Thermarest 'Fast & Light' Sleeping Mats Explained
Posted by Mark Richardson on Jul 05, 2022
NeoAir XLite NXT
With improved warmth and comfort at no extra tax in weight, the NeoAir XLite NXT solidifies the legacy of its predecessor as the finest ultralight air sleeping pad for year-round backcountry adventures. By refining the way our cutting-edge construction technique, the Triangular Core Matrix™, integrates with the warmth radiating ThermaCapture™ technology we reduced the noise by 83% from the previous model. At 3-inches thick, with a horizontal baffled structure, the XLite NXT delivers maximum comfort and support at a minimal weight and packed size.
Airbed - Mummy Shape
Airbed - Rectangular Shape
NeoAir XTherm NXT
With cutting edge Triangular Core Matrix™ construction and ThermaCapture™ technology, the XTherm NXT delivers a 7.3 R-value while weighing just 439 g (15.5 oz) in the Regular size. Put another way, the best warmth-to-weight ratio of any sleeping pad ever created. It is warmer, lighter and thicker than the previous model, which is why the XTherm NXT cements the legacy of being the go-to sleeping pad for alpinists, mountaineers and extreme cold expeditions.
Airbed - Mummy Shape
Airbed - Rectangular Shape
NeoAir UberLite
The lightest and most packable, the NeoAir UberLite mats are remarkable, they have a reasonable R-Value and are quite comfortable. Some say they 'crinkle' a bit, it didn't bother me but some may be put off by that.
Airbed - Mummy Shape
ProLite Apex
Some people prefer self -inflating mats because of the ease of use and if they do get a puncture there is still the foam to lie on. They are comfortable and warm but tend to be heavier and more bulky than Airbeds.
The ProLite Apex mats are thicker and slightly warmer than the ProLite Plus mats offering more comfort at a similar weight.
Self-Inflating - Mummy Shape
ProLite Plus
The ProLite Plus self-inflating mats offer 3 season insulation and a decent level of comfort, though self-inflating mats as a category are less comfortable than Airbeds.
Self-Inflating - Mummy Shape
Original Z Lite and Z Lite SOL
Closed Cell Foam mats offer insulation and a bit of comfort, the advantage of these mats are that they are virtually indestructable, impervious to puncturing and can even be cut to the size that you want. The Z Lite's dimpled profile adds comfort over a standard foam mat and in the case of the SOL mats there is additional insulation due to their reflective layer.
Closed Cell Foam - Rectangular
Thermarest divide their sleeping mats into three distinct ranges, Fast & Light, Trek & Travel and Camp Comfort - In this post we focus on the Fast & Light category explaining the differences between each mat and giving our opinion.