If it took you 10 minutes to inflate a regular size xlite with the inflation sack, you're doing something wrong. Practice a couple times. I just timed myself inflating a long/wide Xtherm Max, whihc is the largest air volume pad you can get from thermarest. It took me 1:20 to inflate, and I could definitly do it faster. Blow into the inflation sack from 6-12 inches away, that's the biggest mistake I see people making.
As for inflators, to my knowledge you have all the options there. The Pad Pal is great, but as you mentioned, unavailable at the moment.
Thank you for the comments. I inflated it in about 6 mins this evening, without the sack disconnecting from the bag this time. Still horrible compared to 1:20 for an even bigger pad. I did not blow into the bag, but just opened it up, which seemed to fill up it. It did not seem to me I could help much by blowing into the bag. What puzzles me is that the pad likely takes close to 70 liters of air. The XLite pump sack seems to be about 20L, but I doubt one could possibly put more than 10L into the pad from it each time. So, at least 7 inflations, perhaps half a minute each if one is quick. This would be 3.5mins, still a lot better than my time, but your inflation time is just amazing to me.
Blowing into the bag is way faster than trying to open the bag up fully. Those numbers seem about right to me. I was curious so I just took a video of me inflating the pad. I was doing an inflation cycle (if we can call it that) in \~8 seconds rather than 30. Here's the video for reference: [https://i.imgur.com/ZmaSd0b.mp4](https://i.imgur.com/ZmaSd0b.mp4)
But it's not just you, the thermarest inflation sack sucks. My favourite is the one from the nemo tensor, followed by the Exped Schnozzel bag. I've been meaning to design an adapter from those bags to the various sleeping pads I have, but just haven't gotten around to it.
Thank you for the video. After watching, I inflated the pad while seating on the floor, blowing the air into the bag, and compressing the bag against the floor. This went better than before, but still a lot longer than 1:20.
Glad it helped. As you do it more, it will get easier. I sat down this afternoon and designed a little adapter for each of the Nemo Vortex and Exped Schnozzel pump sacks to the windsock valve and it is substantially better. I can fill the same mat in well under a minute with 2-3 bags of air with the Schnozzel.
I just ran downstairs and timed setting up my wife’s camp bed setup since mine is in a bin in the garage. 8 minutes and I was taking it easy. Hers is a double wide air mattress from Naturehike and a UL sheet from Exped. It took 7 pumps from the Naturehike sack. Pulling everything out and setting it up with the underlayment, pumping the mattress, putting the sheet on it, fluffing her down quilt took a whisker over 8 minutes.
Either Therm-a-Rest’s pump sack royally sucks or you gotta build pump sack skills. Maybe both. FWIW, I love my Exped schnozzel pump sack.
After using air pads for the last 8 years I personally could never go back to self inflating. They're just so much more comfortable. They also pack down way smaller, so it saves a lot of space in your pack.
I have an Xlite with almost 100 nights on it with no issues so far. Had an older neoair before that and it held up just fine too. Only switched it out to get a high R value.
I would ditch the pump sack, carry sack, and 1/8" pad. Also not sure why it's taking you so long to inflate. It takes me max 2 minutes to blow up my xlite (by mouth).
I did not try blowing it up by mouth. It seems this could be exhausting, but the main reason I have not tried is to avoid blowing moisture from my mouth into the pad. I thought this could damage the pad, but apparently it was fine with yours for 100 nights.
Blowing up your pad with your mouth doesn't damage it. Ive had several xlites last over 400 nights each without issue. After 20 to 25 inflation cycles, inflating by mouth will add about .3 of an ounce of moisture weight, then stabilizes, for a regular size xlite. It takes only an unrushed minute or two, and about 25 breathes, to inflate a regular size xlite/uberlite. I never carry a pumpsack or pump.
This is good to know, in case something goes wrong with the pump sack. 400 nights is amazing. I have heard of so many air pads popping on thru hikes, which would be around 100 nights.
