Therm-a-Rest - NeoAir XLite Women's

I brought both, both times. Would again.

If I had to buy another pad, I'd just get mine again, the now discontinued NeoAir XLite Womens. It's the same weight but higher R value (5.4).

More comfortable, and much much quieter, but not anywhere near as warm.

I absolutely love my XLite Womens (R5.4, 66", 12oz). I think it's perfect in every way; warmth, weight, and length. This would get me to reconsider though.

Welp, I ordered it so we'll see soon enough.

Only used it once so far but it was fine with lows at 35F with a Katabatic Palisade. I’m hoping to use it more soon, and will thru hike with it in a few months.

I only use pads that are too short for me. I currently use an XLite Womens (66") and a Tensor Elite (63"). I like having my feet hang off the edge after a long day of hiking, it feels better. If I'm on a longer pad or in a bed, I will do the same thing.

I've used 2 different pads around 3.9-4R (separately, not together.) both are fine in terms of warmth. They are thermorest xlite women's And Big Agnes insulated air core. The main difference is that big Agnes is way heavier and comfier.

It's kinda weird. I had a women's xlite that was decently quiet, my wife had the same model. Then it got a baffle that broke and they sent a new one that was extremely loud. It sounded like sleeping on a bag of chips. Far louder than the one my wife has. Then that one got a whole and they replaced it with an xlite NXT and it's far quieter. Even less than hers that was already pretty good. So they've gotten better by a lot. But at some point they had a terrible batch in between good and great.

I hiked 2023 and had a few nights in May (yes in th desert) and many in Sept/ early October where it was sub freezing at night and snowing. I had a 15 degree katabatic quilt w the thermarest xlite (the yellow pad w 5.4 R value). Paired with merino wool leggings and long sleeve + down booties and a beanie. Even on the COLDEST nights in the Sierra in September (we did a flip) I was warm! Hope this can help :)

I've a 2012 TR Neo Air Woman size with approx ~12k trail and root miles with three Seam Grip dabs fixing pinhole leaks. And I'm a desert and mountain rat. Ive a 2016 EE quilt like new. I typically get 3 k miles out of Dyneema pack. I'm still using sil and Dyneema cat tarps bought 10 + yrs ago. And, I'm a yr round backpacker. This speaks to the user taking care of their gear and using it under the parameters it was designed. Not buying gear as much saves $ to do more trips.

Back and side to side ....neo air Xlite woman's size...I've been using it it for 9,10 yrs original one. Has multiple dabs(~8) of McNetts Seam Grip patching where pin prick holes were fixed.

Once again it goes to backpacking style in large part. I hike often 20+ hrs before stopping although 10 min breaks are ok every 2 -3 hrs. I cowboy camp alone most times in privacy. I don't fk with a device before sleep although I may journal. I review what happened that day and evaluate the next in my mind or looking at a map. I stop, eat, and am asleep in 30 mins or less. I've no blaring health issues. I can sleep on a slab, bivy on a ledge, sleep on an old forest road, or find a spot in the desert or beach sand. I'm fking tired when I stop. Put on repeat. I do that for wks even months on a thru. I've learned to sleep on a 20" wide polycro ground sheet, 3/8" CCF or TR Xlite.

What's your head gear situation? Insulation similar to your quilt on your head is crucial to meeting the temp rating. Rec: Gryphon Gear Taurus (actual comfort rated) and hood, pad at +4.3. Note: I find I sleep colder on 25" pads as I have less contact w/pad and there is more air to "heat". Try bumping up with torso length ccf or a better pad. Xtherm ftw. Women's xlite is awesome at your height too. https://zpacks.com/products/goose-hood Or https://www.gryphongear.com/products/cold-weather-hoods

Personally (I’m in my 40s and a side sleeper) an Xtherm or Xlite is one of my favorite purchases. But everyone has different needs. I’m a fan of not buying new things until you actually need them. Or you are sure that your goals will outgrow your gear. A cheap inflatable is definitely not worth it.

It depends on your conditions. I have a full length Xtherm for 40f nights but the half sized Xlite (now discontinued?) for 60f nights. It’s great, good weight savings. Sometimes put my backpack under my feet, but generally I’m not that fussy.

I sleep on a Exped Ultra 5r AT HOME every night. If I ain't worried over big miles, I take it backpacking. Cradles me just right with the outer "tubes" a little fatter than the midle ones. And I recommend a pillow that's tall enough for side sleeping. I usually take a thermarest x-lite on longer sections though, a little lighter and sleeps fine too.

If the Prolite works great for you, why not keep it and cut weight elsewhere? Pads are quite subjective, like recommending shoes. I agree it's a grail hunt, I've went through a bunch too! The Neoair is my go-to, the Exped Ultra is my favorite, and I can get by on a z-lite in warmer weather.

I’ve used the xterme since it came out with zero problem. At the beginning of last summer I bought the xlite and it immediately leaked. Used it for about 10 nights and took it back to REI. Never again.

I have an xlite and an all-season. I personally think the xlite is a little quieter. I also think the noise from both is so negligible that this should hardly be a sticking point for anyone unless you are VERY VERY sensitive to noise- in which case I have no idea how you sleep in the backcountry anyway. So far I prefer my all-season because a fully inflated all-season feels a little less “stiff” than my fully inflated xlite. I think the baffle design on the all-season is a little more comfortable. The biggest drawback to my all-season is that the pad surface can be quite slippery.

I have a Thermarest NeoAir XLite and while it has never failed me so far, it often wakes me up because it's SO DAMN LOUD. Everytime I move, the pad crackles and squawks and can wake me up, making for a rough sleep. It's otherwise comfortable... On my next hike, I am going to take a foam cell pad and see how I do...

