"INSANELY warm - Ideal for winter, too warm for summer use IMHO"
12/30/12
I have the regular NeoAir (the yellow one) and love it. I was thinking of switching to the Xtherm because of it's higher R value and nearly identical weight. So I laid down on it in the store - Woah. In less than a minute I was almost sweating. I was amazed. It was like a heating pad under my back, that's how well this thing reflects body heat. This would be PERFECT for winter camping, but in warm weather, I think I'd actually be TOO warm, even with a very light summer bag. Thermarest has done such a good job with this pad, it's actually the first time one has to consider this "problem." in my humble opinion, this is a "winter only" pad.
I've used foam sleeping pads for most of my camping experiences but had never ventured into the realm of inflatable pads before now. I got the XTherm because of the ratings and specs of the product and couldn't pass it up when I got a deal on here. After trying it out the pad does make a crinkling sound, like a bag of potato chips, when you first get on but its only because of the liner that reflects body heat back to you and trust me, it make a huge difference. Get this if you count ounces, like to be warm, want a pad that takes up the space of a liter of water and won't be doing any Special Forces sleepovers.
Warmth for weight this has to be one of the best around, and you don't get the problems you get with down filling.I upgraded from a prolite plus - believe the hype - these really are better. The claimed weight is spot on too, including the stuff bag but not the patch kit, but if you're worried about that you've probably already shaved your head to save weight. Try your arms next, it's more aerodynamic too.Its light enough to hang off the handlebars wrapped around a UL tent without affecting handling. Real pity we're heading into the Australian summer here, this is about to get too warm!
As another reviewer said, this pad doesn't feel like it's 20 inches wide; I think it's the way it tapers at the head and foot. I've tried both the 48 and 66 inch lengths, and had the same experience with both. I sleep on my side, with my knees slightly bent, and I always felt lie something was about to fall off the pad.However, it is a very warm, comfortable, light weight pad.It also doesn't fit the chair kit as well as the All-Season. I think the squared corners lend more stability to the chair configuration. I'm going to stay with my All-Season.
i was upgrading from a ThermaRest TrailPro wanting something more compact and lighter. the XTherm is both of those, and warm as well. the interior ‘space blanket’ reflecting baffles really do work, and you can feel your bodyheat reflecting and warming your back a few seconds after laying on it. however, i still would not use it in the winter without a closed-cell pad underneath. i like the combination of lighter material on top and more durable fabric on the bottom. the major downside of this pad is that the edges will collapse under weight, so it feels narrower than 20”. i only wish i had gotten the large. it would be nice to see this winter pad in a rectangular shape, with full corners.
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