Therm-a-Rest's New Ultralight Pad. A bust?

I’d happily pay for the Uberlite, but it’s apparently all Lite and no Uber. I’d suggest the Xlite. I use it and the Xtherm. A great combo.

UberLite is not just lighter than the XLite and (potentially) more leak prone, but also colder.

R 2.3 – UberLite

R 4.2 – XLite

That’s a big and noticeable difference.

As far as the reported leaking problems – many new products arrive imperfect, especially if they’re pushing boundaries. Good companies improve them over time, and stand by their warranties. Therm-a-Rest seems pretty good about warranty swaps.

Which won’t do you much good when your mat goes flat at 1 am 50 miles from the nearest road.

Without seeing TaR’s proprietary return numbers, all we have is Internet comments, which are often dominated by the people having problems. Adding a few more anecdotes from BPL members won’t really get us closer to the truth.

So – are you feeling lucky?

— Rex

Warmth wise I think it’s great for summer and early shoulder season stuff.  I’ve used it in the 40s, maybe upper 30s, with a 40 degree quilt system and found it to be comfortable.  It could be the perfect summer equivalent to a winter Xtherm, which is just too warm for summer in many places.  Durability is the question.  My first one seemed to maybe have a slight leak after a dozen or so nights.  I swapped it out at REI to be sure.  Thermarest is pretty good about covering structural failures like delamination, but holes are of course on your own.  If you decide to give it a try, it might be better to wait until spring when you’ll actually use it so you can maximize the retailer’s return policy.  I didn’t feel particularly bad about returning my first one, given that my Xtherm has lasted a couple years w/o any noticeable leak, versus Uberlite had a possible leak within a couple months and is almost as expensive.

My first one seemed to maybe have a slight leak after a dozen or so nights.  I swapped it out at REI to be sure.  Thermarest is pretty good about covering structural failures like delamination, but holes are of course on your own.  If you decide to give it a try, it might be better to wait until spring when you’ll actually use it so you can maximize the retailer’s return policy.  I didn’t feel particularly bad about returning my first one, given that my Xtherm has lasted a couple years w/o any noticeable leak, versus Uberlite had a possible leak within a couple months and is almost as expensive.

You do realize that’s not exactly a ringing endorsement! :)

I thought about getting a regular UberLite (250g) but instead bought a small XLite (218g) and pair it with an inflatable pillow (50g) under my knees.  Works for me.

Rex, “I gots to know”….

I like my Uberlight. Between my wife and I we have ~50 nights on it. No issues. Warm enough for the main hiking season.

I’ve seen it on trail Oregon used on top of a Z-rest foam pad by a PCT section hiker.

Seems wise..

I’ll often combine an inflator with a GG thin light foam pad for “insurance” and more comfort.

I always carry a 1/8th in CCF pad (because it has 7 different uses,) and I credit this with protecting my uberlite over 20+ nights of use in the PNW. I don’t trust it, but it’s been great for me. I would NEVER take it to the desert.

Thank you all for the feedback on the UberLite.  I’m still on-the-fence with purchasing one.  Maybe not worth the risk of leaks for the few ounces of saved weight.  I think I will take the advice to wait until spring/summer before deciding and keep following the reviews for now.

Been using mine since before it was commercially available. No leaks, no issues. But I’d echo everyone else on using caution about where you take it. I also pair with the CCF thinlite foam pad since I carry one anyway as extra insulation + sit pad.

P.S. – I’ve used mine in the 20F range, on top of snow, with a NEMO CCF pad and a quilt system. The pad has its limitations for sure, but it also has some chops which maybe aren’t reflected by its r-value.

Thanks all for the replies.  Sounds like the Uberlite may be a fragile and not as dependable as the Neo-Air XLite.  I will keep following reviews until summer before deciding if the weight savings is worth it.

I’m fine with people who are belt and suspenders types (live and let live), but I don’t like to pack my fears. A punctured pad in MOST areas at MOST times of year people are likely to be out (with a poorly insulated pad) is not a life-threatening situation. It sucks (bad) but it is survivable. Bring a patch (hardly weighs anything). If the patch doesn’t work, pile up some leaves and/or grass or find some nice thick pine duff. If you’re bringing a CCF pad with you just to protect your ostensibly fragile inflatable pad, might not the weight be better spent on a more robust and/or well insulated pad?

20 nights on an  Uberlite, no problems. I use a Tyvek sheet and dcf floor. I have used an Xlite under the same conditions, and it has suffered one tiny hole. I think if you land on something really sharp like a thorn, it will probably go through an Xlite too. They are both delicate items, but If you take really good care of either you should be ok.