Thermarest NeoAir XTherm Sleeping Pad

Andrew Piotrowski

The frigid breeze sweeping under the tent fly and across my exposed face was a stern reminder that I was not in my warm bed back at home, Instead, I was on top of a ridge on a cold fall night in the Shenandoah Valley.

Besides the occasional breeze on my face, I was very warm and comfortable despite it being 18 degrees and windy outside. I was using a 2-person Ultra-light 3 season tent and a lightweight 30-degree F sleeping bag. This combination would typically not be warm enough, however, the Thermarest NeoAir XTherm sleeping pad picked up all the slack in the warming department.

 

I do the majority of my camping and backpacking during the colder months and have fussed with a plethora of different sleeping systems over the years. I have long used a 3-season inflatable sleeping pad typically paired with a heavy sleeping bag and a closed-cell foam pad under it.

While this system can work, the truth is that it adds weight, bulk, and complexity.  These past few months testing out the NeoAir Xtherm has opened my eyes to the importance of a good winter sleeping pad. 

Overview: It’s clear that the NeoAir Xtherm by Thermarest is designed for light and fast pursuits in extreme winter conditions. It’s extremely warm with its 6.9 R-Value and somehow only weighs 15oz. This pad packs up smaller than my summer pad and is only about the size of a 32oz Nalgene when rolled up. 

And while this pad is light and low bulk it still feels extremely durable. I have thrown it in my pack without its stuff sack and have had zero issues with punctures or leaks. It’s perfect for big mountain bivys, winter backpacking, or sleeping in your truck in the ski resort lot to get the first chair. 

Key Features:

• WingLock Valve: The winglock is simply the best valve I have come across on any pad. Its very easy to use. The one-way inflation setting allows for super quick inflation.
• Therma Capture & Triangular Core Matrix: these two features work together to insulate you from the cold ground while also trapping heat to keep you toasty all night long.
• Low Bulk Materials: at 15oz (regular size) the weight to warmth ratio is insane!  
• 2.5inch Thickness: This creates a super comfortable sleeping surface and has led to the best night of backcountry sleep I have ever had.

Things I love: Everything! It’s light, warm, and low-bulk what else could you want?

Things I would change: Absolutely nothing. 

 


Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm Sleeping Pad | REI Co-op $214.95