I was in the market for a winter sleep mat and went with the Exped Dura 8r. It is very comfortable and warm. Much to my surprise I have not had to deflate it in order to be comfortable side sleeping, something I have to do with my Rapide. It's also made with heavy duty fabrics. Downside is it weighs about 18-20oz more than the Xtherm. But for me, the added comfort is worth it.
Good review. One thing I wish thermarest still did is put the soft grip nylon on the bottom. I'm not sure why they don't use it anymore. Kept the pads in place on a slippery tent floor. Nice grippy, durable material. Have some older thermarests with it and it's actually a big difference maker for me. Maybe I'm the only one who cares about that lol. There are solutions; sometimes I put the pad on a packtowel. I have tents with really slippery floors that I've put seam tape on and that helps a bit. Just kind of messy solutions to a problem that was solved over 10 years ago when they used soft grip nylon on their pad bottoms. Anyway you did a good job covering all bases here. Got all my questions answered, thanks!
Excellent review, thank you! I just purchased the Regular Wide as I toss and turn and I'm 5'9". I'll be using it next week in Joshua Tree. It might be warmer than I need but I'll leave my closed cell at home.
I just bought the previous version because the NXT is only slightly improved and you can now pick up the older model at a significant discount. In the NXT only the R-value is 0.4 higher and there is an increase in thickness, and for me it doesn't make too much difference. The rest (noise, weight) is basically the same.
That is true. It would be a good deal for somebody to get the old version right now. I do like the extra half inch of thickness because I notice a difference.
I have the Xlite version also and I’m putting a review out next Friday. There is a drastic noise reduction between the old version and the new version. Unfortunately, they weren’t able to do that with the Xtherm.
Backpacking Gear Nut, big mistake blowing air from your mouth into the pump bag, you are introducing moisture and bacteria to the inside of the pad, which eventually develops mold which both reduces the longevity of the pad and its insulating properties. Simply open the pump bag and air naturally pools inside. Anyway it was a great review, convinced me to buy the pad for my next backpacking trip.
@@BushcraftEurope Why do you think they give an air bag with the pad? So that you open up the bag, which naturally fills up with air, and then pump the air into the pad. Its known that your breath creates mold inside the pad which ruins it.
@@BushcraftEuropehe's right about the purpose of the bag. Not making anything complicated. Besides the bacteria part, you also don't want moisture in it if you're doing some winter camping because then it will freeze up inside and do more damage to the insulation. Hope you learned something new today.
I have both the NXT version and non-NXT version of the XTherm. I do not agree that the sound is quieter. It seems noticeably louder. That's okay with me though. I've never took issue with loud sleeping pads. The bottom material in the NXT is allegedly the same as the non-NXT, but sure doesn't feel that way side-by-side. Having said that, I'm not worried about it, so whatever. I did buy the NXT Regular Wide. An additional 5" of width and 0.5" of depth for only 1.5 ounces more than the non-NXT Regular is a big win -- especially for a side sleeper. The valve system of the NXT version is significantly improved over the non-NXT version.
I agree with you. I'm not a big fan of the horizontal baffles. This pad's purpose is strictly extreme cold weather. You're trading comfort for warmth and safety. Other manufacturers are starting to make warmer pads that are more comfortable. I'm looking forward to trying new pads similar to the Xtherm. I know that Nemo is coming out with a pad that will directly compete with this. It also has horizontal baffles, but they break up their baffles differently and are more comfortable than straight horizontal baffles.
Sorry for the late response. Now that it is 3 inches thick I am able to sleep better but for me I would say that the repide is a great night sleep and the xtherm is a good night sleep. The xtherm takes a bit more practice to be comfortable and the Rapide doesn’t.
Hello from Vorarlberg Austria 🇦🇹 I bought this Matt and then I sent it straight back after using it 😅 I'm not going to make the mistake again 🤣 Kind regards Leopold 🤗
@@chef.papa.6tango523 I did some research and I cannot find a weight limit. But if it helps, I am a big guy that weighs 255 pounds. I have never had an issue with it. It’s very durable.
Do you put closed cell foam mat under or above the NXT? I have the XTherm & am not going to upgrade to the NXT. I'm satisfied with WHAT I already have & have NO INTENTION of spending another $250 or any XTherm upgrade. Planned Model Obsolesce - 2-3 years from now Thermarest will come out with a new/improved model with slightly higher R value & thickness with less weight.
@@BackpackingGearNut I've heard others tell me "on top" is best for the closed cell foam pad; others like yourself tell me "under". Thermarest told me "under" same as you, however, at this time I don't have a closed cell foam pad so the question is academic. I've been meaning to ask which brand/model tent & Sleeping bag will you be using?
@@azclaimjumper the reason you need to put it underneath is because that small hard pad will take away a lot of your softness and it will slip off the top of your big pad easy but it doesn’t slip is bad if it’s on the bottom
@@BackpackingGearNut Do you know how wide it is roughly at the bottom with the taper? I’m in the same situation. I’d like to make sure the regular wide taper will fit my bivy. Thermarest only shares the 25” width on their website
Love the pad but the pump sack is absolute horrible garbage. Espicially considering how much this pad costs. It seeps air as you pump so it takes at least double the pumps as other competitors. Its so bad, it is just barely better than blowing the entire thing up by mouth. Just ditch the pump sack buy a flextail pump for a 1 oz penalty... Frustrating that they cant provide a descent pumpsack.
Out of my three Thurmarest pump sacks. One of them does the same thing. If you use a little tent sealant along the seam, it solves the issue. I do realize you shouldn’t have to do that. the flex tail gear tiny pump is definitely a winner.
@Backpacking Gear Nut i have 4 xtherms and every single one does it. I seam sealed it but it seems like it's the actual fabric. Exaggerating here but like a dish towel. The seams aren't the problem.
@@BackpackingGearNut Can you tell me which flex tail gear tiny pump model works with this matt? I can't find any info on pumps site if they work with WingLock valve, I mean obviously a model does but do they all?
The BIGGEST deterrent towards purchasing one is that annoying crunchy noise! Such a pain in the a$$ when someone in camp has one (despite the model and year) and wakes everyone up!! Horrible design flaw!
