Thermarest NeoAir XLite review: Is It Worth The Money

There is no better thing than ultralight backpacking, and the THERM-A-REST® NeoAir® XLite® delivers exactly that to complete your gear.

When you spend as much time backpacking and camping as I do, a good night's sleep is essential. The ground beneath my tent was never very comfortable, so I knew I needed to invest in a sleeping pad that could provide warmth, cushioning, and pack down small. On my journey to find the perfect backpacking sleeping pad, the Thermarest NeoAir XLite kept rising to the top of my list.

The first time I saw the Thermarest NeoAir XLite in an outdoor gear shop, I was impressed by how compact it was. As a serious ultralight backpacker, I am always trying to save weight and space in my pack. This sleeping pad packs down smaller than a water bottle, so I knew it would be perfect for long treks. Unrolled, it is 72 x 20 inches - slim but long enough for my 6' frame.

Table Of Contents

Key characteristics:

Construction

What is the THERM-A-REST® NeoAir® XLite® made of?

Top fabric type: 30d Rip Nylon

Bottom fabric type: 30d Rip Nylon

Core: Nylon

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Durability/materials

When I felt the pad material, I was amazed at how it could provide so much cushioning while remaining so lightweight and packable. The secret is the pad's internal structure - it has triangular shaped baffles that create stability and support not found in traditional air mattresses. These baffles are maximized for both insulation and comfort.

I also love that the pad is made of durable 30D ripstop nylon instead of cheaper materials that are prone to rips and tears. Even though the NeoAir XLite only weighs 12 ounces, the rugged material means it can withstand the abuses of being packed up daily and the random sticks and stones that poke through tent floors.

The sturdy build makes for a durable sleeping pad although it may seem flimsy at first glance. It is in fact impressive how given the light build, this pad is highly durable.

Without doubt, the newest version of the NeoAir® XLite® will last, and it is likely that you won’t be needing the Repair Kit included, which is of course an added advantage in case of punctures, which are not common however with this product.

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Ease of use/care

Once I took the NeoAir XLite on the trail and tried sleeping on it, I knew this was the perfect sleeping pad for me. The pad's thickness of 2.5 inches struck that ideal balance - it was thick enough to provide cushioning yet still slim enough to fit comfortably in my tent. The vertical baffles and internal reflectors did an amazing job retaining warmth while keeping the pad's packed size petite.

I sleep cold, so the pad's impressive R-value of 3.2 provides enough insulation for chilly mountain nights. I stay cozy without drifting into sweaty heat. Even when temperatures dipped close to freezing, the XLite kept me toasty using my 20°F sleeping bag. For 3-season backpacking, the pad offers ideal warmth without excess.

The NeoAir's innovative Triangular Core Matrix design is also excellent at stabilizing and supporting my body for restful sleep. I can really feel the difference in comfort versus cheaper air pads that let me bottom out onto the hard ground. The triangular baffles cradle my body just right rather than skewing off to the side.

I tend to be a restless side sleeper, but with the XLite I wake up with fewer aches and pains in the morning. The 2.5 inch thickness cushions my shoulders and hips enough for pain-free sleep on my side. Yet it remains stable enough for back sleeping without sagging at the waist.

The sleeping pad is inflatable and does not take much time for the whole process to complete. In this sense, you will not have special trouble inflating your NeoAir® XLite®.

That said, blowing up this pad is not the best experience ever as it gets difficult to cope with air escaping when trying to fill it up. It takes approximately 20 full breaths to get the pad fully inflated, which is not the most pleasant feeling. The difficulty is probably due to the two-way valve found at the top of the pad, which you have to screw up and down to open and close.

Overall, the hard part is to get the pad reach its full capacity, so a good idea is to close the valve when it nearer to getting full. You can then take a breath and then put your mouth on it and blow as you open it.

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How to inflate:

My favorite part is how well this pad packs down - squeezing all that insulation, structure and comfort into a tiny package is amazing engineering. I can easily fit it into the bottom of my pack, and the stuff sack has a nice drawstring and flap for quick access at night.

Caring for your NeoAir® XLite® is rather effortless thanks to its resiliency. You should always take the stuff bag which is included when you buy the product, to protect it when hiking. When inflating, use an approved air pump or your breath.

Obviously, when you want to lay down, make sure you clear the area where you want to place your mattress and use a ground sheet to prevent your mattress from direct contact with the ground. It is also advised that you don’t use chemicals like sunscreen, DEET Based insect repellents and chlorine on your pad.

Use a cover rather than sitting directly on your pad to prevent sweat. In case you sleep directly on your pad and want to clean it, simply wipe it with a cloth and warm water.

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How to care:

Compactness

The NeoAir® XLite® with its ultra-light construction is quite easy to pack and it reaches a size a bit less than a 1-liter water bottle. Of course, no complaints here although there are other pads which shrink to a significantly smaller size. However, this is definitely a decent size and it is not considered bulky like a foam pad would.

Weight

Definitely a highlight, the NeoAir® XLite®’s warmth to weight ratio is the best on the market. At 12 oz / 350 g., this is a great sleeping bag and we think it is better compared to foam pad which could be lighter, yet doesn’t insulate as much. You should definitely trust the NeoAir® XLite®, if you are looking for a lightweight sleeping bag that will keep you warm.

Thanks to the design and minimizing of the head and foot end, the designers managed to cut another 15% of its original weight, which is remarkable!

