Two sleeping pads worth lining up side by side. The NeoAir XTherm NXT takes a modest overall edge, led by warmth, but the Ultra 6.5R has its own case.
| Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT | Exped Ultra 6.5R | |
|---|---|---|
| GearScore | 86✓ | 83 |
| Warmth (R-value) | 7.3 R✓ | 6.9 R |
| Weight | 15.5 oz✓ | 16.0 oz |
| Warmth-to-weight | 1.66 R/100g✓ | 1.52 R/100g |
| Packed size | 2.34 L | 2.16 L✓ |
| Thickness | 3.0 in | 3.5 in✓ |
| Durability | 57 /100✓ | 12 /100 |
| Price | $230 | $200✓ |
| Features | 3Pump sack included, Two-way valve, Repair kit included✓ | 2Pump sack included, Repair kit included |
| Type | Inflatable | Inflatable |
| Shape | Mummy | Rectangular |
Highlighted cells mark the better spec: NeoAir XTherm NXT in blue, Ultra 6.5R 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.
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT and Exped Ultra 6.5R take different routes to the same job. The NeoAir XTherm NXT wins on warmth and low weight, and the Ultra 6.5R pushes back on packability and cushion.
The NeoAir XTherm NXT is warmer (R 7.3 vs R 6.9), 1 oz lighter, and stronger on warmth-to-weight. The Ultra 6.5R is a touch more packable, thicker for more cushion, and $30 cheaper. On the default GearScore the NeoAir XTherm NXT leads 86 to 83.
Pick the NeoAir XTherm 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 Ultra 6.5R if packability and cushion matter more to you, or you are focused on saving space in your pack.
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT. It is warmer (R 7.3 vs R 6.9) than the Ultra 6.5R.
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT. It is 1 oz lighter than the Ultra 6.5R.
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT, 86 to 83 on the default algorithm. You can re-weight the factors to match your trip.
It depends on your priorities. Go with the NeoAir XTherm NXT for warmth, or the Ultra 6.5R for packability. The spec table above shows exactly where each wins.