Gearnalysis

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT vs. Exped Ultra 7R

Two sleeping pads worth lining up side by side. On the data the NeoAir XTherm NXT is the stronger all-round pick, and the question is whether the Ultra 7R still fits your budget or priorities.

Best for:
Fine-tune ↗
Therm-a-Rest
NeoAir XTherm NXT
86GearScore
Inflatable · R7.3
wins 6 specs
Exped
Ultra 7R
76GearScore
Inflatable · R7.1
wins 2 specs
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXTExped Ultra 7R
GearScore86✓76
Warmth (R-value)7.3 R✓7.1 R
Weight15.5 oz✓22.2 oz
Warmth-to-weight1.66 R/100g✓1.13 R/100g
Packed size2.34 L✓4.29 L
Thickness3.0 in3.5 in✓
Durability57 /100✓12 /100
Price$230$220✓
Features3Pump sack included, Two-way valve, Repair kit included3Pump sack included, Two-way valve, Repair kit included
TypeInflatableInflatable
ShapeMummyRectangular

Highlighted cells mark the better spec: NeoAir XTherm NXT in blue, Ultra 7R 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 7R take different routes to the same job. The NeoAir XTherm NXT is the stronger pick on most of the specs that matter, while the Ultra 7R makes its case on cushion and price.

The NeoAir XTherm NXT is warmer (R 7.3 vs R 7.1), 7 oz lighter, and stronger on warmth-to-weight. The Ultra 7R is thicker for more cushion and $10 cheaper. On the default GearScore the NeoAir XTherm NXT leads 86 to 76.

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 7R if cushion and price matter more to you, or you are focused on comfort and room to move.

Common questions

Which is warmer?

The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT. It is warmer (R 7.3 vs R 7.1) than the Ultra 7R.

Which is lighter?

The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT. It is 7 oz lighter than the Ultra 7R.

Which has the higher GearScore?

The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT, 86 to 76 on the default algorithm. You can re-weight the factors to match your trip.

NeoAir XTherm NXT or Ultra 7R, which should you buy?

The NeoAir XTherm NXT is the stronger all-round pick here. Choose the Ultra 7R if cushion is your priority.