Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT Sleeping Pad Review
An in-depth review of our favorite sleeping pad for backpacking in cold weather
September 9th, 2025
Our verdict
After testing many other sleeping pads, the inflatable Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT won our title for Best Sleeping Pad for Cold Sleepers due to its incredibly high R-value that helps retain heat.
Weighing only 2.5 ounces more than the NeoAir XLite (15.5 ounces instead of 13) the XTherm provides a whopping R-value of 7.3, which Therm-a-Rest suggests keeps you comfortable in temperatures as low as -40F(!). Plus, it has the same packed size as the XLite—about the size of a Nalgene water bottle.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT
It has also made many of our testers’ lists for go-to sleeping pads for cold-season backpacking. We also tested the NeoAir XTherm NXT on backpacking trips over 800 miles on a late season thru-hike of the Arizona Trail, relying on the high R-value to keep us warm during chilly nights on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
If you are a thru-hiker or fall/winter backpacker who likes to be warm and cozy without sacrificing weight, then the XTherm is for you.
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Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm Specs
| Size | Regular | Regular-Wide | Large |
|---|---|---|---|
| R-Value | 7.3 | 7.3 | 7.3 |
| Weight | 15.5 oz | 1 lb 3 oz | 1 lb 4 oz |
| Width | 20 in | 25 in | 25 in |
| Length | 72 in | 72 in | 77 in |
| Thickness | 3 in | 3 in | 3 in |
Comparison Table
| SLEEPING PAD | WEIGHT (ounces) | TYPE | PUMP SACK? | R-VALUE | THICKNESS (inches) | PACKED SIZE (inches) | LENGTHS (inches) | WARRANTY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT | 16.0 | Inflatable | Y | 7.3 | 3.0 | 9 x 4.5 | 72, 77 | Limited lifetime |
| Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT | 13.0 | Inflatable | Y | 4.5 | 3.0 | 9 x 4.1 inches | 66, 72, 77 | Limited lifetime |
| Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft Sleeping Pad | 25 | Inflatable | Y | 4.7 | 4.6 | 5.7 x 9.5 inches | 73, 78 | Lifetime guarantee |
| NEMO Tensor All Season Insulated Sleeping Pad | 14.1 | Inflatable | Y | 5.4 | 3.5 | 4 x 10 inches | 72, 76 | Lifetime |
| Sea To Summit Ultralight Air Insulated | 16.9 | Inflatable | Y | 3.1 | 2.0 | 9 x 4 inches | 50, 66, 72, 78 | Lifetime guarantee |
What we liked
Among the best warmth-to-weight ratio of any sleeping pad out there
Highly insulated
Great for stomach sleepers
Extra durability compared to other pads
What could be better
Price
Horizontal baffles not as comfortable as spring-cell or other shaped baffles
Stuff sack inflation system isn't the easiest
How we tested
We’ve tested the NeoAir XTherm and relied on its high R-value to keep us warm on cold nights, from snowshoeing in the Sierra in the winter, to October thru-hikes of the Superior Hiking Trail in northern Minnesota.
We've been with the XTherm sleeping on top of snow, to chilly, windy nights in the desert in the fall. Many Treeline testers have used this sleeping pad and have named it their go-to sleeping pad for cold-season backpacking.
We’ve also tested the NeoAir XTherm NXT on the Arizona Trail in late fall and in January, over 800 miles of rough, prickly, desert terrain.
We also researched extensively for our Best Sleeping Pads guide, sifting through online reviews and other gear guides. In the end, we tested the NeoAir XTherm alongside 10 other sleeping pads that met our criteria and were praised by experts and everyday users alike.
Features
Length and Width
The NeoAir XTherm NXT comes in three sizes (unlike the NeoAir XLite, which has four): Regular, Regular-Wide, and Large. The length of the Regular and Regular Wide is 72 inches, while the length of the Large is 77 inches. The width of the Regular Wide and the Large is 25 inches, providing a nice option for folks who want more surface area. The Regular width is 20 inches.
Thickness
The new XTherm NXT (top) appears slightly thicker than the old XTherm (bottom)
At 3 inches thick, the newest iteration of the XTherm pad is comfortable for side sleepers and back sleepers. But stomach sleepers will benefit the most from this pad. About 50% of a stomach sleeper’s warmth is derived from the R-value of both a compressed sleeping bag’s insulation (generally negligible) and the sleeping pad you choose. If you’re a stomach sleeper, a higher R-value air pad like the XTherm might help you sleep warmer.
Width
The new XTherm NXT appears slightly wider than the old XTherm.
We ran our measurements on the new NXT version of the XTherm, and it is wider than stated (22” by our measurements). Both the old and new versions are listed at 20” wide. We think the 20” number is an average across the length of the pad from shoulders to feet.