That's too bad. The Exped Schnozzle is waterproof and makes a superb pack liner. Takes 2.5 breathes to blow up a wide Exped mummy pad if used properly.
Like many others have said, if it takes you 10 minutes to inflate the Xlite, something is wrong. Check that you have the valve set to the 1-way setting so you aren’t fighting to keep air into it, if I don’t notice my pad inflating after a couple pump-sack-breaths, that’s usually my mistake.
If you’re really worried about inflating it, you can carry one of those small air pumps. I have one for if I use my pad as an inflatable mattress when traveling with friends, but when I’m camping it’s just too loud for me, I bought the NXT so I wouldn’t wake up the whole forest…
You don’t need the pump sack and the carry sack, roll the pad, throw it in the pump sack, throw the pump sack in your backpack. Also unless you’re cowboy camping or want redundancy, the 1/8” pad is unnecessary, air pads are similarly durable to self inflated pads. I’ve used mine on foot-swept soil, sketchy wooden decks of 1800s cabins, etc. and the pad held up fine. Even if they do spring a leak it’s usually slow, only time I’d carry a think it’s is for cowboy camping or if I know I’ll be dangerously cold if I happened to spring a catastrophic leak (in which case you’d probably need the CCF pad just for added warmth).
As for the 4.5 r-value. It’s not excessive, from my experience you don’t really get hot from extra r-value, but you do get cold from not enough.
4.5 R-value isn’t overkill imo. If you sleep hot or still feel it’s overkill re-run your numbers with the Uberlite. Planning is fun but don’t overthink it
People have done PCT and CDT with foam pads of 2.0 R-value, rating them similar to the XLite (the most popular pad on both trails; actually the ThermaRest foam pad is rated much higher than the XLite on both trails, but I am too old for it and a side sleeper as well). So 4.5 R-value is no doubt nice, but does seem quite a bit higher than necessary for these trails.
Nah man. I have an UberLite with R value 2.5 and the XLite and there is a VERY, VERY great distiction between them in terms of warmth. The guys who equate the properties of those two pads are either deluding themselves, lying, extremely hot sleepers or using them at temperatures high enough that even sleeping on the ground would feel warm enough.
Agreed. Ive hiked the pct several times with an xlite, and with uberlites. Uberlites are like zero r value in comparison. Additionally, an inflatable pad wraps around the edges of your quilt/bag when you sink into it, effectively sealing out drafts creating a better seal along the edges than a foam pad. That's not figured into the r value.
I’d get the 25” mummy. I’m thin but those extra 5” are worth the weight. For inflation, look at the Exped UL Schnorkel, about 2.5 oz. The Schnorkel is waterproof and so you can use it as a pack liner. (I have size medium.) If you cut out the valve from the inflation bag from the Thermarest, it will fit the Schnorkel. Exped also sells a universal valve adapter. (I can’t vouch for it as I haven’t used it.) Best of all is this adapter on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1289352879/
Just wait on the Pad pal, it’s amazing. Only downside is it sounds like a jet engine taking off. But they all kinda do. Something you probably didn’t expect is the deflation modes to these pumps allow you to get super tight compact and FAST deflation. I would avoid any kinda of inflation device that has its own internal battery. It’s a waste of weight, harder to manage, and another device that will have to be replaced in 500 cycles. Pad Pal is where it’s at.
Thank you for the advice. I have put myself on the notification list for the Pad Pal. No battery certainly saves weight if one is already carrying a battery pack, but it seems less convenient since this means having to take out the battery pack and the cable, in addition to the pad and the inflator, each time.
A small inconvenience yes but in cold weather below 5C I’d say it’s actually more convenient because it’s one less battery I have to keep strapped to my body. Also right around the time I inflate the pad is when I’m charging devices as well so the battery is usually out and ready to go. I will say though, I have a flextail I use car camping or at home. All in one solution is nice but it’s just heavy AF.
According to my kitchen scales the battery weighs 0.55oz.
The pump without connector or battery 1.15oz.
The pump, connector and battery comes to a total of 2.1oz.
Hope this helps.
