Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite Review

This pad's closest competitor is the Insulated AXL from Big Agnes. The AXL has a thicker, more "life raft" feel, putting a few more inches between your weary back and the cold hard ground, but Big Agnes doesn't state an R-value, and testers didn't notice any difference between the insulative properties of the ALX and the Uberlite. The AXL packs down incredibly small, albeit not as tiny as the Uberlite. Both of these pads are intended for summer use only, so the warmer, heavier NeoAir Xtherm is a more versatile quiver-of-one 3 season solution for those who don't want to run out and buy five different pads.

Performance Comparison

Fully inflated, this pad has a familiar look and feel, but rolled up and packed away is when it really stands out in the crowded pad market.

Comfort

The Uberlite has a huge advantage over the Z-Rest and the other foam pads in our review. It also crushes the Klymit Inertia X Frame (which doesn't provide full ground coverage and still is heavier than the Uberlite!). Among the inflatable pads, it's bested by the massive Nemo Tensor and the dual chambered Sea-to-Summit Comfort Plus Insulated. Both of these pads are wider than the Uberlite and more stable on the sides, though the Comfort Plus weighs three times more than the Uberlite. For the minimalist who has a strict weight budget and sticks to it, this pad will add comfort to your kit without going over your weight limit. Compared to more insulated offering from the NeoAir series, the Uberlite is much quieter and doesn't crinkle when you roll around on it.

Our testers needed to fully inflate this pad to avoid sagging through at their hip and elbows.

Weight and Packed Size

The Uberlite is king when it comes to weight and packed size; only the Big Agnes AXL Air comes close at 12.9 oz. The Uberlite is almost five ounces lighter and packs down a little smaller - around the size of a beer can.

To improve the warmth of the Uberlite and stretch it into truly three season use, you'll want to double up with a foam pad like the Thermarest Z-Lite. This foam pad will increase the R-value and protect your Uberlite from sharp rocks and pointy sticks, with a weight penalty of an additional 14 oz.

Warmth

An R-value of 2 is impressive for an eight-ounce pad, no doubt. For the strictly summertime fastpacker, you won't find a better, more comfortable option. For the alpine lite climbing of the Sierra summer, this is a perfect option, sleek and packable, plus you can put a little more between yourself and the rocks by flaking out your rope and putting your pad on top. For mountaineering with multiple bivvys on snow and Ice, The NeoAir Xtherm with its R-value of 5.7 is your best bet for warmth and weight savings from an inflatable pad. Just remember to bring your repair kit, since a popped sleeping bad can lead to an uncomfortable or even dangerous night out.

Ease of Inflation

Remember the ancient times when we all used to just blow up our air mats with perfectly adequate power of our lungs, and it worked, and no one complained? The Uberlite brings us back to those simpler times, and after unscrewing the 2-way valve, we were able to inflate the Uberlite with 18-20 deep breaths. If you hate blowing up your mattress, you can purchase a pump sack from Thermarest, adding another three ounces to your load, and in the opinion of our testers, not really making it any easier on yourself.

This pad employs the classic and effective one-way twist valve for inflation and deflation. No bells and whistles, it just works.

Durability

This pad is constructed from nail-bitingly-thin 15 Denier nylon. We didn't manage to puncture during our "average" use while slumbering on flat granite or bedding down in the pine duff with the occasional pinecone thrown in, but did we agonize! This puppy has got some thin skin, and we highly recommend putting down a ground tarp, a rope, a space blanket, or anything to protect your comfy prize. It includes a patch kit; never leave it behind.

Right out of the stuff sack it feels like a thin garbage bag. After about 20 breathes, it's a comfy sleeping surface.

Best Applications

The packed size of this little guy opens it up to so many applications for when space is a premium. Bike touring, backpacking, schlepping around Europe, fastpacking the John Muir Trail, even napping at the crag. The Uberlight is so light and compact that it's easy to forget it's even in your pack. Currently, the Uberlite is available in three sizes, but are all the same "mummy" shape with rounded corners and taper towards the feet. A few of our testers said they'd be interested in carrying an extra ounce or to for a larger rectangular option.

Value

At $179 for the size regular we've tested here, this isn't a budget option. You could get an equally or even better night's sleep on the REI Co-op Flash, but you're going to be carrying more than twice the ounces and taking up twice as much space in your pack. For the dedicated fast packer, a decent night sleep on a sub ten-ounce pad is worth price.

This pad takes up very little space in your pack but offers little insulation between you and the ground with an R-value of 2.

Conclusion

We're always impressed with the balance of light weight and comfort from the folks at Thermarest, and the Uberlite is no exception. While the Neoair Xtherm retains its status as Editors' Choice because of its three-season warmth and versatility, the Uberlite earns its place in our packs for long summer days warm summer nights on the go.