NeoAir XLite NXT vs Ether Light XR: Weight and Price
How we did this: we compared what Therm-a-Rest and Sea to Summit publish on their own product pages, checked on 29 Sep 2026: R-value, weight, size, thickness, packed size and price, all for the Regular size unless stated. We have not field-tested these pads.
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT and the Sea to Summit Ether Light XR Insulated are the two ultralight insulated air pads backpackers weigh against each other. In Regular, the NeoAir is warmer (R 4.5 against R 4.1) and lighter (13 oz against 16.6 oz). The Ether Light is thicker, wider and $10.95 cheaper.
NeoAir XLite vs Ether Light: the verdict up front
Choose the NeoAir XLite NXT for the most warmth for the weight: R 4.5 at 13 oz. Choose the Ether Light XR Insulated if you sleep on your side or want more cushion: it is 2 in wider and nearly 1 in thicker in Regular, for 3.6 oz more.
| Regular size | Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT | Sea to Summit Ether Light XR Insulated |
|---|---|---|
| R-value | 4.5 | 4.1 (ASTM-tested) |
| Weight | 13 oz (370 g) | 16.6 oz (470 g) |
| R-value per 10 oz | 3.5 | 2.5 |
| Size | 72 × 20 in | 72 × 22 in |
| Thickness | 3 in (7.6 cm) | 3.94 in (10 cm) |
| Packed | 9 × 4.1 in | 18.5 oz with pump sack, patches and repair kit |
| Top fabric | 30D ripstop HT nylon | Not listed on the page |
| Price | $209.95 | $199 |
Sources: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT page; Sea to Summit Ether Light XR Insulated page. R-value per 10 oz is our calculation from the makers’ figures.
Warmth per ounce: the number neither maker prints
Divide each pad’s R-value by its weight and the NeoAir XLite NXT gives about 3.5 R per 10 oz, against 2.5 for the Ether Light XR. That is roughly 40% more warmth for every ounce you carry. If you sleep cold on a tight weight budget, this is the number that matters; if you sleep on your side, the Ether Light’s extra 2 in of width and 0.94 in of thickness may matter more.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT
- R 4.5 at 13 oz
- Packs to 9 × 4.1 in
- Four sizes, from 11.5 oz (Regular Short) to 1 lb 1 oz (Large)
- 20 in wide in Regular; wide sizes cost more weight
- 3 in thick, thinner than the Ether Light
- $10.95 more than the Ether Light in Regular
Therm-a-Rest rates every size of the XLite NXT at R 4.5. In Therm-a-Rest’s words, the pad is
“Weighing just 13 oz (370 g)—in the Regular size—and providing a 4-season ready 4.5 R-value.”
Therm-a-Rest, NeoAir XLite NXT page
The Regular is 72 × 20 in and 3 in thick with a 30D ripstop HT nylon top. Regular Short weighs 11.5 oz, Regular Wide (25 in) 1 lb and Large 1 lb 1 oz, priced from $199.95 to $239.95.
Check price →Sea to Summit Ether Light XR Insulated
- 3.94 in thick and 22 in wide in Regular
- Pump sack, pillow patches and repair kit included
- $10.95 less than the NeoAir in Regular
- 3.6 oz heavier in Regular
- R 4.1, lower than the NeoAir’s 4.5
- Sea to Summit calls it extended three-season, not four-season
Sea to Summit describes the Ether Light XR Insulated as
“Extended 3 season capable, ASTM-tested R-Value of 4.1.”
Sea to Summit, Ether Light XR Insulated page
The Regular is 183 × 55 cm (72 × 22 in) and 10 cm (3.94 in) thick, and weighs 470 g (16.6 oz). The box adds an integrated pump sack, PillowLock patches and a repair kit, for a packed weight of 18.5 oz. Sea to Summit also makes Small, Regular Rectangular, Wide, Large and Large Rectangular sizes.
Check price →Which should you buy?
- Lightest warm pad: NeoAir XLite NXT, R 4.5 at 13 oz.
- Side sleeper: Ether Light XR, 22 in wide and 3.94 in thick.
- Freezing nights: NeoAir XLite NXT, which Therm-a-Rest calls four-season ready.
- Lowest price in Regular: Ether Light XR, $199.
FAQ
NeoAir XLite or Ether Light: which is warmer?
Is the Ether Light XT the same as the Ether Light XR?
Which pad is better for side sleepers?
How small do they pack?
How much do they cost?
The bottom line
The NeoAir XLite NXT is warmer and lighter: R 4.5 at 13 oz, about 40% more warmth per ounce. The Ether Light XR trades 3.6 oz for a thicker, wider bed and costs $10.95 less.
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