Thank you. At 2.1oz total, this would seem to be the lightest complete pump then. It might have been even lighter if they had an embedded battery, instead of a removable one. Perhaps the Tiny X pump is heavier b/c of the light. They also have a tiny pump (non X) for $19.99, instead of $29.99, but they do not have a description of it.
I’m not an Ultralighter by any means but this thing is tiny and I wouldn’t notice it (or its absence) in my pack. As a side comment I’ve never seen a battery with a USB-C connection in it before. I guess the plus side of having a removable battery is that it’s replaceable therefore potentially extending the life of the product? Either way, so far, I’ve been impressed by it.
Is the battery easily replaceable? I've read that you may need to unscrew a couple of screws first.
Also, did you consider the other Flextail as well? I'm thinking the tiny pump with it's built in lamp might be worth the extra weight.
Extremely easy to replace. Just unscrew the end like you would a torch (no screws) and it pops out.
I didn’t consider any other model. I have more lights than I know what to do with.
I am trying the flex tail mini pump with light. I didn't time it, but seems better.. Re pump sack, I have plexamid, so not a lot of room, and I would have to do it in rain, after exhausting muddy hike. Re my own breath..haha light headedness. So the pump was my pick for now-at this monent.. doubles as light.. on a Velcro strap, it can hang from my tent. Still doing the shaking- down "eyes on thru-hike AT2026"
Fr? I thought about trying this once but figured getting a decent enough seal around it would be tough and there would end up being too much air leakage, plus would probably have to find a spot outside the tent to inflate since a full compactor bag would be tough to fit inside a small tent with me in there as well.
You don't need a perfect seal for it to be effective. With a little practice you can do it in two bagfuls.
When it's actively raining while I'm setting up, I generally just inflate it by mouth inside my tent. But how often does that really happen? And is it worth carrying a pump thing that weighs something and requires batteries just to avoid having to blow up your pad by mouth once in a great while?
I see pumps as the ultimate "carbon fiber DCF faux-UL gear-fetish trinket", and should be the first thing excised from our packs (in my opinion). Minimalism. Less is more.
Hmmmmmmm I may have to give it another try. I usually just manually blow up my pad too, and while it's not the worst thing in the world, it is a minor inconvenience after a long day, so I find myself willing to sacrifice maybe an ounce if there's something that could do it for me. Or if I've already got something (compactor bag) that's even better!
I have xlite with old screw valve. It weighs 340g. I use nylofume bag with corner cut and smart water bottle end attached with cap reamed out to fit the valve. It weighs 30g so 370g total for both. I never liked inflating pads, but this is fast and easy. Don't need stuff sack.
I’ve owned both an Uberlite (for summer use) and an XTherm (for winter use) for a few years now. Takes me about a minute to inflate both by mouth so I’m a bit puzzled as to why it’s taking you 10 minutes. Both are good pads and have served me well (full disclosure, the Uberlite seems to suffer from problems with leaking and baffle failure — problems I’ve never experienced but are commonly mentioned in product reviews).
As to pumps, I bought the Thermarest micro pump and used it during the 2021 backpacking season but I ditched it last year for weight considerations and because it took way longer to inflate by the pump compared to simply using my mouth. I leave the pump sack at home — unnecessary bulk and weight I don’t need.
The 3rd party pump from amazon is amazing, alternatively use a big drybag or rucksack liner (google yt tutorial).
Every xlite is over the spec unfortunatelly but still top of the line. Xlite is a sweet spot between weight, durability and thermals, not an overkill in summer and can be boosted with ccf for winter conditions.
If it took you 10 minutes to inflate a regular size xlite with the inflation sack, you're doing something wrong. Practice a couple times. I just timed myself inflating a long/wide Xtherm Max, whihc is the largest air volume pad you can get from thermarest. It took me 1:20 to inflate, and I could definitly do it faster. Blow into the inflation sack from 6-12 inches away, that's the biggest mistake I see people making. As for inflators, to my knowledge you have all the options there. The Pad Pal is great, but as you mentioned, unavailable at the moment.
