Most people don't realize that the Xtherm has a significantly more durable material than the xlite- that is what adds the few ounces to it's weight compared to the Xlite. I will always use the Xtherm, because I can sleep on bare ground with it for an entire thru-hike without getting punctures, and it's still in great shape.
when Thermarest first released their new pad technology years ago, it was called the NeoAir. Now they have 3-4 versions of NeoAir sleeping pads, the NeoAir XLite and NeoAir XTherm being two of them. I made a quick little video of my new XTherm pad a few months ago. So far, after using it on only three trips, I'm pretty impressed with it. And with my new MassDrop 800-fill quilt, worked perfectly in 45 degree nights at 10,000 foot elevation
. Here's my silly-video link: https://vimeo.com/192991288
Rei Flash pad should be on there. Just replaced mine. R value 3.7 15oz and the size of a coke can. Not to mention way more comfortable and quiet than the neoair
From what I've heard is that pads in hammocks are clumsy, even those that are made for hammocks. You can go from sleeping on top of one to it being nearly on top of you. Most people just use underquilts.
The NeoAir Xlite is THE BEST sleeping pad for anyone who's into backpacking. Seriously, I took this thing all over Denali in Alaska. Its folds down to the size of a burrito and yet is insanely comfortable. Had it over a year and no problems ever. Best buy hands down.
This isn't meant to be inflammatory, and it isn't meant for people who already know better - just something from my personal experience (after owning pads from every [major] manufacturer. For some background, I own and use 11 different mats that I've collected over the last 10 years. I've given away or sold several more.
The most comfy mats of a reasonable pack size and weight are the double layer mats from sea to summit. They are on the heavier side, so maybe don't count as ultralight. Their ultralight mat is not as comfortable as exped's synmat ul(which in my mind is the best inflatable ul sleeping mat). S2S's single layer mats are perhaps a bit thin for side sleeping, but their double layer mats are great (and to me, worth their weight for long hikes).
The lightest are the Xlites - but they achieve that in a sneaky way, and make compromises that limit their value: Xlites (the large size) are actually only 23" wide at their widest when inflated - and 18.5" for the regular. Also - the horizontal baffles are crummy if you move around a lot at night. They are crinkly, and not very robust. The weight savings to me aren't worth the trade-offs - however they are cheap and highly available. They are a bit misleading in their descriptions, and it really isn't cool for people that don't have the resources to do size by side comparisons. A better option is the Xtherm if you are a bit bigger, or perhaps a pad from another company.
I'd say it's subjective to the person. Xlite has been my favorite sleeping pad and has held up relatively well. But you're right on a lot of your points. Maybe I'll give the s2s a try next time I buy a pad.
Hey Everyone - Thanks for all the votes in this poll. While there are numerous options to choose here, it is clear that several of the Thermarest pads are far-and-away the most desired by our community. I'm working hard to start drops for the top two pads - NeoAir Xlite and Prolite - by the end of November. Thanks and keep voting!
Speaking of "crinkling noise", the 2015 versions of the NeoAir Xlite seem to have eliminated that particular issue. They also made the surface fabric more comfortable to the touch. I received my large a few weeks ago, and can confirm both of these claims by Cascade Designs. Score!
Right now I'm using the thermarest neoair camper - probably a bit too heavy to be considered for this drop at 1.5 lb, but by gum it's the most comfortable thing I've ever slept on outside of a hotel (at home i have cheap clapped-out old boxspring) and it was on sale for 75 at amazon. No crinkling noise whatsoever!
Actually, the xlite wins out in the three categories that matter most: it's more durable fabric, lighter weight (despite having more durable fabric AND being wider at the foot), and has been proven on the trail. The exped's only "win" is a slightly higher R value. Oh, and the exped it 10 bucks more. So yeah, no thanks.
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