Open main menu

Therm-a-Rest Men's NeoAir XLite

rated 4.5 of 5 stars
photo: Therm-a-Rest Men's NeoAir XLite air-filled sleeping pad

The NeoAir XLite ranks as the longest-lasting and most familiar item in my pack...going on 7 years of use. It has earned its 5-star rating more than any other gear I’ve owned. I have gotten some of the best sleep in my life on this pad…it becomes more appealing and familiar than a bed by the end of a long thru-hike. I've updated my 2012 review to reflect the longevity and thoroughness of my experience. I still stand by my original summary… this pad is light, warm, and comfortable! I would add that it's also incredibly durable, as it has never gotten a leak.

Pros

  • lightweight
  • compact
  • durable
  • warm

Cons

  • not self-inflating
  • pricey

Background: I initially shared my thoughts on the XLite in 2012 (only my 3rd review on Trailspace), after having the pad a few months. I bought it the very first year that it was released, so you'll notice that it is made of the original semi-transparent material. Therm-a-Rest made some changes over the years, responding to complaints that the first material was too noisy. Newer versions come in a non-transparent 30D ripstop nylon that is said to also be more comfortable against the skin.
2012-Thermarest-Neo-Air.jpg2012-Thermarest-Neo-Air2.jpg20190222_101254.jpgPersonally, I have never found the noise or comfort to be an issue, but maybe some of my companions would beg to differ (when I’ve disturbed their sleep by my rustling around). I've been using the pad for over 7 years and on multiple thru-hikes, so figured it was time to do a thorough update.

Ease of Use: At first, I struggled with the amount of breaths it took to inflate this pad. I was used to a self-inflating pad that only needed one or two breaths to firm-up once it had done all the work. The NeoAir XLite requires between 20-30 full breaths, which can leave a person light-headed. At elevation, it can be downright exhausting.

Fortunately, I discovered an alternate method. I now use an Exped Schnozzel Pumpbag (which doubles as a pack liner) to inflate my pad. I can inflate it fully by filling and squeezing the Pumpbag about 4 times. This way, I minimize the amount of moisture going inside the pad and also don’t get out of breath. There are other inflation options available, such a mini-pump.

The pad is otherwise very easy to use. The valve opens and closes smoothly and I’ve never had a malfunction (I’ve owned 2 other Therm-a-Rests with the same kind of valve). It doesn’t appear as if the company has changed the valve design in 20 years…if you got something that works, roll with it. Getting air out of the pad is efficiently achieved when I simply open the valve while lying on the pad. This is the first thing I do in my morning ritual, as it forces me to have to get up. I do some final squeezing and then fold the pad into 3rds to roll it into a compact package. It’s small enough to fit into a stuff sack with my quilt.

20190222_101423.jpgThe material shows lines from folding it the same way over so many years.

Comfort: I have tried many other sleeping pads but have yet to discover one as comfortable (and light) as the XLite. With a thickness of 2.5”, I can lay on my side and stomach and never bottom out on the ground. The baffles are very stable, such that I don’t feel like I’m wobbling around on an air balloon when I roll over or shift. I find that it is at its best when letting out just a little bit of air after full inflation, but this is of course personal preference.

This pad pairs well with a variety of sleeping bags and quilts that I have owned: Enlightened Equipment Revelation, Katabatic Gear Alsek, and Sierra Designs Backcountry Bed. Some sleeping bags have integrated pad sleeves. The XLite has a streamlined profile so that it easily slips into these pad sleeves. It can also be tucked inside a larger sleeping bag. Since I mostly use a quilt these days, my skin is often in contact with the pad. It can be a bit sticky against bare skin, especially since I sweat at night, but usually I wear long underwear and it is not a problem. I have even used it with success inside a hammock…not necessarily for comfort but more for thermal protection. On that note…

