Which new WIDE warm inflatable sleep mat, NeoAir Xtherm or Exped?

I'm on the same search and about the same height as your wife. I was sold on the xtherm, but I found the large xtherm (only wide version) put weird pressure on the middle of my back and I didn't like it at all. I found it very uncomfortable.

I now have the Exped MW Synmat Winterlite along with a couple other pads I'm trying out. The Exped is MUCH more comfortable for me. Due to the sharp taper of the new Exped mats and being a side sleeper, my feet don't always stay on the mat. I think keeping my pack at my feet would work well enough though. Currently, I'm going back and forth between keeping the Synmat Winterlite MW and the old style downmat.

I'd recommend the Exped, but try both for comfort.

I don't think there is a right or wrong choice but I prefer the Exped vertical tubes. I don't own one of the new Xtherms so take my opinion with a grain of salt.

I've owned Exped synth and I currently use the down version which is warmer but heavier. I have no inclination to change at this time.

Note that the Xtherm wide is only available in 77", and the Exped in 72" and 78". So that may weigh in your decision.

Like Kev mentioned I prefer the orientation of the Exped baffles also, the wide Expeds arw really nice.

While they're not the winter mats, I own both the SynMat and the Xlite and GREATLY prefer the Exped. Even in the size large, I still felt like the Neoair sides were collapsing every time I changed positions. You actually have to consciously work to stay in the center, whereas the Exped cradles you.

I just received the Exped Synmat Medium wide. IT's 4 ounces heavier than the UL7 regular. I've only tried it out on my apartment floor, but it's pretty nice. 5 inches wider than the regular, and no taper. I wanted the Winterlite for the warmth but I was afraid that my hands and arms would be off the mat due to the taper.

time will tell if it's worth the extra 4 ounces. I think so.

would you consider 23" width?

i want this:

http://www.klymit.com/index.php/products-1/sleeping-pads/outdoor/insulated-static-v-lite.html

http://www.klymit.com/index.php/products-1/sleeping-pads/outdoor/insulated-static-v-lite.html

I just purchased this an its actually 21-21.5 when its inflated.

Re. the Klymit. the NeoAir Trekker Large is 4 oz heavier, for which you get several inches more width, some extra length (that you don't need), and much heavier fabric (especially on the bottom). Not as warm though. Maybe I've drunk the NeoAir kool-aid …

"I just purchased this an its actually 21-21.5 when its inflated."

disappointing to hear. Thanks for sharing.

Experientially, if you can compare it to a reg width Neoair, how does it feel? Do the plumper side rails vs. the collapsing edges of the neoair make any difference?

Sounds like that would rule it out for the OP.

Well, I just had a friend use his (and my) 20% off coupon to order the NeoAir Camper 30" wide mat and the REI Cirrus (a very picky sleeper, he had a goshawful huge and thick mat that was pretty unpackable even when tied on to the top of a pack) and based on responses to this thread, I also added the Synmat UL9 that's on sale at the REI outlet. Hopefully he will find one of those to be OK for him – the other two will be returned.

I've preferred the Exped baffle orientation in the past – the edges of the NeoAir I find collapse too easily and I fall off – so I just tried a NeoAir again, and still prefer the Exped baffles.

1) Is the taper worth the weight savings, or are your arms falling off? I'm 6 ft 42 in. chest 175 lbs, 34 in. waist and 34 in. shirt sleeves for size reference.

2) Which Exped MW (25 in x 72 in.) pad do you prefer? Looking for Wide width and 72 in length (and 66 in. length if available for the Ms.).

3) Is there any disadvantage to going with synthetic in terms of longevity? Any greater advantage to down? I'll be using a schnozzle to inflate in any case.

4) I recently read another thread about confusion with the correct R values. What are the actual MW R values? Does anyone know if the Synmat Winterlite MW actually has an R value of 6?

http://www.backcountry.com/exped-synmat-winterlite-sleeping-pad?ti=U2VhcmNoIFJlc3VsdHM6ZXhwZWQgc2xlZXBpbmcgcGFkOjE6ODpleHBlZCBzbGVlcGluZyBwYWQ&skid=XPD001G-ONECOL-M

* I bought the Downmat Winterlite LW and have used it 1 night *

1. The taper isn't really worth it for me. I'd prefer less taper, or just a rectangular mat if they offered one. I know the old Downmat UL7 is rect., but it has a lower R-value and is waaaay heavier at 30oz vs 23 or so. For 25-25oz I'd go with a rect. if they offered it. For reference I am 6' and 185-190#, 32in waist. My arms were fine, but my pillow and feet would sometimes slide off the tapered edges. Not a total deal breaker for me – I'll keep it.

2. I almost got the MW, but it's listed at 71" and I am exactly 72". Since I'll occasionally lay on my stomach, my feet would slide off the foot end in that position. Just a small weight bump to go up to LW from MW (2oz I believe)

3. Everything I've read says down will last longer in any given product, but I think the main consideration would be warmth. The Synmat Winterlite is R4.9, but the Downmat is R7, which is quite a bump ever over the Xtherm (5.7), so it's a true 4-season mat.

4. I do not have an explanation as to why, but the Synmat Winterlite and Downmat Winterlite are rated at 4.9 and 7, respectively. When the mats were first announced last year they were R6 and R8, respectively, but maybe those were just target figures. It was a letdown for me because I wanted the Synmat with the R6 value since it was pretty close to my old Xtherm, but I 'had' to move up to the downmat after the ratings were lowered.

Thanks DD, the earlier R value being a target value makes sense.

I've slept on a borrowed Downmat 7 in winter – pure bliss.

I'd just like a pad that's wide without being so long. I'd be fine with 25 in. wide rectangular as I stay away from shelters with highly tapered foot ends.

For what it's worth I compared a mw synmat winterlite with the mw synmat ul 7. The rectangular ul 7 felt MUCH wider and spacious to me. In the end I kept the winterlite because I felt I could live with the taper (I don't like it though) because it was worth it to me to get the higher R value. I mostly sleep on my side and I felt if I ever roll on my back the mw winterlite is wide enough where it needs to be to support my arms without them falling off the pad.

So before pulling the trigger, any other pads worth checking out in the MW 72 x 25 in. sleep pad category aside from the Exped Synmat Winterlite?

I tried out the Winterlite taper in store – I only wished it were R6 and that the taper started a bit lower down, but thankfully it JUST works for me, surprising given my gorilla-long arms.

I was trying to avoid having a 3 season and a winter pad, but given the R4.9 insulation of the Synmat Winterlite I may end up with a Downmat for winter. After having tried that Downmat 7 on a winter trip with night temp around 15-20F, I'd never want to go with less insulation underneath.