A 3-inch inflatable backpacking pad that weighs about 13 ounces and rolls up to the size of a water bottle. People pick it for a strong mix of warmth, comfort and low weight on trips where every ounce counts.
Specs
- Weight: Regular Short 11.5 oz; Regular 13 oz; Regular Wide 1 lb; Large 1 lb 1 oz (maker)
- R-value: 4.5, all sizes (maker; SectionHiker notes ASTM F3340-18 testing)
- Thickness: 3 in / 7.6 cm
- Sizes: Regular Short 20 x 66 in; Regular 20 x 72 in; Regular Wide 25 x 72 in; Large 25 x 77 in (maker)
- Packed size: 9 x 4.1 in (Regular sizes); 11 x 4.6 in (Wide and Large)
- Shape: mummy
- Fabric: 30-denier high-tenacity nylon (SectionHiker)
- Valve: WingLock (separate inflate and deflate)
- Includes: pump sack, stuff sack, field repair kit
- Made in USA of US and imported materials (maker)
- Warranty: limited lifetime (maker warranty page lists limited lifetime or 3-year by product)
- REI rating: 3.8 of 5 from 172 reviews (as of 2026-10-19)
What reviewers say
SectionHiker and Treeline Review both say the NXT improves on the old XLite: thicker, so side sleepers bottom out less, and quieter, though it still makes some crinkle noise when you roll over. Its warmth for the weight is the main reason people buy it, and it works in cold shoulder seasons. The concerns are the ones every air pad has: it can puncture, so clear the ground and carry the patch kit. The mummy shape is narrow at the feet, and the REI user rating is lower than the expert reviews, so not every sleeper gets along with it.
Good
- Very light for its warmth
- 3 inches thick; comfortable for most side sleepers
- Packs very small
- Quieter than the older XLite
- Comes with a pump sack and repair kit
Not so good
- Still a little noisy when you move
- Can puncture like any air pad
- Mummy shape is narrow at the feet
- Costs more than most pads
Who it's for
Backpackers who want a warm, light pad for three seasons and cool nights. If you car camp, roll around a lot or want something you can't pop, a foam pad or a wider rectangular pad will suit you better.
Sources
Last checked 2026-10-19. Specs from the maker; review notes summarized in our own words.