Therm-A-Rest NeoAir Xtherm
1. Therm-A-Rest NeoAir Xtherm
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The pad is a go-to option for all 4-season backpackers or campers. It has an innovative design with an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. Made by a leader in outdoor comfort, this sleeping pad is exactly what you need if you want to enjoy your time outdoors without worrying about the cold weather.
Construction
The top is made of 30D rip HT nylon and the bottom of 70D nylon. In order to prevent wear, the bottom is reinforced, thus increasing its durability. With 2.5 inches of thickness and a weight of only 20 ounces, the pad is super light yet very warm and cozy. Anyway, the most innovative technology is found on the inside of the pad to provide the best insulation.
- Multiple layers of ThermaCapture technology: includes a large reflective material that helps capture heat and reflect it back.
- Triangular Core Matrix: features 2 stacked layers of triangular baffles that create hundreds of individual cells in the pad. They help retain heat and maintain a good insulation throughout. When deflated, the material lays nice and flat.
- Horizontal baffles: unlike vertical baffles, they provide a firm and uniform sleeping surface. This makes the pad ideal for all sleeping positions.
Convenience
The pad comes in 2 sizes – regular and large. The smaller size is 72 inches long and 20 inches wide while the larger one is 77 inches long and 25 inches wide. The R-value is the same for both sizes – 5.7 – so the pad is ideal if you’re looking for a 4-season performance. For convenient storage, it includes a stuff sack that protects it while not in use.
- Compact storage size: when deflated, the mattress is pretty much the same size of a 1-liter water bottle.
- Non-slip fabric: the pad stays in place during the night.
PROS
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CONS
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- Features innovative technologies that trap radiant heat and reduce heat loss
- Pretty large as it has a width of 25 inches
- Comfortable construction
- Insulates very well, being able to keep you warm during the night
- When packed it has a similar size to a 1-liter bottle
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- Rather loud when tossing and turning
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VERDICT
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You can consider this pad if you camp on snow as it insulates you from cold and keeps you warm no matter how low are the temperatures. Very comfortable and well-made. Nevertheless, it is much expensive in comparison to the other models. Other than that, the only complaint is that it is a little bit noisy.
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This model comes in a wide range of beautiful colors. The manufacturing material is highly resistant to tear and it has anti-microbial properties. It is very lightweight and compact when deflated, so it won’t add too much weight to your backpack.
It features a push valve that allows you to easily inflate and deflate it every time you want to camp. The 1.3 insulation value makes it more appropriate for campgrounds during the summer.
Among the features that we like best there are the V-shape design and the side rails. The V-shape provides support for back, side, and stomach sleepers while the side rails place you on the center and block the air movement when turning.
Additionally, in order to increase the level of comfort the pad features a deep well patterning. This translates to expansion zones that enable your sleeping bag to full loft underneath you. Besides the pad, you will also receive a stuff sack and a patch kit. The manufacturer warrants this product for lifetime.
PROS
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CONS
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- The side rails center you on the pad
- Features a V-shaped design, providing the same support regardless of how you sleep
- Compact and lightweight design that makes it portable
- Features a deep weld patterning
- Comes in a wide range of colors
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- Not enough padding, so not the most comfortable option
- Low thermal resistance, only 1.3
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VERDICT
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Nice option for summer campers. It is not only stylish, but also comfortable and easy to inflate. Made of durable materials and lightweight design. The built-in features add extra value. However, it has a low insulation value and we would’ve liked it to come with more padding.
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This is a self-inflating pad that once unrolled starts to inflate by itself. Nevertheless, in order to fully inflate it, the manufacturer recommends adding a few breaths of air. It is 1.5 inches thick, so is the slimmest model select by us.
Its ability to insulate is rated at 4, being suitable for various temperatures. In order to increase the durability of the outer shell, the pad is made of 75D polyester.
At 32 ounces, the pad is a little bit heavier but this is because it comes with extra padding. However, the fact that it lacks padding on the corners helps reduce its overall weight. Also, it reduces heat loss and keeps you warm in almost all weather conditions.
This model doesn’t come with a repair kit, but only a stuff sack. For more convenience, the manufacturer backs it for a lifetime.