I'm doubtful the exped is more durable than the neoair. Exped uses a 20D fabric vs a 30D for the neoair. Denier isn't everything but we can suppose both brands use good quality fabric. The neoair is one of the highest rated inflatable pad on the pct survey, it wouldn't be the case if they were constantly popping. I don't think you should ever use it on bare ground though.

The neoair beats every other pads on all metrics except comfort. So if it's comfy enough for you that's the best pad.

Avid Rockies backpacker based in Calgary. I have the Nemo disco -9 bag and it is perfect for all my three season trips and I’m getting a second one soon for my son. In the summer I still take a base layer top (a lighter one) and shoulder season add in the bottom. I also have a warmer base layer and a much lighter top. So it’s mix and match depending on the temp. As everyone sleeps differently, warmer or colder, you’ll have to figure that out on your own. But the bag is good! I use it with a Thermorest neoair xlite but for warmer temps use the Uber light. I believe the Nemo you mentioned is the equivalent. I suggest testing your gear once you have it to figure out your limits. I went winter camping at elbow lake just before the road closed (as car only 1km away!) and with the gear I would normally take in a shoulder season trip I figure I’m pretty good down to -10 and will survive fine if a bit colder. Did Rummel lake on a warmer spell in February and it was a fantastic trip. Obviously the winter trips I had more than just my usual shoulder season gear but it was very informative of my shoulder season capabilities.

It's all relative man. The new versions of both the Xlite and the Tensor are miles quieter than they used to be. They are quiet enough for me as a light sleeper that my own tossing and turning doesn't wake me up, nor does the tossing and turning of my hiking partners sleeping near me. You're not going to get better from an inflatable pad. My advice is either just tough it out until you get used to it or bail it. Maybe with time they will become quieter still but at some point you have to be willing to acclimate given that you're coming from a self-inflating pad. Even being sensitive to noise I would never sacrifice the weight savings for the quietness of a self-inflating pad.

What pads did you try that were too loud? Was it the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite?

Heh. Yeah - it's notorious for its crinkly noise. I would note - that I've used one for 10+ years - and it does get better with age. It's worst right out of the box. After a few trips its manageable. After a dozen trips I don't even notice it (or maybe I just mentally block it out). You could try switching over to the Therm-a-Rest ProLite line. They are not noisy. My gripe is that they are self-inflating. That means they have foam inside - so they are heavier and bulkier to pack. Not ideal if you are trying to optimize weight/space - but they are comfy and solve the noise issue. * [https://www.thermarest.com/sleeping-pads/fast-and-light/prolite-plus-sleeping-pad/prolite-plus.html](https://www.thermarest.com/sleeping-pads/fast-and-light/prolite-plus-sleeping-pad/prolite-plus.html) * [https://www.thermarest.com/sleeping-pads/fast-and-light/prolite-apex-sleeping-pad/prolite-apex.html](https://www.thermarest.com/sleeping-pads/fast-and-light/prolite-apex-sleeping-pad/prolite-apex.html)

Well, I'm currently using a Thermarest Neoair XLite for backpacking. For car camping, I'm using one called a Qomotop I got from Amazon. That brand seems to be gone, but if you search for it there are others that look pretty much identical under other odd ball brand names. I like them both for their purposes.

I have that pad, too, and I never use it because it sounds like you are sleeping on a giant bag of potato chips. Disappointing.

i’ve got a thermarest neoair xlite and it’s great

That's so funny, I had the opposite experience. Used an XLite for a good long while and just accepted that my arms and shoulders always felt sore in the morning and/or went numb overnight. Switched to a Ether Light XT Insulated (regular mummy, not wide), took a tiny weight penalty, slept like a baby ever since. Sleeping pads are as personal as underwear. I will seriously never understand why one person thinks their preferred pad will work for someone else. You just gotta try a few till you find the one that works for your (unique, individual) body.

XLite isn't comfortable for a lot of people

I'm a side sleeper and my arms and shoulders ache and/or fall asleep or go numb on the Xlite. For whatver reason I can only sleep on dimpled baffles (tensor, etherlight)

yeah sometimes you end up in a bind where the pad that is the most comfortable for you is one that is prone to having some manufacturing defect that reveals itself slowly. i wish i was more comfortable on thermarest neoair but i just can't sleep good on horizontal baffles. i know they're more reliable over the long term. but what are you gonna do. what kills me is people on this sub who act like because pads develop weld defects that means you're WaStEfUl or bad at caring for your gear. it's asinine

I have an Xlite but for shorter trips I'll take my more comfortable BA Air Core Ultra Insulated for side sleeping. Can't speak on the other BA pads like the Rapide SL

I have a Nemo Tensor, Thermarest NeoAir X-Lite, and an Exped Ultra. My favorite of the 3 is the Exped. I haven't used the Rapide, but I'd put it in the same class as the ones I have. At that point, they are all so similar, buy the one that is the most comfortable for you. $20-30 less or more at that price point isn't huge, and is 100% worth it for more comfort.

Stick with the foam imo! Although foam won't necessarily be the most comfortable option to sleep on when camping on hard surfaces (which can be mitigated with site selection), it offers comfort in other ways. It's comfortable in that it's very low-maintenance: it'll never pop or develop a leak, and it'll never deflate in the middle of the night. You don't have to baby it whatsoever. It's comfortable in that it takes mere seconds to set up and take down. It's comfortable in that replacing it is easy and cheap. It's comfortable in that it's very light for the weight and you can trim it down to lighten it further. It's comfortable that it serves multiple purposes, including a sit pad during the day and a mat for stretching. All of these things pay dividends on a long-distance hike where light, reliable, multipurpose, and time-efficient gear rules. Also, I don't think foam is nearly as uncomfortable as people make it out to be. You can always use extra clothes and other stuff for padding if you have to camp on a hard surface. I find inflatables to be slippery and annoyingly narrow, whereas I can sprawl on foam like I'm on a real bed. Edit: I'll add that I own a Thermarest NeoAir X-Lite and an Exped Ultra 5R. I'd take foam over them any day on a thru-hike for the ease of use, durability, and weight. The last thing I want to do after a long day of hiking is to spend time blowing air into a glorified pool floatie.

