Relenting on NeoAir XLITE

I have 2 sleeping mats.

NeoAir Xlite Large
NeoAir Xtherm Large

I have no reason to choose any other mat instead.

They are both lighter than specified (i chose the lightest ones out of two big batches)

But…I've had the regular version of the Xlite, and that is just way to slim. I would go so far as to say the regular versions are utter useless because of this.

I don't baby mine.

I stuff it in my pack without using a stuff sack. I leave it rolled up. I don't protect it from the ground with anything other than the 30d sil or cuben floors that I have.

In fact I do that with all four of my neos. Two original torsos, a regular for my wife and my large (cause I'm the kang)

So far I've never had ANY problem with any of them.

And yes I use them a lot. Not just one night a month.

And the noise issue is not an issue. I suppose it could be for some but gimme a break.

Give cascade designs credit. It's a killer product.

"Can't stand it. Arms off the side kill my shoulders by morning."

Ken, I tried the tip in Clelland's book – putting shoes on the side of the Xlite, under the elbows – and it works great. If (when, actually, as on my last little hike) shoes are muddy, I put them in plastic grocery bags. Also using the REI Flash pillow, which is 1.5 oz happily carried.

I have been searching for the right pad myself recently. While on the larger side (195 lb) but average height (5'-9") and a side sleeper, my first purchase was a women's Xlite. It weighs 11.5 oz ( not 11 oz as advertised) and is 66" long plus the taper does not start until farther down towards the hips. It also advertises a higher R value (3.9 vs 3.2). I also use a 1/8" evasote pad underneath ( trimmed to match the pad) for additional r value (4.65 combined) and puncture protection. This ccf pad serves triple duty as the back support for my Gossamer Gear Mariposa, and as a sit pad at rest stops. This has worked out so far, but I still find times that I wanted more width, even at some weight penalty.

I purchased an Xlite Large and the Exped UL7 MW pad, which was recently added to the UL7 lineup. The xlite is 78" long and 23" wide (not 25" as advertised). The Exped is 72" long and 25"wide ( not 26" as advertised). The Xlite weighs 17.5oz on my scale(not 16oz advertised) and the Exped is 20oz – 2.5oz more than the Xlite and and 7.5oz more than my women's xlite.

The extra 2" in width over the Xlite Large ( and 6" in width over the Women's Xlite, combined with the fact that the outermost vertical baffles on the Exped are slightly taller offers a significantly improved sleeping experience over either Xlite, although at a weight penalty that might be too much for some. However it is the first pad in its weight range that I can sleep on my side or my back and never experience the discomfort of limbs hanging over the edge.

I plan to alternate between the Exped and the women's Xlite depending on my willingness to carry the extra weight. The Xlite large is going back to the store.

FWIW, the crinkly stuff in the inside of the Xlite is space blanket type aluminumized Mylar – discovered this when I shortened mine. So it should get quieter over time, and with every crinkle. I think this is most people's observation. I guess it all depends how many crinkles you can handle.

I move too much Bob. A pillow is mandatory.

I have posted on this before, and continue to wonder whether the Exped mats are more comfortable. I have +75 nights on my Downmat UL7. I find it very comfortable. I did pick up a Synmat with my REI dividend. I haven't used it yet and I'm debating whether to switch it for an Xlite. It seems that most people who have used both the Exped and the NeoAir models prefer the Exped, but there is the weight penalty…

I returned a Women's XLite after only one night. I found it to be incredibly noisy (I'm a light sleeper), I didn't care for the tapered design, and my arms kept falling off (which was an achievement since I'm a petite woman).

Ended up with an Exped Downmat Lite 5 short, which I love. Yep, there is a weight penalty, but it's very comfortable, super quiet, and an overall better design for my body. I like the raised baffles on the sides & the standard rectangular design. It's the difference for me between sleeping and, well, not. I thought about the UL7, but I sleep cold & the Downmat Lite 5 was less expensive. Since I've got a very light bag, even with the heavier mat the combined weight is only 2.23 lbs.

Mercedes, my sentiments persactly!

Noise
Arms falling off sides
Inflating at 9,500 ft. not fun
Falling temperature partially deflating it during the night

That was enuf fer me. Now my Prolite regular does the job, and very well.

Seems like someone should have tried this on here – take a new xlite and roll and bend it 20 different ways for about half an hour. Bet that would remove most of the noise part once the internal mylar gets broken in.

I have tried every neoair xlite and xtherm. I have settled on a regular size Xtherm for four seasons, a exped UL 7 MW for 3 season and neoair xlite small for Ultralite adventures, and a cut down z-lite when I want to go lighter or for more dependability. It's a game time decision when I pack for a trip. I wish backpacks, sleeping bags, quilts and shelters were as easy as choosing what pad I need to take…..

Best air mat I've ever used and I use mine hard with just a polycro sheet underneath.

I have the short version and rest my feet on my pack. My shoulders fit fine and I'm a broad shouldered dude. In fact, I've never slept better.

No idea where this noise myth started. Any crinkly noise goes away after the first use or two. People probably try it at REI when it is new and make that assumption.

The only noise I hear at night is a concert of my own making inside the sleeping bag.