NeoAir xlite sleeping system

[sailfish]

Hi,

I'd like a sleeping system like the NeoAir xlite sleeping system. Been around for a while now but doesn't seem to be available in Aus or even be able to be shipped here. I'd like to be able to go to -10, maybe -15 at an outside pinch with proper layering, a cold suit, pad and quilt. I have been looking at the Carinthia G-Loft reversible jacket and pants. I prefer a synthetic for the clothing so it can be used in the open in cold and possibly damp environments but down is acceptable for the quilt as it's lighter and can be kept dry enough under cover. To be honest I probably would not deliberately camp out in those temps especially snow but it would be nice to have some insurance for unexpected conditions. I have gone to -8 on occasion with my current set up but that is not light and I think I can save quite a lot of weight by combining such a sleeping system with what amounts to a dual purpose light weight cold suit (no sleeping bag). I don't want separate setups for summer and winter as that requires doubling up on components like pads which is expensive. Prefer a system where I choose components to suit the season but is still pretty compact and light weigh in winter.

So I am after advice if you think I am on the right track or not.
What are the gear options, brands and models?
Minimum cost to achieve the goals.

Probably will replace my tent with something lighter, not really prepared to go to a bivvey yet.


Regards,
Ken

[Strider]

There are a couple of X-lites for sale on here at the moment. But I doubt you'd want to take one to that low a temperature.

[sailfish]

Yes Strider I am not sure either.
I currently have a Prolite 4 but I can't find the R value any more and of course the neoAirs are a lot lighter which is the primary reason for my interest.
The NeoAir xtherm might be more suitable to the winter temps but not summer. So that leaves me looking for another component that can extend a basic xlite pad. I have extend simple airbeds into the minuses just by adding a space blanket as a ground sheet but the NeoAirs already uses something like that principal so I don't think that will do it. Maybe just 2mm foam rubber between me and the xlite might bring it up better, I have noticed it is surprisingly isolative but haven't ever slept on it.

Open to ideas what have people used to extend pads?


Ken

[Strider]

An X-Therm or Exped Downmat will work for the temps you're planning, without supplement.

[sailfish]

Yes Strider, it will but that requires I purchase both a summer and a winter pad which is exactly the kind of expensive gear duplication I want to avoid. The main objects of this exercise is compact, light weight and avoid duplication. Multipurpose is a means to reducing weight and packed volume which is in line with the above. If a component that extends the basic sleeping system can also have other uses like something to sit on for example, it counts as a weight and volume reduction or at worst an additional comfort. This is one of the reasons I want to avoid seasonal duplication.

I am working away at these principals to see what may result.


Regards,
Ken

[Mark F]

You could consider the XLite Womens which is R3.9 compared to R3.2 for the other XLites. It works for me at 180cm and a few too many kg as a quilt using side sleeper. It is fine at -5 but you may be pushing it at -15. While I understand the benefits of having sleeping bags with different temperature ratings I don't see why you would need a separate summer pad.

[Strider]

Spot on. I have a thinner doona for summer, but do not change my bed.

[sailfish]

Well the warmest pad I have owned is a prolite 4. I have never used an extreme cold climate winter pad so I had assumed something built for such extremes would be a bit sweaty and uncomfortable in summer leading to sleepless nights. If not, then a Neo XTherm would be the best option would it not?

Ken

[Orion]

I currently have a Prolite 4 but I can't find the R value any more and of course the neoAirs are a lot lighter which is the primary reason for my interest.

The Prolite 4 had an R-Value of 3.2 (as of November 2006), the same as the current NeoAir XLite.

(edited to fix the link)

Last edited by Orion on Wed 05 Jun, 2013 1:36 am, edited 1 time in total.

[Orion]

Well the warmest pad I have owned is a prolite 4. I have never used an extreme cold climate winter pad so I had assumed something built for such extremes would be a bit sweaty and uncomfortable in summer leading to sleepless nights. If not, then a Neo XTherm would be the best option would it not?

