Today we’re excited to review the Therm-a-rest Neoair Xlite sleeping pad. This ultralight sleeping pad comes amidst a steady stream of lighter and lighter offerings, and while the Neoair isn’t the lightest pad on the market, it’s certainly one of the most versatile. 

The standout features of the Neoair are numerous, including a winglock valve system that allows you to inflate the pad quickly. The whole apparatus folds down to the size of a Nalgene, and the pad is thick enough to lay on your elbows without touching the ground beneath you. If you’re in the market for a high-quality, no-quit sleeping pad, the Therm-a-rest Neoair Xlite should be on your radar.

 

The Therm-a-rest Neoair Xlite

Sleeping pads are used to cushion campers from the uneven ground beneath their sleeping bags. The goal is provider enough comfort and stability to guarantee a pain free rest in the outdoors. The Therm-a-Rest Neoair Xlite exceeds in providing comfort while remaining ridiculously lightweight, folding down easily, and inflating quickly.

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Pros

  • Ultralight
  • Comfortable
  • Good warmth retention
  • Easy to inflate
  • Packs down well
  • Convenient and versatile

Cons

  • Air pads occasionally pop
  • Noisy when tossing and turning
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Why you should consider Therm-A-Rest Neoair Xlite

There are a lot of choices in the outdoor gear realm, and sorting through them all takes time. We’re here to help. Let’s break down why you should consider the Therm-a-Rest Neoair Xlite by looking at some key components.

Comfort

With 6.35 cm (2.5 inches) of width, the sleeping pad keeps you off the ground, even if your leaning on it with your elbows. The horizontal baffles also help center your body and minimize bouncing when you adjust your position. The result is above average comfort in many conditions.

Weight 

While not the lightest sleeping pad on the market, at 0.454 kilograms (16 oz) all in, including the bag and pump, the Therm-a-Rest Neoair Xlite is suitably light and easy to transport. We found no weight issues when we included the pad on a multi-day trip. 

Packability

This is another category where the Therm-a-Rest Neoair Xlite shines. The entire apparatus can roll down to below the size of a Nalgene water bottle with minimal effort and slips back into its bag quickly.

Warmth

The R-value, used to measure how well any 2-dimensional barrier resists the conductive flow of heat, is a great indication of overall warmth. In basic terms, R-value assesses how well a sleeping pad retains warmth when placed on a cold surface. 

The Therm-a-Rest Neoair Xlite has a 4.2 R-value, meaning its rated to just below freezing. I’ve found it to be effective down to roughly -6.6 °C (20°F). This means the pad can be used in all four seasons; however, for extreme winter camping, placing an extra foam pad underneath helps retain heat.

The internal structure of the pad is also lined with a reflective surface. The surface bounces radiative heat right back into the sleeping pad for added warmth retention.

Inflation System

The Neoair features a fantastic and relatively new winglock valve system. The valve is easy to use, doesn’t let any backflow out between breaths and can channel a large volume of air both into and out of the sleeping pad. 

If you don’t want to blow up the pad with your breath, you can also use the pump sack, which cuts down on effort even more. It takes a little practice to get used to the winglock valve, but it but allows for quick deflation and more efficient inflation.

Materials and Durability

For being such a light pad, the Therm-a-Rest Neoair Xlite is surprisingly durable. In a pinch, you could blow it up and set it outside on reasonable terrain (dirt and roots as opposed to sharp rocks) and have it last the entire night. 

The pad is made from 30D rip high-tenacity nylon, a durable material. As with most sleeping pads, there is an included repair kit for in the field fixes.

Price

While the benefits of the Therm-a-Rest Neoair Xlite are numerous, the price is a bit high. You can grab one for $260 CAD, but it is a bit of an investment. Having said that, if you have the money, it’ worth it for the support, comfort and durability. Treated well, the Neoair will accompany you on many outdoor adventures.

FAQ

Q: Is Therm-a-Rest a good brand?

A: Yes. Therm-a-Rest was founded in 1972 in Washington State and has spent the last fifty years perfecting the sleeping pad game. While innovations in other brands have certainly spurred competition, Therm-a-Rest is a name synonymous with sleeping pads and has been for quite some time. Their offerings are well-known and well-loved.

Q: How do you store NeoAir Xlite?

A: First, inflate the sleeping pad and clean it with degreaser and a sponge to remove dirt and grime, which could limit the life of the pad. Then, wash it all down with a healthy amount of water. If you made some quick trail patches to cover holes, take the time at home to redo haphazard fixes to extend the life of the pad. 

The actual storage part is quite easy. Since this is an air pad, deflate it, roll it up, and stick it back into the stuff sack. Keep the bag in a garage, storage or gear room until you’re ready to use it once more.

Q: Is the Neoair Xlite loud?

A: The Neoair Xlite isn’t loud, but it does make a little noise. This occurs mainly when you toss and turn on the pad, where a crinkling sound is obvious. For the vast majority of hikers and campers, this won’t be an issue, and the sound fades over time. However, if you are a very light sleeper and have trouble tuning out noises, it is a consideration to keep in mind while shopping for sleeping pads.

See What Others Are Saying

Take a look below at some of the reviews that Altitude Sports customers have left for the Therm-a-Rest Neoair Xlite.

“Amazing! Great for portaging. True to size, and incredibly lightweight.” -Jessie D.

“Best mat I owned so far. Have many mats for the family. This is the best one by far. Warmth is good, very lite and noise is acceptable.” – Luc D.

“It’s light, compact, and insulated, what else do you want of a sleeping pad?” – Janice C.

Conclusion

If you’re in need of a sleeping pad, the Therm-a-Rest Neoair Xlite is a fantastic ultralight option with good durability, comfort and versatility. The multiple features and benefits make it a mainstay for camping in all four seasons.

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