Therm-a-Rest has long been associated with comfy backcountry camping. With an array of sleep systems and seating in their lineup, the question is “what’s next?” The answer is obvious: smaller and lighter. Backpackers are always seeking to reduce weight, and Therm-a-Rest has answered that demand by releasing the NeoAir XLite sleeping pad. This pad is minimalist to the core, but is it tough and comfortable enough to earn a place in your pack? I took the NeoAir to the Uinta Mountains to find out.
Wow, this thing is small! When stowed in the included stuff sack the NeoAir XLite measures just 9×4 inches (regular size), smaller than a typical water bottle. At 12oz it also passes the weight test with flying colors. I jammed the pad into the bottom of my pack and didn’t notice it was there until it was time to make camp. Inflating the NeoAir is simple: approximately 20 strong breaths and it’s good to go. Impressive yes, but the slick design wouldn’t mean much unless I got a good night’s sleep on it.
The XLite is constructed with 30d High Tenacity Nylon on the top and bottom and the core is made of Nylon. What does all this mean? Unlike other lightweight sleeping pads, the NeoAir is rugged and warm. I have a mattress from another company that I absolutely love, save for the fact that is has an R-Value of zero. R-Value is a measure of thermal resistance, i.e. how warm the sleeping pad is. The higher the number, the warmer the pad. The XLite has a rating of 3.2, which is impressive for an ultralight mattress. I definitely appreciated this fact when temperatures dipped into the low 30s at Duck Lake. I slept warm and comfortable thanks in part to this little pad. During a trip to Red Castle, nasty weather forced me into my tent for a long stretch; I can tell you that the NeoAir was comfortable no matter what position I found myself in. Laying on my side, back, belly or just sitting indian-style didn’t matter, the pad was comfy no matter how I contorted. When I broke camp, stowing it was as simple as deflating, roll, stuff; not even I could screw that up.
The biggest complaint I’ve heard about the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite is the noise. The first time I inflated it, I certainly noticed the “scrunching” sound the pad made. I personally had no complaints once my sleeping bag was on top. I move around a good deal during the night, and at no point did I think the mattress was excessively loud. However, so many others have complained about the noise that I feel this must be a legit gripe; if you are a light sleeper this might not be the pad for you. For my part, I’m sold. The NeoAir XLite sleeping pad is light, warm and comfortable. If you’re looking to cut weight without sacrificing a good night’s sleep, this could be the mattress for you.
Jembe Seat: If you have a NeoAir pad, then you’re oh so close to having a lightweight backcountry seat, too. The NeoAir Jembe Seat Kit integrates with the XLite mattress to form a drum-style seat. Simply roll the pad up, insert it into the base width-wise, and use the cinch straps to secure it. Bam! Instant backcountry butt-rest. It took me quite a bit of trial and error to figure out how much air the mattress needed for the setup to work, but once I had it dialed the seat was surprisingly sturdy and comfortable. Word to the wise: don’t go leaning back too far or you’ll go for an unwanted ride! The base fabric is tough enough to keep the mattress safe from any punctures and the entire kit weighs a measly 3.7oz. It definitely beats sitting on a damp log…come on, you owe it to your butt to add a little comfort to your pack.