Thermarest NeoAir Xlite Post Appalachian Trail Review

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

July 2020 update. I recently acquired 2 newer versions of this pad (long story... but one with this older valve style and one with the newer valve design) and I am not sure if Thermarest made some changes to the materials but the crinkle sound from both new pads seems to be substantially less then it was for this pad when I initially bought it. I know the noise factor was a huge turn off for some but I think it maybe worth seeing a newer pad in person and see if the noise factor is something you can deal with now. Also people have mentioned in the comments the r value on the pad I believe is now higher than when I did this review. I dont think the warmth has technically increased but I believe the increase is due to REI setting a kind of new standard for pads to be measured for rvalue thus the new discrepancy / higher rvalue. If anyone knows if they did in fact increase the warmth of the pad please let me know

[@MrOkieChef]

Having watched many reviewers on Utoob it’s refreshing to find one I can watch all the way through without cringing or bitching at them to get on with the review. Easy to listen to and concise. Subscribed after the first couple of minutes. Keep up the good work.

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Thanks for watching John!

[@Nejjidragon]

I used this pad in a shelter recently and almost felt bad at first because I know it's a bit noisy, but one of the other dudes in the shelter was sleeping under a foil emergency blanket so he won the "annoying noises in the middle of the night" contest by a long shot.

[@lea.hallon406]

Hi, I have the original NeoAir and I totally agree with your review! I love my pad and can confirm that the noise lessens. Really the best sleeping pad I have ever used! I have it for six years now and I usually use it for around three weeks every year plus the occasional weekend trip.

[@FormedandSmelly]

Exceptional video, and review. Thank you so much for not just reading a spec sheet to us. Real world usage is what a review is, and you answered every question I think anyone considering this item could ask. Great job. Liked, and subbed.

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Thanks Brad, I try to let people know all the stuff I would like to know when looking for gear. Appreciate you watching!

[@Stampistuta]

I’ve never heard it mentioned that the pad noise lessens over time. Thanks for mentioning it.

[@rhettacypert1261]

Just opened my new pad from the box and I was a little surprised at how noisy it is. I am literally lying on my living room floor on the pad - SO comfortable. I’m psyched.

[@AugustHawk]

Excellent review. I actually purchased this pad last spring after seeing your video on your thru-hike gear. I've used it several times and love it. That says a lot seeing how I'm typically a hammock camper, but sometimes I have to "go to the ground" and other pads just weren't cutting it. Love it! My experience is spot on with your review - albeit you have wayyy more experience with this pad than I do! Ha!

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Haha glad it worked out for you! I may have picked up a little hammock setup.... Look for me trying to be cool in a hammock in future videos!

[@hhollygolightly]

Lmaoo the chip comparison killed me. Thank you for such a thorough review!

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Crinkletown USA!!!!!

[@davejohnson7264]

Too true, I almost saw the faces of the neighbors and thoughts of the crinkle noise!

[@jliverty]

​@@ChrisGoesOutdoors do you know any tips when the sleeping pad keep slipping from the bathtub floor inside the tent? do you use silicone seam sealer on bottom of the sleeping pad?

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

@@jliverty some people go the seam sealer route. I used to tuck my sit pad of an article of clothing underneath but in all honesty I never have really had much of an issue with it sliding around in my tent. Not really much space for it to move around in there haha

[@jliverty]

@@ChrisGoesOutdoors Thanks for the input. And have you tested any kind of bear canister that fit properly for hyperlite 2400? I wonder if the hyperlite 3400 is more spacious than 2400. I owned junction 2400 and not all bear canister can fit this, of course logically speaking. do you usually use bear canister or zpack bear bag instead? I live in CA and most national park require bear canister, just trying to pick the right one that fit properly for hyperlite 2400.

[@mtadams2009]

I have owned one since I think 2014 and it’s been great. The noise has not been an issue for me. I will be taking it on my hike of the Long Trail this summer-fall. I only use it inside my tent and have been very gentle with it. I too do not use the provided stuff sack but store it in pillow bag from Hyper Lite. Nothing bad to say.

[@lifeisgood5867]

Thank you for this great review! I am just about to purchase a new sleeping pad for longer, week long hikes and this video helped me a lot regarding my decision :)

[@rtsteele567]

Probably one of the better xlite reviews I've seen. Complete and thorough. I'm a large/wide xlite owner. The pump sack/pack liner combo for me is a godsend. Don't really care about the mold - it's just nice not to huff and puff this thing.

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Ya i could certainly see the benefit of not having to blow it up nightly haha. I am also not concerned about mold growth. Perhaps one day I will craft a pump sack. Until that day I will me huffing and puffing away!

