Talk me out of a NeoAir XTherm NXT

[Desk Jockey]

I have an old xlite that has a loud crinkle sound. I sleep pretty heavily and it is enough for me to notice. My buddy sleeping 15 feet away even mentioned the noise one trip. Not sure if they changed the design but it was enough to send me in other directions.

 

[HouseCL]

I have the Neoair xlite nxt max large and the zen bivy ultralight flex, and the zen bivy is hands down more comfortable. The only downside is it’s a bit heavier, but I’ll take good sleep over a few oz any day.

The problem with the zen bivy ultralite is the availability, they never have the 25” width in stock. I guess if somebody can get by with the 20” pad those are available but personally I will never sleep on a 20” pad again.

 

[SonnyDay]

Going to try this for cold weather walk in camping this fall/winter.

View attachment 754097

I have gone back and forth between down insulated and the reflective foil. Seems like the the foil saves weight. Curious how you like that one.

Go lay on one at your local store. I didn't find them all that comfortable.

I have the Neoair xlite nxt max large and the zen bivy ultralight flex, and the zen bivy is hands down more comfortable. The only downside is it’s a bit heavier, but I’ll take good sleep over a few oz any day.

I have heard the ZenBivy is kinda of amazing in terms of comfort. Trying to decide if that extra R-value for the XTherm is worth it over the comfort of the ZB.

 

[SonnyDay]

I have an old xlite that has a loud crinkle sound. I sleep pretty heavily and it is enough for me to notice. My buddy sleeping 15 feet away even mentioned the noise one trip. Not sure if they changed the design but it was enough to send me in other directions.

I've heard the old one was like "sleeping on a bag of potato chips"... but I think they've addressed that.

 

[SonnyDay]

The problem with the zen bivy ultralite is the availability, they never have the 25” width in stock. I guess if somebody can get by with the 20” pad those are available but personally I will never sleep on a 20” pad again.

They say they should have them back in stock "early September" on the website... guess we'll see.

 

[HNTR918]

XTherm NXT Long & Wide owner here.
This is the only pad I haven't had holes in.
Thicker bottom fabric helps.
Also, super warm.
I use a quilt in 3rd & 4th seasons and never get cold from the ground.

 

[SonnyDay]

XTherm NXT Long & Wide owner here.
This is the only pad I haven't had holes in.
Thicker bottom fabric helps.
Also, super warm.
I use a quilt in 3rd & 4th seasons and never get cold from the ground.

Yeah, the durability of the Therm-a-Rest stuff is a big plus. I always bring a closed cell foam pad as a backup/extra insulation, but popping a pad and not being able to repair it would suck big time! The ZenBivy Flex seems to be the most comfortable from everything I've heard.... but it seems kind of untested in terms of durability.

 

[mrbillbrown]

Can't do it. Love my Xtherm

 

[Wrongside]

Had an Xtherm from 2016-2024. It just popped a leak this summer and had a few blown baffles appear last couple years. It has not been treated nicely.

I’ll see if I can patch it, but in the mean time I ordered a new one. Only two nights on it, but the vent nozzle is improved based on my initial impressions, the pad is hardly crinkly at all, and it’s a half inch thicker than the old models.

I would say stay away from the Xtherm. It becomes hard to go with anything else with respect to weight to warmth ratio.

I fully agree with LJ. Tho my old original model XTherm is still working fine. The new valve is a nice touch, as long as it lasts like the old one.

 

[sndmn11]

I ended up with a nemo extreme recently and it has been fine so far. The heavier bottom material of the thermarest was attractive, but I guessed I would see more comfort with the square pocket baffles of the Nemo vs the long horizontal of the thermarest.

 

[Loo.wii]

I'm kinda OK with @*zap* and @Loo.wii teaming up to derail my thread...


I should have mentioned that we primarily backpack hunt. If we're moving around we will truck camp if it makes sense. Thanks!

The crunchiness of the pad paired with the narrow size.

 

[SonnyDay]

The crunchiness of the pad paired with the narrow size.

Do you have the latest model? I have heard tales of them fixing the crunchiness in the most recent model. Otherwise, I would get the 25" FWIW...

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I really like mine, I just wish I got the rectangular one rather than the mummy shaped one.

 

[3Esski]

Love mine. Have used other ones in summer when I thought the xtherm was overkill and regretted it almost every time. It is a little noisy, but I just snore louder to make up for it.

 

[maxx075]

Was looking at one for my first pad as this will be my first year western hunting and they still sound like your sleeping on a bag of extra baked lays chips. I can't imagine what the old versions sounded like.

I'm trying to get in for the next batch of ZElen bivys.

 

[SonnyDay]

Was looking at one for my first pad as this will be my first year western hunting and they still sound like your sleeping on a bag of extra baked lays chips. I can't imagine what the old versions sounded like.

I'm trying to get in for the next batch of ZElen bivys.

Thanks for the info. I heard they had "fixed" the noise issue... but maybe it's just down to a dull roar now compared to the old one... haha!

If ZB gets that dang Flex Air back in stock I think I'll go that route with some closed cell foam underneath to add R value. I've heard it is hands down the most comfortable pad out there. I am trying a new ZB quilt set-up this fall so lots of new sleep gear.

 

[SonnyDay]

In case anyone is dying to know… I ended up buying a ZenBivy Flex Air 25”x72” (which just came back in stock today). It’s R5 but just planning to add closed cell foam underneath. I keep hearing how comfortable it is… and I’m getting old.

Thanks, everyone, for the input.

 

[maxx075]

In case anyone is dying to know… I ended up buying a ZenBivy Flex Air 25”x72” (which just came back in stock today). It’s R5 but just planning to add closed cell foam underneath. I keep hearing how comfortable it is… and I’m getting old.

Thanks, everyone, for the input.

I just ordered one of the ultralights today as well. Interested to see how it feels.

 

[Beendare]

i do have the newest model, its a little bit noisy. nothing like the older model but still a little crinkley.

i really like the bag inflator they have, its fast.

i still prefer the Exped for comfort but its almost a pound heavier

 

[SonnyDay]

i really like the bag inflator they have, its fast.

This part is a cool development IMHO. I'm so used to inflating pads by mouth... but always wondered what the moisture in my breath was doing to the innards of them.

Really cool to have some innovation on that front.

As noted above I ended going with the ZenBivy Flex Air... so I will let folks know on this thread how it goes after CO first rifle!

I am seriously considering an Exped for when we're at the truck as I have heard good things on comfort. Maybe next year.