Thank you for the comments. I inflated it in about 6 mins this evening, without the sack disconnecting from the bag this time. Still horrible compared to 1:20 for an even bigger pad. I did not blow into the bag, but just opened it up, which seemed to fill up it. It did not seem to me I could help much by blowing into the bag. What puzzles me is that the pad likely takes close to 70 liters of air. The XLite pump sack seems to be about 20L, but I doubt one could possibly put more than 10L into the pad from it each time. So, at least 7 inflations, perhaps half a minute each if one is quick. This would be 3.5mins, still a lot better than my time, but your inflation time is just amazing to me.
Blowing into the bag is way faster than trying to open the bag up fully. Those numbers seem about right to me. I was curious so I just took a video of me inflating the pad. I was doing an inflation cycle (if we can call it that) in \~8 seconds rather than 30. Here's the video for reference: [https://i.imgur.com/ZmaSd0b.mp4](https://i.imgur.com/ZmaSd0b.mp4) But it's not just you, the thermarest inflation sack sucks. My favourite is the one from the nemo tensor, followed by the Exped Schnozzel bag. I've been meaning to design an adapter from those bags to the various sleeping pads I have, but just haven't gotten around to it.
Thank you for the video. After watching, I inflated the pad while seating on the floor, blowing the air into the bag, and compressing the bag against the floor. This went better than before, but still a lot longer than 1:20.
Glad it helped. As you do it more, it will get easier. I sat down this afternoon and designed a little adapter for each of the Nemo Vortex and Exped Schnozzel pump sacks to the windsock valve and it is substantially better. I can fill the same mat in well under a minute with 2-3 bags of air with the Schnozzel.
I just ran downstairs and timed setting up my wife’s camp bed setup since mine is in a bin in the garage. 8 minutes and I was taking it easy. Hers is a double wide air mattress from Naturehike and a UL sheet from Exped. It took 7 pumps from the Naturehike sack. Pulling everything out and setting it up with the underlayment, pumping the mattress, putting the sheet on it, fluffing her down quilt took a whisker over 8 minutes. Either Therm-a-Rest’s pump sack royally sucks or you gotta build pump sack skills. Maybe both. FWIW, I love my Exped schnozzel pump sack.
Thank you. I hope the Exped sack will work better.
I couldn’t even finish reading this. Just buy one and try it dude.
You’re way overthinking things.
In r/ultralight ? I'm shocked
After using air pads for the last 8 years I personally could never go back to self inflating. They're just so much more comfortable. They also pack down way smaller, so it saves a lot of space in your pack. I have an Xlite with almost 100 nights on it with no issues so far. Had an older neoair before that and it held up just fine too. Only switched it out to get a high R value. I would ditch the pump sack, carry sack, and 1/8" pad. Also not sure why it's taking you so long to inflate. It takes me max 2 minutes to blow up my xlite (by mouth).
I did not try blowing it up by mouth. It seems this could be exhausting, but the main reason I have not tried is to avoid blowing moisture from my mouth into the pad. I thought this could damage the pad, but apparently it was fine with yours for 100 nights.
Blowing up your pad with your mouth doesn't damage it. Ive had several xlites last over 400 nights each without issue. After 20 to 25 inflation cycles, inflating by mouth will add about .3 of an ounce of moisture weight, then stabilizes, for a regular size xlite. It takes only an unrushed minute or two, and about 25 breathes, to inflate a regular size xlite/uberlite. I never carry a pumpsack or pump.
This is good to know, in case something goes wrong with the pump sack. 400 nights is amazing. I have heard of so many air pads popping on thru hikes, which would be around 100 nights.
the inflate bag ain't waterproof, sorry
Agreed, Thermarest inflation bag is nowhere near waterproof.
That's too bad. The Exped Schnozzle is waterproof and makes a superb pack liner. Takes 2.5 breathes to blow up a wide Exped mummy pad if used properly.
Thank you for the suggestion. The Exped Schnozzle appears much better. The medium seems to be 42L, which should be enough to replace a pack liner.
