Inflatable Pad Advice (XLite, Synmat HL, Tensor)

I’m a side and back sleeper. I have been using the X-lite for a couple of years, having swiutched from Exped  Synmat 7 UL. The X-lite has excellent warmth for a very low weight. Truthfully, I don’t think any pad can compete with Thermarest Neoair X-lite and X-therm in terms of warmth and weight. It is fairly comfortable. I had to go with wide size so that it was wide enough. The 20″ width is just too narrow for me (I’m 5’11” 160 bs). Using these pads I have only once felt any cold from the ground (x-lite, camping in April on snow left over from winter). Feeling cold from the ground is a show stopper for me and totally relates to comfort. I do like the vertical baffles of the Exped pads better than the horizontal baffles of the thermarest neoairs, but, I’m going for warmth with low weight, and low packed volume, and The X-lite and X-therm are comfortable enough. My hips don’t bottom out when I side sleep. By the way, the crinkly noise people complain about has not been an issue for either my wife or myself.

Exped synmat is excellent. You ‘could” also get an Exped with higher R rating. The synmat works for me for three seasons in higher altitudes (cold nights). And the Schnozzle is a big plus! This bag also works well as a waterproof liner/large stuff sack. I use a very light pad ( 2-3 ounces?) under the mat for puncture protection, as well as cryo under tent floor. Never had an issue or failure with the pad.

I can recommend the XLite for warmth and comfort. I have a womens model so it will be short for you, but a reg/wide would be ideal. I have had several failures, but 1) I rarely use a ground cloth, 2) I just roll it up with my Impulse light around it and my cup over one end…little to no protection …
I have had these down to 18=20F with just a short pad under it.

Thanks everyone for your insight and perspective. While I’m still torn between the two options I’m encouraged to get some recent data points and am less concerned about moving away from the Tensor. My inbox seems to be overflowing with 20% off coupons today so I might just need to order both and schedule a short trip to compare and contrast in the field :)

I have both a Synmat HL M and a Neoair Xlite, both regular length and 20″ width.  The latter is a half-ounce lighter and noticeably warmer.  I bought the Neoair because the Synmat just wouldn’t keep me warm.  I’d heard the horror stories about the noise of the Neoair, but mine is quiet as a mouse.  I hiked this past weekend with a buddy who had an older version of the same pad.  I could hear his from 30 yards away every time he’d move, but can’t hear mine when I’m right on top of it.

I greatly miss the Schnozzle inflator, but am a happy camper with the Neoair.  In fact, I still carry the Schnozzle as water protection for my sleeping bag and camp clothes, but am back to huffing and puffing my pad.  Therm-a-Rest includes an inflator bag with the Neoair, but it doesn’t double as a dry bag.  They sell a separate dry-bag inflator, but it doesn’t look big enough to do the job for my gear, and costs $$.

I greatly miss the Schnozzle inflator, but am a happy camper with the Neoair.

This adaptor allows you to use the Schnozzle with the old-style NeoAir valves. I don’t know if it will work with the new Wing Valve.

There’s a comment on the one of the REI reviews for the Schnozzle that the Schnozzle will lock into the back side of the fitting on the NeoAir pumpbag. Shows an image of the fitting cut out of the NeoAir bag and attached to the Schnozzle. Not sure if this is the newest valve or not, but given the age of the review I would assume that it is.

There’s a comment on the one of the REI reviews for the Schnozzle that the Schnozzle will lock into the back side of the fitting on the NeoAir pumpbag. Shows an image of the fitting cut out of the NeoAir bag and attached to the Schnozzle. Not sure if this is the newest valve or not, but given the age of the review I would assume that it is.

Interesting.  That mean’s I could sacrifice my Neoair inflator by cutting out the fitting as an adaptor…hmm.  <off to check the REI reviews>

fairly simple to inflate a neoair with a trash compactor bag without any attachment or modifications. not sure if it works with nylofume liners

Also, the Schnozzle will fit the non-wing lock Thermarest valves quite well with zero modification.

Just stick the valve into the ID of the Schnozzle tip. Takes a little elbow grease but nowhere near making me feel like I was going to break something. You could sand the ID of the Schnozzle tip just a bit if it’s too tight, but it worked for me back when I used Neoairs.

I’m using an Exped Synmat + 1/8″ CCF as my daily driver currently and really like it. So my vote is for the Synmat. I think the tapered foot is a reasonable compromise with a wide pad, but I prefer a full width pad so I rock the UL (not the HL). I find it much more comfortable than the Neoair, but not quite as warm. I also add a full length Z-lite for winter camping.

I haven’t had a problem sleeping on an Xlite or now even an Uberlite .. and I’ve been fairly restless, side-ish sleeper.  Treat all UL inflatable pads gingerly (roll/unroll in the shelter, use the stuff sack instead of trying to make it a virtual pack frame, etc..) and bring a repair kit.

Of course there’s other factors too (settled on a S2S delux UL pillow, REI silk layers for sleeping, etc..)

I’ve had success inflating my neoair (old valve type) with a nylofume pack liner. In fact, it’s easier than with a trash compactor bag since nylofume is transparent, so you can visually confirm that you’ve got the value in the right position. I’m not sure if this method would work with the new neoair value.