Therm-a-Relaxation NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad Overview

The Therm-a-Relaxation NeoAir XLite NXT is an improved model of the NeoAir XLite inflatable sleeping pad which is now thicker, quieter, and hotter than ever. The NeoAir was the primary actually viable inflatable light-weight sleeping pad to hit the market some 10 years in the past however fell behind rivals like NEMO and Sea-to-Summit which finally developed thicker and extra snug light-weight sleeping pads to compete with it.

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Specs at a Look

• Coloration: Yellow
• R-Worth: 4.5 (ASTM F3340-18)
• Dimension Examined: Common (72″ x 20″) = additionally accessible in Common Quick (60″ x 22″) Common Broad (72″ x 25″) and Lengthy (77″ x 25″)
• Form Examined: Mummy
• Mfg Weight: 12.5 oz
• Examined Weight 13.4 oz
• Elective inflation sack: 2.0 oz
• Elective stuff sack: 0.5 oz
• Width: 20 in / 51 cm
• Size: 72 in / 183 cm
• Thickness: 3.0 in / 6.3 cm
• Packed dimension: 9″ x 4.1″ / 23cm x 10cm
• Prime and Backside material: 30d Excessive Tenacity Nylon

XLite NXT Sleeping Pad Updates

This new NeoAir XLite NXT replace goes a protracted method to making the NeoAir XLite NXT a severe contender once more amongst light-weight inflatable sleeping pads.

Thicker

The up to date pad is thicker, rising from 2.5″ as much as 3″ when inflated, making it rather more snug for facet sleepers as a result of there’s extra cushion underneath the hip bone and fewer of a bent to backside out. The added thickness additionally offers you extra “room” to regulate the consolation stage of the pad. For instance, I discover that letting some air out of the XLite NXT makes for a softer floor that’s extra snug to sleep on.

I believe the principle motive Therm-a-Relaxation elevated the pad’s thickness was for aggressive causes. The most effective inflatable sleeping pads accessible in the present day are not less than 3″ thick, with some as thick as 4″, just like the Sea-to-Summit Etherlight XT Sleeping Pad which has been my go-to three-season inflatable pad for the previous few years. The added thickness actually does make a distinction within the high quality of sleep you get from the pad.

Quieter

The up to date XLite NXT can be noticeably quieter in use  The earlier model of the pad would make a loud crinkly sound while you thrashed round at evening, one thing that tentmates and sheltermates discovered annoying to hear or within the morning while you deflated the pad and rolled it up. The up to date pad makes 83% much less noise based on Therm-a-Relaxation because of adjustments within the pad’s inner building.

Does the XLite NXT nonetheless make noise? Sure. However it actually is noticeably quieter than the earlier mannequin. Personally, this variation isn’t that essential to me. I sleep alone in a tent and my sleeping pad has by no means stored me awake at evening. If I’ve to sleep close to different folks, I carry silicone earplugs (and advocate they do too!)

Hotter

The XLite’s NXT’s R-value has additionally been improved, going from 4.2 to 4.5. Whereas the distinction is modest, it does get nearer to creating the XLite NXT extra appropriate for cold-weather journeys when mixed with a secondary foam pad. We advocate utilizing a number of pads with a minimal mixed R-value of 5 for snow tenting.

Valve and Pumpsack

The XLite NXT makes use of Therm-a-Relaxation’s WingLock valve, first launched in 2020, which helps you to quickly deflate the pad, inflate it by mouth, or with the included pump sack. The pump sack, which is mainly a big stuff sack with a valve at one finish, may double as a protecting stuff sack for the sleeping pad. This isn’t a brand new function, however a pleasant comfort all the identical.

NeoAir XLite NXT Max

The NeoAir XLite NXT reviewed above is simply accessible in a tapered mummy form. In the event you choose a rectangular-shaped sleeping pad, there’s one referred to as the NeoAir XLite NXT Max, which has the identical R-value (4.5) as the mum model. The XLite NXT Max is accessible in two sizes, a daily (72″ x 25″) and a protracted (77″ x 25″). Each are additionally 3″ thick.

Advice

The Therm-a-Relaxation NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad continues to be a dependable, sturdy, light-weight, and high-R-value sleeping pad good for 3+ climate use regardless that the enhancements to the brand new NXT mannequin are a bit underwhelming. In the event you’re a chilly sleeper otherwise you desire a sturdy pad for three-season use, the NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad nonetheless supplies lots of worth. It’s simply not as aggressive because it was when it comes to weight, consolation, packability, and ease of use as when it first got here out and revolutionized the inflatable sleeping pad market.

Disclosure: Therm-a-Relaxation donated a sleeping pad for this evaluate.

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