Thermal Protection: A big part of the XLite’s long-term reign as the best sleeping pad on the market, based on many backpacker polls, comes from its excellent R-Value (a measure of thermal resistance per unit of a pad's exposed area). A men’s regular has an R-Value of 3.2 and the women’s version is 3.9 (it weighs the same as the men’s regular but is shorter in length). Such high values are usually achieved by adding foam, down or some other kind of insulation. But the XLite keeps the weight and bulk down by utilizing a thin reflective sheet of what is essentially mylar. This is what makes the pad sound so crinkly. A triangular core matrix baffle design also traps heat. This brilliant bit of engineering has produced one of the warmest yet also lightest pads on the market.
20190222_101336.jpgI actually own both a men’s and women’s pad and can attest to how delightfully warm they are. There have been many nights when my quilt or sleeping bag was not quite sufficient for the temperatures but I remained warm in a large part due to the pad. I cannot think of a time where I ever felt a chill rising up from below the pad. More often than not, I am too hot and have even had to forgo using the pad a few nights in Florida.

Shape and dimensions: Aside from the excellent R-Value, the XLite sports a very efficient profile. In rounding the corners, all unnecessary excess has been eliminated. This also results in the pad taking up minimum space inside a tent. Not all will find the svelte 20” width to be sufficient (the men’s long is 25” wide) but I am most happy with the dimensions.

20190222_101254.jpg

Construction & Durability: When I first examined the XLite, I wondered about the durability of such a thin, see-through fabric. I really didn’t expect it to last long. On its inaugural night, it even partially deflated by the time I went to bed. I was relieved to figure out that it was the falling night-time temps that caused the decrease in volume, not a leak. I need not have worried. After 7 years and perhaps more than 300 nights of use, including 2 thru-hikes of the PCT and Te Araroa, my XLite has never gotten a hole or leak! I feel like that is unheard of for an inflatable pad. I joke that it is indestructible.

I will also concede that I am very gentle with my gear, generally getting much more than the expected life-span out of things. I try not to use my pads outside my tent (i.e. for glissading, as a chair, packraft, or Frisbee, etc.). I am careful to use a ground sheet under other circumstances. After spending so much money on gear, I think it’s worth the effort of treating it well.

And yes, there are other signs of wear, as is to be expected. Namely, the mylar insulation has broken down over time. When I hold it up to the light, I can see a lot of disintegration. It still seems to work but the pad’s R-Value is probably not what it used to be. Oddly, the pad also seems to have gained about an ounce of weight, though it’s hard to say since I didn’t weigh it when I first received it. It now weighs 13 oz. It could be that moisture and other particles have accumulated inside. Some have had issues with mold but I can detect no such odors and have been careful to dry it out after each use (though, this isn’t much possible in the duration of a thru-hike).
20190222_101225.jpgWhen held up to the light, you can see that the insulation is pretty much gone in places

The only other fault is a small bulge where a baffle has partially come apart. This doesn’t affect the performance whatsoever but may spread over time. The pad is still perfectly functional. My women’s pad has been used a lot less but also remains intact. I will be using it for the CDT this summer.
20190222_101314.jpgThe one spot where a baffle has come apart and created a small bulge

Conclusion: The NeoAir XLite is one of my top 5 favorite pieces of gear. I never expected it to last so long and am pleased that it has given me some many years of reliable, comfortable sleep. As much time as I have slept outdoors on it, my experience far exceeds the pricetag. Priceless would be a good description.
2017-07-16-19-36-58.jpg

Background

Over 7 years of use, including thru-hikes of the Te Araroa and PCT. Temps have ranged from the 80's to below freezing.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $115

Small, light, Therm-a-Rest pretty much says it all. An industry leader brings quality and function in a small package.

Pros

  • Light and packs small
  • Comfortable
  • Durable

Cons

  • Manual inflation
  • Limited thermal protection

Purchased as part of my go lighter to go higher effort last year, the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite has worked quite well for me.  Replacing a 2.6lb TrailPro the XLite lives up to its name at 12.7 oz on my scale, including stuff sack and repair kit included with purchase.  After use in all four seasons I've found it surprisingly comfortable for an air mattress and have had no issues with leaks or other failures.