I have no issues side sleeping on the Xlite. I do tend to prop up both the head and the foot with spare clothes and my pack though, it keeps my day pants warmer and keeps rodents from investigating my pack, and the legs elevation helps with swelling I think.

The neoair is the most comfortable pad that I've ever used - ranging from closed cell foam, self inflating open cell, to blow up tube style.

I mean the xlite.

My neoair xlite is 10 years old and still going strong! (Tho prob about 1/3 the miles of yours 😅). Also very comfortable.

I have the XLite (size regular) and a Big Agnes Zoom UL (reg/wide). The Zoom is more comfortable.However, it doesn't feel as warm as I think it should with the R value. That being said, the only time I really noticed this was when it was below freezing. Any nights above 40f and they seemed about the same

If you're arms are falling off a 20" pad, I'd go with the wide version of the pad. The minor weight penalty is worth the better sleep imo. The XTherm is the "one pad to rule all seasons" type pad. That being said, if you only do one winter trip a year and have a CCF pad to bring, you can't go wrong with the XLite.

Rumor is they have made significant improvements with the crinkle. But I don't have any personal experience. My XLite is 2 years old and it doesn't seem too crinkly

I use the Thermarest NeoAir Xlite and am very happy with it, but I also don’t use it more than 10 days a year. It’s very comfortable and packs very small, but the R value is only fit for summer.

I find the xlite to be extremely uncomfortable. I love the thermarest prolite and have done multiple thru hikes with it.

I too hate the xlite and had the same experience of just deflating it completely. I love the thermarest prolite. I used the regular length version for the pct but switched to the shorter version for the cdt, azt, and at. I pair it with 6 panels of a foam pad as well.

I have this, too. Are you sure it wasn’t holding air, or is it possibly that just due to the temp changes it becomes a little less full in the middle of the night? Mine doesn’t leak, but usually around 2 am I’ll notice my pillow and pad both need a few breaths to top them back off.

Xlite doesn’t have durability issues. The now-discontinued “uberlight” had durability issues. The xlite is the industry standard for durability/warmth/weight.

Fwiw my family just got back from 3 nights camping in the Smokies with my wife and I sharing a tent. My Neoair NXT is significantly quieter than her older neoair xlite. That fact alone wouldn’t be the deciding factor for me, though. Hers is like 0.3oz lighter but mine apparently has a higher R-value and the valve inflates/deflates significantly faster.

I hiked in 2015 and kept both the NeoAir Xlite and the folding foam pad. The folding foam pad is equivalent to no less than the towel from Hitchhiker's Guide. It's good for SO MANY THINGS and its a priority item for anything longer than 8ish miles. My BW was around 16-17lbs if I'm remembering correctly and if you consider the pad to be a luxury item my other luxury item was my Kindle and I'll never do long-distance backpacking without either again.

I've used S.I and Sea to Summit pads in Norway and microtears are definitely real with S.I. I switched to Thermarest NeoAir Xlite and I love it, it is very warm, packs tiny and it weighs under 350g. If you hate the bouncy air mat feel, try Exped Synmat or Downmat. Their baffle design feels more stable and the Downmat is perfect for cold Norwegian nights. Air mat punctures are rare if you're careful where you set them up.

Yes the NeoAir has a decent balance it is lighter than S.I. and not too bouncy, especially with a thin foam mat underneath. If you want more stability, you could look into the Exped Ultra 5R or Synmat HL as good middle-ground options.

It is not worth it as long as you can sleep and truly rest on a closed cell foam pad. that is definitely a more reliable pad, but that is not something many of us could never do. just because of how uncomfortable it is and for the condition it might leave our body in after laying that way without support so long. I will say this, though my thermos Neo air has never had a reliability issue and I’ve probably used it 60 - 70 nights so far.

You know any of those is fine. So, just choose the cheapest. But, for what it’s worth, I’m a pro guide and me and my colleagues all use xlite. I like thermarest because I’ve used their air mattresses for 30 years and I think that Cascade Designs is more advanced with their R and D due to their longevity.

6’4’ 240 lb big boy here. I’m a pro guide and generally go out for a week at a time to Appalachian Trail, Grand Canyon, eastern Sierra. I have used a neoair xlite for the past 3 years and it has been really reliable. I guess I’ve had the opposite experience as you. I did order an Uber lite once but with my size I didn’t feel good about its durability although it was insanely compact and lightweight.

I have an xlite from a few years back and it is truly one of my best pieces of equipment. I’m a pro guide and most of my colleagues use the same. Not sure how that compares to current stock. They look the same.

Your pad will pop. I’d almost bet on it.  I took and Xlite and a 1/8th and loved having them both. The 1/8th gets so much use throughout the day.

Neo air xlite by thermorest

Ha, same. Started with the 'ol cheapo Klymit Static V, moved to the small mummy Therm-a-Rest XLite NeoAir for a couple years, then figured I'd get a wide to see if that helped with side sleep comfort so my butt and knees weren't off the edges (& went extra warm because may as well eliminate redundancies) with the Therm-a-Rest XTherm in reg wide. No dice. Tried a friend's Nemo Tensor, and wasn't for me. Tried the large women's Sea to Summit Comfort Light Insulated air - dimples felt odd and was too thin; no better than my old mummy xlite for overall comfort even with the wider shape. Running out of budget to throw in for the S2S Ether Light XT test and given my experience with the Comfort Light, wasn't convinced it was the move. Still haven't tried vertical baffles like the Expeds, and maybe that'd do fine, but instead just went all in on the reg wide chonky Neoloft... and good god. With that soft knit stretch top, slept a like the coziest dreamy log for 8.5 hours first time I took it out (and then 6 the next, but only thanks to a disruptive woodpecker. Nature!) I hesitate to mention/recommend it here as it kinda undermines the whole forum topic (ultralight) with its extremely-not-ultralight weight. But packs just as small as my reg-wide XTherm and as a bike camper, pack size matters more than strictly weight so I'm sticking with it.

