Therm-a-Rest Neoair X-Lite Review [2022] BikeHikeSafari

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Therm-a-Rest Neoair X-Lite Review [2022] BikeHikeSafari


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This is a gear evaluation in regards to the Thermarest Neoair X-Lite in 2022.

Looking for a backpacking sleeping pad that’s snug, light-weight, and packs all the way down to a small dimension? If you’re, the Therm-a-Rest Neoair X-Lite could possibly be for you. It is the preferred sleeping pad on this planet for good cause. But what makes the Therm-a-Rest Neoair X-Lite so good?

I’ve been testing and utilizing the Neoair X-Lite for nearly 7 years and have spent a whole bunch of nights sleeping on the pad through the years. Keep studying to see if that is the finest sleeping pad for you.

In-Depth Review: Therm-a-Rest Neoair X-Lite

Therma-Rest NeoAir X-lite Review

Lightweight sleeping pads review of the Therma-Rest Neo Air X-lite

Weight – 12oz / 340g
R-Value –
4.2
Temperature Rating
(23F / -5C)
Pros:

> Lightweight
> Comfortable
> Very Small pack dimension
> Great lifetime guarantee
Cons:
> Noisy crinkly sound, particularly when new

The Therm-a-rest NeoAir X-Lite was first launched to the market in 2009 because the Neoair and was an instantaneous success. It has seen a number of enhancements since then.

The present upgraded Therm-a-Rest Neoair X-Lite weighs in at 12 oz / 340 grams and has an R-Value of 4.2 (extra on that later). In 2020 it was upgraded to incorporate the Winglock Valve system which is bigger than the earlier inflation valve however appears to lock in place higher. It additionally comes with an appropriate inflation sack to scale back the necessity to use your individual breath to inflate the pad.

The steady enchancment through the years means you are actually getting a premium-grade sleeping pad that has good cause to be the preferred inflatable sleeping pad on this planet.

It additionally is available in a number of dimension variations so no matter form or dimension you’re searching for, there’s an possibility for you.

Overall, the Therm-a-rest NeoAir X-Lite is a sleeping pad you purchase if you end up unsure what sleeping pad to purchase. Whether, you’re an ultralight thru-hiker, weekend backpacker, or heading off trekking around the globe, this may give you the results you want.


Weight

The regular-sized Thermarest Neoair X-Lite weighs in at 12 oz / 340 grams. This is on the light-weight finish of the marketplace for an insulated, inflatable sleeping pad.

Lightweight Therm-a-Rest Neoair X-Lite review

Packed Size

The Thermarest Neoair X-Lite is available in a small pack dimension that’s barely larger than the best-in-class Therm-a-Rest Neoair Uberlite.

The Neoair X-Lite has a pack dimension of 9 inches x 4.1 inches / 23 cm x 10 cm.

Thermarest Neoair X-Lite compact pack size

R-Value – Warmth Rating

With an R-Value of 4.2, the X-Lite is a real 3-season sleeping pad with good insulation for the climate. In 2020 when the Winglock valve was launched, the R-Value of the sleeping pad elevated from 3.2 to 4.2. According to Therm-a-Rest, nothing modified with the insulation or construction of the pad, the best way the pad was assessed had modified. This purchased about an elevated temperature score to an R-Value of 4.2.

Once the snow begins it’s time to search for one thing hotter such because the extra insulated X-Therm. But for most individuals, the X-Lite is the very best steadiness between insulation, weight, and compact dimension.


Thickness and Comfort

With a 2.5 inch / 6.4 cm thickness, it has an excellent degree of consolation. With the up to date Winglock valve it’s simple to regulate the air strain inside the pad will permit it to be suited to anybody.

Overall, the Therm-a-Rest Neoair X-Lite is just not as thick and cozy because the best-in-class Sea to Summit Ether Lite however remains to be very snug.

Thermarest Neoair X-Lite thickness and comfort

Dimensions and Shape

The regular-sized X-Lite is sized 72 inches x 20 inches / 183 cm x 52 cm and has a slight mummy form so it’ll taper a bit of on the base. If you utilize a mummy sleeping bag or backpacking quilt it’s the good form for you.

