Here is how these two sleeping pads compare on the numbers. The NeoAir XTherm NXT leans on low weight while the Ether Light XR Pro answers with warmth, so the pick comes down to which you value.
| Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT | Sea to Summit Ether Light XR Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| GearScore | 86✓ | 81 |
| Warmth (R-value) | 7.3 R | 7.4 R✓ |
| Weight | 15.5 oz✓ | 19.8 oz |
| Warmth-to-weight | 1.66 R/100g✓ | 1.32 R/100g |
| Packed size | 2.34 L✓ | 2.57 L |
| Thickness | 3.0 in | 3.9 in✓ |
| Durability | 57 /100✓ | 39 /100 |
| Price | $230 | $219✓ |
| Features | 3Pump sack included, Two-way valve, Repair kit included | 3Pump sack included, Two-way valve, Repair kit included |
| Type | Inflatable | Inflatable |
| Shape | Mummy | Tapered |
Highlighted cells mark the better spec: NeoAir XTherm NXT in blue, Ether Light XR Pro 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 against the Sea to Summit Ether Light XR Pro is a study in priorities. The NeoAir XTherm NXT wins on low weight and warmth-to-weight, and the Ether Light XR Pro pushes back on warmth and cushion.
The NeoAir XTherm NXT is 4 oz lighter, stronger on warmth-to-weight, and a touch more packable. The Ether Light XR Pro is warmer (R 7.4 vs R 7.3), thicker for more cushion, and $11 cheaper. On the default GearScore the NeoAir XTherm NXT leads 86 to 81.
Pick the NeoAir XTherm NXT if you care most about low weight and warmth-to-weight, which makes it the better call for counting grams on long miles. Pick the Ether Light XR Pro if warmth and cushion matter more to you, or you are focused on colder nights and shoulder-season trips.
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT. It is 4 oz lighter than the Ether Light XR Pro.
The Sea to Summit Ether Light XR Pro. It is warmer (R 7.4 vs R 7.3) than the NeoAir XTherm NXT.
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT, 86 to 81 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 low weight, or the Ether Light XR Pro for warmth. The spec table above shows exactly where each wins.