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#177459 - 05/29/13 04:57 PM NeoAir XLite with a half-twist
Rick_D Offline
member

Registered: 01/06/02
Posts: 2939
Loc: NorCal
Looking for ways to wasteinvest yet more in camping gear, I noticed Campmor (use TLB link!) has irregulars on sale. But this one is the lay-dees' model, not one of the three unisex/dood models. So, what's the difference?

Slots between small and regular in length: 47/66/72.
Same weight as regular: 12 oz.
Same width as small and regular: 20.
Most interesting, higher R-value than other XLites: 3.9/3.2.

I've used a short original NeoAir four seasons with good success (best, lightest pad I've used) but am of the belief that one can never be too comfortable and am willing to up the ante when I can. This, combined with a pillow will get six-foot me completely off the ground and is rated more than half-again as warm as my current mattress (R2.5).

Received it yesterday and it's also half-again as bulky as my old mattress and rather thicker inflated. You can see the guts of this one and while I can't spy inside the old, I think there's now an added baffle layer. They moved the valve back to the side seam where it belonged in the first place and now, in a break from T-Rest "tradition" throw in the stuffsack and a patch.

For members of the two most popular genders, I suggest giving it a look if you're in the market. The only irregular thing I can spot is the word "irregular" stamped on the pad. Just don't say I didn't warn you in case it has to get up in the middle of the night for a pitstop.

Cheers,
_________________________
--Rick

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#178155 - 07/02/13 04:14 PM Re: NeoAir XLite with a half-twist [Re: Rick_D]
Rick_D Offline
member

Registered: 01/06/02
Posts: 2939
Loc: NorCal
Some first-trip feedback.

The XLite is warmer than the original, as promised by the R-rating. Was able to do a side-by-side comparison with my friend's original. FWIW I would have been warm using either, as it was only in the 40s overnight.

Like the original NeoAir, the XLite is most comfortable with less air than a traditional air mattress. This is expecially true for a side-sleeper.

The new mattress top has an anti-slip surface that's annoying to sleep on directly when using a quilt. I preferred to flip it over, even if that's not what the designers intended. It's possible the reflective insulation is less effective this way, I don't know either way. The good news is the new valve position at the side makes flipping the mattress possible.

The 66-inch length is fine for a six-footer who uses a pillow.

Finally noticed what makes mine "irregular"--a big slice along much of the bottom reflective layer (visible directly underneath the translucent bottom shell). I can't foresee this becoming a problem, but will watch for any future delamination of the reflective fabric.

That's my story so far.
_________________________
--Rick

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