Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm Max

Boasting “more warmth per gram” than any other sleeping pad, the Therm-a-Rest brand NeoAir XTherm (mummy) and XTherm Max (rectangular) offer a soft hand feel, light weight, good ground coverage, and with a decent thickness at 2.5 inches. Triangular Core Matrix is a patent-pending technology comprised of hundreds of baffles laying side by side in two rows. The triangular design of the baffles adds structure and stability to comfort.

The Core Matrix also proves to minimize heat loss by promoting circulating convection of your body heat. Along with the additional aid of reflective ThermaCapture technology trapping radiant heat, the entire design equals a warm and comfortable night’s sleep. The entire pad is maximized for weight distribution and innovative warmth.

Universal Attributes

Performance: 5
Described by one tester as “insanely warm,” this is a great pad overall, extremely comfortable and durably built.

Design: 4.5
At 15 ounces this pad delivers a lot of insulation and comfort, and packs down into a one-liter package.

Durability: 5
This pad lasted nine days on rock and ice trekking in Patagonia with no issues.

Innovation: 5
The Triangular Core Matrix works wonders on ice and snow for a comfy and warm night's rest.

Features: 5
Along with included repair kit and stuff sack, it's loaded with features, tester favorites being the ThermaCapture heat technology and Triangular Core Matrix, that all make for a solid sleeping pad.

Universal Tests

Comfort test: Very, very comfortable on uneven surfaces and sleeping in on rainy mornings in the tent thanks to the configuration of baffles.

Weighted overnight test: No issues; its wave held up and held air through the night.

Durability test: Not the most durable of pads we evaluated, but we couldn’t tear it under normal use and it performed well in tests.

Re-pack test: This was the only complaint from testers, that it can be a little bit hard to pack.

Inflation speed test: 35 or so breaths, plus or minus depending on how much pressure you like.

Packed size test: Packs small but not the smallest. Just fine for normal backpacking, but ultralight minimalists will appreciate a pad that packs down tighter.