How to Choose the Best Sleeping Pad for Camping and Backpacking
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT Sleeping Pad
$239.95 – to $269.95
Ultralight and warm, the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT sleeping pad is highly durable and boasts a 7.3 R-value, giving it a warmth-to-weight ratio suited for extremely cold backcountry pursuits.
Key Details
Pad Thickness (in.)
3 inches
Weight
Regular: 15.5 oz.
Regular Wide: 1 lb. 3 oz.
Large: 1 lb. 4 oz.
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- Triangular Core Matrix™ construction and ThermaCapture technology deliver a cold-conquering 7.3 R-Value while a Regular size weighs just 15.5 oz (440 g)
- 70-denier nylon on the bottom withstands the wear and tear of extended expedition use while 30-denier ripstop nylon on top keeps it light and packable
- 3 in. (7.6 cm) of thickness and horizontal baffled structure deliver premium backcountry comfort while keeping weight to a minimum
- WingLock™ valve delivers fast one-way inflation and rapid deflation without giving up the ability to easily purge air while you lie on it for comfort micro-adjustments
- Includes pump sack, stuff sack and field repair kit
Made in USA.
View the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir NXT Product LineView all Therm-a-Rest Air Pads| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Sleeping Pad Type | Air |
| Sleeping Pad Shape | Mummy |
| R-Value | 7.3 |
| Repair Kit Included | Yes |
| Stuff Sack Included | Yes |
| Packed Size | Regular: 4.5 x 9 inches Regular Wide: 5 x 11 inches Large: 5 x 11 inches |
| Sleeping Capacity | 1-person |
| Pad Thickness (in.) | 3 inches |
| Dimensions | Regular: 72 x 20 x 3 inches Regular Wide: 72 x 25 x 3 inches Large: 77 x 25 x 3 inches |
| Weight | Regular: 15.5 oz. Regular Wide: 1 lb. 3 oz. Large: 1 lb. 4 oz. |
| Gender | Unisex |
Buying Advice
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Most Helpful Favorable Review
Long term review
Gumbo1 year ago
Great pad! So warm! Some call this a 4-season pad, but I think it is best as a 3-season pad- just a different 3: fall, winter, and spring. If summer nighttime conditions are above 75-80F, I would be on the pad, no quilt, and still a bit warm. By morning, I would only have my quilt partially draped over me. However for summer on the Colorado trail, this pad was just fine as temps were almost always below 50F.
The coldest I have used it was 20F with a 30F katabatic quilt and was still fine without any thick base layers, but I do run a little warm. I think using this pad extends the quilt temp rating about 10F lower due to its 7.3R value (most quilts assume a mattress with an r-value of 4.7 like a neoair xlite).
As a heavyweight hiker (6’0, 240 pounds), this mattress lasts longer than the Neoair x-lite before developing a slow leak or delamination (400-450 nights use vs 250-300 nights for xlite). One tip that worked for me was to blow it up 1-2 breaths less than fully inflated. That way, when I was on top of the mattress the internal pressure was still fine.
Also, I strongly prefer the 25” wide vs the 20” version to keep my arms fully on the pad at only a small weight penalty.
For the 72”x25”, regular wide, mine weighed:
1. Pad only: 529g, 18.65 Oz
2. Pump sack: 55g, 1.95 Oz
3. Small black carrying sack: 21g, 0.75 Oz
4. Repair kit+instructions: 11g, 0.40 Oz
Generally, I took the pad itself, blew it up the old fashioned way, and secured it with just a rubber band after folding it into thirds lengthwise, then rolling it up (no pump sack or carrying sack). I stored it inside my quilt for protection.
As to noise level, I think it is quieter than before but maybe by only by a little. As for slipping around, I place my sit-pad in the tent but under the pad, and it seems to stay in place. The topside is about as slippery as before.
I generally don’t use any Tyvek ground sheet unless I am in a desert section with lots of spiky things, just my tent floor.
The extra half-inch in thickness is much better for a side sleeper, less chance of bottoming out. Not sure if it would help a back sleeper.
Overall: this is my favorite pad that I use year-round, unless I am summer hiking in a very warm climate.
Gumbo
43 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
Good product until it leaks, then lousy service.
