Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Review

Bottom Line

The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT is one of our all-time favorite backpacking sleeping pads thanks to its low weight, durable build, and warm insulation. The CleverHiker team tested the XLite NXT for over 200 nights and across thousands of miles of trail. Gear Analyst Casey Handley recently took the XLite NXT on 300 miles of the Arizona Trail, where it held up through prickly desert conditions, and CleverHiker Founder, Dave Collins, used it to stay toasty warm on snowy shoulder season treks in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains.

At just 13 ounces and with an impressive R-value of 4.5, this pad has one of the best warmth-to-weight ratios on the market. This makes it ideal for summer backpacking trips and chilly shoulder season excursions alike. Three inches of thickness gives this pad substantial cushion – even for side sleepers – and the new NXT version is much quieter than previous XLite iterations that had a crinkly sound to them when shifting around. Additionally, despite its low weight, the XLite NXT has a good balance of toughness for rugged terrain and needs only minimal maintenance to last for many years of demanding use.

But the XLite NXT won’t be the right fit for all backpackers. Its premium performance comes at a premium price. So if you’re just starting or only backpack a few nights per year in warm weather, its impressive insulation and high cost might be overkill at this point in your backpacking journey. Also, inflation and deflation are a bit slower with the XLite NXT compared to pads with dump valves, and the included pump sack is bulkier than we’d like. 

Still, the blend of warmth, weight, and packability the XLite NXT provides is tough to beat. In our opinion, this pad has the best balance of specs on the market. If you’re looking for a backpacking sleeping pad that can handle big mileage, harsh conditions and keep you cozy warm at the end of a long day on the trail, the XLite NXT is well worth the investment.

Comfort

The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT offers a dependably comfy night’s rest. With 3 inches of cushioning, you won’t bottom out in any position – even if you prefer a cushier, not fully inflated pad. The inflation and deflation valve is positioned on the side seam instead of the top of the pad like other models, so you won’t feel it when rolling over at night. The nozzle’s WingLock design allows for precise micro-adjustments while laying on the pad, so you can tweak the firmness to your liking. The triangle baffles simultaneously support and cradle your body and are excellent for minimizing pressure points at the shoulders, hips, and knees. The 30D ripstop nylon is soft against the skin, and the R-value of 4.5 adds insulation warmth, which directly translates to more comfort in cold temps. Additionally, while prior models of the XLite made a loud, crinkly noise like a potato chip bag when shifting around at night, this model corrected that issue for a quiet, rejuvenating night of rest. It also comes in a variety of lengths and widths to fit your size and sleep style. 

But, like every sleeping pad on the market, the XLite NXT is still not perfectly silent, which could bother light and sensitive sleepers. And although this pad is very comfy and warm, it is a bit expensive. So if you’re looking for an equally comfortable pad and don’t need the high R-value or durability, more budget-friendly options might fit your needs better. All things considered, we’ve found the XLite NXT to be among the comfiest backpacking sleeping pads on the market.

Weight & Packability

The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT is an excellent choice for ultralight backpackers and is one of the most popular pads for thru-hikers of the AT, PCT, and CDT. This model has one of the best warmth-to-weight ratios on the market: it weighs just 13 ounces, but still offers a very high R-value for temperatures down to around 20°F. Plus, it packs down to the size of a 1-liter Nalgene bottle – only 4.1 by 9 inches – freeing up room for other essentials in your pack. The simple twist valve makes dumping air very straightforward, and the 30D ripstop nylon is easy and fast to fold and roll into its stuff sack. Therm-a-Rest’s pump sack, included with the pad, helps reduce moisture inside and makes inflation easier while protecting the pad from potential mildew buildup. This feature set is an excellent combination for long-distance hikers who want to minimize pack weight without sacrificing comfort or durability. 

We have a few minor issues with the XLite, though. The WingLock valve design is trusty, but it’s slower to inflate and deflate than competing pads with dump valves, and it takes a bit more manual labor to pack up (squeezing out air). Additionally, the included pump sack, while functional, isn’t as good as some competitors’ pump sacks, and it’s a bit bulky and heavy too. Also, we appreciate the compact size of the XLite, but there are some pads that pack down even smaller (most of them aren’t as warm or durable). All in all, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a sleeping pad that weighs less than the XLite but still delivers on insulation and durability. This is one of the XLite’s key strengths.

Warmth

The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT is a great choice if you’re a cold sleeper or camping in overnight temps down to around 20°F. With an R-Value of 4.5, this pad is one of the warmest in its weight class, offering reliable insulation below freezing. Paired with a quality sleeping bag, this pad will keep you cozy from sunset till sunrise thanks to triangular internal baffling that reduces heat loss and eliminates cold spots. The burly 30D ripstop nylon and 3 inches of thickness also boost the XLite NXT by preventing heat loss, and you won’t deal with bottoming out on your belly, side, or back. Whether you’re camping in early spring or late fall, above alpine or in the open desert, the XLite NXT really delivers when you need to stay warm.

That said, the XLite NXT isn’t a perfect fit for everyone. It performs well in cold conditions, but if you only camp and backpack in warmer climates or mild summer conditions, this pad may be overkill for your needs, and you could probably get by with a lower R-Value pad. 

On the flip side, the XLite NXT is almost, but not quite, a 4-season pad. We don’t recommend it on its own for snowy winter camping or conditions below 20°F, where it will begin to feel cold. That said, we’ve slept on glaciers in Alaska, pairing the XLite with a closed-foam cell pad to add warmth. Alternatively, you could pick up a dedicated 4-season sleeping pad with a higher R-value (the XTherm NXT is an excellent choice). 