I don’t use one now because I’ve gotten a bit more comfortable sleeping on my back this past year. BUT back when I was a side sleeper I loved the Big Agnes Rapide SL Regular Wide. Quilted baffles were so comfy and it was THIQUE. Slightly weighty, but who gives a shit about UL if you can’t sleep and recover. Also wasn’t AS warm as Xlite, but not a big diff. Combined that with a similar two pillow method + sleep mask and ear plugs to Aromatic’s and I was OUT. Now I use a neo air xlite in shoulder season and a closed cell when things have thawed out because I sleep on my back more. I also second quilts. My Katabatibc 30 degree is toasty down into the 20’s and gives hella weight savings + roominess.

Sea-to-Summit Ether Light XT (25" Wide version) was a game changer for me after spending so many nights on a standard Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite. They make an Extreme version with a higher 6.2 r-value, but the cost is about double ($240) what you want to spend. Can't put a price on good sleep when thru hiking though...

[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

These days, even the xlite is too comfortable to be considered ultralight. If your not using a torso length 1/8in, you should be kicked out of the sub.

What is noisy for you with the All-Season? Generally, pads are noisy from internal insulation or from the shell material. It's hard to get away from shell material noise and mylar film is the best warmth to weight ratio insulation. For a lot of people, weight, warmth, and comfort are higher priorities than noise, which is why some of the noisier pads are the most popular. That being said, the Exped Ultra pads are pretty light, warm, and some of the least noisy. I also find them more comfortable than the Xlite or All-Season. I can confirm that companies pay millions of dollars so reviewers will lie and break the trust of their audience. /s

Anecdotally I've had my last thermarest neoair xlite for 7 years with approximately 3000 miles of use before a center baffle blew out so there's a bump in the center of the pad, it still holds air. Never had to patch it and never had the valve leak overnight.

Have not had to use the warranty knock on wood, but have been really happy with my tensor as well. I too side sleep part of the night, and it's great not waking up with a sore shoulder from being direct on the ground in the past with my therma rest lite.

Interesting. My lightweight thermarest has been solid for 15+ years. I think you just have bad luck!

I bought an old version Thermarest Xlite and it felt like I was sleeping on a bag of chips... for the first two trips... now it doesn't make much noise at all when I move around. I think pad noise in general is overblown.

I’ve tried both. Took the Rapide back to REI. I did not find it all that comfortable and not very warm. I tried and kept the Exped Ultra 5R mummy style. Comfy and warm. I also have a Neoair Xlite. The Exped is more comfortable, but the Xlite is a bit warmer. That said the Exped is my go to.

Switching to Wide, was a huge step up for me. So much better with my elbows resting on the pad and having enough room to turn at night. Something to consider is that the Nemo has 20D bottom fabric vs Xlite - 30D vs Xtherm - 70D. I have had all kinds of leaks with Nemo pads. Few punctures with Xlite pads and no punctures/leaks with my Xtherm.

https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/camping-and-hiking/best-sleeping-pad https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/camping-and-hiking/best-camping-mattress Outdoor Gearlab is a great resource for things like this, they break it all down. Personally I used the NeoAir Xlite, and while I was a bit jealous of my peer’s comfort with their huge air mattresses, the ease of setting up and packing up without the need for an outlet or a pump, and it packing down to about the size of a pineapple, and weighing under a pound, made it worth it to me. And I slept fine. There’s other options on there that lean toward comfort over weight and size though.

Tried pretty much everything, settled on the xlite, for me personally offers the best combination of attributes. For any pad I would only consider a long and wide now.

Keep in mind, too, that a CCF pad can be a huge hassle to attach to your pack. Some people care more than others about stuff flopping around, dealing with attaching it every morning, etc, but you might want to figure out which type you are. I keep saying I'm going to try my CCF for summer backpacking, but always give up and throw my XLite into my pack. Even after I spent two nights with it deflated due to punctures (yes, more than one :( on one trip, I patched it when I got home and still used it for my next trip. It's just too easy. But it's still good to have a CCF to use on really cold nights in a campground, as a second pad underneath an inflatable. Or of course if you do winter backpacking or the like.

Also, it's not super UL (but shoulder season/winter hiking often isn't), but on cold trips I layer a z-fold under my normal pad (NeoAir X-Lite). Especially if OP has a pad already and just wants something for sub-freezing temps, definitely a durable and cheap option to consider.

Rapide for comfort, Tensor All-Season for overall value and light comfort, xlite for UL and durability. IMO

I own an xlite large and an uberlite

You have to think about temperature gradients when discussing insulation. If in summer the ground temp is near body temp, then even if you have an R=100 pad it won’t make any difference since you would not be loosing heat to the ground, even with no pad. So an xtherm in warm conditions performs pretty much the same as a xlite.

I use a Nemo Tensor insulated regular wide (from around 2021? When it was R4.2). Very stable and quiet, much better than the NeoAir Xlite I once tried and quickly returned. I also sleep in every position. If I didn’t already own two of these I would buy the current Nemo Tensor All-Season Insulated which is R5.4 for the same weight.

Hmmm, i’m a side sleeper as well, and i’ve used the XLite for years without any pain. As long as it isn’t leaking I don’t see how a different pad would help with your problem.

Not only will they have the blown up ones, check around REI's returned goods. I found two NeoAir XLite pads for less than $90 each, "used". Honestly looked brand new and held air. Which ever par you decide on, check the returns before you buy new.