Matt1 year ago
I purchased a slightly earlier version of this pad (NeoAir Xtherm without the NXT, whatever that means) Unfortunately it developed a pinhole leak at one of the "pinch points" where the valve is inserted into the fabric of the mattress. Instead of standing by the product when I submitted a warranty claim Therm A Rest suggested that the leak was my fault and further insulted me with leak finding instructions that I had already gone through on my own, then graciously offered to take a look at the pad for a price of $30+. If you buy this pad and it leaks for any reason, they will not stand by it, period. RA #00264507
Matt
VT
29 people found this review helpful
Customer Images
High Desert
Received free product
Compact and Comfortable
2 years ago
I received this Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT Sleeping Pad Regular Wide for free from the REI Trailblazers sampling program in exchange for my honest review. I'm a car camper that goes to developed camp sites or hot springs, and don't really care about weight or space, but this is compact and light. It took me about 7 minutes to inflate using the air sack. Using an older Thermarest Neoair battery inflator took 25 minutes, was only partial inflation, and it was a struggle to fit on the newer valve, because it is made for the older valves. I never blow into the bag or the pad because I don't want moisture in the chamber and the possibility of mold growth. Deflation is very fast opening the main valve and the wing adjuster. I like that there is a repair kit included. The packaging is minimal, no inner plastic bag or desiccant. The box has a cut out so you can feel the material. There was no chemical smell or off-gassing for me. I initially over inflated because I was worried temperature drop would decrease inflation, but going from mid 70'sF at dusk to 48F didn't effect inflation. Perhaps more of a factor in much colder weather. I deflated the pad a bit in the middle of the night using the wing adjuster while I was cozy in my sleeping bag on the pad, making it was more comfortable, and I slept well. I sleep on my back, side, and stomach. I had a 40F sleeping bag with a cotton liner and it was great temperature wise at 48F. I've had a Thermarest Mondoking XL which is both foam and air, that is my go to, but it's enormous, heavier, and takes a longer time to inflate/deflate and a struggle to pack away. The Mondoking is more comfortable because it's foam and air and larger, but the NeoAir XTherm NXT is pretty comfortable for only air, and the wing adjuster makes it easier to achieve your particular firmness level while on the pad. I think this product is great if you want a 4 season sleeping pad, want to save space and weight, and appreciate quicker inflation and packing time.
Age:45–54
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'4"
Yes , I recommend this product
Snowdancer
CA
Warm but Quality is Questionable
10 months ago
I purchased this pad for the PCT. Even though it is heavier than my other 'NeoAir' I wanted it for the higher R value. Note that I always used a close cell foam pad under this pad and also use a footprint in my tent. This is important and I want you to remember this as you read my review. I was surprised to find myself on the ground very early on in the hike. I thought maybe I hadn't closed the valve all the way. Nope. there was definitely a hole in the pad. I had to sleep on the ground two more nights before I had access to water to find the hole. I repaired the pad and all was good again. Fast forward to another night slept on the ground. I have a NeoAir pad that I have used for TEN years with not one single puncture! AND I do not use a close cell pad for this one. Another patch job. Wait what is this? Yes once again another hole. What could I possibly be doing wrong? This time I was able to patch the pad in the field. I thought I had found all the issues. Nope. Very first night on the newly patched pad I was on the ground, This time I was frustrated beyond belief. How can a pad that costs almost $$$$ be so fragile? I am not able to find the hole this time so this is going in the trash. I can't in good conscience return this to REI as it is not their fault. Also, Thermarest does not warranty punctures so I am out. I am not happy. The only saving grace for this pad is the warmth. Three plus punctures in less than 3 months of use WITH a closed cell pad (z-lite) and footprint.
Age:55–64
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'9"
No, I do not recommend this product
Matt
VT
Good product until it leaks, then lousy service.
1 year ago
I purchased a slightly earlier version of this pad (NeoAir Xtherm without the NXT, whatever that means) Unfortunately it developed a pinhole leak at one of the "pinch points" where the valve is inserted into the fabric of the mattress. Instead of standing by the product when I submitted a warranty claim Therm A Rest suggested that the leak was my fault and further insulted me with leak finding instructions that I had already gone through on my own, then graciously offered to take a look at the pad for a price of $30+. If you buy this pad and it leaks for any reason, they will not stand by it, period. RA #00264507
Age:25–34
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:6'2"
No, I do not recommend this product
Lilbury
Received free product
Swanton, VT
Lightweight and reliable sleeping pad
2 years ago
This Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT Sleeping Pad is super lightweight and reliable. It provides decent comfort for a blowup sleeping pad and provides warmth from cool ground. It comes in a soft blue-green color, which I like, though I suspect it'll start to show some dirt after using it a while. The material is kinda crinkly, and thin, but seems pretty durable. The sleeping pad came with a repair/patch kit, an air bag for inflation, and a carrying bag. The air bag for inflation only kinda works and you still have to blow air into it in order for it to inflate the bag. Luckily, the pad can be inflated the old fashioned way or by self inflation. It has a one-way valve that made inflating it manually pretty easy and it didn't take much air input to get it inflated. The pad holds air very well once it is inflated. The regular size is very long for a regular! Which, for me, is great. I am 5'10" and still have some room on the ends. However, it is fairly narrow and only provides a tiny amount of space for turning over. I was only able to use this for one tent camping trip so far, but, overall, I think this is a good product and I am excited to add it to my camping and backpacking rotation!