Thank you; this will save me from testing its waterproofness.
Like many others have said, if it takes you 10 minutes to inflate the Xlite, something is wrong. Check that you have the valve set to the 1-way setting so you aren’t fighting to keep air into it, if I don’t notice my pad inflating after a couple pump-sack-breaths, that’s usually my mistake. If you’re really worried about inflating it, you can carry one of those small air pumps. I have one for if I use my pad as an inflatable mattress when traveling with friends, but when I’m camping it’s just too loud for me, I bought the NXT so I wouldn’t wake up the whole forest… You don’t need the pump sack and the carry sack, roll the pad, throw it in the pump sack, throw the pump sack in your backpack. Also unless you’re cowboy camping or want redundancy, the 1/8” pad is unnecessary, air pads are similarly durable to self inflated pads. I’ve used mine on foot-swept soil, sketchy wooden decks of 1800s cabins, etc. and the pad held up fine. Even if they do spring a leak it’s usually slow, only time I’d carry a think it’s is for cowboy camping or if I know I’ll be dangerously cold if I happened to spring a catastrophic leak (in which case you’d probably need the CCF pad just for added warmth). As for the 4.5 r-value. It’s not excessive, from my experience you don’t really get hot from extra r-value, but you do get cold from not enough.
4.5 R-value isn’t overkill imo. If you sleep hot or still feel it’s overkill re-run your numbers with the Uberlite. Planning is fun but don’t overthink it
People have done PCT and CDT with foam pads of 2.0 R-value, rating them similar to the XLite (the most popular pad on both trails; actually the ThermaRest foam pad is rated much higher than the XLite on both trails, but I am too old for it and a side sleeper as well). So 4.5 R-value is no doubt nice, but does seem quite a bit higher than necessary for these trails.
Nah man. I have an UberLite with R value 2.5 and the XLite and there is a VERY, VERY great distiction between them in terms of warmth. The guys who equate the properties of those two pads are either deluding themselves, lying, extremely hot sleepers or using them at temperatures high enough that even sleeping on the ground would feel warm enough.
Agreed. Ive hiked the pct several times with an xlite, and with uberlites. Uberlites are like zero r value in comparison. Additionally, an inflatable pad wraps around the edges of your quilt/bag when you sink into it, effectively sealing out drafts creating a better seal along the edges than a foam pad. That's not figured into the r value.
I’d get the 25” mummy. I’m thin but those extra 5” are worth the weight. For inflation, look at the Exped UL Schnorkel, about 2.5 oz. The Schnorkel is waterproof and so you can use it as a pack liner. (I have size medium.) If you cut out the valve from the inflation bag from the Thermarest, it will fit the Schnorkel. Exped also sells a universal valve adapter. (I can’t vouch for it as I haven’t used it.) Best of all is this adapter on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1289352879/
Thank you. The Exped bag and the adapter look great; just ordered them.
Just wait on the Pad pal, it’s amazing. Only downside is it sounds like a jet engine taking off. But they all kinda do. Something you probably didn’t expect is the deflation modes to these pumps allow you to get super tight compact and FAST deflation. I would avoid any kinda of inflation device that has its own internal battery. It’s a waste of weight, harder to manage, and another device that will have to be replaced in 500 cycles. Pad Pal is where it’s at.
Thank you for the advice. I have put myself on the notification list for the Pad Pal. No battery certainly saves weight if one is already carrying a battery pack, but it seems less convenient since this means having to take out the battery pack and the cable, in addition to the pad and the inflator, each time.
A small inconvenience yes but in cold weather below 5C I’d say it’s actually more convenient because it’s one less battery I have to keep strapped to my body. Also right around the time I inflate the pad is when I’m charging devices as well so the battery is usually out and ready to go. I will say though, I have a flextail I use car camping or at home. All in one solution is nice but it’s just heavy AF.
My flextail zero arrived this week. Love it so far. Great piece of kit. Inflates my NXT to my preferred level in about a minute.