I tried Klymit and had the same problem. Get a Thermarest Neoair Xtherm or Xlite. I’ve used an Xlite for 4 years with no leaks.

Spending $200 on one of the lightest pads on the market just to add weight in the form of a thinlight and seam grip is honestly a meme. You may as well just carry an XLite at that point, which is both warmer and more durable. This is why super light inflatables do not make sense to me. They require extra gear to protect them, while not even being that much warmer than just carrying an indestructible foam pad 

I thought I needed a thick wide pad as a side sleeper. I got an S2S Etherlight. About half way thru a thru in ‘21 I had to try an XLite, because supply chain. Dropped about 9ozs and kicked myself the rest of the way down the trail for being so gullible. The XLite was much more comfortable for me sleeping and I could really feel those 9ozs off my back. Get that and bring a few ozs of Blue Chew and your gal will carry the rest of the gear! Ha!

Katabatics run narrow. I was freezing in mine when I shouldn't have been - I returned it for a wide width. Also, since you're a cold sleeper like me, I think you should try the Xtherm. I've used the xlite and can tell you the Xtherm is noticeably warmer.

I also highly recommend the xlite, have had mine for 3 years with no issues. It is compact, warm, and seemingly durable enough that I don’t need to baby it. Just finished a 4 week roadtrip from Alaska to NC and car camped 90% of it using the xlite in the back of the car, worked great.

Just today I found myself wishing the Xlite came in a Short Wide. (Seriously, why only offer wide for tall people?!)  I'm only 5'6", so I don't need or want a 72" long pad, but my shoulders are 19" wide and I sleep like a dang corkscrew over the course of a night. A 20" wide pad just does not cut it for me. Current pad is 25", and while I don't think I'd want as narrow as 22", 24" would probably still be enough for comfort.

Yea def get a pad Those xlite pads are noisy to sleep on just as an fyi. Didn’t bother me but some people complain about it. Idk if they changed the material but I have an old one and it’s crunchy is the best way I can describe it

No insulating value so not appropriate for cold weather; otherwise, if you like it great! I like closed cell foam for bottom dollar functionality but lots of folks can't/won't sleep on it, which is where you get the expensive inflatable pads you're talking about that are light and warm and compact (but cost a lot). In that category I like the thermarest neoair series.

My neoair xlites are going strong after 5years plus; my old thermorest prolite 3 shorty (older and heavier) is out of the regular rotation but is 20+yrs old and still works great no patches. Closed cell foam doesn't pop!

This seems perfect for me. I switched from a Tensor to an XLite for the weight savings, but just cannot get comfortably with the baffle design. I'm concerned about its durability, but otherwise this seems like the pad for me.

My thermarest xlite is a pound, 25” wide, and I can take it down to like 25-30F very comfortably. Finding that for anywhere near $100 new would be incredible

Find anything remotely comparable to an xlite on alibaba and it’ll be a hit.

I sleep fantastically on a Therm-a-Rest neo air xlite, but plenty of people prefer vertical baffles like exped pads have.

Supposedly the new gen of XLites (the NXTs) is much quieter. I've seen video of the old ones, and they sound like a plastic bag. I have an Uberlite and XLite, and I would not describe either as loud. Maybe go to a shop and try some there?

I've been comfortable on 1/4" foam for 500 miles on the CDT through New Mexico (mostly under pine trees) but not on 1/8" foam which I used on my first PCT hike as a backup for my XLITE which leaked out the valve all through Washington, leaving me on the ground multiple times per night, waking me up every hour or so. Personally I like 6 panels of 3/4" zlite (~5 oz) for a bit of a safety margin. One way for you to test both would be to bring a full-length 1/8" pad that you can fold in half into a torso-length 1/4" on a training hike and see what you like. Site selection is obviously important, and for a 1/8" you may want to find/dig a dip for your hip. What is your level of experience and where are you planning to hike?

I use an Xlite and am a side sleeper. I found that switching pillows helped any shoulder/neck discomfort. I now use a pillowcase (Thermarest Trekker) that I stuff with my clothes/sacks/jackets etc and it has helped immensely. I can actually sleep comfortably on my nemo switchback now. Another trick I've learned is to not inflate the pad completely. I will blow it up all the way then let a little bit of air out at a time until it's slightly more squishy than normal.

They're all good pads. I find them all comfortable in their own ways. Exped has the nicest fabric, but it's also the thickest which I don't really like. The Nemo tensor is the overall most comfortable, no nonsense, best of all worlds. The Xlite is my favorite however. I like the horizontal baffles. The new NXT version isn't as loud as its predecessors. The mummy shape is tapered in the perfect places unlike Expeds mummy pads, I prefer it over rectangular ones.

I'm thinking about picking this up for my PCT thru next year. I tried the XLite, instantly got 5+ holes on the first night of a 3-night trip and it really soured my perception of the pad. I ended up using it for 60 nights after I patched every hole, but I was using a groundsheet a lot of the time after that. Picked up the Exped Ultra 3R next and man that thing is durable, quiet, and comfortable. If you look at the Ultra 5R Mummy, it's only like 3oz heavier than the XLite and the durability and comfort of those vertical baffles seem to win out for me.

I have the Xped 5R... It's _very_ comfortable and warm (much much warmer than I would ever need if I didn't plan on going down below 5°c!). But it's a _little_ bit chunkier and heavier than I might like if I wasn't in need of the warmth. XLite is lighter and more compact, but significantly less comfortable IMHO, also very warm. Can't speak to the Nemo personally. My summer pad is the [Kilos Gear Aerocloud UL](https://kilosgear.com/products/aerocloud-sleeping-pad-ul) and I really rate it; comfortable, lightweight, compact, and honestly surprisingly warm still, never really even felt the cold until it got down below 0°c - & obvs _much_ cheaper than the other options you've listed. Comfort is a little bit of a personal preference based on your physique and sleep preferences; but I would certainly recommend the kilos gear pad. Sorry to give you even more options 😂

Thermarest Xlite is compact but still fairly durable as long as you are careful with it. Also these pads can generally be patched fairly easily. Nothing is going to beat a foam pad in the durability department tho.

The Xtherm Max is probably what you actually want. As a fellow tall guy, this big square high r-value design is comfortable enough to warrant the weight penalty. You could do a long Xlite as well—it’s only one pound—and still have a massive improvement over the Klymit, which is not a great pad imo.

The weight savings looks nice compared to my Xlite with 3 pin holes in it, but I don't think I want to go from 30d to 10d..

> I'm close to getting a Thermarest Xtherm, which I probably will as it seems ideal to me, unless convinced otherwise. Good call. I vaguely prefer a torso-length CCF paired with a ThermaRest XLite to build in a bit of redundancy, but the XTherm has fantastic warmth for weight, and we don't hear about many issues. This is a sound choice for sure. Consider a wide. I don't mind "regular" width pads, even as a big guy, but people often find them shockingly small. Think seriously about the dimensions. For -10C, I'd strongly recommend a mummy bag, with a hood. Quilts are a great weight savings, but even a lot of experienced people prefer mummy bags as the temperature dips meaningfully below freezing. Where are you ordering to and what's the budget for the bag? (Tariffs and shipping will probably guide the selection process.)

I think R of 3-4 is right for 3 season. Because it can get frosty in the autumn and the spring. Most of the time 2.5-3 will be plenty, but not all the time. I have been using Thermarest for years. I used to have an XTherm, an Xlite and an Uberlite. I upgraded my Xlite to the new NXT version and that has proven so good I sold my XTherm. I can use the Xlite nxt down to -5C and I’m plenty warm, if I was going any colder than that, I would take an additional CCF mat, not just for the extra warmth but also just in case I have a problem with my pad as a back up. On a budget I would recommend getting a 2nd hand Xlite of the previous generation. It’s a great pad and it’s very light for the warmth you get. They are a little crinkly but that never bothered me. I think the best pad for the job is the new Xlite NXT. It’s the same weight as the last one, but it’s quieter, even thicker and even warmer. But it isn’t cheap.

XLite was extremely uncomfortable for me to the point where I just sleep on a CCF pad instead.

Do you sleep on your stomach? As a stomach sleeper I find the baffle construction of the Therm A Rest Neo Air Xlite very uncomfortable. I have to use it at a very low pressure for it to be somewhat bearable. It also feels too much like an air mattress and it’s noisy (which is especially bad as a stomach sleeper because your ear will be right on top of the 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

Foam pad is cheap and works well on snow, they insulate well. Only downside is bulk but it's doable. I've found a foam pad and a lightweight inflatable (I have the neoair xlite from therapist but there are many other options) to be a great combo - if it's really warm or I'm not on snow I ditch the foam to save space. But the foam adds warmth on snow, and it's a failsafe in case the inflatable pops or leaks. If you're on a really tight budget, you can just use a foam pad and nothing else. That's what I did my first season mountaineering in Washington. Got me through Mt Adams and the Ptarmigan Traverse just fine.

You should be good with the Neoair xlite. For your temps, it should be more than enough. If you plan on camping even colder, get the xtherm. The Xtherm is so warm it literally feels like im on a heated floor unless im directly on snow, even then it feels warm, its literally unusable in the summer.

My setup is a GG 1/8th (5 panels, cut off 2 and carry a sit pad) along with a thermarest Neo air xl - all in, right around $250. I’m an AT thru hiker and setting out with this gear on the pct in 2 weeks

I have found and fixed a leak in my NeoAir, but I can't imagine finding the hole while on the trail.

I've 200+ nights on my NeoAir. I've patched a couple holes over that time, but it was easy to identify and fix them in the field. Cascade Designs, the parent company of thermarest, will replace your pad if there's a defect in it (I've warrantied an MSR tent with them). Thru hikers use inflatable pads and do just fine. Are you having this problem with multiple brands and models? Are you super heavy? Are you sleeping wearing anything that is metal? Maybe get a gossamer gear 1/8" foam pad and put it underneath your inflatable.

Then it’s a CCF pad for you. I’ve had no issues with reliability. I’ve owned an Uberlite and two Neoairs (NXT and non). But if something can break, it will eventually. I’d recommend babying it, in every way (site selection and clearing, handling, etc.).

6’4”, 220, although with a back that does not require repair. Most comfortable backpacking pad I tried is S2S Comfort Insulated Plus. Weight is awful - 2.5 lb - but the double chamber system is excellent at balancing protection from the ground and support vs having a softer top to rest on. Large rectangular size provides enough space, especially if you are a back sleeper. Outside of double chamber systems like that one, basically Thermarest NeoAir are the best of the bunch. Pricy but thick and performant. The popular S2S Etherlight is thicker, but also requires being inflated firmer which makes it overall meh unless you specifically want ultra-firm.

It has taken a few weeks on sleeping on my thermarest neoair to figure it out for consistent sleep: deflating so I’m only just off the ground, and ear plugs. That combo works for me for backpacking. Canoe camping I still prefer my self inflating tractor with a blue foam mat underneath for that little extra cushion!

Not a duo, but after trying a series of pads my partner (who is usually cold at night) loves her vectair, when comparing it to my Neo and her old self-inflating.

For solo? Assuming you don’t need a free standing tent, take a look at Mier Lanshan 1P on Amazon. It uses a trekking pole. I have like a 16 year old NeoAir pad which rolls up slightly smaller than a Nalgene. It’s kinda pricey but they still make them.