On first unrolling the NeoAir I was struck by how thin and light the material felt.  That made me a bit nervous about durability and I was really careful rolling over the first time I used it.  Since then I've grown confident it won't pop if I roll around a bit at night since there have been no problems.

The next thing that struck me was that unlike my trusty TrailPro, which mostly inflated itself, this one would require me to blow it up.  I learned quickly that getting some air inside, closing the valve and then pushing that air around to open up the cells a bit before trying to fully inflate made things easier by far.

Research prior to purchase had shown a lot of folks talking about how noisy this pad was.  Having been on a trip with someone using a Big Agnes pad that squeaked all night long I was expecting the worst but have found the XLite to be quiet enough not to really bother me.  It has quieted over time though still makes some noise and that can be damped if I use my Therm-a-Rest Fitted Sheet.

As a quilt user insulation is important to me in a pad and I have found the NeoAir XLite to work well enough for me down to about the freezing point. If I am expecting temps around there or colder I use the XLite on top of the Trail Pro. Combined I have used them down into the teens with great success.

Over all I have been very pleased with my purchase of the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite and would definitely recommend it to anyone in the market for a full length inflatable pad.  I've found a lot of comfort on it and the weight/space savings have been worth the expense.


IMG_2490a.jpgIMG_2493a.jpg
Folded and rolled to 9" x 4" it tucks easily into the sleeping bag compartment with my quilt.


IMG_2495a.jpg

The valve design has long made me a fan of Therm-a-Rest pads. Used properly it really works to prevent damage to this vital part of the pad. I was glad to see it was carried over to the modern inflatable pads.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $120 (on sale)

Version reviewed: 2015 Model

Ultralight and highly compact, this pad is exceptionally warm for its weight. It doesn't merit five stars because I don't feel personally confident about its longterm durability, and it's crackly enough that very light sleepers will need earplugs at night. At $159, I consider it worth the money. The 2016 model has new material and is rectangular, so check that out as well.

Pros

  • Ultralight—12 oz
  • Compact—rolls to 9"x4"
  • Warm for its weight—R 3.2
  • Durable for its weight

Cons

  • Crackly (may be less in newer models)
  • Not cheap—$159
  • Narrow—20" shoulder

This pad rocks for ultralighters and isn't half bad for the creature-comforts crowd. How do I know? I'm a picky, cold-sleeping, side-sleeping insomniac who sleeps well on this pad, and my two-week pack's skin-out weight is just over 9 lbs. 

I picked up this pad new, full price, at REI about two years ago because I was in aggressive ounce-shaving mode for ultralight backpacking, and liked it so much I later bought a friend the same one at the REI garage sale for 50% off. It's been worth it at full price. I've used it a dozen times--every time I don't use my Hennessy hammock.

Here are the pros and cons:

Pros:

  • It's very light for its warmth—at just 12 oz, it has an R value of 3.2. Compare that to some of the next steps up (Sea to Summit Comfort Light Insulated is 20.5 ounces, R 4.2, and Big Agnes Q-Core SL is 19.5 oz, R 4.7). If you're OK with a few more ounces, need to be really warm, and don't mind shelling out a 50 more clams, then go with the newer Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm, which weighs 15 oz, insulates at whopping R 5.7, and costs $200.
  • It packs small: It rolls into a 9"L x 4"T cylinder, about the size of a Nalgene bottle
  • It's exceptionally comfortable for an ultralight inflatable: Despite the horizontal-only baffles, it works well for side-sleeping, at least for me (I weigh about 125 lbs). 
  • Durability: I'm very, very nice to my gear, so my personal experience with it is all tent-based. However, in my community of gear heads, I don't know one person who's had a leak from tent use, and some folks have put it on pine needles and dirt and still had no leaks.

