Neoair Xtherm Vs. Xlite

**bartlax4** · 03-06-2014, 16:06

Originally Posted by barchetta

I have used my xtherm in my ridgerunner down to 16F. My feet were a little chilly, but i can't say it wasn't my top quilt that is only rated at 20F.

My back was fine the entire night though.,

Reviving this for a quick question. I too am interested in the xtherm. Quick question though. I read a review somewhere saying folks using top quilts might not like it if you sleep directly on the pad because the top material is weird. Maybe even sticky? I think that was along the lines of what it said. In any case, I was just wondering what you thought of the material and if sleeping directly on it has been at all an issue?

**barchetta** · 03-06-2014, 16:09

Originally Posted by bartlax4

Reviving this for a quick question. I too am interested in the xtherm. Quick question though. I read a review somewhere saying folks using top quilts might not like it if you sleep directly on the pad because the top material is weird. Maybe even sticky? I think that was along the lines of what it said. In any case, I was just wondering what you thought of the material and if sleeping directly on it has been at all an issue?

Wish I could help more, but my ridge runner is a double layer so I don't sleep directly on top of it. I wouldn't call the material sticky by any means though. I could see it getting sticky over night due to sweat and moisture just like any other plastic material would. Just like a leather couch in summer.

**bartlax4** · 03-06-2014, 16:43

Ahhhh, ok. My hammock's a double as well, so there wouldn't be much of an issue as it would if I was in the tent. Leather couch in summer sounds terrible, though I don't ever plan to be laying on it in my birthday suit. Thanks for the info! Had just wondered if there was anything REALLY weird with the material.

**cliffhanger** · 03-06-2014, 20:52

The neoairs might seem a little "sticky" when brand new(way less than an inflatable pool toy). It wears off and not really a big deal.

**cliffhanger** · 03-06-2014, 20:54

BTW- picked up a Large Xtherm.... got down to 40 comfortably with the pad partially deflated.

**alukban** · 03-11-2014, 08:56

I have had the Xtherm on ice on the ground only inflated 1/3 and be just fine because they achieve their high R rating from the reflective material. On another note, I have used them with the wrong side up in barely below freezing temps and have gotten really cold --> the reflection works on one side only.

I have used it UNINFLATED IN ADDITION to an underquilt to extend low temp ratings and it makes a HUGE DIFFERENCE and is super comfortable - like it wasn't even there (like sleeping in a regular UQ hammock) aside from the additional heat. It almost feels like an active heat source under you and not just "insulation".

I will always bring an Xtherm pad with me from now on even if planning to go in a hammock because it is a great, 1 lb safety margin for temp latitude and the possibility of ground sleeping.

I will be trying to use it alone with just a couple of puffs of air one of these days...

**barchetta** · 03-11-2014, 09:04

Originally Posted by alukban

I have had the Xtherm on ice on the ground only inflated 1/3 and be just fine because they achieve their high R rating from the reflective material. On another note, I have used them with the wrong side up in barely below freezing temps and have gotten really cold --> the reflection works on one side only.

I have used it UNINFLATED IN ADDITION to an underquilt to extend low temp ratings and it makes a HUGE DIFFERENCE and is super comfortable - like it wasn't even (like sleeping in a regular UQ hammock) there aside form the additional heat. It almost feels like an active heat source under you and not just "insulation".

I will always bring an Xtherm pad with me from now on even if planning to go in a hammock because it is a great, 1 lb safety margin for temp latitude and the possibility of ground sleeping.

I will be trying to use it alone with just a couple of puffs of air one of these days...

That's a really good idea for "extending your underquilt" and i wouldn't have thought about that. Thanks

I haven't had any luck using it in a gathered end hammock alone though. I can't seem to get a flat lay out of it. I've tried it in my warbonnet xlc, my claytor jungle, and my simply light streamline and none of them seem to work. I always end up feeling like a banana laying in a bowl.

**barchetta** · 03-11-2014, 09:13

Originally Posted by cliffhanger

BTW- picked up a Large Xtherm.... got down to 40 comfortably with the pad partially deflated.

In a hammock? If so what kind?

**alukban** · 03-11-2014, 09:15

Yeppers on the "banana in the bowl" thing

That's why I just deflated the thing.

I'm thinking an uninflated Xtherm alone may be a good enough alternative to an UQ in 40+ degree weather. It would be interesting if a hammock could be built with reflective material already built in to the weave of the bottom material of a hammock, not as a replacement for the usual bottom insulation but in addition to.

**barchetta** · 03-11-2014, 09:28

Originally Posted by alukban

Yeppers on the "banana in the bowl" thing

That's why I just deflated the thing.

I'm thinking an uninflated Xtherm alone may be a good enough alternative to an UQ in 40+ degree weather. It would be interesting if a hammock could be built with reflective material already built in to the weave of the bottom material of a hammock, not as a replacement for the usual bottom insulation but in addition to.

I'll have to give it a shot fully deflated. If I find anything out I'll be sure to post.