New NeoAir XLite and Therm fabric

hmm- weight the same?

The new xtherm max looks to be 2 oz. heavier for the regular and 3oz. heavier for the large.

hmm- I find my x-therm plenty durable and not sure why softness to the touch would be any pressing issue for a pad

If you sleep under a quilt, without wearing a base layer, the feel of the pad fabric that you lie directly upon might be important.

…I think it would be much easier to wash base layers on the trail than your mat IMHO.

KJ

^ agreed, but we're talking the x-therm, so a base layer is given (for me anyways)- my x-therm is reserved for late fall/winter/early spring, I have other pads for warmer weather

I talked to cascade designs on the new xtherm. They changed fabrics and although the fabric weight has changed they stated the new fabrics are of equal strength. The rep I spoke to said the new fabrics are softer as stated and that the main reason for the change was to further eliminate the crunchy potato chip bag noise from prior models. I was assured that the internals were all of the same design and would be apples to apples as far as warmth, weight and durability as the previous models.

So with that in mind and having a previous style xlite mummy version that I have no complaints with as far as noise I went ahead and got 2 close out mats from REI stores sent to me for the wife and I at $139 ea. $100 bucks in my pocket and essentially the same mat. Works for me.

jimmyb

Its been a few weeks since the above conversation so don't hold me to this but I believe if there is a higher level of durability it was that the new fabric by nature is a little more abrasion resistant. Again, not an issue for us. The older model should do fine.

jimmyb

First, I see there's no longer an S version. A shame.

Then, there is that issue of the stated width vs. the real width due to baffle collapse. I suggested a possible solution. Now, I wait to see if they listened or come up with a solution of their own.

Earlier this week, the new XLite and XTherm pads came into the store at which I work. I can't speak to durability yet, but the fabric is definitely "softer", in that I wouldn't mind it being next to my skin. The older fabric is much more rubbery. The new fabric has a whispy, almost papery feel to it, while being much more familiar to the hand of other pads.

Hi. Anyone have a chance to get one of these new models on a scale?

On a related note, I purchased an Xlite regular last year at the REI sale and it weighed in about 10% over the spec. So, I took it back to REI and got another. When I weighed that it was also over spec. I noticed that it was a little bit longer than spec so I presume that's where the extra weight came from. So I ended up returning it. Anyone else have this experience?

Much of my gear is over weight according to MFG specs. Not such an issue that I would return it though. Error can stack quite rapidly in MFG products so you may have to be a bit more tolerant. It also depends on what the item is and what tolerance can be held within the materials used. My trekking poles are right on the money but they are made of components that are more easily controlled weight wise. Fabric runs, it seems are one component that is harder to nail down as far as consistency. I don't know the specifics of the assembly of the pads themselves but I would suspect there is also room for error in the stack there as well. And of course if those two examples hold true it goes to say the larger the object the more possible error in the mix.

If the product is being produced to its best case scenario in tolerance of weight then we have no choice than to accept the deviation. IMO the MFG's are using the better end of their averages to compete. So you may feel slighted if it comes in overweight. If they used the heavier end of the average many would be happier with the perceived weight savings over the listed weight if it came through lighter. That is if the customer still bought the product with the heavier listed weight. In reality nothing about the product would have changed. Its just as how you perceive a glass half full or half empty.

In reality even with the extra ounce or so you will probably not find a lighter mat that will replace the performance of the 2 mats listed above. Not to say there are not a ton of other options and many even lighter.

jimmyb

Is there anyone who prefers the older or newer that would care to comment? I've got the newer (Marigold) and now that I think about it, the material on my women's Xlite seems like the older, more crinkly fabric. Not sure though-I ought to formally compare a women's and a regular Xlite.

I have an xlight and xtherm from just before the new fabric change. Sorry I cant comment on the new fabrics but personally speaking if the weight, warmth and durability are equal, as they seem to be, Im not too picky on fabrics. I don't find my mats all that "crinkly" and in fact I like the little bit of grab the older mats have. It helps keep from slipping around and keeps quilts tucked nicely. Not really sure why they bothered. I got all my mats on discount or closeout and by far that would have been my deciding factor.

Having owned the previous and the new XLite, IMO the new XLite is less noisier. And it feels a bit softer. My previous XLite kept my girlfriend from a good night's rest (I move alot when I sleep); since owning the new one, she sleeps solid. @Woubeir: there is a S-model for the 2015 XLite, as I own one.

Arne, I know. I meant for the Xterm.

Resurrecting an old thread … my new XLite Short arrived today …

Specs on Cascade Designs website and packaging say 8oz … mine weighs in at 198g / 6.98 ounces … AWESOME!

It’s odd. It seems most of the short versions come in under spec. I had one that was 7.4 but the Women’s and Reg come in over spec more than I think should happen. My regular is 12.8 oz. They actually changed the spec weight of the Women’s from 11 to 12 oz.

It’s odd. It seems most of the short versions come in under spec. I had one that was 7.4 but the Women’s and Reg come in over spec more than I think should happen. My regular is 12.8 oz. They actually changed the spec weight of the Women’s from 11 to 12 oz.

Agreed! As I said … my NeoAir XLite Short came in a full ounce under spec (6.98oz, spec’ed at 8.0) and an XLite Regular (purchased by me just weeks ago) came about 0.25 over spec (which was 12oz). Quarter ounce over spec didn’t bother me at all, but I was shocked to see the short come in more than 1 ounce under!

I don’t have an XTherm, though I’m considering one…but the size is bigger than I need and the weight is a bit on the heavy side. I’m currently using the original Thermarest neoair that’s only 9 oz for the short size.

I wouldn’t mind the extra insulation in the winter, but I’m not sure I want the extra weight in the summer and shelling out $200 for another pad seems a bit much.

I have been forced to sleep directly on the pad in the summer heat without a base layer and it’s not exactly gross feeling, but not exactly comfortable either.