Finally, the best-in-class materials and advanced construction of the XLite drive its price up. For those on a budget, there are more wallet-friendly solutions depending on your needs, but they won’t deliver the same quality. At the end of the day, the XLite NXT provides an exceptional balance of warmth to weight that will cover the most common 3-season backpacking trips very well.

Ease of Setup

The lightweight and compact design of the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT makes it fast and straightforward to set up. The roomy stuff sack means you won’t need to fuss with getting the XLite NXT in or out, and the smooth 30D nylon fabric unfolds without sticking. The included pump sack snaps onto the nozzle easily and only takes 5 to 6 fills to inflate the pad fully, so you’ll save energy and time after a long day on the trail. The valve is located on the pad’s side seam, making it easy to inflate in tight spaces like your tent. Therm-a-Rest’s WingLock design – a twist valve with two large knobs that are easy to grip, even with gloves on – offers quick, one-way inflation that prevents air from leaking out as you inflate.

However, the WingLock valve isn’t the fastest compared to other pads with dump valves. This is a minor issue, but convenience is king in the morning, and the slower deflation process can be annoying. The pump sack works pretty well, but the design isn’t our favorite. Not only is it bulkier and heavier than some competitors, but it doesn’t double as a stuff sack or dry bag, so you might want to leave it at home to save weight. We also find the wide opening on the pump sack can make it tricky to prevent air from escaping before sealing it up, which slows the inflation process a bit more. Despite these small gripes, once inflated, the pad provides exceptional comfort for a great night’s sleep.

Durability

The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT is a very durable sleeping pad, especially considering its weight. Despite its ultralight materials, this model is an excellent choice for long-distance backpacking trips where your gear will take a beating. Therm-a-Rest uses high-quality, tough 30D ripstop nylon that effectively resists most tears and punctures. The pad’s thickness protects it from added damage due to bottoming out, and reinforced seams are combined with a high-performing valve to reduce the chance of failure. Therm-a-Rest also includes a field repair kit for emergencies, which is critical to bring on remote trips.

However, the XLite NXT is still an ultralight air pad, and accidents happen. You don’t need to baby this model, but extra care will go a long way. We recommend clearing your campsite of debris like sharp sticks and rocks that could lead to punctures. Additionally, while the 30D nylon provides an outstanding balance of weight and durability, there are some pad models with slightly thicker fabrics – the XTherm NXT, for example, has a 70D bottom layer. All things considered, our team at CleverHiker clocked thousands of Z’s on our XLites, and we have yet to have any durability issues that weren’t a result of user error. This pad provides a great balance of durability and weight, giving you peace of mind in the backcountry season after season.

Should You Buy the Therm-a-Rest XLite NXT?

The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT has a nearly unbeatable blend of weight, warmth, durability, comfort, and quality. If you’re looking for a three-season backpacking pad with the best specs on the market, this is the one. That makes the XLite NXT a great choice for people who love to backpack and want to keep their pack weight to a minimum – whether your’re a thru-hiker or weekend warrior. 

With its excellent R-value and balanced thickness, the XLite NXT caters to all sleeping styles, so it’s great for cold sleepers, side sleepers, and anyone taking on three-season adventures. It’s also one of the lightest insulated pads on the market, ideal for keeping your pack weight down on long hauls. 

However, the XLite NXT is an expensive investment, so it might not be the best fit for beginning backpackers or folks on a tight budget. Additionally, some competing pads on the market deliver more convenience than the XLite, with better pump sacks and faster deflation times. So, if convenience is your number one priority, other backpacking pads might be a better fit.

And still, even with those downsides considered, the XLite NXT is most definitely one of the very best backpacking sleeping pads on the market. It’s a bestseller for backpackers wanting an exceptional balance of weight, insulation, comfort, toughness, and quality.

What Other Backpacking Pads Should You Consider?

Check out our full list of the Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads for all our top recommendations. 

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm NXT Review: This option is for anyone who knows they don’t want to mess around with restless nights because they’re too cold while camping in chilly conditions. It’s a bit heavier (1 lb), more durable (70D ripstop nylon), and has a higher R-value (7.3), making this one of the most packable 4-season pads on the market. 

NEMO Tensor All-Season Review: The NEMO Tensor All-Season is one of the most comfortable and user-friendly sleeping pads on the market. It’s excellent pump sack, and well-designed valve makes inflation and deflation a breeze. It also has a higher R-value than the XLite, so it might be a better fit for cold sleepers. The biggest downside with the Tensor is that it weighs a bit more than the XLite, so the main decision comes down to convenience vs weight. 

Big Agnes Zoom UL Review: The Big Agnes Zoom UL is similar to the XLite NXT when it comes to R-value and thickness, so it’s a solid alternative for 3-season treks. The Zoom UL is a bit more budget-friendly, though it’s also a bit heavier, less durable, and has a slightly bulkier packed size compared to the XLite NXT. Overall we prefer the XLite, but the specs on the Zoom are competitive. 

Sea To Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Review: The Sea To Summit Ether Light XT Insulated sleeping pad is a full inch thicker than the XLite NXT and is one of the comfiest pads out there. The downside is that it weighs quite a bit more and has a lower R-value, so you’ll have to make some sacrifices if the most plush comfort is what you’re after.