Exped SynMat Hyperlite vs Thermarest Neoair Xlite

The most difficult situation that all ultralight backpackers will face once in their life, Exped SynMat Hyperlite vs Thermarest Neoair Xlite. First of all, one cannot clearly say that one is better than the other, both are quite high-quality sleeping pads. But I’ve prepared this comprehensive comparison to help you choose the one that is more suitable for you.

In summary, Thermarest NeoAir XLite weighs less, offers better insulation and Warmth-to-Weight Ratio, and it’s more durable. Exped SynMat Hyperlite on the other hand offers better comfort, sounds less, and packs down smaller. If you’re thinking of doing cold weather camping trips, don’t hesitate, go with Thermarest NeoAir XLite but if you’re a side-sleeper and don’t go camping below 28°F Exped SynMat Hyperlite might be a better option for you.

Specs: Exped SynMat HL vs NeoAir Xlite

Detailed Comparison: Exped SynMat and NeoAir XLite

Weight

Winner: Thermarest NeoAir XLite

I started my comparison with weight, because no doubt, weight is the most important factor for ultralight backpacking trips. And Thermarest NeoAir XLite is the winner in the weight department, the difference is very small though.

Medium (Regular) sizes of Exped SynMat and NeoAir XLite respectively weigh 15.4 oz and 12 oz. But Exped SynMat comes with a pump sack (2.1 oz), if you don’t want to carry the pump sack and use your breath in your trip it will weigh only 13.3 oz.

Packed Size

Winner: Exped SynMat Hyperlite

The second most important issue for the backpackers, (for compactness addicts out there, probably the most import factor). In this department, Exped Synmat HL is the clear winner.

Exped Synmat HL Regular (Ø 3.5″ x 7.5″) packs down %64 smaller than Thermarest NeoAir XLite Regular (Ø 4.1″ x 9″).

Insulation

Winner: Thermarest NeoAir XLite

Insulation of sleeping pads is measured by a term called R-Value. Basically, The higher the R-Value the better insulation you will get.

To understand it better, here is an R-Value to Temperature chart that I made:

Thermarest NeoAir XLite has an R-Value of 4.2 to keep you warm down to 10°F, on the other hand, Exped SynMat Hyperlite has an R-Value of 2.9 to keep you warm down to 28°F.

But if you really like Exped SynMat and if you’re into cold weather camping, don’t forget that there is also a winter version of Exped SynMat HL that can keep you warm down to -5 °F.

Also, for backpacking sleeping pads we generally look for Warmth to Weight ratio when comparing two sleeping pads.

As you can see it on the table, with the Warmth to Weight Ratio of 0.35 NeoAir XLite is %59 better than Exped SynMat HL (0.22) for cold weather backpacking trips.

I am comparing the regular sizes of the sleeping pads, but don’t worry if you’re looking for small or large versions as well, the differences between two pads are nearly the same in every size.

If you’re into winter camping, after comprehensive research I compiled the best cold weather sleeping pads.

Comfort

Winner: Exped SynMat Hyperlite

There are two points to be considered when it comes to the comfort of sleeping pads; Thickness and Shape.

Thickness

Thickness is especially important for side sleepers. Because when you lay on your side, more pressure is being made on the pad and you’re more likely to go deeper and feel the ground. Therefore if you’re a side-sleeper go for the thickest ones.

In the case of Exped SynMat Hyperlite vs Thermarest Neoair XLite, with a thickness of 2.8″ Exped SynMat HL offers a 0.3″ bigger cushion depth than Thermarest NeoAir XLite (2.5″).

If you like to see alternative comfortable sleeping pads, you can check out the article where I compiled the best sleeping pads for bad backs.

Shape

Both sleeping pads have a tapered form, they’re wider at the shoulder area and more narrow at the foot area (this design is for reducing the weight and packed size), therefore, if you’re a person who moves a lot during sleeping, you might slide off the pad, in that case, I recommend the rectangular-shaped Exped SynMat UL.

And for the Exped SynMat Hyperlite vs Thermarest NeoAir XLite comparison, Exped SynMat HL features anti-slip GripSkin honeycomb-pattern coating, therefore it’s harder to slide off the Synmat Hyperlite.

Sound

Winner: Exped SynMat Hyperlite

You might be thinking, sound, what is the relevance? But due to the insulation materials used in the sleeping pads, some of them make crinkly sounds if you move while lying on it.

And unfortunately, Thermarest NeoAir XLite is one of those sleeping pads. If you think you would be affected by the sound, then Exped SynMat Hyperlite Might be a better option for you.

Durability

Winner: Thermarest NeoAir XLite

The hardest job for sleeping pad manufacturers is to strike the perfect balance between weight and durability. For the comparison of Exped SynMat vs NeoAir XLite, Thermarest NeoAir XLite is the superior one, it features a more denier, ripstop fabric with a lower weight.

Thermarest XLite is made of 30D rip HT Nylon, Exped SynMat Hyperlite on the other hand is made of 20D Polyester.

Also, both sleeping pads come with a repair kit, but those repair kits are only usable for small rips, and since these pads need air to do their job. So to avoid these rips, don’t forget the clear the ground you pitch your tent.

Features

Exped SynMat comes with the Schnozzel Pumpbag to ease the inflation process and prevent the moist air that would be coming from the breath get into the pad and cause mold.

See Exped SynMat HL Customer Reviews

Thermarest, on the other hand, has designed a very convenient and innovative valve called WingLock, it eases inflation and deflation process, and also prevents moist breath to get into the pad.

See Thermarest NeoAir XLite Customer Reviews

Sizes & Dimensions

Sizes of Thermarest Neoair XLite

Sizes of Exped SynMat Hyperlite

Watch the Exped SynMat Hyperlite review here: