NeoAir Sleeping Pad
4.7
5
42
42
Light as Air
I am really extremely happy with this one. It's much lighter than almost all other pads, and is ridiculously comfortable. Wish I had found it sooner. I was skeptical about it's durability, although I have been on 4 backcountry trips thus far, and there have been no issues. Well worth the price if weight is a concern
December 3, 2011
Lightest Weight and very comfortable
I had seen one of these before I bought it, and was concerned about the durability and the crinkling sound that it makes.. I am a big guy -- 6'1" 250 lbs. But I read reviews that allayed my concerns and I want ahead and bought it because I needed the larger size, and wanted the lightest weight. It fit inside the sleeve of my Big Agnes sleeping bag just fine (just get the same size BA recommends in their insulated Air Core). This mattress did not disappoint! It slept great. Once it was full and I was on it, it did not make a lot of noise. No leaks on a 5 day trip. Temperatures were in the low 40s and it was plenty warm. I have since read that the R value of this pad is not as high as the R value of their newer (teal colored) one, and is not as high as the Big Agnes Insulated Air Core (but they are about a pound heavier). This is important if you have a Big Ages sleeping bag because BA's temperature rating is based on having an insulated air core under you. Keep that in mind when purchasing. If you will be pushing the temperature limit of the bag, then you should get a pad with higher R value. But if you aren't pushing it, this is a great way to save a pound of pack weight. From a durability standpoint, I am very comfortable using this in a tent, but would not use it on rough surfaces without tent. Also, for peace of mind get a patch kit, but if you're experience is like mine you will not need it. Great product from Thermarest!
September 24, 2011
Go Large
Don't you hate when you cut corners to save money and end up regretting it? This is a great pad. Extremely comfortable, super-light, well constructed, and takes up almost no space.
But, the regular sized pad could be a little wider. I'm 6'0" and roughly 200lbs (on a good day). My arms fall off the sides when I lay on my back. I totally missed the width listing and was just looking at the length and figured, "ah, 72" is long enough". Unless you have 15" wide shoulders, spend the extra money and get the Large (or what should be called wide) pad.
August 25, 2011
best backcountry sleeping pad
I have used this sleeping pad on three backcountry trips now, and before you even sleep on it you'll love how much room and weight this saves in your pack. As for sleeping, it's super comfy, for a start. It doesn't take very long to inflate - just lay back and blow while you enjoy the stars and before you know it it's full. The surface is great - I tend to turn a lot at night, and I do so on this pad with ease, no slipping off like some other pads. When sleeping at 14000 feet I thought it might have lost some air overnight, and also in the cooler temps it seemed the the air inside cooled and it might not insulate as well as some other pads. BUT - I have not noticed either of these issues at lower elevations (8000 feet) and higher temps, and I haven't retested it again at the higher elevations yet. The material does seem like it would be prone to puncture, and I've knocked off one star because it does not come with a stuff sack, and at this price I think it should, especially when the material seems to require more protection from puncture (perceived or real). That said, it's a great product and I highly recommend it!
August 25, 2011
Ultralight!
I absolutely love this pad. The regular fit perfectly for me, it is a narrow pad that wouldn't be able to fit someone too hefty though. I am 6 feet and 170 pounds. It packs smaller than most other items needed for a excursion which is a major perk for an ultralight hiker. It took less than 90 seconds to blow up and you can adjust the firmness once on it by letting out some air. It is fascinating how minor air adjustments make all the difference. The fabric is thin but I am sure it will hold up for many many years. One other important thing- It's made in the USA! I would recommend this to anyone and I will be buying a small one for my girlfriend any day now.
August 19, 2011
This is the lightest comfortable pad you will find
I love this Air mattress. I have gone through so many in my days of camping. Never have I seen an air mattress as lightweight yet still comfortable as this one. It is great for ultralight backpackers like myself but you don't have to sacrifice any comfort. it keeps you warm also from the cold ground at night and just by letting a little air in or out can make it as firm or soft as your bed at home. I absolutely love this mattress and use it on every trip!!
July 30, 2011
Amazing!
I was doubtful at first about the NeoAir claims of being strong, lite and comfortable. Ok, I was wrong. This is an amazing pad. So much so that, although I bought it for a friend, I've decided to keep it and gift something else.
