Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite

This popular pad is a three-season sleeping pad that changed the game when it came out, and the updated version remains our top pick for backpacking. Warm, compact, and comfortable, it's no surprise why so many diehard thru-hikers, backpackers, and alpine climbers swear by the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite.

Pros: 

Size and weight, or the lack thereof, are huge pros of this Therm-a-Rest sleeping pad, especially when you consider that it boasts a high R-value of 4.2. The regular-sized NeoAir XLite packs down to approximately the size of a one-liter bottle and weighs a mere 12 ounces, meaning this is still one of lightest pads we've ever reviewed. Therm-a-Rest included reflective ThermaCapture technology to trap body heat and still keep weight down, but the real secret sauce is the Triangular Core Matrix, which segments the sleeping pad's internal structure into smaller chambers and amplifies the XLite's insulating properties. 

Cons: 

Testers noted that this sleeping pad sports a small footprint, which is par for the course when it comes to ultralight sleeping pads. It's also a bit bouncy when fully inflated, and a lack of sidewalls makes it easier to slip off.

Bottom Line: 

This durable, warm, and lightweight pad was revolutionary when it came out, and the updated model is still a favorite for backpackers.