I had the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite in my cart, but I hadn’t actually owned one before, so I wanted to research everything I could find and give you the information I uncovered.
Firstly, I was impressed by the claims Therm-a-Rest makes about this pad. It’s marketed as one of the lightest, most packable sleeping pads with a warmth rating suitable for backpacking well into shoulder seasons. The NeoAir Xlite commands a 4.7 rating on Amazon based on thousands of reviews, weighing in at just 12 ounces, and packing down smaller than a water bottle. On paper, it sounds like the ultimate backpacking sleeping pad.
So, is it really worth the hype? Let’s get into the four main things you need to know.
1. What I Found About the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite
When I was first looking into the Xlite, I found a lot of people raving about it on forums like BackpackingLight and Reddit. The key praise was always the same:
- Ridiculously lightweight compared to most insulated pads.
- R-value of 4.2 (which makes it suitable down to about 20°F if paired with a proper sleeping bag).
- Tiny packed size – it fits into side pockets of packs easily.
But, alongside the praise, I started seeing the same concern pop up over and over again: the crinkly noise. Multiple users described it as “sleeping on a bag of potato chips.” Some said they got used to it after a few nights, while others admitted it drove them crazy and annoyed tentmates.
So while the performance sounded incredible, I couldn’t ignore that there’s a trade-off in comfort noise-wise.
2. Warmth and Comfort
The biggest question I had before hitting “Buy” was whether the Xlite would actually keep me warm. For context, I’ve owned budget sleeping pads before, and I’ve woken up freezing on 40°F nights because the pad didn’t insulate enough.
The NeoAir Xlite is rated with an R-value of 4.2, which according to Therm-a-Rest means it’s a three-season pad (spring, summer, and fall, plus mild winter if paired with another pad). That’s much warmer than most ultralight pads that hover in the 2.0–3.0 range.
Comfort-wise, the pad is 2.5 inches thick when inflated, which for a side sleeper like me is critical. Most users said it provides enough cushion to avoid feeling the ground, though some found that because it’s narrow (20 inches wide in the Regular size), arms can slip off the side at night. If you’re broad-shouldered or toss and turn, you might want to consider the wide version, which is 25 inches.
So warmth and comfort check out, but again, only if you can tolerate the “chip bag” noise.
3. Cost Considerations
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the price.
At $149.96 for the regular size, this pad is far from cheap. Many decent sleeping pads are in the $50–100 range, so the question is whether the extra $100 is justified.
Here’s how I broke it down:
- Weight savings: most budget insulated pads weigh 18–25 ounces. The Xlite is around 12 ounces, so you’re saving almost half a pound. For ultralight backpackers, that’s huge.
- Packability: it packs down to about the size of a Nalgene bottle, freeing up space inside your pack.
- Longevity: Therm-a-Rest has a good reputation for durable gear and even offers repair kits.
But I also came across reports of delamination and slow leaks after a season or two, which made me pause. Therm-a-Rest does have a warranty, but for nearly $200, I was hoping it would last for years without issue.
So the question is: are the weight savings and performance worth paying double compared to other insulated pads?
4. What I Decided to Purchase
After researching, I was torn between the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite and the Nemo Tensor Insulated Pad, which also has great reviews.
The Nemo Tensor is slightly heavier (15 oz vs. 12 oz for the Xlite) but is known for being much quieter. Several reviews mentioned that it’s almost silent compared to the crinkle of the NeoAir.
In the end, I decided to go with the NeoAir Xlite despite the noise complaints, mainly because I prioritize weight and packability over everything else when backpacking. I figured I’d get used to the sound after a few nights in the backcountry. Plus, with the R-value of 4.2, I knew I wouldn’t wake up freezing on colder alpine nights.
If noise is a dealbreaker for you, I’d recommend looking into the Nemo Tensor. But if you’re focused on ultralight performance, the Xlite is still the gold standard.
Conclusion
After digging deep into reviews, specs, and comparisons, here’s what I found:
- The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite is one of the lightest, most packable insulated sleeping pads on the market.
- It provides excellent warmth for three-season backpacking with an R-value of 4.2.
- The main drawback is the crinkly noise, which some hikers hate and others learn to ignore.
- The cost is steep at $149.96, but if you prioritize low weight and high performance, it may be worth it.
Ultimately, I decided to buy it, but I understand why some people might choose an alternative like the Nemo Tensor.
At the end of the day, the Xlite lives up to most of the hype—but only if you’re willing to accept the quirks.