Best Overall Sleeping Pad

Price: $219.95

Type: Air Construction/Baffled Insulation

Claimed R-value: 6.9

Weight: 18.2oz (516g)

Packed Volume: 1.8L

Thickness: 2.5″ (6.3cm)

LxW: 72″x20″ (1.8m x 0.5m)

Breaths to Inflate: 15-20

What We Like: Staggering warmth-to-weight ratio, Decent packed size

What We Don’t: Very expensive, Overkill R-value for some, Slippery top

Of the five Therm-a-Rest pads on our 2021 list, the NeoAir XTherm is undeniably the cream of the crop. It’s one of the warmest sleeping pads in our review, with a weight and packed size that almost seem impossible. However, these impressive features come at a price, and that price is $219.95. Using air construction and baffled insulation, this mummy-style pad is four-season capable and can even be set up directly on the snow. However, we were still wondering if this pad wasn’t more than what’s reasonably needed for less than extreme hikers. Regardless, the numerous pros associated with this pad were enough for us to name it our Best Overall Sleeping Pad.

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See Our Best Backpacking Sleeping Pad Review HERE!

Of the five Therm-a-Rest pads on our 2021 list, the NeoAir XTherm is undeniably the cream of the crop. It’s one of the warmest sleeping pads in our review, with a weight and packed size that almost seems impossible. However, these impressive features come at a price, and that price is $219.95. Using air construction and baffled insulation, this mummy-style pad is four-season capable and can even be set up directly on the snow. However, we were still left wondering if this pad wasn’t more than what’s reasonably needed for less than extreme hikers. Regardless, the numerous pros associated with this pad were enough for us to name it our Best Overall Sleeping Pad.

Warmth

The jaw-dropping R-value of 6.9 on the NeoAir XTherm says a lot about the level of warmth that it delivers; it’s one of only two pads on our list that can be placed directly on snow. The only pad that tops the NeoAir XTherm is the EXPED DownMat XP 9, which has a rarely seen R-value of 8. However, the EXPED also weighs nearly 2lb and has a packed size of 4.8L, which is more than two-and-a-half times larger than the NeoAir XTherm. The XTherm uses ThermaCapture reflective heat technology alongside Triangular Core Matrix™ construction to trap in warmth, a lighter alternative to the down and synthetic fills used by heavier pads with comparable R-values.

Comfort

Unfortunately, several of the features that make up the XTherm’s impressive warmth-to-weight ratio also detract from the comfort it delivers. The 72″x20″ (1.8m x 0.5m) dimensions are a bit optimistic considering it is a mummy-style pad, so there’s not as much wiggle room as you’ll get from a rectangular pad (previous iterations of the XTherm were also available in rectangular versions). This issue is coupled with a slippery top fabric that’s also a bit noisy; those sensitive to sound may be awakened by crinkling if they shift in their sleep.

However, it’s not all negatives. The NeoAir XTherm is reasonably thick at 2.5″ (6.3cm) with horizontal baffles to keep it from being too bouncy; side sleepers shouldn’t need to worry about their shoulders touching the ground. Although there are no rectangular versions available, there is a larger NeoAir Xtherm that’s 77”x25”, but it will set you back an additional $40.

Weight & Packed Size

The NeoAir XTherm weighs 18.2oz (516g) with a compressed volume of 1.8L. These are very impressive numbers for a pad that delivers this degree of warmth (as already mentioned, the EXPED can’t even come close in either category). This is not bad for a three-season sleeping pad; it’s comparable to the Sea to Summit Comfort Light Insulated (which only has an R-value of 3.7) on both weight and packed size. Although the regular-sized NeoAir XTherm is about 50% heavier than the respective Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite, it still achieves the same compressed volume.

Inflation

As we mentioned with the NeoAir XLite, the NeoAir line has a recently updated WingLock valve that’s a vast improvement on its outdated predecessor, with one-way inflation and a larger opening that helps it to inflate three times faster, as well as deflate faster. Also, like the XLite, the XTherm can be inflated in 15-20 breaths, or you can use the included pump sack to make things easier on your lungs. The Therm-a-Rest pump sack works much like those that you’ll find from other brands—simply connect the pump sack directly to the pad’s valve and blow a full breath of air into the wide end of the sack, then seal the end and push air into the pad by rolling the sack closed. Our only issue with the pump sack was that it would occasionally pop off the valve when we pushed in the air a bit too vigorously, but this was easily remedied with a little practice.

Durability

The top fabric of the XTherm is made of the same weight-saving 30D rip HT nylon that you’ll find on the NeoAir XLite. However, while the XLite has the same fabric on the bottom, the XTherm uses 70D nylon on the bottom to bolster durability. In addition, the new Winglock valve seemed to be a bit more chunky than the previous version, so the XTherm scored very respectable marks in the durability category. Still, we wouldn’t take this on any excursion without a repair kit to handle surprise punctures.

The Bottom Line

As one of only two four-season sleeping pads on our 2021 list, it’s challenging to provide a comparison to the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm. It’s unquestionably a high-performance piece of equipment. Still, at nearly $220, it’s not a purchase to be taken lightly. It will really only be a necessity for those hiking in extreme temperatures. If you’ve got the money, there’s no doubt that this will be a valuable addition, but for many others, there are countless pads on the market that should be able to meet their less extreme needs at half its price.

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