Therm-a-Rest ZLite Vs NeoAir XLite Review - on the trail

[@Nabagabo22]

Two fools walking, great review - thanks for sharing! A few comments if I may... Light weight nearly always means flimsy - you guys are pushing gear harder and faster than almost everyone else out there, exceeding the design tolerance and it breaks. So either buy the same again on the understanding it will break again, or buy heavier more robust gear that will take the knocks. Pad baffle failure - in simple terms - the force detaching the baffle has exceeded the weld strength, more easily done when the pad is at high pressure. So one answer to less stress and strain - always operate the pad at the lowest pressure you can get away with - let the pad flex and fit around you - even if you lightly touch the ground you can still be comfortable. Lastly, really thin foam sheet cut to sleeping pad size / length folds up, sits outside the pack, multiple uses as a folded sit pad, spread your gear out lunch stop, day snooze surface, sleeping pad under protector etc. Keep it coming Guys - great to see you adventuring again!

[@pootlingalong8928]

Prefer the foam pad. It’s all we had growing up in the 60s and 70s - those thin foam rolls! The Z Lite is real luxury. Imparted to the roll up pads. Is it comfortable? Yes, if you stick with it, you can get used to anything. Big plus is - it will never let you down. Thank you for sharing your views - good video! 🙂👍🏻

[@JonathanDowe]

Thanks for the review, I use an Uberlite that needs kids gloves only had one fail so far though and my experience with Thermarest customer service was the same as yours, excellent.

[@TanukiParis]

I use a foam mat and a torso mattress to have the best of the both worlds, the Arkmat 127 (plastazote) and the Nordisk matress ultralight ven 2.5 (127gr + 280gr) the foam pad protect the other, add R-value and the Nordisk add comfort which is also nice on long hikes. (the Nemo - ZOR 20S is the copy cat of the Nordisk) I have also use the Nordisk with a TAR Zlite and the comfort is really good but it's of course heavier.

[@vanCapere]

I honestly like foam pads more in terms of comfort! Any air pad I tried was too 'soft' for my liking. My GoTo is a 3mm Thinlight though. :D

[@johnc_]

I have two fairly thick expad foam mats and carry both of them for myself, this allows me to put them side by side when I want more room (I'm both tall and roll around in my sleep), or if its colder or harder ground I stack them to get more r value or more padding. I just use webbing keep them connected and it works well. While it is heavier than other options having a good nights sleep and enjoying myself more because of it feels like a great trade for a few 100g. Also being able to have a backup for someone else is really nice, either for sleeping mat or just a seat. I have tried the NeoAir Xlite but I just can't relax as much knowing if it fails I've got a big problem.

[@tomcoleman6440]

I cut my Thermarest Xlite down to 3/4 length (yes, it is possible).This allows me to angle my lower legs. I found it too difficult to remain ramrod straight on the full length mat!

[@rosslister1389]

Could the moisture in your breath when inflating the mat be partly responsible for the failures you have experienced? A dual use inflation sack might be something worth trying with the next one. The tiny x pumps are worth considering as a luxury item

[@Pasequale100]

are these thermarest pads better than the no brand foam pads? if yes why?

[@gavijal]

Or you can switch to S2S ether light xt and with a little weight penalty you would have way more durable, quieter and more comfortable pad.

[@heyitsmarius7856]

I've been following you forever, and I really enjoy your daily (almost) uploads. I'm curious as to what gear your bring to shoot these videos? I've debated switching to only using my phone, but I'm at a crossroads.

[@twofoolswalking2109]

We've only ever used our phones and and an improvised Lego tripod 😅

[@heyitsmarius7856]

@@twofoolswalking2109 I like that. Cheers. Hope you'll do fan-invited hikes in the future, and good luck on the rest of the trail 🙏🏻

[@fedegoeswoods3142]

What about getting a smaller foam pad for sitting and an air mat for sleeping?

[@dracandros]

Doesn't anyone say "Zed" anymore? 😢

[@darrencurtisuk]

Surprised you haven't cut a few panels off the Z-Lite!

[@mikhaillindan9091]

Its down to temperature, in the summer z lite wins, but in autumn foam is not warm enough

[@janicsuhran]

I currently use a polifoam mat (Easycamp Basic 156gram and 2.0 R value in my opinion) and if i will hike in cold conditions, i add a thermarest xlite Small to this system. If you put xlite to the top of your polifoam this will work forever and never pops. in cold conditons i carry this 2 pads (156+212gram) and it totaly fine down to -15 celsius. you can put your empty backpack under your legs under polifoam.

[@thomaspackard6397]

How is the zlite compared to the decathlon equivalent? apart from the fact it folds smaller, is it worth the extra £30?

[@twofoolswalking2109]

It's fractionally comfier, probably not worth the extra

[@thesuit4820]

Zed. You're British. Standards.

[@Tryfan777]

All thermarest airmats doesnt last and they are too expensive.After less than one year baffles split or leaking from split baffles.There are many microscopic holesand you can't find them.Will never buy them again!!!!!

[@Casual_BackPacking]

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