Cons:

  • Narrow: The men's version, which I have, is just 20" wide (72" long, 2.5" thick). If you're a burly person, you'll need to go with their size Large, which is 5" wider. Because of those horizontal baffles, it also compresses more toward the edge.
  • Crackly: The 2015 version I have, which is mummy-bag shaped, is made of a plasticky material that feels OK to touch, but rustles and crackles when you move on it. I'm a very light sleeper, so I have to sleep in foam earplugs to keep from being woken up by it. I've read that the 2016 version is made of a new material that's both softer and quieter, but that folks still occasionally comment on the sound.
  • Not cheap: Buy new for $130-$160.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $160

As badly as I hated to lose the Cadillac-comfort of my Big Agnes inflatable, I needed to shed a full pound from my pack even more. The NeoAir XLite was just the solution I needed. Ultra lightweight, with a weight of only 12 oz, it did the trick.

There's an annoying crackling sound that presents itself initially, but it's a quick adjustment period and the pad provides more than adequate insulation. I was so pleased with my purchase that I purchased a second NeoAir women's version for my spouse.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Comfortable

Cons

  • Crackling sound initially from the materials used

I recently purchased the Therm-a-Rest Men's NeoAir XLite as part of an overall effort to lower my total trail weight. (My knees are thankful!) We're preparing for a trip to Glacier and I wanted to cut several pounds from my pack weight.

I was replacing a much heavier but ultra-comfortable Big Agnes inflatable pad, so I was very skeptical that I could get as much comfort out of a 2-inch pad like the NeoAir.

Well, color me skeptical no longer. I took the NeoAir on a shakedown 2-night trip to the Ellicott Rock Wilderness test out several pieces of gear. The pad inflated easily, and deflated quickly when breaking camp. It packs compactly to the size of a wide mouth Nalgene bottle and surpassed my weight objectives nicely at 12 ounces.

Upon initial use, I was slightly annoyed with the crackling sound the pad makes when trying to settle-in. However, I didn't notice it much after the first 10 minutes, and I barely noticed it all all the second night.

This pad is a bit pricey, at $150+ for size Regular, but it was a price I was willing to shell out for the lighter weight objectives I required. I was pleasantly surprised with the pad's comfort level.

I would recommend the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite to any backcountry enthusiast that desires to achieve lower pack weight without sacrificing a good night's sleep.

Source: bought it new

Exceptional super lightweight sleeping pad that offers a great night sleep.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Very comfortable
  • Warm

Cons

  • Crinkley sound
  • Expensive
  • Narrow

I recently had the privileged to borrow a NeoAir Xlite from a friend for an overnight trip after he was raving about it. I must say I am blown away by this product! Not only is the NeoAir super light, it's also thick and warm — the perfect trifecta when it comes to a sleeping pad on the trail. 

Lightweight: As any backpacker will tell you, it's very important to keep your weight down when putting your feet to the trail. At well under a pound and super packable this pad will not burden you over the long haul.

Comfortable: For years I have conceded that I would wake up with sore hips and back every morning after a long hike, because I sacrificed comfort for a lighter pad. The NeoAir is incredibly thick and still manages to stay warm even without the added weight of insulation. By far the most comfortable pad that I'd be willing to strap to my back.

Warmth: Just about every other pad is either cold, or heavy. This pad reflects your body heat back at you to stay reasonably warm without any heavy/bulky insulation!

While I do love the NeoAir, I have to mention a few things...  First of all it's expensive — about $120-150. Also, it can be pretty loud when you are moving around and can wake you or others up with 'crinkle' sounds. Also, while I didn't have any issues sleeping on it, it is a bit narrow. 

My final concern is the durability. Because it's so lightweight, it concerns me that it could get punctured or possibly pop a seam. While it does come with a repair kit, I would hate to be out the $120-150 that it would cost to replace.

Source: borrowed it

Great pad.

