Therm-a-Rest - NeoAir XLite (OG Version w Classic Valve)

That pad you linked does have almost identical specs to the 5R. Sometimes looks can be deceiving though. I've used an older Thermarest Xlite for a while as well as a Paria Recharge XL. The horizontal baffles aren't bad, but I've found the vertical baffles to kinda cradle you in the sleeping pad a little more. So I'm less prone to wake up half in the floor in the middle of the night.

I have the old neoair xlite, not my favorite but I hear the new one is a lot better. However, since you said you’re pretty new and the quarter pound difference in weight isn’t a concern, I’d go for the one people say is more comfortable, the tensor. I can’t imagine you’ll regret it, though on this sub you’re always going to get the recommendation to go with the lightest option

Seems to be a personal preference thing. I inflate my XLite (old model) fairly hard.

I sleep very comfortably on my XLite (old model). I would rate my husband's Nemo Tensor Insulated slightly more comfortable than the XLite, but the difference is not much. If I want to sleep as comfortably as possible, I switch to a hammock. I have never found any ground system as comfortable as a properly hung and adjusted 11 ft hammock.

Totally agree. I sleep comfortably on it and don't notice the noise any more.

ccf pad cut down to size for the doggo, and an inflatable pad (xlite or tensor) for you next to it -- or get used to sleeping on ccf pads too if that wouldn't be good enough and she couldn't be taught to accept it

I have a tensor, xlite, and exped 3r -- I think they're all reasonably comfortable, although tensor probably at least 10% more comfy than both. Expeds can be bought cheap (sometimes $100), but if that's not the main concern it's between the tensor and xlite: tensor has 40d bottom and 20d top, xlite is 30d/30d; tensor is 5.5r / xlite is 4.5r; tensor (r/w) is 18oz, xlite max is 19oz. Historically the xlite has been considered more durable + repairable, but with the new fabric changeup recently, not sure that'll still be the case. Tensor is probably what I'd recommend to you. Also, trial version exists that is lighter but less warm (~3r) which could be warm enough for you.

I'm actually a stomach sleeper and find the xlite very comfortable for that, although the noise is definitely an issue when sleeping without a thin pillow. I do think the tensor is slightly more comfortable, but I have to get the air pressure just right, more-so than the xlite. Interesting we have different experiences like that!

Would save almost no weight, probably about an ounce, and for most people would be considerably less comfortable. I would prefer a 2.25" inflatable xlite though just because I'm sub 150lbs and a stomach sleeper, but anyone bigger or a side sleeper would likely hate that pad.

The current pad I use is an older 25" xlite that was chopped just below my knees and re-welded. It's my favorite, being 2.5" tall. The crinkling does annoy me and wake me up out of my sleep sometimes though.

Xlite large user-2.5" version. My hands only go numb when they fall off the pad, not side sleeping. I keep it inflated pretty hard. I never bottom out either. My hands did go numb, while sleeping on my back, before I went to a wide pad. 170lbs/77.1kg FWIW.

We have therma rest inflatable backpacking mattresses (neoair and my 10+ year old pre-neo pad) , that we take car camping aswell. I often lay out more blankets on top, especially if we have my 4yo stepson with us. 3 pads, 2-3 layers of comfy blankets and then we can basically use sleaping bags as top covers, or individually, or whatever we feel like.. It might help though that while we cuddle/snuggle a lot, we don't generally touch each other that much while actually sleeping due to overheating. I can tolerate it more though, so I get stuck with kiddo near me haha.

We have therma rest inflatable backpacking mattresses (neoair and my 10+ year old pre-neo pad) , that we take car camping aswell. I often lay out more blankets on top, especially if we have my 4yo stepson with us. 3 pads, 2-3 layers of comfy blankets and then we can basically use sleaping bags as top covers, or individually, or whatever we feel like.. It might help though that while we cuddle/snuggle a lot, we don't generally touch each other that much while actually sleeping due to overheating. I can tolerate it more though, so I get stuck with kiddo near me haha.

How cold is it going to be? I have a thermarest neoair (a couple versions as purchased over the last 10 years) and previously only used the Coleman mats like you have there. I find the inflatable pads far more comfortable. My suggestion would be to find an inflatable pad in "wide" and there are varying insulation levels (R value). It won't me AS tiny as the klymit but much smaller than the Coleman. About nalgene size . Thermarest, big Agnes and a bunch of other brands make them in wide.

I have previous generation NeoAir Xlite and XTherm pads (with the older valve that looks like a small black cylinder protruding from the pad. The XLite has a bit of that "potato chip bag" crinkle which I think has gotten better in the newer models. In terms of comfort, my Nemo Tensor is WAY more comfortable, but my first Nemo Tensor failed when it kept getting little holes where the dimples are located. The NeoAir XTherm is AWESOME for warmth. I took mine on my Mt Baker climbing/mountaineering class in mid July 2024 and it was great there, and I didn't seem to mind the comfort as much. Maybe I was just tired at the end of each day and didn't care! I have a Kilos AeroCloud Ultra on the way to try and compare, which will probably be my wife's pad when we go to Iceland this summer to hike the Laugavegeur. She has lower back issues and keeping her on a comfortable pad is very important. We're always trying to strike a balance between comfort and weight for her gear. I think the Rapide SL is another good pick. Hard to know which of all these options are the best.

I got my wife the Kilos Gear Aerocloud Elite, and another female friend of ours also borrowed it. It's equivalent to a regular/wide pad from Nemo, Thermarest, Big Agnes, etc. They both said it was significantly more comfortable than our Nemo Tensor which I think is considerably better than my older Thermarest NeoAir XLite. My wife has a double spinal fusion and says that the Kilos Gear still isn't perfect but then again she struggles even at home . Unfortunately Kilos Gear isn't sold at REI

I have both pads, notice no difference in comfort, and sleep equally well on either one. Guess I’m just an easy sleeper - certainly after a long hike!

I started out with a wide rectangular pad (Nemo Tensor Insulated at 540gr), before realizing I slept just as well on a regular mummy pad (Thermarest Neoair X-Lite at 380gr) or even a torso length pad (X-Lite at 205gr). Too often people (including myself initially) think they need a wide rectangular pad for whatever reason.

>For people that move when they sleep, I’ll take all the width I can get And yet, for what it’s worth, it’s this kind of statement that leads many to get a wide pad even if they don’t really need it 😉 I frequently switch sides and yet found I can do this just as well on a regular (short) mummy pad. If you wanna drop your pack weight, you’ve simply got to try things out.

If you’re a side sleeper and put one of your knees out for stability (like the recovery position), I’d recommend a rectangular pad, or at least a wide version of a mummy. I can’t keep all my limbs on my standard mummy Xlite and also frequently fall off it. Makes it awfully uncomfortable and I’ll change it when I can.

I’m a side sleeper who tosses around a lot. I use a plain old thermarest Xlite, regular size, and I inflate a 6L seatosummit water bag for my pillow. My quilts have little keeper straps/clips, and I have a little piece of cord to lash my pillow. Combined weight is 17.5oz I think. I sleep really well out there.