Age:25–34
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'10"
Yes , I recommend this product
Nate
Leaky pad, awful service
4 months ago
Bought this while in the Army in Alaska. Took 1 day for it to start leaking, i returned it and got a new one at REI, thank you REI. Well its been around a year from then and low and behold it started leaking again. The patches they included do not do anything. Sent a request out to Cascade Design saying that the leak is a design issue and its been about 2 weeks since, no reply! I paid $250 for this pad and i should not have to baby it, which i did, and it still ended up with a hole. Garbage!
Age:18–24
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'9"
No, I do not recommend this product
Damon
Received free product
Idaho
Not a bad pad!
2 years ago
Actually it’s really great for what it’s meant to do. Very comfortable, even after multiple nights. It’s light, especially for the insulation properties. Valve works well enough. Included patch kit is great. Overall it’s very functional and a great choice for the cooler months. Small gripes: for backpacking in warmer weather I would still choose a more compact option. It is versatile though and would make a fine backup pad for car camping as well.
Age:25–34
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'10"
Yes , I recommend this product
Louise
Received free product
Oregon
Time will tell
2 years ago
So far very impressed with this pad. I got the extra-long because my sleeping bag is an REI extra long bag so wanted to make sure I had enough coverage, and the two were made for each other as you can see in the photos. It is narrow (I didn't get the extra wide) but for backpacking purposes it will be great. It is SO light - my partner has an old Thermarest pad which he's had for years but is bulky and heavy. This one feels almost tissue-paper thin. I wonder how it will hold up long-term, but it held up well for two nights in the truck! It's very easy to inflate/deflate, and packs up/stores really well. I like that it doesn't need to be stored in any particular way. I have a larger pad for car camping and I have to store it inflated, but this one takes up no space rolled in my camp kit. Comes with two different sized storage bags.
Age:35–44
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'8"
Yes , I recommend this product
mgillee
Oregon
The BEST 4 season pad - Thick, Warm & Low Noise
2 years ago
Just for reference: I'm 6'-2" 200lbs with broad shoulders. The BEST winter pad BY FAR! There is no real comparison. I know some say this pad is a minor improvement over the previous model, but I disagree ... and I wake up easily from little noises. The "crinkle" factor IS much improved to the point where I don't notice it. The added 1/2 inch is also a big improvement for us side sleepers. Sleeping bags are rated based on a 4.8 R-value, so this pad ensures your bag can meet it's rating and then some. Before testing it outdoors, I filled and left it full in my garage for 1 week. At the end it felt the same as when I first inflated it. All in all I HIGHLY recommend this pad!
Age:45–54
Weight:200–225 lbs.
Height:6'2"
Yes , I recommend this product
Songwen
Seattle, WA
Light weighted comfy and warm
1 year ago
I took it for a backpacking trip, and it worked very well for me. Light weighted, comfy and warm. The regular one is big enough for a slim person like me to sleep on comfortably. But I could have got the wide one.
Age:25–34
Weight:100–125 lbs.
Height:5'4"
Yes , I recommend this product
winter camper
Madison, WI
supeb customer service
1 year ago
I owned the older model of the neoair xtherm, purchased about 10 years ago. That thing has been used extensively and never had any complaints about it. recently I blew mine up just to test it and I noticed it wasn't holding air like it should, after 24 hours it was deflated to the point you could feel the ground sitting on it. I contacted cascade designs customer service and sent it in to them. they sent me this newer model free of charge! seriously what amazing customer service, I was blown away. if you are on the fence on what company's sleeping pad you should get, know that thermarest cares about their products and will even honor their lifetime warranty on my pad that was almost 10 years old. I can't wait to use my new xtherm, thank you so much cascade designs!!
Yes , I recommend this product
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