Pros

  • Weight
  • Ease of inflation
  • Comfort

Cons

  • Price

45 now and love backpacking still but not the ground. Have tried a number of different pads but have been unwilling up until this point to try the NeoAir, mostly due to price. Based on recommendations from others I decided to give it a try and have enjoyed my first good night's sleeping in a long time.

I'm a side sleeper, 6'1" and 220. I found filling it up and laying on it and then slowly letting out air until I'm almost touching ground at the low spot makes for the most comfortable bed.  

Concerned about durability but having a 4 year old jump on it didn't seem to phase it (probably not recommended).

Long trip planned this summer, interested to see how it holds up.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $130

Better than other pads, still not perfect if you have back pain.

Pros

  • Weight
  • Packed size

Cons

  • Comfort for back pain
  • Price

I invested in this sleeping pad because I have a tough time sleeping well in the back country. This sleeping pad was a vast improvement over my last one and if you have a pain-free back it will probably be perfect for you.

It takes no time to blow-up and does a great job insulating from cold and protecting hips and shoulders from the ground. However, I still had pretty intense back pain using this mat and may look into a hammock to solve this issue in the future.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $137

This is a very comfortable and lightweight sleeping pad, good for sleeping in any position. Take basic precautions in where you set it down, as with any air pad, but it generally holds up well.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Comfortable

Cons

  • Can be noisy
  • Might need to be careful of material

The first time I used this sleeping pad, I got two holes in it. It was getting dark and starting to rain, and I was in a very rocky area. I tried my best to find a rock-free spot to set up my tent, but once I was inside, it turned out there was one very sharp rock underneath me.

I patched the two holes however, and the patches have held up and no more have appeared in two years, including three months of constant use on part of my Appalachian Trail thru hike. So the first two holes were very obviously user error and I believe the material is sturdy despite its light weight.

I've always set it up either in my tent or on a wooden shelter floor, sometimes with a tyvek ground sheet underneath, and sometimes on yet more rocks, roots, or what-have-you, and it's held up just fine.

Setup takes about 20 breaths and is quick. I like the horizontal baffles for comfort. I've slept on this pad on my side, back, and stomach. It's a bit crinkly in the noise department, compared to some other air pads, but it's not enough noise to bother me. It's very lightweight for a full length air pad.

Source: bought it new

The real benefit is the warmth it adds.

Pros

  • Light weight
  • Weight-to-warmth ratio
  • Ease of use
  • Comfort

Cons

  • None so far

This is true space age gift....light weight, rugged, and warm.

I am a big guy...250 lbs and a side sleeper. I do not have any issues with hard spots. I've been backpacking since 1971, and this by far is the best pad ever. I use a quilt and this pad keeps me comfortable well into the 20s.

This is a must buy addition in my humble opinion and extended experience.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $149

Light, but fragile and uncomfortable.

Pros

  • Light
  • Packs small

Cons

  • Fragile
  • Small sized
  • Uncomfortable
  • Too thin for easy adjustment
  • Noisy

It is a relatively light pad, but you get what you ... ask for.

My pad had a leak on the first night. Just luck of the draw but it brought home the problem with this type of design: one tiny leak means your sleeping night is over. I am 172 cm (5'8"), relatively broad shouldered, and the pad was not large enough for my arms if I slept on my back; it is thin, and it has a very narrow range of inflation that somewhat works for comfort. Too little and you hit the floor, inflate a bit more and it is too stiff.

It might not matter much but it is very noisy, to the point of getting self-conscious about moving during the night and risk waking up my companion.

I sold it after four trips and seven very uncomfortable nights and I purchased a Sea To Summit Comfort Plus. This has two independent air chambers (no risk to sleep on the ground), it is incredibly comfortable, and as a bonus completely silent. Best pad I ever owned. Heavier but I want to sleep at night!

Background

A large number of pads in the last...many many years. Foam, rigid, First generation self-inflatable, Therm-a-Rest self-inflatables, Neo-Air, Sea-to-Summit Comfort Plus

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $149

Best sleeping pad for the weight with incredible warmth. Very comfortable.