Thermarest Neoair X-Lite blowing up the mattress by mouth

Durability

The Therm-a-Rest Neoair X-Lite is kind of sturdy and in a position to face up to a good diploma of abuse. If you sleep on a mattress of thorns chances are you’ll get a gap within the mattress however that’s no totally different than another inflatable sleeping pad. For such an surroundings it might be appropriate so as to add one other layer to the ground akin to a tent footprint, Tyvek, area blanket, or comparable. If you’re tenting on actually spikey floor a foam mat can be a greater possibility. But for most individuals and most campsites, this won’t be obligatory. If you’re unlucky sufficient to get a gap, it comes with a restore equipment so you’ll be able to repair it within the area.

During testing and use of the Thermarest Neoair X-Lite, I had just one puncture when tenting on the spikey floor. Not unhealthy for a whole bunch of nights of use. It was simply repaired with the equipped restore equipment.

This material on the Therm-a-Rest Neoair X-Lite

Inflation Value Type and Pump Sack

It appears that as of late each new sleeping pad comes with a stuff sack for inflating the sleeping pads. The X-Lite isn’t any totally different, utilizing a big to inflate the pad. This inflation workers sack is separate from the packing stuff sack and I can’t see too many individuals carrying the inflation stuff sack with them on a backpacking journey. But if touring in a gaggle then it might be clever to solely take one to inflate the pads of the entire group. Most backpackers will inflate the pad with their breath which is a straightforward course of.

Since the Therm-a-Rest Neoair X-Lite was first launched it got here with the identical inflation valve that Thermarest had been utilizing for a few years. But in 2020 they modified and upgraded the inflation valve to the brand new Winglock Valve. Despite being larger it does an excellent job and makes opening and shutting simple.

The updated winglock valve on the Thermarest Neoair
The Winglock vale system as proven on the Uberlite is similar because the upgraded X-Lite.

Noise

The Thermarest Neoair X-Lite is just not essentially the most quiet sleeping pad available on the market. But has seen a major enchancment through the years. Especially when new, the pad will make a crinkly sound each time you roll over. Much to the annoyance of others at camp. Over time the noise reduces quite a bit however by no means appears to utterly go away. When in comparison with the best-in-class Nemo Tensor and Sea to Summit Ether Lite, the Therm-a-Rest X-Lite is barely noisier. The noise is one space that the X-Lite can enhance.


Care Instructions

Like all the finest sleeping pads for backpacking, simply wash the skin of the sleeping pad with a gentle detergent or tech wash. You can air-dry it or wipe it dry with a clear material.


X-Lite vs the remainder

The Therm-a-Rest Neoair X-Lite is the preferred inflatable sleeping pad in 2022. It does all the pieces nicely and provides you little to complain about. It has a compact dimension, is snug, is kind of sturdy and most of all, it simply works as promised. It is just not the lightest, least expensive, or most snug. It simply works. I assume that’s what makes it so standard.

It is barely noisier than a few of the competitors however not a lot that you must keep away from it. It is an unlimited enchancment from the primary era of Thermarest Neo Air Pads which had been very noisy certainly.


Price and Value

The Thermarest Neoair X-Lite is just not the most affordable sleeping pad available on the market. But in order for you a light-weight inflatable sleeping pad it is going to be an excellent buy. Check the present costs beneath.


Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Thermarest Neoair X-Lite any good?

The Thermarest Neoair X-Lite is the preferred inflatable sleeping pad for backpacking on this planet. The mixture of light-weight, compact pack dimension and luxury make this a worthy possibility for anybody searching for a sleeping pad for his or her subsequent multi-day backpacking or climbing journey.


Thermarest Neoair X-Lite pin

BikeHikeSafari Gear Review Process

The creator, Brad McCartney from BikeHikeSafari is a small impartial adventurer and out of doors gear tester who owns and runs BikeHikeSafari.com.

BikeHikeSafari is just not half of a big weblog community and is proudly impartial. All critiques on this web site are impartial and sincere gear critiques of out of doors merchandise by the creator.

The creator, Brad McCartney is a really skilled triple crown thru-hiker, adventurer, and bike tourer having spent 1000s of nights sleeping in a tent and sleeping bag (Read extra). He was a supervisor of an out of doors retail retailer and may be very skilled in what’s essential when utilizing and testing gear for critiques like this.

BikeHikeSafari won’t ever obtain any cash for critiques and they don’t settle for sponsored critiques on this web site. All the feedback in regards to the gear critiques are from the creator based mostly on his years of expertise. Hope this impartial evaluation was useful for you.

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