[@edurban7236]

Lol. Loved the sun chips comparison! Great detailed review. Keep them coming!

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

I remember hearing the original version of the pad in REI for the first time and being like "What the HELL is this!?" Immediately thought of the Sun Chip bags haha. Luckily I had a multipack of the little ones kicking around at the time of filming!

[@nigeljones8202]

Excellent video, just what I needed to know. Thanks 😀

[@c3920]

Great comparison with the chip bag.

[@katahdinorbust2197]

The chip bag comparison had me dying! HAHA! Glad I bought this pad for my thru-hike for 2019! Great vid!

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Awesome! It's a great, although a little noisy, pad!

[@MrJoebmxer]

Great review Chris. You are hilarious!

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Thanks Joe! I appreciate the compliment!

[@EdgewoodOutdoors]

Nice review, I never thought of mood growth inside but it makes sense...

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

I feel like I read something before that said thermarest specifically said that it wasn't mold. That it was fibers from the insulation but can't seem to find said article or link. But it does make sense for sure. Especially with prolonged use I would think

[@JoshHerodOutdoorAdventures]

Good review! I have the XTherm and have been thinking about getting this for a lighter wieght option in the warmer months

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Thanks Josh. Its a great pad. The noise and possibly the price are the biggest downsides but the noise lessened immensely for me after a couple weeks of use on the AT. I really dig it. No real complaints!

[@kellirustin7944]

Very thorough review! Thanks Chris.

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Thanks Kelli. I appreciate the continued support!

[@huycao9788]

I remember Neemor did a review on the xlite and holding it up to the light the show the "mold". That kinda grossed me out and have used pump sacks every since. However, he recently did another video about shortening the pad and when he cut the pad open, he didn't see any mold. We may be overly paranoid about the mold problem. I'm still going to use a pump sack though. Just easier--for me. Great review Chris.

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Nice! Glad the pump sack is working out for you. I agree about the mold problem. I am not concerned at all personally. Mine when I hold it up doesn't look like it is mold. It actually looks like it maybe fibers from the insulation fabric. I mentioned in a different comment down below that I believe Thermarest actually addressed possible mold growth in the pads saying at some point that it was the insulation used. I tried searching for the article when making this video but I couldn't seem to find it anywhere. Either way I wouldn't be over concerned about it. I personally am not. Perhaps I will do a follow up when this pad eventually dies at some point. I will cut it open and see what it looks like. For Science! Thanks for watching!

[@oldunion]

the pump sack is a long overdue solution, the faux-mold scare being it's genesis is fine with me. Also the larger non-twist valves are a long time coming, glad to see them replace the old fashioned twist valves I have struggled with for over 20 years.

[@huycao9788]

FYI, the xlite comes in an "SV" version. SV=Speed Valve. It's basically built-in pump sack. From the reviews on the REI website though, it seems people are having issues getting it to seal correctly, leading to deflation problems.

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

I've seen these in person and had the option to pick one up at the last REI garage sale I went to. Opted not to based on the review I had seen of them. They seem faulty by design. I thought they stopped making them to be honest. Interesting to see they are actually still available for purchase!

[@huycao9788]

Yeah, it's a neat idea. Too bad it didn't work out.

[@rumblechick73]

I'm with you on the width thing, being only 5'3" it's really annoying to want a wider pad and have to get it longer at the same time!

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

It does seem kind of foolish. I thought the 20" was fine for me but I feel like a lot of people would go with this pad if they offered in in 25" for at least regular length. The large one in the video I got at an REI garage sale I may actually cut down to torso length. We will see! Thanks for watching!

[@nojaysimpson]

It would be a no brainer if a wide regular was offered. It was the primary reason I went with a Nemo tensor.

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Saw a few of the tensors on the trail. Seemed like a solid pad!

[@huycao9788]

I went with the 25" tensor for the same reason.

[@heikki5v205]

Now days regular wide is available.

[@GucciGirlandGrumpy]

Great review. It works for me and I found that the pumpsack works for me as well, plus it also gives me extra protection as a dry bag. EAR PLUGS

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

I say ear plugs should be a definite for most, especially if staying in shelters. Glad the pump sack is working out for you! Thanks for watching!

[@hucknbarry3496]

I bought the small ,the noise is not an issue for me but rolling around at night is similar to laying on a surfboard for the first time, I fall off alot but once settled its super comfy. Wish it was shorter and wider and maybe a vertical bulge along the edge to keep me from falling off.

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

I had a similar experience but letting a little bit of the air out to personal feel while laying on the pad helped that out a lot. Its very weird that they STILL dont have a regular length wide pad. I have heard around the rumor mill they will have it this year. I think they are re doing the valve design too

[@riley2201]

Love it thank you man!