Pros

  • Comfort
  • Warmth
  • Lightweight

Cons

  • Inflatable

My wife and I own two NeoAir XLites and have used them for four seasons now. Both were purchased used from eBay and both have functioned exceptionally.

It's quick to set up, taking 2-3 minutes to inflate. Comfort is superb, like being an actual mattress. Does a great job of keeping me warm even on cold nights.

I'm somewhat paranoid about punctures and have been very careful with it. That being said, it has performed without issue despite about 60 nights on the trail.

I would highly recommend it for anyone looking for a decently priced, very comfortable, inflatable sleeping pad.    

Source: bought it used
Price Paid: $75

Perfect: ultraight, packs small, comfy, and not noisy.

Pros

  • Light
  • Packs small
  • Low noise
  • Valve
  • Comfy

Cons

  • Small

You will not find a lighter more comfy air pad at 12oz and 3 R-value. They updated the material so it hardly makes any noise and is slightly grippy so you don't slide off. I also like the old school simple screw valve. Dropped 7 oz from my previous air pad. I wouldn't change a thing.

p.s. I blow mine up with an older style Big Agnes Pumphouse that fits over the valve, which prevents moisture/mold inside the pad, and it doubles as a dry bag.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $103 on sale

Best pad I've ever seen or used hands down.

Pros

  • Comfort
  • Pack size
  • Weight

Cons

  • Goofy color?
  • Manual inflation

Packs smaller and lighter than anything I've seen. Insulates well. Long enough to fit me easily (6'1"). Tacky enough to keep my slick bag (HyperLamina) from moving around. Price isn't crazy, either. 

Only used it a few times, so I can't comment on durability. 

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $179.95

Super comfortable—the best in my 45+ years of backpacking.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Packable

Cons

  • Have to blow it up, no big deal

This was a large step up from the old Therm-a-Rest I got in early 1980. It packs so much smaller, is lighter, and fits in my Big Agnes bag. It is more comfortable and lighter than any other backpacking pad I have used. My best acquisition in 2011!

After seven years of extensive hard trail use from 9,000 to 14,500 feet, it has performed excellently.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $120 on sale

All that and a bag of chips...

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Packs small

Cons

  • Sounds like your sleeping on a bag of potato chips
  • Price

Other reviews seemed spot on. It is noisy and not sure how it will hold up over the seasons, but for backpack camping, this style is the way to go.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: around $100

rated 4.5 of 5 stars All NeoAir XLite versions

In addition to the 15 men's reviews above, there are 8 reviews for other versions of the NeoAir XLite. Read all reviews »

Your Review

Where to Buy

Help support this site by making your next gear purchase through one of the links above. Click a link, buy what you need, and the seller will contribute a portion of the purchase price to support Trailspace's independent gear reviews.

You May Like

Specs

small regular large regular wide
Price MSRP: $144.95
Current Retail: $209.95
Historic Range: $84.87-$1,400.00
Reviewers Paid: $75.00-$179.95
R-Value 4.2
Weight 8 oz / 0.23 kg 12 oz / 0.34 kg 1 lb / 0.46 kg 15 oz / 0.43 kg
Width 20 in / 51 cm 20 in / 51 cm 25 in / 64 cm 25 in / 64 cm
Length 47 in / 119 cm 72 in / 183 cm 77 in / 196 cm 72 in / 183 cm
Height 2.5 in / 6.4 cm
Packed dimensions 9 x 3.5 in / 23 x 9 cm 9 x 4.1 in / 23 x 10 cm 11 x 4.6 in /28 x 12 cm 11 x 4.6 in / 28 x 12 cm
Fabric 30D rip HT Nylon
Country of Origin USA*Built of U.S. and Global Materials
Product Details from Therm-a-Rest »

Recently on Trailspace

Nalgene 32oz Wide Mouth Ultralite HDPE Bottle Review