A warmer pad won't make you sweaty unless you're counting on the cold ground to keep you from overheating. The only downside of a pad that's warmer than you need is that it is probably also heavier and bulkier than you need. But with today's technology that's hardly the problem it used to be. You could use a slightly lighter pad and augment with some foam for winter but the difference in weight between a full length NeoAir XLite and full length NeoAir XTherm is only 80g.

Somewhat off-topic, I use a Prolite Plus size small which weighs almost twice what a NeoAir small does because I find the NeoAir very uncomfortable. I have only met one other person who feels the way I do about the NeoAir. Most people love them.

[sailfish]

Well the warmest pad I have owned is a prolite 4. I have never used an extreme cold climate winter pad so I had assumed something built for such extremes would be a bit sweaty and uncomfortable in summer leading to sleepless nights. If not, then a Neo XTherm would be the best option would it not?

A warmer pad won't make you sweaty unless you're counting on the cold ground to keep you from overheating. The only downside of a pad that's warmer than you need is that it is probably also heavier and bulkier than you need. But with today's technology that's hardly the problem it used to be. You could use a slightly lighter pad and augment with some foam for winter but the difference in weight between a full length NeoAir XLite and full length NeoAir XTherm is only 80g.

Somewhat off-topic, I use a Prolite Plus size small which weighs almost twice what a NeoAir small does because I find the NeoAir very uncomfortable. I have only met one other person who feels the way I do about the NeoAir. Most people love them.

Thanks for that Orion,

Xtherm it is then. I had read that the xlite can be a bit noisier than the xtherm so that's all the better. I do recall being too warm on the prolite 4 once or twice and I don't think that is the correct rating for the prolite 4. I'm sure that at the time the xlites 1st came out it was rated somewhat warmer than them but I haven't been able to find a reliable value on line for some years now. Could be wrong though, has been known occasionally.

Now, where to get a suitable light weight quilt?
Some places like BackCountry Gear won't ship to Australia and some others charge as much for the postage?


Regards,
Ken

[Strider]

If you haven't seen any of the Neoair range in before before, I strongly suggest doing so prior to purchase and comparing it with the equivalent Exped offering. Each has its own set of fans.

[tryangus]

There is also the NeoAir All-Season which may be worth a look. Sits between the Xlite and Xtherm in terms of weight and it's R-value.

Packed size is from memory around the same as the Prolite 4.

*shrugs*

[Mark F]

If you want a NeoAir try a few of the UK retailers. After VAT comes off (-16%) and low postage costs they are basically the same price as in the US.

http://www.ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/ ... id=19&s=30 NeoAir, Expded, Klympt, Nemo Don't know how many of the prices compare other than the NeoAirs.

[Orion]

I do recall being too warm on the prolite 4 once or twice and I don't think that is the correct rating for the prolite 4.

If you were too warm it probably wasn't due to the pad.

According to the CascadeDesigns/Thermarest websites, the Prolite 4 debuted in 2004.
They did not list the R-value at that time but when they started doing so in 2005 it was listed as 3.2.

History:
The earlier (pre-2004) generation pads were called the Ultralite (R-value 2.6) and Guidelite (R-value 3.8 ).
In 2004 these became the Prolite 3 (R-value 2.3) and Prolite 4 (R-value 3.2). Womens versions were added in 2005 (R-values 2.3 and 4.1 respectively).
In 2009 these became the Polite (R-value 2.2) and Prolite Plus (R value 3.8 ). A Women's Prolite (R-value 2.8 ) was introduced but no Women's Prolite Plus.
The NeoAir was also introduced in 2009 with an initial R-value of 2.5.

[Orion]

There is also the NeoAir All-Season which may be worth a look. Sits between the Xlite and Xtherm in terms of weight and it's R-value.

The All Season is in between the XLite and XTherm in R-value but it is slightly heavier than the XTherm.
What you get with the All Season is more durability and a lower price.