The new pad seems wider at the shoulders and narrower at the feet. We much prefer these new dimensions.
Construction and Warranty
The NeoAir XTherm NXT is made of 30D rip HT nylon on the top and 70D nylon on the bottom, helping to prevent punctures and tears. Therm-a-Rest uses their Triangular Core Matrix and ThermaCapture technology to provide the superior warmth-to-weight ratio of the XTherm. All of this construction technology is utilized inside the horizontal baffles to maximize comfort, support, and warmth.
In addition, the XTherm comes with a Lifetime Warranty for repairs—one that Treeline writers have used multiple times.
Valve system
Close-up on the XTherm Winglock system. The XTherm here is an older version but the new XTherm NXT uses the same valve.
A great addition made to recent models, the NeoAir XTherm uses a WingLock valve system, which features two “wing” tabs on either side of the valve—one you twist to inflate, the other you use to deflate—making the function of inflation and deflation easier.
Performance in the field
The XTherm sleeping pad on the PCT in the Sierra.
Warmth and Insulation
The XTherm is a good choice for those looking to extend their backpacking gear system into the shoulder season (early spring and fall) or into the winter.
Our own testers have chosen the XTherm sleeping pad for trips specifically for its warmth and insulation—from snowshoeing in the Sierra in the winter to October thru-hikes of the Superior Hiking Trail in northern Minnesota. It was even a surprising favorite gear item for a fall thru-hike of the Arizona Trail so we could get away with carrying a less heavy-duty sleeping bag. Through all of this, the XTherm has kept us warmer than any other sleeping pad in its weight range.
While no single piece of gear is enough to keep you safe in the elements in cold weather, the XTherm is the one gear item we crave for winter outings and you'll find it on our winter camping gear list.
Comfort and sleeping
The XTherm is extremely comfortable and the extra insulation means you can use it for cowboy camping (camping without a tent) for far longer than sleeping pads with lower r-values.
Because of its 7.5 R-Value, we find the XTherm to be extremely comfortable, especially when it comes to keeping us warm (warmth=comfort, right?).
Similar to the NeoAir XLite, the thickness of the XTherm allow for side and stomach sleeping comfortably, while the width and length provide enough surface area to feel like you won’t roll off the pad (the Regular Wide and Large sizes help to provide even more room, if that’s what you’re after).
While we mostly find the XTherm very comfy for its thickness and warming qualities, the horizontal baffles signature to Therm-a-Rest sleeping pads are not our overall favorite for comfort. We have found other baffle systems, like the NEMO Tensor All-Season’s proprietary SpaceFrame Baffle design to be even more comfortable, which is why we awarded it Most Comfortable Sleeping Pad.
Inflation and Deflation
The XTherm is best inflated with the included pump sack or with a battery-operated pad inflator. In a pinch, you can inflate it with your breath.
The XTherm requires a similar number of breaths to fill as the XLite (25-35), though the newest version can be inflated using the included 1.8 oz pump sack. In the last two versions of the XTherm, it comes with TwinLock and WingLock valves that make inflating the pad relatively easy. The XTherm comes in three sizes: Regular (20” x 72”), Large (25” x 77”), and Regular Wide (25”x 72”).
Versatility and packability
The Therm-A-Rest Micro Pump can help make the inflation process easier.
Due to its high R-Value, we’ve found that the NeoAir XTherm NXT can be used for various camping settings, from long thru-hikes, to overnight car camping. It’s sleek enough to fit into ultralight tents and not feel bulky.
We’ve found it pairs well with most backpacking sleeping bags and quilts as well (like our favorite, the Katabatic Palisade Quilt). The Regular-sized NeoAir Xtherm packs to a mere 4.5 x 9 in inches, only slightly larger than a Nalgene water bottle (Therm-a-Rest has many photos boosting this selling point), so it never feels like it takes up too much space while backpacking, despite being an important piece of gear. An inflatable sleeping pad with deflation mode can help get the pad to fit back in its included stuff sack.
Strengths can also be weaknesses—because of the XTherm’s high R-value, it can make sleeping for summer camping a bit too warm.
Durability and Wear
The XTherm has proved to be one of the most durable inflatable sleeping pads we've used showing an impressive resilience for its weight, backed with a lifetime warranty. Photo by Duncan Cheung
The NeoAir XTherm has 3 inches of thickness and a super tough 70D nylon on its bottom to prevent punctures. After taking the XTherm on the AZT, we didn’t experience any rips or tears.
We also were impressed how Therm-a-Rest washed and repaired PCT thru-hikers' sleeping pads on site at PCT Days this year.
Value
The biggest issue reviewers had with this pad? It’s pricey. It’s the most expensive pad on our list. Still, you get what you pay for, particularly with regard to the R-value and this pad’s durability; as the fabric is heavier than the XLite's, it’s also better able to take wear and tear.
We found a better warmth-to-weight ratio with the new Nemo Tensor Extreme, which has an R-value of 8.5 for 17 oz in the mummy version. For nearly the same price, it is better insulated than the XTherm for only 1 oz of additional weight, making it a better value than the NeoAir XTherm sleeping pad.
Should I buy the NeoAir XLite NXT?
Treeline editor Liz Thomas thru-hiked the 800-mile long Arizona Trail in the fall and 200 additional miles of off-trail hiking hiking in Arizona in the winter using the XTherm. The extra insulation meant she could carry a lighter sleeping quilt, which was useful for warmer nights.
Buy if you do a lot of backpacking or alpine overnights in the off-shoulder months and/or are a cold sleeper and need help staying warm at night.
Skip if you don’t do a lot of backpacking or camping in the winter, and primarily use a sleeping pad in the summer at lower elevations, or are a warm sleeper.
Where to buy
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT is a popular sleeping pad, so you have options when it comes to retailers. Here are some of the pros of the retailers.
REI
Pros: 100% satisfaction policy for 1 year; 10% dividend for members.
Amazon
Pros: Free 2-day shipping with Amazon Prime membership
Similar products
Therm-A-Rest NeoAir Xlite NXT
R-Value: 4.5 (rated for 4-seasons)
Thickness: 3”
Weight: 12.5 oz (6-foot length)
Inflation: 25-40 breaths or comes with Pumpsack
Lengths: 66”, 72”, 72”-wide, 77”
What we liked: lightweight, great insulation and durability
What we didn't like: width
A perennial favorite of backpackers, thru-hikers, and bikepackers alike, the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT is the less warm and lighter-weight version of the XTherm, and winner of our Best Overall Sleeping Pad. If you would like to spend a little less money and don’t think you need the higher R-Value, the XLite is a tried-and-true option.
Therm-A-Rest NeoAir Xlite NXT
R-Value: 5.4
Thickness: 3.5”
Weight: 14.1 oz
Inflation: Inflatable
Lengths: 72”, 76"
What we liked: supportive comfortable for all sleepers, good warmth to weight ratio, slightly less expensive than other pads
What we didn't like: increased height means bigger distance to roll off pad, height puts you closer to sloped walls on tarp tent systems
The Nemo Tensor All-Season Insulated Sleeping Pad has been one of our favorite sleeping pads when we first started testing sleeping pads years ago. Our testing over the years with half a dozen Treeline writers has proved it is better for side sleepers and feels more comfortable than all the other pads we’ve tested, which is why it’s our pick for Most Comfortable Sleeping Pad. It’s less expensive than the NeoAir XTherm, and has a relatively high R-value at 5.4.
NEMO Tensor All-Season Insulated Sleeping Pad
R-Value: 8.5
Thickness: 3.5
Weight: 17
Inflation: Inflatable
Lengths: 72, 76
The Nemo Tensor Extreme Insulated sleeping pad boasts the highest R-value of any sleeping pad we considered at 8.5. Weighing just 1 lb 1 oz, it has the best warmth-to-weight ratio of any sleeping pad we’ve considered and is a better value for your dollar for cold-weather backpackers than the NeoAir XTherm. Learn more in our in-depth review of the NEMO Tensor Extreme Insulated Sleeping Pad.
NEMO Tensor Extreme Insulated Sleeping Pad
Why you should trust us / About the author
Amanda Jameson on the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm.
Amanda Jameson has hiked over 3500 miles, including thru-hikes of the Pacific Crest Trail and Colorado Trail and a LASH (long *ahem* section hike) of the Grand Enchantment Trail.
Between those hikes and a stint as a Traveling Trainer for the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, Amanda has slept outside for nearly a year—mostly on inflatable sleeping pads like the XTherm.
Amanda is also an American Hiking Society Next Generation Trail Leader and a former Vice-President of the board at the American Long Distance Hiking Association-West, which awards the Triple Crown of Hiking.
Their popular blog, Brown Girl on the National Scenic Trail, is a space for intersectional writing to encourage folks of all colors and all walks of life to experience our wild spaces and preserve them for the future.
You can see more on Amanda’s author page.
Liz Thomas is Editor in Chief at Treeline Review and co-founder of the website.
A former Fastest Known Time (FKT) record holder on the Appalachian Trail, she has also hiked the PCT and CDT and is a Triple Crowner.
Liz used the NeoAir XTherm on her fall hike of the AZT (read more about her gear list in Liz’s Favorite Gear From the Arizona Trail). She also used it on a fall thru-hike of the Superior Hiking Trail in northern Minnesota.
You can read all her gear articles here and on her personal website, as well as on Wikipedia.