PROS
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CONS
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- Inflates automatically once you unroll it
- Comes with extra padding for more comfort
- Features a 500 series valve
- Ideal for summer and mild winter camping
- Very easy to inflate and deflate
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- Rather heavy
- Not very compact
- ]Thinner in comparison to the other models<
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VERDICT
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You can consider this model if you want a self-inflating pad. You can use it on cold temperatures but is not recommended on extreme temperatures. The extra padding makes it very comfortable. However, it has a bulky design, so is not the best option when it comes to portability.
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4. Lightspeed Outdoors XL
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Another self-insulating model for all those who want a more practical pad. It features 2 large air valves you can use for fully inflating it. It is made of highly-resistant materials and is PVC-free.
The most impressing thing about this product is the fact that it has an R-value of 9.66. Therefore, you can take it with you in cold climate with total confidence. It will keep you warm on snow and provide you with the needed support at night.
With a width of 30 inches it offers you plenty of room to roll and have a comfortable sleep. For added convenience, it comes with a built-in pillow to support your neck. It is 0.5-inch wider at the pillow. The foam core easily adapts to the body temperature and equalizes the pressure in your body.
However, since it’s filled with foam, the pad is much heavier, weighing no less than 96 pounds. This will make it rather inconvenient to carry. For protection, it comes with a stuff sack, but no repair kit. It is warranted for a period of 1 year.
PROS
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CONS
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- Wider in comparison to the other pads
- Impressive thermal resistance, 9.66
- Inflates and deflates very quickly
- Features FlexFoam can adapt to your body temperature
- Comes with a built-in pillow
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- Heavy design which makes it less convenient in terms of portability
- Plastic valve
- Only 1-year warranty
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VERDICT
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Overall, this is a good pad that provides you comfort and support in all weather conditions. It comes with some nice features that make it a great long term option. The best pad for cold temperatures. The only things we don’t like are the short warranty and the heavy design.
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Outdoorsman Lab Ultralight
5. Outdoorsman Lab Ultralight
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Another great option for summer camping. This model is the lightest pad selected by us, being a perfect choice if you want to carry a light backpack. The pad is ideal for thin people and provides great support during the night.
It is made of superior material, similar to that used for making the sleeping pads. It is weather-proof, so it will resist for many years. However, this pad is not as wide as the others, having a width of only 21.6 inches.
We like the fact that is slip-resistant, being very stable beneath the sleeping bag. It features interconnected air cells that come in a shape of diamond. They provide great support and comfort.
Moreover, the isolated air cells are specially designed to reduce air flow and minimize heat loss. The air valve allows a quick inflation. This product comes with a stuff sack and is backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
PROS
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CONS
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- Very lightweight and compact
- Slip-resistant and weather-proof
- Self-adjusting diamond shaped air cells
- Features isolated air cells
- Oversized air valve
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- Rather narrow, so it’s not the best option for all people
- Not very easy to deflat
- Not a great choice for side sleepers
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VERDICT
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Not a great option for mountaineering camping. Instead, it is suitable for campgrounds. Also, it is narrow, being a better option for thin people. It is very easy to inflate but rather hard to deflate. Very lightweight and compact, so extremely portable and easy to carry in the backpack.
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This pad made by WellaX is one of the best options if you want a lightweight model – it weighs 14.5 ounces. It is made of laminated 20D rip-stop nylon and features a TPU coating that is waterproof and highly resistant to wear and tear.
For increased comfort and support, the pad features no less than 300 air sprung cells on the entire surface. It has a relatively low thermal resistance – 2.1 – so it is suitable for spring or summer camping. It is very stable and pretty silent, allowing you to move without restrictions.
Unlike most models, it has one valve for inflating the pad and one for deflating it. Inflating it is very easy, requiring only several breaths. This makes it very convenient for tired campers.
The pad is wide enough to accommodate heavier persons and it packs in a compact size -you can store it in the included sack. This model is available in 2 colors – green and blue – and it comes with a repair patch for a fast and easy repair.
PROS
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CONS
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- Features 2 separate valves – for inflation and deflation
- Very convenient to inflate by anyone
- Ultralight design – doesn’t add too much weight to your backpack
- Features 300 air pockets
- You can toss and turn without hassle as it is very silent
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- Pretty slippery
- You may find it a little bit difficult to deflate to its initial size.
