Neo Air Xlite: Opinions

[Heliotrope]

Just purchased a neo air Xlite small. I have always used a foam pad torso length. But I am really not that comfortable on the foam pads. Hence the inflatable neo air. Anyone have experience with the neo air? It seems rather bouncy even when I deflated it to about half full. Does it just take a getting used to? Will a regular length solve the problem? Any thoughts are appreciated.

[Treehugger]

I have a neo air full length. Loads of hikers have that pad. You can adjust the fullness to your personal comfort level and you will figure that out. They are a bit noisy so make sure you have ear plugs, but you get used to that too. The short length can be made more comfy by using a sit pad, if you are carrying one under your legs or use your emptied pack to put you legs on while you sleep. Both work fine.

[Dochartaigh]

I had a NeoAir Xlite in large and I sold it. Just couldn't get comfortable on it. Even when deflated, when your full weight is on it, it's still very firm (deflating it only softens it up when you move - which you hopefully don't do much while sleeping).

After 8 or 9 other pads (all returned) I ended up with the inexpensive Klymic Static V2 (think I paid $60 shipped). It's a couple ounces more than my large NeoAir (15.12 vs. 17.44), but well worth it. I like the Klymit so much I bought the insulated Static V Lite as well which is 19.87 ounces with a great R-value.

[nsherry61]

I like my neoair xlite small pad quite a bit. It's my favorite pad. Yes, it takes a little getting used to. Pound for pound, I don't think there is anything else as tough or light, although for a small weight penalty there are tougher and more comfortable pads. There is a drop at the end of the pad where my legs hang off which one can, get used to, deflate a bit to reduce it util is doesn't bother you, or build up under your legs as suggested above.

The Big Agnes Q-core and Q-core SL pads have a quilted pattern instead of a tube like baffle pattern, and they tend to bounce less, and are much thicker, (the SL is only slightly heavier than the xlite).

Also, Sea-to-Summit's new pads are fantastically stable feeling and very comfortable for being as thin as they are. They are also a bit heavier than the xlite. I recommend going and playing at your local outfitter and trying out the pads they have. Or not, and spend your time far more rewardingly by actually going outside and using your neoair xlite until you get used to it.

Have fun.

[MuddyWaters]

I have reg and short xlite. The short is my goto. The narrow bottom takes getting used to. Heavy people dont do well on it, they cant roll over in place.

[Malto]

I have both a regular xtherm and a short xlite. I use the xtherm in winter and xlite whenever possible. I love both pads. I believe the key to comfort with the short pad is propping up your feet. A couple rocks, shoes etc will help as will your pack if you aren't UL and use as a pillow. the regular size is incredibly comfortable and I haven't had to tweak the air pressure for comfort. Would reco either pad though if in doubt go with regular vs short, the weight difference isn't much but the comfort can be significant. Also, other may differ but the xlite is not a winter pad, even with foam. If you do winter camping get an xtherm, that pad is an absolute dream any season.

[misprof]

I have a regular. Actually it is my husbands. I am use to a CCF type and still prefer them but I find it comfortable enough if I sleep on my back but not so much on my side. The only real problem I have had with it is I send to slide off of it.

[daddytwosticks]

Had and used an Xlite large two years ago. Got rid of it. Was so worried about babying it since it seemed so fragile...like a balloon. Was a pain in the butt to inflate and it was noisy. On the positive side, very comfortable and compact. I use a full length Prolite now. A compromise for me.

[Coffee]

My xlite regular is the most comfortable sleeping pad I have ever used. I also have a prolite regular which is comfortable but not nearly as nice as the Xlite. I fully inflate mine and then let a very small amount of air out when I lie down for the night. As is the case with many other gear choices, personal preference is going to play a major role.

[Heliotrope]

My xlite regular is the most comfortable sleeping pad I have ever used. I also have a prolite regular which is comfortable but not nearly as nice as the Xlite. I fully inflate mine and then let a very small amount of air out when I lie down for the night. As is the case with many other gear choices, personal preference is going to play a major role.

How is the Xlite nicer than the prolite? I never tried one

[Coffee]

How is the Xlite nicer than the prolite? I never tried one

The Xlite is much thicker than the prolite and provides more support especially when side sleeping. It is also a few ounces lighter.

[colorado_rob]

The Xlite is much thicker than the prolite and provides more support especially when side sleeping. It is also a few ounces lighter.

Agree; I own both as well and still use my prolite coupled with a 1/4" closed cell foam pad for winter backpack trips; higher R value than the Xlite. AND I keep thinking my Xlite will fail me sometime, but somehow it does not. I don't know how they do it, but as fragile as it seems, the thing (xlite) works and holds up. I have about 60 or so nights on my Xlite, no problems, and yes, very comfy. I had owned the previous version of the Neo-air for a half dozen years or so, finally after over a hundred nights of use the thing developed a slow leak (two years ago), still useable though, couldn't find the leak so I wrote to Cascade Designs (owns the product) and they said send it to them, I did, they mailed back a brand new Xlite.... so I have to say great customer service!

[Wülfgang]

Slightly off-topic but I really think Exped pads are underrated. The SynMat Hyperlite weights only 14 oz....in a wide!! Same R-value and thickness as the Xlite without the potato-chip bag feel.

[Bluegrass]

I have both a regular length and a short length. The potato chip bag sound definitely gets better with time. I find them extremely comfortable, and one of my favorite pieces of gear from the last few years.

[Heliotrope]

Thank you all for the great feed back! I think the short Xlite is out for me. I am 6' and the taper makes the hip area too narrow. An example of how the absolute lightest gear isn't always the best option.

[Heliotrope]

Slightly off-topic but I really think Exped pads are underrated. The SynMat Hyperlite weights only 14 oz....in a wide!! Same R-value and thickness as the Xlite without the potato-chip bag feel.

Have you tried the synmat? Sure wish I lived near a great outfitter to sample these.!

[Wülfgang]

^REI carries some models. But being a Swiss company they can be hard to find in stores. I havent tried the Xlite but I think the Synmat lineup is as good or better based on weight and construction.

[Mudsock]

Both the short and regular versions of the Xlite are the same width - pretty narrow. I prefer the regular length, but don't mind the shorter length in warm weather. My arms won't fit on the pads when I am on my back and if I lay them at my side. That is rather undesirable. I fold my arms across my torso to compensate. I don't sleep like that at home.

Overall, they are good products.

[q-tip]

I started with a neo air short. I just could not stay asleep with my feet on my backpack. Moved to the regular, length, problem solved. I sleep as well on the neo air as I do in my bed.

[Ercoupe]

You seem to be going for lowest weight. Best sleep for me is the large neo-air. At a one ounce heavier, second system, is a klymit torso under a z-rest sol. Three breaths and it is ready to go, and I use the z-rest constantly at breaks and in camp. Just picked up a wide WallyWorld blue pad to try with the Klymit torso as the z-rest can be a bit narrow for me. If it works I will try a hot knife to accordian it.