Exactly this! I also just switched from NeoAir to Exped for this reason after trying my partner's Exped. So much more comfortable although ever so slightly bigger/heavier.

This is subjective. For me, yes, an inflatable pad is worth it for better sleep quality. Foam pads just don't work for me. In your case, you report that you already sleep fine on a foam pad so why not just stick with it? Regarding durability of an inflatable, yes it's likely lower but you may be able to patch it and still worth it for sleep quality. I did get a leak in my NeoAir but I set up camp in a reasonable spot and was able to put my pack under it and it was ok. Patched it when I got home. The hot ticket item for me is actually the short Prolite. Very similar weight to my old NeoAir, bit more durable, adequate ground insulation, and still has a bit of foam. Takes up more space but still fits in my packs with usual loadouts.

I had a neoair and never had a good night sleep. I loved the packed size and weight, but I always felt like I was perched on it and would be thrown off if I wriggled. I also had one of the older, noisier ones so it sounded like a crisp packet. I now use a short prolite which is a combination of foam and air. I’m much closer to the floor and it all feels a lot more stable. This results in me managing to sleep for 8 hours on the trail which is priceless. It’s heavier and no pad under my feet so I put my bag under my feet on cold nights. But having a good night sleep after a long day on your feet is worth the extra weight.

I’m taking a neoair AND a RIDGEREST!!!!! Luxury baby! Base weight is still 11 pounds cuz of a few other luxuries but DO IT!

You've tested *all* of them? You find the Nemo more comfortable than an Etherlite XT? An REI Helix? An Exped? A Rapide SL? That doesn't compute for me. The Nemo is more comfy than a Neoair but well below all of those.

2 things here, time of year is key, the other is age. even late spring, in the uplands in the UK you can get hyperthermia pretty easily without decent ground insulation. You mention student, so i'm guessing circa 17-22. You should be able to sleep on a roll mat just fine at thatt age with, esp after a day's hard PT in the outdoors. For this if you want to save money, forget amazon entirely and look at an army foam matt, or a thermarest one if want to buy from a regular shop. Both will keep you alive and insulated in all weathers. As for airpads, they are a liability. I know i've had most brands over the years and the reality is there is no cutting corners. Sure can get a cheap one from amazon, say trekology one of the better one's but know it will fail, and its not a question of if, but when. Note a non insulated airpad, you will have a very very uncomforable night, as in freezing. I've been all over, all different terrains and super remote, a hard foam matt will never fail and you should always carry one, even if you have a top of the range airmat, because without one, if the airpad fails your screwed. As for air pads themselves. My advice is having tried all leading brands, save up and get a thermorest neoair (avoid uber) and go for a xtherm if wanting winter, and the normal(yellow) one if 3 season. yes they are expensive but if they fail (which out of all the matt's ive had over the years are the most reliable) the customer service is second to none, you will get a replacement. So you can buy x number of cheap pads without any ability to get a replacement a year down the road, but over the seasons it adds up. So best advice, is save up a little, make home brew to save money lol, and buy once, but buy quality. The other thing is sleeping bags, and again that becomes very costly. If your young and thus should be fit and thus your not worrying about every gram, look no further than uk ex military surplus stock for sleeping systems/bags. They will last, are well proven and just work.

Slept on a ZLite on the AT and PCT, bought a NeoAir for the CDT and slept great on all of them. 10+ years later and I can’t even come close to a good nights sleep on a 25 inch wide pad with a decent pillow. Probably just need to hike more miles.

I had one of the first neo airs and I used on extended trips and for work. I also let my dogs walk all over it. I used it on rocks and twigs. It took like 10 years to get a hole.

I've been using the thermarest neos air ones since they were introduced.

Buy once cry once. Get a nemo Tensor all season or a Thermarest Neoair - you can find both used on ebay for less than rrp.

I’m a side sleeper and went from the Tensor to the Thermarest neo air. The tensor is crazy noisy and if you flip from side to side like I do it’ll wake you and anyone you sleep near up. It’s really loud to me. The Thermarest is way quieter, has a higher r value and I’ve been pretty comfortable side sleeping on it in a zenbivy quilt and sheet. Seems a bit counter intuitive, but sometimes I find that I’ve made it too firm after a few hours and I just reach up and let a bit of air out if I’m feeling any discomfort and go right back to sleep.

I know they are light but the neoair durability isn’t great. Also Cascade (thermarest) just moved from Seattle to Reno and I bet things are super disorganized still I opted for the Exped Ultra series. There’s a weight penalty but I find them much more comfortable, and Exped repairs pads for the cost of shipping to Tacoma.

Highly recommend a thermarest Neoair. I have the X-therm which is the highest R rating they do and is fantastic in winter but if your doing more fair weather they do lower R value ones and lighter weighted models. Expensive but completely worth the price. (Comfortable too) I'd recommend an R value between 2-4 for 2-3 season camping in the UK.

You obviously have not tried a NeoAir

I won’t say most but I would say a good majority use the thermo rest neo air. It varies in size but it’s a quality pad and I use it personally

Same. Bought NeoAir in 2016. Full AT thru, full PCT thru, a dozen other short trips. Still going strong!

I slept on a neoair it was uncomfortable and noisy I switched to a Nemo tensor not even in the same realm of comfort. I also have a sea to summit ether light xt and it's heavy but best pad comfort I have slept on.

Most of the negative reviews I’ve seen for the Rapide have been for the model that came out for 2024. I bought a used model for that reason, and so far so good, I’m sleeping much better than I did on my Thermarest Neoair. Taking it out next week for the first time with lows in the 30° range, fingers crossed. Also a side sleeper here.

