Thermarest NeoAir XLite vs. Outdoorsman Lab

Thermarest NeoAir XLite vs. Outdoorsman Lab

Today’s competitors are the NeoAir XLite vs. The Outdoorsman Lab camping mattress. Both sleeping pads are great, and our video will outline a couple of the subtle differences between the two. Enjoy!

Purchase NeoAir

Purchase Outdoorsman Lab

 

Information:

Thermarest NeoAir Xlite R-Value: 3.2 VS. Outdoorsman Lab R-Value: 1.3

Thermarest NeoAir Xlite Price: $169.97 VS. Outdoorsman Lab Price: $40.97

Thermarest NeoAir Xlite Weight: 13.5 oz VS. Outdoorsman Lab Wight: 16 oz

Thermarest NeoAir Xlite Packed Dimensions: 4″x9″ VS. Outdoorsman Lab Packed Dimensions: 3″x9.25″

Thermarest NeoAir Xlite Inflation: 20 breaths to inflate VS. Outdoorsman Lab Inflation: 10 breaths to inflate

Thermarest NeoAir Xlite Width: 19″ VS. Outdoorsman Lab Width: 21″

Thermarest NeoAir Xlite Length: 74.25″ VS. Outdoorsman Lab Length: 74″

Thermarest NeoAir Xlite Thickness: 3″ VS. Outdoorsman Lab Thickness: 2.25″

Thermarest NeoAir Xlite Noise: louder crinkling sound VS. Outdoorsman Lab Noise: quiter crinkling sound

Thermarest NeoAir Xlite Takedown Time: 2.5 minutes packdown time VS. Outdoorsman Lab Takedown Time: 2 minute packdown time

Inflatable camping mattress summary:

When shopping for a camping mattress, there are several very important factors to consider. In this video, we’ll discuss the most important ones to help you make the best decision on which camping pad is right for you!

I had heard a lot of people raving about the Xlite so I decided to give it a whirl. There were a lot of things I really liked about it and a couple that I did not. First off, comfort. This camping mattress is one of the most comfortable I’ve ever slept on. At first I didn’t see much of a difference, but after multiple uses I found that it really does make a difference. I sleep through the night much more often on my Xlite than I do on my outdoorsman or other pads.

One thing I did not like, however, was the crinkling noise this thing makes. Any small movement results in a very loud crinkling sound that could wake a bear from hibernation. I sleep through the night more often, but if I wake up it’s much more difficult to fall asleep again.

Personally, I’ve found the R-value doesn’t make much difference. I look for my warmth in my sleeping bag (And you can’t beat the YakSak sleeping bag), so this one for me isn’t important at all.

They both pack down to very similar dimensions and both weigh just under a pound. My personal preference for camping mattresses is to have something inflatable with no foam. It packs down so much smaller and is more comfortable in my opinion.

While the crinkling does get a little annoying, the biggest downfall with the NeoAir is price. It’ll put you out a whopping $170, but for some that very well may be worth it. Overall, you won’t be disappointed with either sleeping pad so just pick one and go camping already!