June 9, 2011
A 3season, revolutionary lightweight sleeping pad
I recently brought this with me on a week long trip in the Smoky Mountains. I have never slept so well in the backcountry. After long 10 hour days, I crawled into my sleeping bag and felt like I was in my bed back home. Even the other people in the shelter commented on how comfortable it looked. The pad is small and light when rolled up. It may not be the least expensive, but you are paying for quality.
It does seem a little thin without air in it, but I didnt feel at any time like it would puncture. It does take a lot of breaths to fill it though, but its not too difficult.
I plan to bring this with me on my trips later this summer and I plan to hike the AT from Springer to Harpers Ferry next summer and I will have this in my pack with me the whole way.
May 26, 2011
great pad
What more do I need to say than it weighs very little for a full length inflatable pad and it packs small. I've only used it 3 times since purchasing it, but I have never had a problem with it, and it sure beats sleeping on the ground. Plus, given its light weight, even if you're trying to shave weight off, the comfort you gain is well worth the extra ounces.
May 12, 2011
Ultralight and Packable but material worries me!
This pad is very ultrlight and packs down smaller than a Nalgene bottle. One other cool feature is that is has some sort of coating, probably PU or Si that holds your bag on it very well versus other pads where it tends to slide off during the night. Despite those features it is not going to work for me. The materials used both on the top and the bottom are extremely lightweight and thin. The way I abuse gear I really dont think it would last very long for me. If you are an ultralight backpacker who is extremely careful with gear it may work, but if you like to just throw your pad on the ground in the open and sleep I don't beleive it would last very long.
May 3, 2011
Ultralight but slippery texture
Sorry to rain on the parade of all 5-star ratings. I agree that this pad is a compelling choice if your typical backpacking trips are long or difficult and every ounce in your pack is important. I count every ounce, weigh everything on a digital scale, and pre-pack for every trip on a spreadsheet, so buying this pad was a no-brainer for me. Unfortunately after using it for two trips, I find I have been setting it aside and pruning my ounces elsewhere. I do plan to give it another try after reading other reviews here.
These are the reasons I set this pad aside and went back to my old one:
1. The texture of the fabric (if you could call it that - seems more like plastic) is slick, unlike the no-slip texture of a conventional Thermarest. I'm an active sleeper (I toss and turn at night) and find myself waking up off the pad, on the cold ground, two or three times a night.
2. You have to blow it up - granted not that difficult, but still not as convenient as just opening the valve on a self-inflating mattress, tossing it in your tent, and tightening the valve when you go to bed.
3. On my digital scale, the weight of the size regular NeoAir is 13.0 oz. That's still light, but the weight savings over a self-inflating matrress is not as great as would seem apparent by comparing the specs.
4. I've seen other reviews and comments where people have had issues with their NeoAir going flat during the night, and it takes a special repair kit for this mattress. My NeoAir has never gone flat but it's something that is the back of my mind when I'm carrying this mattress without any backup.
The NeoAir deserves 5 stars when weight is the main or only consideration. For more everyday use I rate it as average, because a comfortable night's sleep is worth the extra ounces for a no-slip self-inflatable mattress.
April 8, 2011
Very comfortable
The NeoAir is very comfortable pad to sleep on. It is too expensive for what you get. It gets holes very easily but patches easy. For being so fragile and expensive it should come with a patch kit and a storage bag. It is though, very comfortable to sleep on especially if you like sleeping on your side.
March 23, 2011
Great Product, great company
My wife and I have been using a pair of ThermaRest pads that we purchased in 1987 and it took the new NeoAir mattress to finally get us to replace well our used pads. We are saving almost 2 carry pounds and our sleep width increases from 40" to 50", plus the extra thickness of the air pad without loss of warmth. Although the NeoAir use very light materials, no concerns due to Cascade Designs backing of their products forever, so I will rate their durability high in advance of seeing that over many years of use.
February 28, 2011
Best Pad
This was the best sleep I have ever had camping. This pad is very comfortable, and is extremely lightweight and packable. It does take some wind to blow up, but is well worth it in comfort. I would go with this one anytime!