Same here. When I did my life's biggest hike thus far, I was in my early 20's, very close to being underweight, and had zero injuries. Sleeping on a Z-Lite was a no-brainer, and I was comfortable on it. Now, I'm tickling the upper limit of the normal weight range, I have to arrange my legs in a certain way to avoid knee pain, have one shoulder prone for a nerve getting pinched, and one elbow that won't go straight. My Thermarest NeoAir enables me to get a decent night of sleep out there.

I was happy with a foam pad in my 20's, when I was almost underweight and had zero sports injuries. Nowadays, hovering at the top end of the normal weight BMI range, and with a couple of joints that need to be placed in a very delicate way to achieve a comfy position, I've got a Thermarest Neoair, a version warm enough for winter use but also perfectly comfortable during summer. I've pathced it once, and the patch has been sitting there for at least four years without a problem. I'm a side sleeper. I think if I could sleep on my back, I might still be using foam.

Another vote for the Thermarest NeoAir

I read quite a few reviews if the nemo Tensor that it fails/leaks, and that it's potato-chip bag loud! The pad noise is something I really hate, so I would have to touch this in store to check personally. I bought the NeoAir years ago based on the hype, but found that it's so ridiculously loud I can't use it!

Take them both 100%. The thinlight stops the neoair from moving/ sliding around, or sharp sticks puncturing it. Thinlight is great back up if neo air pops. It’s so light, it does double duty for stretching, fast breaks, extra backing in frameless pack. Take it!( I’ve many with it on the PCT)

For me it really depends what I'm doing and where I'll be sleeping. If I'm sleeping on relatively flat, manicured ground or snow I bring my inflatable Neoair, it's smaller, lighter and warmer. If however I might end up on rocky ground or am climbing something where a bivy isn't intended, but is a possibility I bring my z-lite as I can use it anywhere. So ultimately I'd recommend buying both if you intend to be sleeping on both rocky ground and snow.

It’s like a gamble. For me I’ve been using a NeoAir for a 2000 mile thru hike plus another 500 miles since than with no . Maybe mine was made on a Wednesday. Never buy a pad made on a Monday or Friday.

The Thermarest NeoAir is indeed lighter. At just 12 ounces the semi-mummy arguably the best quality sleeping pad in this range and weight. But it's also not cheap. The NeoAir Xtherm is the cold weather version, R 7.4, and 16 oz. The Nemo Tensor Extreme is rectangle, R 8.1, and 18 oz. Both the Thermarest and Nemos are quieter than they were in the past. Also, the more you use them, the more quiet they get. Agree the Thermarest pump sack is the worst of the bunch, no question, but I've gotten mine to work enough. The Rapide is usually warm enough for most people 3 seasons, and the reason to buy it is indeed it's thickness, and the sides being raised. Agree the Exped 5R is good for most people. It's a simple, comfortable, rectangle. R 4.8, and 1lb 4 oz. That's certainly heavier than the Thermarest but $50 cheaper.

I'm a side sleeper with hip pain at times and I prefer a CCF Nemo Switchback for sleep. I am planning on selling my barely used NeoAir Thermarest inflatable bc it always makes back and hip issues worse. Then again I'm someone who prefers to sleep on the floor over a bed bc it feels way better on my back. Good luck in your search!

I weigh around 170 and have had my current pad (a Therm-a-rest NeoAir) for over 10 years and it's still going strong. I use it roughly 30 nights per year. I roll it up, no stuff sack, and carry it in my pack. I sleep in a tent so my pad doesn't have direct ground contact when I'm sleeping, but I frequently take it out of the tent and put it on the ground so I can relax outside.

I have a neo air - cost a bomb when I got it about ten years ago. Definitely worth it - warm and comfy! Before that I "borrowed" my auntie's thermarest back in 2003 - that was a few years old then. I think I only made one repair.

I have a light weight thermarest neoair. Super small packed up. But thinking is there a just slightly wider version. I've used i a lot for a long time doing races but.... maybe more comfort is due. My arms fall off when on my back.

I've had a neo air and it's light but noisy when turning. Just got a big Agnes (can't remember the model but the widest single insulated) and it's comfy and quieter when turning. Certainly heavier than the neoair though

My Thermarest neoair doesn’t state in the instructions that you can’t inflate by mouth and I always have with no negative effects. There is a video online that provides empirical evidence debunking the belief that mouth inflation adversely affects sleeping pads

I used self inflating Thermarest pads for years, granted they were older models, but the NeoAir is much more comfortable for me as a side sleeper. Have you tried inflating it less? Sounds like you may have too much air in it

If you’re camped on a slope, layering the neo-air over the foam pad keeps it from slipping downhill. Plus it makes a great ass pad during the day.

Both times I’ve hiked the PCT my thermarests have popped in the desert . The first time it was an older thermarest that had already seen a bit of action . The second time it was early on in my hike and it was the one I’d replaced the previous one with! After that I went CCF pad and was absolutely fine with it. In many ways, I prefer it.

For a rainy bikepacking trip, definitely go for a lightweight, waterproof tent like MSR or Big Agnes. A synthetic sleeping bag and an inflatable sleeping pad like Therm-a-Rest will keep you dry and comfortable. You’ll be good to go with that setup!

The suggestion of a rental is a good idea if you currently aren’t interested in making this a hobby! If you are looking to buy, however, the foam Therm-o-Rest pads are the classic camping pad that everyone owns one of. They z-fold up into a rectangular stack and are relatively light and cheap. I’m 40 and need a little extra cushion on the trail these days, so I use an air mattress. Therm-o-rest has some decent priced air mattresses, but they are a little spartan compared to some of the more expensive air mattresses.

For me the thermarest warranty has been worth its weight in gold, it’s an inflatable product that’s exposed to the elements, they’ll all get damaged eventually but every interaction I’ve had with them has been amazing, no questions asked replacement or repair

Yeah my first was thermarest. Didn’t like. I do enjoy my Nemo tensor and I just ordered a switchback closed foam from Nemo now! Are you a side sleeper??