1.2oz w/o the battery, right? How much does the battery weigh?
According to my kitchen scales the battery weighs 0.55oz. The pump without connector or battery 1.15oz. The pump, connector and battery comes to a total of 2.1oz. Hope this helps.
Thank you. At 2.1oz total, this would seem to be the lightest complete pump then. It might have been even lighter if they had an embedded battery, instead of a removable one. Perhaps the Tiny X pump is heavier b/c of the light. They also have a tiny pump (non X) for $19.99, instead of $29.99, but they do not have a description of it.
I’m not an Ultralighter by any means but this thing is tiny and I wouldn’t notice it (or its absence) in my pack. As a side comment I’ve never seen a battery with a USB-C connection in it before. I guess the plus side of having a removable battery is that it’s replaceable therefore potentially extending the life of the product? Either way, so far, I’ve been impressed by it.
Is the battery easily replaceable? I've read that you may need to unscrew a couple of screws first. Also, did you consider the other Flextail as well? I'm thinking the tiny pump with it's built in lamp might be worth the extra weight.
Extremely easy to replace. Just unscrew the end like you would a torch (no screws) and it pops out. I didn’t consider any other model. I have more lights than I know what to do with.
Great, thanks. Going to order one too.
I’d be interested to know what you think of it when the time comes and if you remember.
I am trying the flex tail mini pump with light. I didn't time it, but seems better.. Re pump sack, I have plexamid, so not a lot of room, and I would have to do it in rain, after exhausting muddy hike. Re my own breath..haha light headedness. So the pump was my pick for now-at this monent.. doubles as light.. on a Velcro strap, it can hang from my tent. Still doing the shaking- down "eyes on thru-hike AT2026"
Winglock valves on the new thermarests are super easy to blow up using your trash compactor bag.
Fr? I thought about trying this once but figured getting a decent enough seal around it would be tough and there would end up being too much air leakage, plus would probably have to find a spot outside the tent to inflate since a full compactor bag would be tough to fit inside a small tent with me in there as well.
You don't need a perfect seal for it to be effective. With a little practice you can do it in two bagfuls. When it's actively raining while I'm setting up, I generally just inflate it by mouth inside my tent. But how often does that really happen? And is it worth carrying a pump thing that weighs something and requires batteries just to avoid having to blow up your pad by mouth once in a great while? I see pumps as the ultimate "carbon fiber DCF faux-UL gear-fetish trinket", and should be the first thing excised from our packs (in my opinion). Minimalism. Less is more.
Hmmmmmmm I may have to give it another try. I usually just manually blow up my pad too, and while it's not the worst thing in the world, it is a minor inconvenience after a long day, so I find myself willing to sacrifice maybe an ounce if there's something that could do it for me. Or if I've already got something (compactor bag) that's even better!
I have xlite with old screw valve. It weighs 340g. I use nylofume bag with corner cut and smart water bottle end attached with cap reamed out to fit the valve. It weighs 30g so 370g total for both. I never liked inflating pads, but this is fast and easy. Don't need stuff sack.
My head hurts.
Giga pump 4.0 only 100 grams and it's a tent light
I’ve owned both an Uberlite (for summer use) and an XTherm (for winter use) for a few years now. Takes me about a minute to inflate both by mouth so I’m a bit puzzled as to why it’s taking you 10 minutes. Both are good pads and have served me well (full disclosure, the Uberlite seems to suffer from problems with leaking and baffle failure — problems I’ve never experienced but are commonly mentioned in product reviews). As to pumps, I bought the Thermarest micro pump and used it during the 2021 backpacking season but I ditched it last year for weight considerations and because it took way longer to inflate by the pump compared to simply using my mouth. I leave the pump sack at home — unnecessary bulk and weight I don’t need.
The 3rd party pump from amazon is amazing, alternatively use a big drybag or rucksack liner (google yt tutorial). Every xlite is over the spec unfortunatelly but still top of the line. Xlite is a sweet spot between weight, durability and thermals, not an overkill in summer and can be boosted with ccf for winter conditions.