[@nedanother9382]

Old video but a real good review of this pad. It should be updated to include the fact that blowing up a pad with breathe in no way shape or form creates mold. Thats just what someone "supposed" and it stuck. There are other vids showing this. I just shortened my Nemo Tensor and after 6 years the inside appeared surgically clean. My version had the Primaloft and the foil. There wasn't a spec of dust on the primaloft. And super easy to cut to length

[@Qmedjoe]

I bought a blow up bag for mine. Their both still in their packages. I’m hoping to use them both this time off ship. A little trip up to Eastern Tennessee to check out Knoxville. Hopefully moving up there in a couple of months! 😁

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Nice! Besides my time on the AT I had never been to Tennessee. I've heard great things! Hope the pad and the possible move work out for you!

[@donaldpriebsch8539]

The Chips Comparison is gold. :-D

[@johnpearsall8070]

I love my xlight. I use my compactor trash bag liner to blow it up (very easy).

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Nice john! It's a great sleeping pad!

[@AlanMETALMAN]

Great review, not too keen on the noise but am very keen on the weight, going to check it out on Amazon. Cheers Alan

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Thanks Alan! The noise does get lower with use though so keep that in mind! Thanks for watching!

[@flashmanv3260]

Great review of this sleeping pad. I have the therm version, it's less noisy, but a little more weight but works in all four season and I do a lot of winter camping, and it's cold in the north east.. I had an old orange with the foam inside pad for 20 years, still works so have had a lot of good luck with this co. Same valve they have always had, tried and true I have no issue with it, I noticed someone complained about it.

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

+flashman V Been looking into the xtherm for a winter pad. Just waiting on the right deal for it. Thanks for watching!

[@TheCSanchezZ]

Hi, why in thermarest website the Rvalue is 4.2?? Thanks

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

REI recently started requiring all sleeping pads it sells to go through a standardized thermal testing. The NeoAir Xlite here got a higher rating according to these newly implemented standards

[@danielcharbonneau222]

I will be setting up for a lot of winter outings here in Northern Ontario. The temps drop to below -30C I'm looking for info on what would be a good pad / insulator that I can user on top of a tarp on the snow. Any ideas?

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

I use the thermarest neoair Xtherm MAX for winter purposes. I have used it probably down to 0f maybe a bit colder and been completely fine heat wise. I believe it has an r value of 5.7. You could supplement some additional insulation by pairing it with a zlite type of sleeping pad. My bud AJ uses a zlite and xlite combined out in winter and its a little heavier than say just an xtherm but he felt nice and toasty warm. I also looked at the exped down mats but stuck with the thermarest line for my needs. Hope that helps!

[@Psychosapiens]

What will be conscience for this matter if i use it below freezing point. Like -26 ? Any material problems ? Thanks for your time.

[@clarkansas6590]

Well done

[@heikki5v205]

Now days regular wide is available.

[@bearcord_hikes_ga2529]

Thanks for the great vids Chris. You may have mentioned it before but I missed it, who makes the hoodie you are wearing?

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

It's made by melanzana. Company out of Colorado. Unfortunately they aren't taking online orders again until supposedly this spring. Guess they were having an issue keeping up with both online orders and their storefront supply. I do love mine tho. Definitely worth checking out if you can!

[@bearcord_hikes_ga2529]

ChrisGoesOutdoors Thanks for getting back! I was afraid you would say that. I was hoping it was a different brand that I could get my hands on easily since I am not in Colorado. Keep up the good work!

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Its unfortunate for us they can't keep it up but I guess very fortunate for them haha. I wanted to grab one for the GF. Oh well! Appreciate ya watching!

[@huycao9788]

Lol...I knew you were going to get questions about that sexy melly when I saw it. If you guys really want one, you can get a local Colorado person to buy it for you. There's a guy on Reddit ultralight that is the "official" proxy buyer. I think Melanzana also has a facebook group where you ask locals.

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

I used it on the trail and wear it everyday once I get home from work. When I make these videos I legit change out of it into something different so I don't look like I don't ever change clothing....Even though I don't.... hahaha. The hype is real. I've seen that guy willing to pick em up in the ultralight reddit. Its kind of crazy. Great for the company though!

[@13squier]

Nice review. What hoodie is that?

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

It's made by Melanzana. Company out of Colorado. Unfortunately they aren't taking online orders again until supposedly this spring. Guess they were having an issue keeping up with both online orders and their storefront supply. I do love mine tho. Definitely worth checking out if you can!

