Thermarest NeoAir XLite NXT MAX Large Sleeping Mat

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UOG TOP PICK – NeoAir XLite NXT MAX Large Sleeping Mat: Its impressive R-value, huge size, minuscule weight, and diminished decibels make the NeoAir XLite NXT a contender for the best mat on the market and one of our top picks.

Thermarest says: 

The NeoAir XLite NXT MAX is the finest full-rectangular ultralight air sleeping pad for year-round backcountry adventures. By refining the way our cutting-edge construction technique, the Triangular Core Matrix™, integrates with the warmth radiating ThermaCapture™ technology we reduced the noise by 83% from the previous model.  At 3-inches thick, with a horizontal baffled structure and the added sleep surface of a rectangular shape, the XLite NXT MAX delivers maximum comfort and support at a minimal weight and packed size. Weighing just 18 oz (510 g)—in the Regular Wide size—and providing a 4-season ready 4.5 R-value, the XLite NXT MAX is the most versatile full-rectangular ultralight sleeping pad on the market ready to craft better nights under the stars wherever you end up.

Our Verdict

I admit I had fallen out of love with Therm-a-rest as of late; the criticism that you were “sleeping on a crisp packet” was one we heard a lot, so I was excited when Therm-a-rest announced their new range of mats was five times quieter if a little dubious.  I am pleased to say that they have succeeded in this task with flying colours.  The difference is night and day.  

Not only is this mat a lot quieter, but it is also now available in a rectangular shape as well as the more traditional tapered body shape.  I much prefer a rectangular shape I always find that my legs have slipped off during the night on narrower mats, especially if I’m using a quilt. A rectangular mat will add some weight, but I’ll happily carry a few extra grams for a good night’s sleep.

The sheer size (64 x 196 cm) of the mat makes it perfect for any type of sleeping position. I’m a side sleeper and felt very comfortable and well-supported; it’s 7.63 cm thick, so you are well off the ground and well insulated.

The mat comes with its own pump sack; it took me over ten pumps of the bag to fully inflate it, which is more than other mats but a painless process.

The mat has a 4.5 R-value, so it’s a mat I would be happy to use all year round. A 4-season, long, wide mat weighing less than 600 grams is truly impressive.  

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

In-depth Reviews:

• Thermarest NeoAir XLite and XTherm Review – “Increased the comfort and thermal qualities making this the perfect option for lightweight wild-camping”

Features

• Quieter: 5x quieter than previous model thanks to a refinement in how the ThermaCapture™
  layer is integrated into the Triangular Core Matrix™.
• Premium Comfort: At 3 inches (7.6 cm) thick, it delivers exceptional support and comfort.
• Ultralight pack weight
• Ultra-packable: Packs as small as a conventional 1-liter bottle.
• Elite Warmth: Triangular Core Matrix construction delivers a 4.5 R-value and class-leading
  warmth-to-weight ratio, making the XLite NXT ready for three-season and some winter pursuits.
• Durability: 30D Ripstop Nylon offers greater protection from punctures than the competition.
• Easy Inflate and Deflate: WingLock™ valve is easy to use, features one-way inflation, and
  maximizes airflow to make inflating and deflating a breeze.
• MAX Coverage: Rectangular shape with extra width provides added coverage and enhanced
  comfort at camp. (XLite NXT MAX only)

Specifications

• Weight: 592g
• Pump sack Weight: 57g
• Dimensions: 64 x 196 cm (25 x 77 in)
• Thickness: 7.62 cm (3 in) 
• R-Value: 4.5

ASTM R-Value:

From 2020, there is a new industry standard for measuring the R-value (level of insulation) of sleeping mats – ASTM F3340-18. This new standard is the sleeping mat equivalent to the EN rating for sleeping bags.

You can now directly compare the R-value of mats rated using the ASTM F3340-18 with confidence that is a fair and accurate comparison between mats. In simple terms, the higher the R-value, the warmer the mat.

In general terms, an R-value below 2.0 is for summer use, 2.0 to 4.0 is for cooler 3 season use and 4.0+ is for winter temperatures. This will be also be dependent on your sleeping bag, how cold you sleep etc. Please contact our customer service team if you need advice on choosing the right mat for your activity.

Material & Construction

• ThermaCapture™ layer
• Triangular Core Matrix™

Help & advice:

• The Ultimate Guide to Choosing an Ultralight Sleeping Mat
• Time-Saver Guide to Choosing a Sleeping Mat
• R-Value Explained
• About Thermarest
• Thermarest ‘Fast & Light’ Sleeping Mats Explained