If you're looking for a sleep mat that is suitable for year round use, the Thermarest NeoAir Xtherm R and the Thermarest Prolite Plus R should definitely be on your short list (infact, they may well be all that is on your short list!).

So, what are the major differences between these two mattresses? Well, other than the fact they're both 4 season mattresses, they don't really have a lot in common. The Prolite Plus has the obvious advantage of being self-inflating, which can be a great benefit if you don't fancy busting a lung blowing up your bed, once you've erected your tent, all after a long day out on the hills.

If weight and pack size are your major concerns, you can't really beat the NeoAir Xtherm R. It packs down to 20 x 9cm (compared to 25 x 13cm of the Prolite Plus R), and weighs a measly 430g (the Prolite Plus isn't exactly back-breaking at only 620g, but for ultra-light backpackers, every gram counts - and shaving off almost 200g is an opportunity not to be missed).



Thermarest NeoAir XTherm Mattress

Another specification worth taking into consideration is the R-Value of these sleep mats. Although both are classed as 4 season mattresses, the NeoAir Xtherm offers far greater insulation from the ground (an R-Value of 5.7, in comparison to 3.8 for the Prolite Plus), this is due to fact the NeoAir Xtherm offers a sleeping height of 2.5 inches from the ground and utilises a "Triangular Core Matrix" construction, providing more than 10x the amount of individual air chambers compared to a traditional air mattress.


Thermarest Prolite Plus Mattress

Lastly we come to the price. Well, luckily for you - we offer both of these mattresses for well below the SRP. The Thermarest Prolite Plus R comes in at £74.99 (SRP: £99.99) and the NeoAir Xtherm follows at £123.99 (SRP: £150.00).

So, if you're looking for a comfortable, insulating, lightweight and extremely packable mattress, both of these will certainly do the trick. For those looking for the advantage of a self-inflating mattress, the Prolite Plus R is the one to go for. If you're into lightweight backpacking and would rather inflate your mattress in the evening than carry the extra 200g all day, there really is no better option than the Thermarest Neoair Xtherm mattress.

View the entire Thermarest Fast and Light range.