Gear Review – Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite Sleeping Pad
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite Sleeping Pad
6
FEBRUARY, 2023
My go-to sleeping pad is the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite. It is perfect for 3-season backpacking trips where nighttime temperatures won’t get much lower than 40-degrees. For anything colder than that, I’ll accept the weight penalty and take my much-more-insulating NeoAir Xtherm pad. I am an inflatable sleeping pad guy. I’ve used foam-type sleeping pads, and they don’t provide the sleep comfort I need. I don’t sleep well in the backcountry, so everything I can do to improve my comfort and sleep is worth it. The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite has proven to be perfect for me on all but the coldest trips. It is lightweight, comfortable, and packs down to a small size.
NeoAir Xlite – Improvements since I bought mine and cost
I should note that this review is for the 2019 version of the NeoAir Zlite. Therm-a-Rest has released at least two new versions since I bought mine. The 2023 version (NeoAir Xlite NXT) is considerably more insulating (R-value) than mine. The 2019 version had a 3.2 R-value and the 2023 Xlite NXT has a 4.5 R-value. That’s significant! The list price of my 2019 Xlite large-size was $149.99 but I was able to get a $20 discount making my price $130. The current NXT Xlite large-size retails for $239.95! Ouch. There was an interim version between mine and the NXT. It featured a still-significant R-value improvement to 4.2 R-value, and it’s currently (2/6/23) on sale at REI for $149.93. All versions seem to weigh about 16 ounces.
“The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite is ideal for those looking to shave ounces off their overnight kit without sacrificing too much comfort or warmthry.” – Product Review
Size and Weight
It’s tough to get a feel for how the weight specifications have changed over time. Most of the specs are for the regular size, but I always buy large. Generally, the weight hasn’t changed much. The regular size was specified as 12 ounces in 2019, and the NXT regular is shown as 12.5 ounces. The large was spec’d at 16 ounces and is currently listed as 16.5 ounces. My 2019 Xlite weighed 470 grams (16.6 ounces) – a little higher than the 2019 spec. The size has remained the same: 72 inches X 20 inches for regular, 77 inches X 25 inches for large. There is a slight taper to the pad shape – it is slightly wide at the shoulders than the feet. Thickness was 2.5 inches in 2019 and is currently 3.0 inches. My packed size is roughly 13 inches long by 5 inches in diameter.
Blowing up the Xlite using the NeoAir Micro Pump
When I first purchased my Xlite, I inflated it ‘manually’ (using my mouth). This had two drawbacks: (1) it added moisture inside the Xtherm that could cause issues, and (2) at high altitudes, it sucked! – I would get dizzy from blowing all that air into it. I dreaded blowing it up when we got into camp. A few years back, I purchased the NeoAir Micro Pump to do the bulk of the work inflating the Xlite. The Micro Pump was annoyingly loud, but it worked well. It would inflate the air pad nearly, but not quite, fully. I would have to add about four puffs using my mouth to inflate it fully. The current version of the Xlite uses a different fill valve, but they still make a version of the Micro Pump that mates to the new fill valve.
Field experience and durability
I previously wrote a review of my 2014 NeoAir Xtherm sleeping pad. The durability of my Xtherm has been outstanding. My experience with the Xlite line of sleeping pads has not been as good overall. The 2019 version I have has not had any issues in the three backpacking seasons I’ve used it. No leaks at all, and the valve works perfectly. But I bought my new Xlite in 2019 because the previous Xlite-type NeoAir pad I had (it wasn’t called Xlite before 2019) had sprung a leak. And that pad was replacing an earlier Xlite equivalent pad that also leaked. It is made from very light material, so durability could be expected to be an issue. The good news is Therm-a-rest has an excellent reputation for repairing damaged pads.
Construction and Materials – From Therm-a-Rest
So what is the Xlite made from, and how is it constructed? Here is how Therm-a-Rest describes it: “Reflective ThermaCapture™ technology traps radiant heat while Triangular Core Matrix™ cuts convective heat loss without the bulk, weight or fragility of down or synthetic fill. 2.5 in. of thickness and baffled internal structure provide comfort, stability and support. Low-bulk materials allow you to pack the pad down to the size of a water bottle. Intuitive and dependable WingLock™ valve maximizes air flow for easy inflation and quick deflation. Valve wings toggle for one-way inflation to save breath.” The Xlite is constructed with 30-denier ripstop nylon.
Conclusion – Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite Sleeping Pad
One complaint I’ve read about people having with inflatable pads is a crinkly-type noise while moving around on it. Before I bought my Xlite I did have concerns, but I’ve had no issues with crinkly noise with my 2019 version. Though I have had some durability (leaking) issues with my prior Xlite-type pads from Therm-a-Rest, I have had no issues with leaking on my current 2019 Xlite. It is a comfortable, lightweight, and packable sleeping pad. There is enough insulation to keep you comfortable on nights down to about 40 degrees. I will note that the R-value of the 2023 version is 33% better than my 2019 version, so that would expand the comfortable temperature range significantly lower. The NeoAir Xlite is fairly expensive, but it’s worth the cost if you can afford it. I highly recommend the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite.