Warmth

Getting down to details in terms of weight to warmth ratio, this is definitely an area where the NeoAir® XLite® excels. It has been designed with care and attention to detail when it comes to keeping you warm.

Made with ThermaCapture^™ layers, this technology prevents radiant heat to leave the pad. In addition, the Triangular Core Matrix^™ construction using reflective material to eliminate any body heat loss with double air pockets, without needing to adhere to down and synthetic fills.

This newest model comes with an impressively high R rating at 3.2, which is quite surprising, given that it is only made of air and baffles. It will do great at keeping you warm thanks to its premium insulation for at least three seasons, so you should be worried about when you will go backpacking or hiking if you get the the NeoAir® XLite®. Fear not of the cold weather, although it is always a matter of how cold or warm you feel in general as well.

I guess you need an air mattress as well for camping.

Comfort

Perhaps not the widest pad out there, at 20 in / 51 cm wide (regular size), so you might want to get something else if you are taller, bigger in general as it is not as easy to lay with your arms down your sides. You could of course try the large version of the pad which is 25 in / 63 cm, yet keep in mind that it weighs 4 oz / 110 g more. This is not much of an issue really, yet it depends on individual sizes and preference. Some people appreciate the wide-bodied feel of foam pads, while others don’t mind. It is up to your personal taste and needs really.

One thing which has improved in this newer version designed in 2015, is how new softer fabrics were introduced for a softer surface which feels more comfortable to the skin and adds in terms of durability as well. These 2.5 inch thick sot-touch fabrics and baffled internal structure make of a unique sense of comfort and stability.

Some consumers complain however that the surface still feels slippery at both sides, so it is best to use a cover on top of the pad.

Another improvement made from the previous version is in terms of the noise which used to sound like a bag of chips crinkled, even at the slightest of movements. Fortunately, the new advanced fabrics are less noisy than the previous ones, however they are still not as quiet as a foam pad.

Value for money

Assessing the value of this product is not as easy given that you will undoubtedly get a high quality sleeping pad. There are other foam pads in the THERM-A-REST®’s line, like the Z Lite Sol, which cost only a fraction of the price compared to the NeoAir® XLite®. In this sense, this pad is of the most expensive you will find on the market, but still delivers great value based on its features and performance.

Warranty

This product comes with a lifetime limited warranty which covers defects in materials and workmanship. The company is bound to repair or replace the pad if it is found defective.

The warranty does not cover normal wear, puncture, abrasion, misuse and abuse or alteration. However, the shipping charges to an Authorized Repair Center in case of a damaged mattress are the customer’s responsibility. Still, return shipping fees for the repaired mattress are covered.

Company

The NeoAir® XLite® is part of the brand THERM-A-REST®, which is owned by Cascade Designs. The company is quite reputable and manufactures different brands, including the THERM-A-REST®, MSR, Platypus, and SealLine among others. You should expect to get top quality and customer support at its highest standard from this company.

Where to Buy Thermarest NeoAir XLite

You can purchase the Thermarest NeoAir XLite from major outdoor retailers like REI, Moosejaw, and Backcountry.com. It retails for around $170 USD. Thermarest products are sold at specialty outdoor shops throughout the US and Canada. You can also buy directly from the Thermarest website.

Thermarest Contact Info

To contact Thermarest with any questions or warranty claims, you can:

• Call their customer service line at 1-800-531-9531
• Email them at customerservice@cascadedesigns.com
• Use the "Contact Us" form on the Thermarest website
• Reach out to them on social media like Facebook and Instagram

FAQs

How do I inflate and deflate the pad?

The NeoAir XLite comes with a stuff sack that doubles as an inflation bag. Simply blow into the sack to inflate the pad. Use the dual-function valve to make fine pressure adjustments. To deflate, open the valve and roll the pad up to push out excess air.

How durable is the fabric?

The 30D ripstop nylon is very rugged and made to handle the stresses of backpacking. It resists tears, punctures and abrasions well. Thermarest offers extensive product warranties in case of defects.

Is it noisy when sleeping?

The pad material does make a bit of crinkling noise when you move around. However, it is designed to minimize noise compared to other lightweight pads. The vertical baffles limit air movement for a quieter night's sleep.

Does it come in different lengths?

Yes, the NeoAir XLite comes in several sizes from small to extra large. View all size options on the Thermarest website to get the right fit.

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Final verdict

Now I never hit the backcountry without my NeoAir XLite. This sleeping pad has lived up to all my hopes and proved itself the ultimate piece of gear for ultralight backpacking and camping. The innovative triangular core baffles, 30D nylon fabric, insulating reflectors and R-value of 3.2 allow me to sleep warm, cozy and cushioned wherever the trail takes me. If you want the perfect sleeping pad that packs down impossibly small without sacrificing comfort, the Thermarest NeoAir XLite is the ultimate choice.

All things considered, the THERM-A-REST® NeoAir® XLite® is an all-around great choice for a sleeping pad which can keep you warm almost under any weather condition. In fact, this is one of the most versatile three-season pads you can get and despite being expensive, it is still worth its money.

As long as you can afford, it rest assure that this popular sleeping pad will serve for a comfortable and warm, ultra-weight companion during your backpacking travels. It has been reported as the most used sleeping pad by Pacific Crest Trail hikers in the past year, and one we certainly recommend if you have the budget and want to get a high-end product that sets the standard when it comes to ultralight three-season sleeping pads.

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