At only 350g, and packing to around the size of a water bottle, Therm-a-Rest’s NeoAir XLite is compact and lightweight, making it the ideal choice for those wishing to carry less. But when adventure demands lightweight equipment, is it at the expense of comfort? Not with the NeoAir.

Constructed using two layers of triangular baffles, nylon-fibre fill and ThermaCapture reflective layers, it achieves its R-value of 3.2 by bouncing body heat back towards the user. R-value measures a material’s ability to resist heat transfer. The NeoAir easily meets the R-value of many self-inflating mats, but at a fraction of their weight.

The NeoAir’s fabrics rattle like cellophane and are quite noisy, but that disappears once the mat is inflated, accomplished with lung power or an optional pump sack sold separately. With only 20 or so breaths required from start to finish, inflation is quick and simple.

The NeoAir’s only niggle appears when you sit on it. You literally bottom out as your backside, hip or elbow touches down. But once you lay out flat the support and comfort is second to none.

With a price point of $370, the only discomfort you may feel is in your wallet. However, its real value is in its performance, making it a worthy consideration for any outdoor adventure.