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 opponents like NEMO and Sea-to-Summit which ultimately developed thicker and extra snug light-weight sleeping pads to compete with it.
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Specs at a Look
- Shade: Yellow
- R-Worth: 4.5 (ASTM F3340-18)
- Dimension Examined: Common (72″ x 20″) = additionally out there in Common Quick (60″ x 22″) Common Extensive (72″ x 25″) and Lengthy (77″ x 25″)
- Form Examined: Mummy
- Mfg Weight: 12.5 oz
- Examined Weight 13.4 oz
- Optionally available inflation sack: 2.0 oz
- Optionally available 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
- High and Backside material: 30d Excessive Tenacity Nylon
XLite NXT Sleeping Pad Updates
This new NeoAir XLite NXT replace goes an extended 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, growing from 2.5″ as much as 3″ when inflated, making it way more snug for facet sleepers as a result of there’s extra cushion underneath the hip bone and fewer of an inclination to backside out. The added thickness additionally provides you extra “room” to regulate the consolation degree 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 feel the principle motive Therm-a-Relaxation elevated the pad’s thickness was for aggressive causes. One of the best inflatable sleeping pads out there at present are at the very least 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 if you thrashed round at night time, one thing that tentmates and sheltermates discovered annoying to pay attention or within the morning if you deflated the pad and rolled it up. The up to date pad makes 83% much less noise based on Therm-a-Relaxation on account of modifications within the pad’s inside building.
Does the XLite NXT nonetheless make noise? Sure. Nevertheless it actually is noticeably quieter than the earlier mannequin. Personally, this variation isn’t that vital to me. I sleep alone in a tent and my sleeping pad has by no means saved me awake at night time. If I’ve to sleep close to different folks, I carry silicone earplugs (and suggest 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 suggest 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 principally 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 barely out there in a tapered mummy form. If you happen to favor a rectangular-shaped sleeping pad, there may be one referred to as the NeoAir XLite NXT Max, which has the identical R-value (4.5) as the mother model. The XLite NXT Max is on the market in two sizes, an everyday (72″ x 25″) and an extended (77″ x 25″). Each are additionally 3″ thick.
Suggestion
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 despite the fact that the enhancements to the brand new NXT mannequin are a bit underwhelming. If you happen to’re a chilly sleeper otherwise you desire a sturdy pad for three-season use, the NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad nonetheless gives a number of worth. It’s simply not as aggressive because it was by way of 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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Final up to date: 2023-04-11 17:56:37
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