Thermarest Xlite vs Xtherm?

[lbasilon85]

I run a 32 degree bag and will hunt Jan in New Mexico but mainly a September hunter. Is the Xtherm too hot? Is the Xlite too cold? I can always use the Xtherm to supplement my bag in January. Can the Xlite handle tempertaure in the low teens?

 

[sneaky]

Do you tend to sleep hot or cold? That will be a determining factor. Lots of people run the Xlite to the teens and twenties. The Xtherm for sure will handle colder temps than that much better.

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[Brad@Argali]

I run a 32 degree bag and will hunt Jan in New Mexico but mainly a September hunter. Is the Xtherm too hot? Is the Xlite too cold? I can always use the Xtherm to supplement my bag in January. Can the Xlite handle tempertaure in the low teens?

I've used both, and have used the xlite in the teens. It can definitely work, but the xtherm is damn nice to have when it's that cold out. For me, which is entirely based on my own body, if it dips below 20 I prefer to have an insulated pad like the xtherm.

 

[Dexter Grayson]

I have both, and 100% of the time I grab the xtherm. I'm a better to have it and not need it guy. Only saving 3-5 ounces.

 

[AK Troutbum]

I run a 32 degree bag and will hunt Jan in New Mexico but mainly a September hunter. Is the Xtherm too hot? Is the Xlite too cold? I can always use the Xtherm to supplement my bag in January. Can the Xlite handle tempertaure in the low teens?

I’m confused by your question. You use a 32° bag on NM hunts in Jan., but usually hunt in Sep.? What time of year exactly are you wanting the pad for, or are you just wanting a pad that you can be comfortable with, in temps. In the low teens using a 32° bag? Do you already have an Xtherm pad for your Jan. hunts, and are you wondering if you can get by with an Xlite pad for Sep. hunts?


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[Brightwhite]

Another thing to note aside from the xtherm being warmer, it’s got a more durable/thicker layer on the bottom to hopefully hold up better to punctures and such.

 

[5MilesBack]

A couple years ago I tried to go to the Xlite and a 20 degree quilt for lighter weight September hunting. I tried it out in July on a camping trip and froze my tail off. Sold both, and now I use my Xtherm and 0 degree quilt for everything except winter use.

 

[lbasilon85]

I’m confused by your question. You use a 32° bag on NM hunts in Jan., but usually hunt in Sep.? What time of year exactly are you wanting the pad for, or are you just wanting a pad that you can be comfortable with, in temps. In the low teens using a 32° bag? Do you already have an Xtherm pad for your Jan. hunts, and are you wondering if you can get by with an Xlite pad for Sep. hunts?


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So I wondering two things:
1. Is an xtherm too hot for September?
2. Can an xtherm supplement by 32 degree bag with maybe a reactor sleeve to get me ok for the teens?

 

[Yellowknife]

So I wondering two things:
1. Is an xtherm too hot for September?
2. Can an xtherm supplement by 32 degree bag with maybe a reactor sleeve to get me ok for the teens?

I don't believe a pad can't be "to hot". It will keep you from loosing heat (as fast) if the ground is significantly cold, but it won't warm you in any way. Keep in mind, I'm from Alaska... so maybe maybe "hot" weather means something different to you.

An Xtherm will help you get closer to the rating from a sleeping bag, but won't lower it.

I have used the xlite into the tweens, but I get cold spots. I prefer a full size rectangular Xtherm for anything below freezing. The wider width on the bottom keeps a leg or a knee from falling off and I'm less likely to get cold spots at the compression points.

If you already have an xlite, then supplementing it with a cheap foam pad will help quite a bit.

A 32F degree bag is generally going to be miserable in the teens. A sleeve is going to be on only minor help IME.

 

[rklein]

What @Yellowknife said.

 

[Desk Jockey]

If you already have an xlite, then supplementing it with a cheap foam pad will help quite a bit.

I have been looking at this concept to pair a light air pad with a closed cell pad for cold weather.

