Two sleeping pads worth lining up side by side. The NeoAir XLite NXT takes a modest overall edge, led by warmth, but the Zoom UL Insulated has its own case.
| Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT | Big Agnes Zoom UL Insulated | |
|---|---|---|
| GearScore | 87✓ | 85 |
| Warmth (R-value) | 4.5 R✓ | 4.3 R |
| Weight | 13.0 oz✓ | 14.0 oz |
| Warmth-to-weight | 1.22 R/100g✓ | 1.08 R/100g |
| Packed size | 1.95 L | 1.66 L✓ |
| Thickness | 3.0 in | 3.3 in✓ |
| Durability | 30 /100✓ | 12 /100 |
| Price | $200 | $200 |
| Features | 1Pump sack included | 3Pump sack included, Two-way valve, Repair kit included✓ |
| Type | Inflatable | Inflatable |
| Shape | n/s | Rectangular |
Highlighted cells mark the better spec: NeoAir XLite NXT in blue, Zoom UL Insulated 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.
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT and Big Agnes Zoom UL Insulated take different routes to the same job. The NeoAir XLite NXT wins on warmth and low weight, and the Zoom UL Insulated pushes back on packability and cushion.
The NeoAir XLite NXT is warmer (R 4.5 vs R 4.3), 1 oz lighter, and stronger on warmth-to-weight. The Zoom UL Insulated is a touch more packable and thicker for more cushion. On the default GearScore the NeoAir XLite NXT leads 87 to 85.
Pick the NeoAir XLite NXT if you care most about warmth and low weight, which makes it the better call for colder nights and shoulder-season trips. Pick the Zoom UL Insulated if packability and cushion matter more to you, or you are focused on saving space in your pack.
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT. It is warmer (R 4.5 vs R 4.3) than the Zoom UL Insulated.
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT. It is 1 oz lighter than the Zoom UL Insulated.
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT, 87 to 85 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 for warmth, or the Zoom UL Insulated for packability. The spec table above shows exactly where each wins.