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Thermarest NeoAir Sleeping Mat Ranges Explained

Apr 01, 2025

 

For over 50 years, Therm-a-Rest has led the way in outdoor sleep innovation, setting the benchmark for warmth, comfort, and packability. The NeoAir range continues this legacy, offering ultralight performance with the XLite NXT, extreme cold protection with the XTherm NXT, and unmatched comfort with the Topo Luxe. Whether you're counting ounces on a thru-hike, braving alpine conditions, or prioritising a plush sleep under the stars, there’s a NeoAir mat designed for your adventure.

 

 

Fast & Light Sleeping Pads

This is our backcountry-focused category comprised of lightweight, warm, compact and durable sleeping pads. Featuring advanced materials and construction techniques, Fast & Light pads showcase why Therm-a-Rest has defined the cutting edge of sleeping pad innovation for over 50 years.

 

 

NeoAir® XLite™ NXT Sleeping Pad

The award-collecting, best-selling, standard-setting sleeping pad for lightweight backpacking performance. From ultralight purists to casual weekenders, everybody benefits from the XLite NXT's low weight, compact packed size and high degree of comfort. Internally, the XLite NXT is built with Triangular Core Matrix construction, which returns the best warmth-to-weight ratio of any pad construction in the industry. Externally, it's made of 30D ripstop nylon that keeps things lightweight with long-lasting durability.

 

At 3-inches thick, the XLite NXT is comfy and supportive for side sleepers. With its 4.5 R-value, it delivers year-round warmth. For broader campers and those that prefer more sleep surface area, the MAX version provides a full rectangle of insulated comfort.  Both versions pack down to about the size of a 1-liter water bottle. To top it all off, the high-flow, one-way inflation of the WingLock Valve makes setting up and packing up a breeze. Plus, it comes with a breath-saving pump sack.

 

Bottom Line: If you need a light, compact, warm and reliable pad for your backcountry-going sleep system, there is no better choice than the XLite NXT.

 

 

NeoAir® XTherm™ NXT & NeoAir XTherm™ NXT MAX

For years, the award-winning XTherm has provided the best warmth-to-weight ratio of any sleeping pad on the market. The latest NXT edition doubles down on that to maintain its reputation as the absolute go-to ultralight pad for alpinists and winter backpackers. While it’s slightly bulkier than the XLite NXT due to thicker materials and added warmth features, it still packs down plenty small to be a frequent choice for thru-hikers. We commonly hear from customers that the XTherm is their go-to pad for every trip, not just the cold ones. For a few extra ounces they get the added durability and assured warmth.

 

 

The XTherm NXT's top mandate is warmth, packing a R-value of 7.3.  Like its yellow sibling, it has a 3-inch thick side-sleep-worthy profile and is available in a rectangular MAX version. Internally, Triangular Core Matrix construction integrates with two layers of reflective ThermaCapture™ material (one in the middle and one near the bottom) to maximize heat retention while minimizing bulk.

 

 Externally, the top of the pad is made of 30D ripstop nylon, while the bottom is 70D to improve its heat retention and puncture resistance. Like the XLite NXT, the WingLock Valve breezes inflation and deflation especially when combined with the included pump sack.

 

Bottom Line: The XTherm NXT is a cold-weather specialist in a league of its own, but the qualities that make it great are useful on any trip.

 

 

Trek & Travel™ Sleeping Pads

The modern adventurer rarely restricts themselves to a single lane of adventure. Weeks spent sleeping in a tent deep in the backcountry are followed up by weekends car camping with friends and family. Our Trek and Travel pads are built to bridge that gap. They're light and compact enough for the backpack, while still bringing the premium comfort features you want in the frontcountry.

 

NeoAir® Venture™

A classic NeoAir design, the Venture air pad provides access to the benefits of our most advanced air pad technology and benefits at a great price. WaveCore construction makes it supportive and compact, and its rectangular cut and 2-inch-thick profile offer the outstanding air pad comfort with a 2.2 R-value that is ideal for summer backpacks, road trips, or anywhere cold is not a major concern.  And of course, our WingLock valve keeps inflation and deflation quick and easy.

 

Another important aspect of the Venture is its durability. If you prioritize durability over light weight and are willing to bag a few extra ounces for extra peace of mind, the NeoAir Venture could be your pad.

 

 

NeoAir® Topo™ Luxe

As the name suggests, the Topo Luxe takes the backcountry comfort profile of the Topo and goes all in. A full 3 inches thick, with a balanced and supportive rectangular sleep surface, means restless nights searching for a comfortable position at camp are a thing of the past. Premium materials and Triangular Core Matrix construction make this comfort-conscious pad compact and backcountry ready, but with the chops to be the envy of any car campsite.

 

Unlike its sibling (Topo), the Topo Luxe uses the TwinLock Valve system. This system features dedicated one-way valves for deflating and inflating all that deluxe loft super-easy. Our unique, Triangular Core Matrix construction gives the Topo Luxe plenty of warmth for three-season use and unrivalled air pad stability.

 

Pro Tip: Layer a Z-Lite SOL underneath, to boost your Topo Luxe into the four-season range.

 

 

Terms and Conditions

Two winners will win their choice of any Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Sleeping Mat (subject to availability). No substitute prizes can be offered.

 

The competition starts on 1st April 2025 and ends on 30th April 2025. All entrants between these dates will be entered into the draw. The winners will be drawn on 1st May 2025, and the winners will be notified via email. If you don't get an email from us, unfortunately, you have not been successful on this occasion.

 

Every correct entry submitted between the competition dates will have their email address entered into the draw. The draw will be made using a random number generator and will be completely fair, each email address will have the same chance to win as any other. Only one entry per person will be accepted. No dialogue will be entered about the administration of the competition/draw.

 

You can also enter the draw by sending your entry to us by post at the following address; Ultralight Outdoor Gear, Unit 2, Tees Valley Court, Wynyard Business Park, Billingham, TS22 5FE, United Kingdom. Add your name, answer, and email address inside. 

 

If you purchase one of the prize items and then win the competition, you are entitled to a refund of the cost of the item!

 

For over 50 years, Therm-a-Rest has led the way in outdoor sleep innovation, setting the benchmark for warmth, comfort, and packability. The NeoAir range continues this legacy, offering ultralight performance with the XLite NXT, extreme cold protection with the XTherm NXT, and unmatched comfort with the Topo Luxe. Whether you're counting ounces on a thru-hike, braving alpine conditions, or prioritising a plush sleep under the stars, there’s a NeoAir mat designed for your adventure.