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VERDICT
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Nice option if you want an extremely lightweight pad. It provides you the support and comfort you need at night and it is very durable. Also, the low price makes it more attractive.
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7. Ecotek Outdoors Hybern8
For increased support and balance, this pad features a hexagon pattern. On the exterior, it is made of premium 70D woven polyester that is very quiet and long lasting. It also features self-isolating baffles that help maintain the heat.
The material is weather resistant and it is very soft. It is also weather resistant, so you can use it in a hammock or under the sleeping bag.
The interior is made of numerous air-spring cells that simply trap air inside. This technology is called Flex Cell and it is great because it enables the pad to take the contour of the body and to provide the necessary support for a restful night.
The pad needs minimal effort to be inflated, just 10 to 15 breaths. At the same time, it deflates very easily, in several seconds. The inflation and deflation valve is located near the headrest, allowing you to adjust the firmness as you like without hassle.
PROS
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CONS
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- The FlexCell technology helps support your weight and takes the contour of your body
- Available in 3 colors – evergreen, fire orange, ocean blue
- Made of woven polyester blend, so the pad is quiet, soft, and durable
- The inflation and deflation valve is conveniently located near the headrest
- Features a slip-resistant bottom
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- It is rather difficult to put it back in the bag after use
- Due to the fact that is thin, side sleepers may grind into the ground
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VERDICT
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Lightweight, quiet, durable. These are some of the main benefits of this pad. It is pretty easy to inflate and deflate and it features an innovative technology to provide you all the support you need.
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8. Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL
This pad is ideal for all seasons except winter. It is 72 inches long and 20 inches wide, so it may not be the best option for large persons. Its design makes it more suitable for back and stomach sleepers, as it is only 0.8 inches thick.
Its lightweight design, only – 0.8 ounces – allows you to carry it with ease without adding too much weight to your backpack. A really nice thing is how you can fold it – just like an accordion – which makes it extremely easy to use. Also, you don’t have to inflate or deflate it every time you want to use it.
The pad is made of closed-cell foam that is very comfortable and durable. The top is soft and it is capable of reflecting the heat of your body, keeping you warm and cozy. The bottom is denser, so you can use it on rocks without the possibility to get deflated.
PROS
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CONS
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- Very easy to folds – accordion style
- The lightest pad made by Therm-a-Rest
- You don’t have to fold or unfold it
- Suitable for warm temperatures
- It is made of foam and the top features a reflective material to keep you warm
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- Not suitable for side sleepers
- Narrow design, so there are changes to easily go off the mattress
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VERDICT
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A really nice option if you’re looking for a lightweight pad. It folds very fast and easy, so there’s no hassle in using it.
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Each of the sleeping pads selected by us has both advantages and disadvantages. We highlighted them for you in order to make an educated decision. In our opinion, the best option to go with is Therm-A-Rest NeoAir Xtherm as it successfully combines a good thermal resistance with a compact design. This makes it ideal for four-season camping. It’s true that is more expensive but it’s a long-term investment. Another great option is Klymit Static V as it is suitable for all types of sleepers. We love the fact that it comes in multiple beautiful colors.
Frequently Asked Questions
? What Does the R-Value Mean?
The R-value refers to the ability of the sleeping pad to insulate. The more effective in protecting you from cold, the higher the R-value of the pad. For cold environments, it’s recommended to use a pad with a rated value of minimum 4 or 5.
?How to Extend the Durability of the Bag?
In order to prevent damaging the sleeping bag, you need to store and clean it properly. Therefore, it’s recommended to always place it in a protective bag. Most pads come with a stuff sack, so make sure you use it. After you use it, you clean need to clean it before storage. Clean it with a damp cloth and let it dry completely before placing it back in the storage bag. Don’t use any cleaning solutions, just water.
?What Is the Difference Between Air Pads and Foam Pads?
The air pads are lighter and thus more compact. Nevertheless, they are prone to leaks. Also, they make noise when turning. On the other hand, foam pads, provide a better insulation and are more durable. Unfortunately, they are rather bulky.
