Which is better for winter camping?

The XTherm NXT. Its R-7.3 rating is built for snow and sub-freezing ground. The Rapide SL at R-4.8 suits three-season trips.

Which is more comfortable?

The Rapide SL. At 4.25 in it is noticeably thicker and softer. The XTherm is 3 in thick but warmer and lighter.

The XTherm's 70D bottom resists abrasion better. Its weak point is the valve, which some owners report leaking. Treat both valves carefully.

Is the XTherm worth stepping up to?

Yes if you camp in cold or on snow, or count ounces on long trips. For summer backpacking the Rapide SL covers you with more comfort.

Does the XTherm lose air overnight?

Some owners report air loss and valve leaks, sometimes soon after the warranty ends. Test the valve at home before a trip and carry the repair kit.

The Rapide SL, at about 4 x 7 in packed versus 4.9 x 9 in for the XTherm.

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT vs Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated

The NeoAir XTherm NXT is the warmer, lighter pad and the right pick for snow, winter and high-alpine trips. The Rapide SL Insulated is thicker and more comfortable for three-season use, and it is simpler to live with. Owners of the XTherm praise its warmth-to-weight and durability but report valve leaks and overnight air loss, sometimes soon after warranty. The Rapide SL has a loyal following for comfort, but its listed specs are inconsistent, so confirm size and weight before you commit.

Choose the NeoAir XTherm NXT if you sleep cold, camp on snow, or count every ounce on winter and alpine trips.
Choose the Rapide SL Insulated if you want a thicker, plusher pad for three-season backpacking and don't need extreme warmth.

Prices

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT: $204.46 at Amazon (checked today)
Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated: $148.76 at Amazon (checked today)
Difference: the Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated is $55.70 cheaper than the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT today

	Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT	Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated
R-value (warmth)	7.3, rated for snow and deep cold	4.8, solid for three-season use
Weight	15.5 oz in Regular	About 1 lb 2 oz
Thickness	3 in	4.25 in, plusher under the hip and shoulder
Packed size	4.9 x 9 in	4 x 7 in, smaller
Shell fabric	30D top, 70D bottom for durability	Lighter fabrics; less abrasion protection
Inflation and valve	WingLock valve plus pump sack; some owners report leaks and overnight air loss	Standard valve; owners find it harder to repack
Size options	Regular and Large, 20 or 25 in wide; no short size	72 in length listed; confirm widths
Noise	Quieter than earlier NeoAir models but still crinkly	Quieter fabric

Spec	Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT	Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated
Weight	15.5 oz.	1 lb 2 oz
R-value	7.3	4.8
Packed Size	4.9" x 9"	4 x 7 inches
Insulated	Yes	Yes
Thickness	3″	—
Lengths Available	Regular (72"), Large (77")	—
Width	Regular (20"), Wide (25")	—
Shell Fabric	30D nylon top, 70D nylon bottom	—
Insulation Type	ThermaCapture aluminized film	—
Pad Thickness	—	4.25 inches
Tent Type	—	Dome Tent
Color	—	Red, Orange

Spec	Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT	Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated
Tent Features	—	Water Repellent
Inflatable	—	Yes
Length (")	—	72.0

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT vs Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated

Prices

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT vs Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated

Prices

Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated

What separates them

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