the Xlite alone. Also adding magnesium to your evening routines might help.

Thermarest neoair xlite nxt my dear fellow Berliner. I recommend the flextail pump to pump it up in 90 secs after a long day.

Jo, sowohl die Matte als auch die Pumpe. Es ist einfach geil das Ding anzuschließen und aufpumpen lassen. Du musst nicht mal die Matte ausrollen. Ich rolle meine Matte immer mit dem Biwak zusammen. Beim Aufpacken, Luft wieder auspumpen lassen und zusammenrollen, ready.