Is the Thermarest XTherm NXT Still the king of pads?

[Macchina]

This pad has always been recommended since it's launch. I know the NXT version is supposed to be quieter, but I still read a lot of complaints of comfort with the horizontal baffles.

Has anything come out in the past year or two that is more comfortable (but still packs rather small) than the Xtherm for temps down to 15°F? I'll be using this pad mostly between freezing and 50° but we have always have the risk of a super cold front during hunting season.

I've been looking at the Nemo Tensor All-Season (R5.4) and Extreme (R8.5), STS Ether Light XT Extreme (R6.2), and REI Helix (R4.9).

My ideal size is a Regular Wide (24"-25" wide)

 

[Cyril]

I believe it is still the best when comparing R value and weight of pad. That said I find the exped ultra pads to be more comfortable for me and for my partner(no crinkle sound). Run a 5R wide mummy for most fall back pack trips or weight restricted trips. Run a 7R wide for car camping. Would like to pickup a 1R wide for summer camping but just haven’t yet.

 

[Marbles]

For R value, durability, and weight balance, yes. For comfort, no.

 

[Drenalin]

I’m going back to the XTherm. It’s not the most comfortable pad for a side sleeper, but the warmth, weight and packability are outstanding.

I found the Exped 7R to be less comfortable than the XTherm, and the S2S Ether Lite Xtreme was a cold pad for me (with a quilt and temps in the mid teens).

 

[Fritz D]

The Nemo Tensor all-season, while not quite as warm as the NeoAir is one helluva lot more comfortable and quieter than the NeoAir?
I keep hoping someone will come out with a quiet, comfortable pad that has the same or better R-value than the Neo air?
I ain’t holding my breath!

 

[Wrongside]

but I still read a lot of complaints of comfort with the horizontal baffles.

Don’t over inflate it and the NXT X-Therm is extremely comfortable.

 

[ResearchinStuff]

The zenbivy ultralight has intriguing specs in that same range, and the company is very focused on comfort.

 

[BigDuckHunter]

The Nemo Tensor Extreme conditions is warmer than the Xtherm on paper. Only an few ounces heavier too.

 

[rclouse79]

I have had my x-therm for quite a few years now and have been happy with it. I think I have a leak in the valve. I covered it in soapy water and put it in the pool while looking at it with goggles. Never could see any bubbles anywhere. I usually have to blow it up a time or two each night. If they weren’t so dang expensive, I would have got another already.

 

[Macchina]

I have had my x-therm for quite a few years now and have been happy with it. I think I have a leak in the valve. I covered it in soapy water and put it in the pool while looking at it with goggles. Never could see any bubbles anywhere. I usually have to blow it up a time or two each night. If they weren’t so dang expensive, I would have got another already.

FYI: with the new thick pads it's normal on really cold nights to have to add some air ON THE FIRST NIGHT you use it. It shouldn't need any more air after the first night (as the air in it is cold and compressed). If you only need to add air on the first night this is normal, if you don't deflate it and have to add on the second night then it's a leak. You probably already know this, so just making sure.

 

[taskswap]

Noisiest pad in my supply closet, but the warmest, too. Only you can decide what factors are most critical.

 

[BigDuckHunter]

FYI: with the new thick pads it's normal on really cold nights to have to add some air ON THE FIRST NIGHT you use it. It shouldn't need any more air after the first night (as the air in it is cold and compressed). If you only need to add air on the first night this is normal, if you don't deflate it and have to add on the second night then it's a leak. You probably already know this, so just making sure.

Sometimes they need air more than the first night. I think it’s the material used to make the pad stretching out a bit. It seems the older they get the less it happens. I also weight 250 so smaller guys may not notice it.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

Don’t over inflate it and the NXT X-Therm is extremely comfortable.

That is my experience too.

 

[Kenny Hart]

I’m going back to the XTherm. It’s not the most comfortable pad for a side sleeper, but the warmth, weight and packability are outstanding.

I found the Exped 7R to be less comfortable than the XTherm, and the S2S Ether Lite Xtreme was a cold pad for me (with a quilt and temps in the mid teens).

Funny how personal this stuff is, and you truly do have to just try them and see what you like. I sold my Xtherm because my Exped 7R was FAR more comfortable to me, despite endless playing will fill levels. It was also noisy, which was a problem for me when trying to fall asleep.

I never tested them side-by-side for insulation, but I do miss the slightly smaller/lighter Xtherm from a packing perspective. I also think the down in the Exped is a bit of a gimmick and just makes compressing it in a timely manner more difficult.

 

[Desk Jockey]

I am an ether light guy. My extherm is warmer but the ether sleeps better for me.