I have an xtherm. It weighs 20oz and has an R of 5.7. I have slept on it in all kinds of weather and never found it too hot. I am more likely to open my bag or quilt if I get too warm.

I also have an xlite. It is 16oz and has an r of 3.2. I haven’t had it in a lot of cold weather but it definitely is not as warm as the xtherm.

I am thinking about the UberLite, which is 12oz and r value of 2.

My idea is to pair the lighter pad with a z-lite at 14oz or a seek outside mountain mat for 8oz. These replace a sit pad and possibly a ground cloth so I could use the UberLite and mountain mat together for the same weight as the xtherm and save the need for a sit pad or ground cloth or with the zlite and be in the same place for weight. I am testing the mountain mat in this role this summer but it seems like a nice way to add r value to a lighter pad for $40.

 

[sneaky]

I have been looking at this concept to pair a light air pad with a closed cell pad for cold weather.

I have an xtherm. It weighs 20oz and has an R of 5.7. I have slept on it in all kinds of weather and never found it too hot. I am more likely to open my bag or quilt if I get too warm.

I also have an xlite. It is 16oz and has an r of 3.2. I haven’t had it in a lot of cold weather but it definitely is not as warm as the xtherm.

I am thinking about the UberLite, which is 12oz and r value of 2.

My idea is to pair the lighter pad with a z-lite at 14oz or a seek outside mountain mat for 8oz. These replace a sit pad and possibly a ground cloth so I could use the UberLite and mountain mat together for the same weight as the xtherm and save the need for a sit pad or ground cloth or with the zlite and be in the same place for weight. I am testing the mountain mat in this role this summer but it seems like a nice way to add r value to a lighter pad for $40.

I would be far more concerned with the durability of the uberlite than what combo you could make with it to achieve near Xtherm like performance. Those things are thin, you'll see once you play around with one.

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[530Chukar]

I’ve got the xtherm and that’s all I use. I use it in the single digits in Colorado in October and backpacking in the summer in Northern California in night time temps in the 60s. I’ve got several bags and use the 30 degree bag in the summer with the xtherm and have never felt like it sleeps hot. You can always unzip your bag or kick a leg out if you’re too warm.


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[JeffRaines]

Too many variables, but I generally agree with yellowknife.

For one, theres only a couple of manufacturers that I'd even think of pushing a 32* into the teens(Feathered Friends and WM). Even then, I would do it on a car camping trip first to make sure it was even possible. No way I'd get caught out in the backcountry on a trial run. Too damn risky... not to mention weather can change and be drastically different... it might be teens at the TH and 0 where you end up.

For me personally, if its freezing or below ill grab the xtherm. The xlite is nice - but as mentioned, it has some cold spots when the temps drop. Maybe you could substitute a pad under you, but at that point why not just bring the insulated pad and be done?

My advice - buy a sleeping bag and pad tailored to your situation.

 

[LionHead]

I’ve got the xtherm and that’s all I use. I use it in the single digits in Colorado in October and backpacking in the summer in Northern California in night time temps in the 60s. I’ve got several bags and use the 30 degree bag in the summer with the xtherm and have never felt like it sleeps hot. You can always unzip your bag or kick a leg out if you’re too warm.


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Same boat. I've used the xtherm for everythingfrom hot summer nights in California to fall in the teens. It's more durable than lighters pads I've used and never once punctured it. I don't use a ground sheet either.

Only reason I switched to the Nemo vector field is I hate blowing it up.

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[oenanthe]

I too get cold on the Xlite when the temps fall much below freezing.

It helps to keep it fully inflated. The pad is more comfortable with the bare minimum of air in it, but it seems to be much warmer when it's blown up firm.

 

[Lando]

I've never had a pad make me too warm, but I've definitely had them make me too cold. I'd go with the xtherm.

 

[Poser]

I use an Xlite in the summer months in the CO high country on my bike setup where space and weight carry more of a penalty. Generally, after Labor Day weekend, I’m going to bring the Xtherm, especially in a backpack setup where I have more space and the extra weight isn’t as much of a penalty. If I had to choose one, I’d go Xtherm.