Which Therm-A-Rest Neoair?

OK so I’m going to invest in a better sleeping pad for this year’s adventures. My other ones are all either too heavy, too uncomfortable, or too cold.

I’m pretty set on the therm-a-rests compared to other brands. On paper specs always seem to come out better, and also hear good tales of warranty support.

Anyway, this will be for 3 season camping. I probably won’t be winter camping.
Predominantly bike packing or back packing where I’ll need to carry it.
Have got other mats for car camping.
I’m 6’3″ and 14 stone. I am generally a side sleeper, sometimes on my back but not often. Never front.

I think on that basis I am going to go for a Neoair Xlite NXT Large (Mummy style) – 470g R4.7

However before I splash the cash (which is quite a considerable outlay!) I thought I’d see what everyone’s opinions were.

Other options would be:
1) Neoair XLite NXT MAX Large (rectangular) – 550g R4.7
2) Neoair XTherm NXT Large (mummy) – 567 R7.3
3) Neoair XTherm NXT MAX Large (rectangular) – 680g R7.3

Has anyone got a mummy style mat and regretted it? If so why?

Has anyone got a mid- R value mat for 3 season camping and regretted it? If so why?

Are there any other suggestions for mats that beat therm a rest for comfort, weight, insulation that I have missed?

I don’t mind spending a bit of cash for something top drawer. (This is hopefully like the point where I’d struggled on with chinese lights for years then decided it was ultimately better to invest in some proper Exposure lights )

Thanks for any thoughts!

The nest Thermarest Neoair is the Exped Synmat.

HTH 🙂

🙂

In what way is it best?

I did look at the Exped Ultra 3R, 5R etc. (Synmat doesn’t seem to be a thing anymore?)

They looked pretty good but a fair bit heavier for same warmth compared to therm a rests.

Only positive I could see of the Exped Ultras were that the inflation bag looked maybe a bit better, and they are a bit cheaper

I have a mummy shaped X-Therm, don’t regret it. I’m 6’4″ so went for the large, always been incredibly comfortable on it. I sleep better on it than I do at home! The trick I find is to put a fair bit less air in than you think you need, especially if you’re a side sleeper

The X-Therm is great if you’re out in the winter or sleep cold (I’m both). Otherwise save some money and grams and get a neoair

I just had a look at the NXT XLite ones, they look great! They weren’t around when I was buying mine. Not much difference in weight to the XTherm, though? Maybe you could get an XTherm and save weight on a lighter sleepikg bag?

I’ve got an xtherm. Take some earplugs. It’s like sleeping on a bag of crisps.

Thanks all, the new version are much improved with the rustling.

Have they fixed the ‘crinkliness’ of the NeoAir? Last time I tried one was 10y ago and that made me go for the Exped instead

I got an Xlite (mummy shaped) after my Synmat blew a baffle. It must be nearly 10 years old and is still super comfy and warm above 2-3c despite the impossible to find super slow leak its had for about 5 years. I’ve never used an inflation sack, just lung power… Just don’t hold it up to the light…. and it rustles a bit..

When it dies, I’ll get another, assuming they still exist.

Big fan of sleeping outside – bikepacking and hiking. You won’t regret having a mat that’s slightly too warm.

I use an Xtherm all the way through the year