Exped SynMat UL 7 MW vs NeoAir xTherm Large

I own both the XTherm Large and the Exped MW. As a baseline I'm 5'10" and about 200 pounds and do most of my backpacking here in the Southwest.

I had, and returned the regular size XTherm because it was too narrow for me to get comfortable on as I shifted from side to back to side, etc.

I prefer the Exped MW because I move around quite a bit at night and it is quieter as well as I find the slightly raised outer baffles keep me nicely centered on the pad. The Exped also packs smaller. I use the Exped MW in temps down to freezing without a problem. However, if the temps are going into the 20's or lower, I'll bring the XTherm and just set up my tent a little further from everyone. I've had no durability issues with either pad after at least 20 nights on each.

I guess that doesn't help you much. Both are great pads.

and am a side sleeper. i liked the exped better at first because it seemed to keep me centered better, but found that in the field, the fabric was way to slick for a tent bottom and for my pillow and i ended up sliding all over the place so i sold it.

also, to note, i see they are coming out with a rectangular xtherm for 2015…50d bottom instead of the 70d they use now though.

I'm 5-10, 185lbs and I own both of these pads as well. I strongly prefer the X-therm. To me, the warmth makes a night and day difference, I feel like heat is just burning up through the X-therm, which is very nice when camping in chilly weather. I also have never been able to get comfortable on a pad with vertical baffles like the Synmats. That was the key deciding factor for me. I also find I slip and slide a lot less on the X-therm, which is a great bonus.

That said, I honestly wish both pads were an inch or two wider.

Thanks folks I didn't expect so many to have experience with both, so great. Thanks for the feedback.

I did see the new TaR MAX versions but they are heavier still and I suspect the 20" would still be too narrow for me.

I can certainly get by with the 20" but if its only another 4oz for a wider mat its a weight penalty I'm willing to pay for.

M

I couldn't agree more Michael. Once I went to pads wider than 20" I actually started being able to sleep at night. Narrow pads are awful.

Thought I'd post a conclusion as often threads in forums seem to just fall off a cliff. Decided on the xTherm L partly because I knew what I was going to get from a comfort and warmth point of view. A key deciding factor is also that on the 2014 model the bottom is still the 70d material so that bit of extra toughness is appealing. Tried it our today in the yard and while it is longer than I really need the extra width makes a truly night and day difference to comfort over the regular. I'll have to find those 5 extra oz somewhere else! ;)

M