Peter Macfarlane has been out testing sleeping mats in a variety of conditions. Here are his thoughts on the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite NXT Insulated Mat…
The NeoAir Xlite NXT is a compact, rounded mummy shape sleeping mat that fits neatly into small tents. However, the small footprint of the NeoAir Xlite NXT means I find it easy to slip off. Despite the lowest weight in this roundup, a high R-value of 4.5 means it can be used right through the winter months. The layers of baffles results in a low weight and small pack size of 20x13cm.
Inflation and deflation of the single, side-to-side-aligned main air baffles is via a twist-lock, hard plastic valve and used without the pump sack makes it very easy to inflate. With the pump sack, the opposite is true! A repair kit with cleaning wipes and stick-on patches is included.
The fabric of the NeoAir Xlite NXT does feel particularly light, but durability hasn’t been compromised and there’s no abrasion so far. Performance and low weight makes the NeoAir an excellent sleeping mat choice for high camps and multi-day trips, but it does come at a premium price.
Written and tested by Peter Macfarlane
To achieve a consistent testing environment and accurate comparison, the mats were used in the same bothy with the same 3-season down sleeping bag, in similar damp and cool weather conditions. All the mats were weighed by Peter on his own digital scales.
This review first appeared in the Spring 2023 issue of The Great Outdoors.
