A close look at two sleeping pads buyers cross-shop. The NeoAir XLite NXT MAX leans on low weight while the Ultra 5R answers with warmth, so the pick comes down to which you value.
| Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT MAX | Exped Ultra 5R | |
|---|---|---|
| GearScore | 81✓ | 78 |
| Warmth (R-value) | 4.5 R | 4.8 R✓ |
| Weight | 19.0 oz✓ | 20.3 oz |
| Warmth-to-weight | 0.83 R/100g | 0.83 R/100g✓ |
| Packed size | 3.17 L✓ | 4.11 L |
| Thickness | 3.0 in | 3.0 in |
| Durability | 30 /100✓ | 12 /100 |
| Price | $220 | $200✓ |
| Features | 2Pump sack included, Repair kit included | 3Pump sack included, Two-way valve, Repair kit included✓ |
| Type | Inflatable | Inflatable |
| Shape | Rectangular | Rectangular |
Highlighted cells mark the better spec: NeoAir XLite NXT MAX in blue, Ultra 5R in amber. A blank spec is never counted as a win. GearScore is the rating for the Overall use-case (0 to 100). Pick another above to re-score. Prices are current MSRP.
Put the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT MAX next to the Exped Ultra 5R and the trade-offs are clear. The NeoAir XLite NXT MAX wins on low weight and packability, and the Ultra 5R pushes back on warmth and warmth-to-weight.
The NeoAir XLite NXT MAX is 1 oz lighter, more packable (3.2 L vs 4.1 L), and more durable. The Ultra 5R is warmer (R 4.8 vs R 4.5), stronger on warmth-to-weight, and $20 cheaper. On the default GearScore the NeoAir XLite NXT MAX leads 81 to 78.
Pick the NeoAir XLite NXT MAX if you care most about low weight and packability, which makes it the better call for counting grams on long miles. Pick the Ultra 5R if warmth and warmth-to-weight matter more to you, or you are focused on colder nights and shoulder-season trips.
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT MAX. It is 1 oz lighter than the Ultra 5R.
The Exped Ultra 5R. It is warmer (R 4.8 vs R 4.5) than the NeoAir XLite NXT MAX.
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT MAX, 81 to 78 on the default algorithm. You can re-weight the factors to match your trip.
It depends on your priorities. Go with the NeoAir XLite NXT MAX for low weight, or the Ultra 5R for warmth. The spec table above shows exactly where each wins.