[@jimjoyce4514]

I have used ThermaRest pads for years, I think I own 7. One large, one small and the rest regular (including NeoAir Xlite). I have three chair kits as well - the kind you fold your pad into. I find that the Xlite also fits in as well, basically anything 72 in long and 20 inches wide. This solves the problem of protecting the Xlite at the expense of 7 additional ounces of weight (actual weight - I have an older version). www.thermarest.com/catalog/product/view/id/16706/category/17/

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Nice! I had seen those chair kits before but never saw any on trail. Good to know the xlite works with them. I particularly never used the little camp chair method but thought it was a fun idea. Would hate to pop my pad doing that. Thanks for watching and the info!

[@danielblomqvist1566]

Well - I use an Exped mummy pad - about 10oz - and use their schnozl to fill it up, a 30 litre drysack/pumpsack - no moist = no mould - should be an adapter to your mat.

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

I think the schnozl may work on this one but I could be wrong. The Thermarest Xthem MAX actually comes with a pump sack. Its interesting they dont include one with these. There is also an electronic inflater that weighs a few ounces. Girl I know had one on the AT. Definitely options. In all honesty I don't actually think there is any mold in the pad but who knows. Once it becomes no longer usable I am intending to cut it open to see. In the name of backpacking science!

[@danielblomqvist1566]

@@ChrisGoesOutdoors A mate of mina has the NeoAir and hiw wife an Exped - he uses an adapter for it. Works like a charm, and to have a tool(if a pumpbag could be considered one) that doubles as a drysack is pretty neat!

[@vang1013]

What brand is that fleece hoodie that you’re wearing?

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

It's made by Melanzana. Company out of Colorado. Unfortunately they aren't taking online orders again until supposedly this spring. Guess they were having an issue keeping up with both online orders and their storefront supply. I do love mine tho. Definitely worth checking out if you can!

[@iguanaamphibioustruck7352]

I think they have got it! I will buy it if it under $100 Iguana

[@friarrodneyburnap4336]

So if I carry a External frame backpack that is 5 lbs... empty but my trail weight is 20 lbs...does this make me an Ultralight backpacker?

[@friarrodneyburnap4336]

@Spitch Grizwald I try and carry a Ultralight 4 season base weight...

[@drbryanbikes]

Thermarest makes a small battery operated fan that fits over the valve: weighs about 4 oz. I use it all the time and the two AAA batteries last a long time. I just don't like the idea of the possibility of mold nor enjoy blowing up my pad at the end of a long day. I prefer the NEMO Tensor insulated pad: at 14 ounces, its insulated and R Value of about 4.6. AND: it's NOT noisy!!!! Thanks for a great video and forget that fleece hoody everyone is asking about.....where did you get the chips???

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Local market. Not quite Cheetos but they suffice. Should be available at your local market as well 😂 We hiked with a girl who had that battery powered pump. She referred to it as "The boyfriend replacer" which made for some obvious inquisitive looks.... haha. Anyways, she used it the whole trail and it died out just a few days before the end of the trail. Never found out if the batteries died or the actual pump died. It seemed to work pretty well though but her and Big Mama used it and both had to blow a couple breaths in to get their pads to fully inflate. Its a cool idea though. I 'd like to check out the Tensor. Saw a few out on the trail and people raved about them. Seemed like a solid pad!

[@drbryanbikes]

Thanks! I've used the Nemo Tensor for two 8 day overnights in Yosemite and a dozen one to two overnights here in the Santa Monica mountains. Awesome warmth and no noise. I use a Therma Rest Ridgerest solar closed cell, 48" underneath for insurance as I'm a very cold sleeper. I run two thin STS straps over the Tensor attached to the CC pad. No slips!! The only downside to the Nemo is the valve: it sticks up by your head and takes longer to deflate. Hope this helps!

[@drbryanbikes]

Loved Australia and NZ too when we had our honeymoon in 1996. Coldest for me was 30 degrees in SM mtns. It will for sure keep you warmer. I have the Mummy, but I think they make a rectangular Tensor also. I have a full length one for shorter overnights and the 48" for long section hikes. Usually nights in the 40-50 range. Not cold compared to alpine or back East or Midwest temps!

[@Beetshelps]

is it self inflatable ?

[@OmarLemusTactic]

Wow that’s noisy. Thanks for the information.

[@sansvermillion]

Nice Melanzana!

[@oldunion]

the crinkle and the small air valve turn me off. the weight is the only thing I am compelled by.

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Its understandable. Though the crinkle definitely got way less obnoxious over time. The valve is kind of "meh". Cant really beat that weight though! Thanks for watching!

[@PrettyGoodLookin]

The pad that sounds of a Potato Chip bag is a deal breaker.