February 10, 2011
sleep like a feather
Cant say to much for its durability. As most, if u are careful with your gear than the NeoAir will fit the bill. The cross baffles make a huge difference if tossing and turning around when sleeping and prevents rolling or getting bumped off the pad. NeoAir is perfect for the gram counters who opt for full length pads. Ground insulation is recommended and greatly helps with insulation ,top quilt sleeping systems come to mind. Its an awsome product and packs as small as a torso pad. My reasoning in purchase. I wanted a nice luxury item without the mad weight penalty. sometimes, u really do get what u pay for.
December 14, 2010
Lighten up
I am really happy to find this item. It's much lighter than my old pad, much smaller and way more comfortable. Not often you can improve in so many aspects of a product. Wish I had found it sooner. I was skeptical about it's durability, but with over two weeks of backcountry use there have been no issues. Well worth the price if weight is a concern.
December 4, 2010
The Space You'll Save!
This is a great product. I could not believe how small this pad folds down to. I'd go with regular or large size, small or medium seem totally pointless it gets so compact anyway. It is very comfortable, more comfortable for sleeping in your side than others I have used. The only downside is that in the unlikely event that it breaks, there no insulation inside meaning you will have no protection from the cold ground. This wouldn't be a big deal in warm weather, but in the cold I bring along a small foam pad just in case of emergency. However I have had mine over a year, use it all the time and it's still going strong. This is probably the perfect 3 season sleeping pad.
November 16, 2010
sleeping on air
Best pad out there.
Pros Very compact, extremely comfortable, easy to inflate/deflate
Cons Large takes up a good deal of tent space(but worth it)
Will see how durable it is over time
November 14, 2010
Great lightweight piece
I wanted a little more cushion but without additional weight, this is it!! It was easy to inflate and packed down to nothing. I would get the regular size next time.
October 29, 2010
Perfect for backpacking
I am so glad I made this purchase before my backpacking trip. It is just as comfortable as my Prolite but considerably more compact and lightweight. Another advantage is the ease of deflating to its original size to store in the stuff sack. I never could fit my Prolite back into its stuff sack... I would definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to lighten their load!
October 1, 2010
Amazing
What an amazing product. I never would have imagined that it would be this comfortable. I have used it on two 3 day backpacking trips with temperatures at night in the low 50's. While I won't give up a certain amount of comfort, my goal is to not carry a pack that weighs 20 lbs or more. The NeoAir provides me some luxury comfort and reduces my pack weight at the same time. Very glad I gave in and purchased it.
September 7, 2010
Great upgrade for an Ultralight pack
I got this pad before leaving for a week long trip in the Sierra and it performed perfectly. Lighter, more compact, and more comfortable than my Prolite. I might be able to downsize my pack now, too! Highly recommended!
August 20, 2010
Very light and comfy!
It takes a bit more effort to inflate than I expected, and the weight savings is sure nice. But my biggest reason for liking this sleeping pad is that it provides a lot of comfort for a big guy who likes to sleep on his side. Nice quality, a bit on the expensive side, but you really want a good night's sleep when you're out on the trails!
August 12, 2010
great
I find the cross-chambers to be better supporting of my body than my old Big Agnes pad. As long as you don't intend to use this in cold temperatures you'll be fine. overall It is a great sleeping pad.
August 6, 2010
All around Awesome
Awesome Pad...Spoiled from not having to blow up my pad in the past but the comfort and packability of this pad outweighs the nuisance of blowing it up..just call it lazy. It is well worth the money for not having your hips fall asleep!!!
May 29, 2010
WOW
What a pad. I got the best night sleep with this ever. Usually I have trouble falling to sleep, not with this. GET ONE. A 54 year old backpacker in CA. TYT, TRT, PCT.
May 5, 2010
The best 3 season mattress ever
I had a prolite before my neoair and I will never go back. The 2.5 inches of loft is amazingly comfy. Its almost luxurious. Its so compact and lightweight. I don't mind blowing it up. It only takes a few minutes. You will have to blow it up twice because as your breath you used to blow the mattress up cools it loses volume(PV=nRT). So you must re-inflate the mattress a little an hour or so after the initial inflation. The price is a bit outrageous but I suppose we are paying for all the R&D. I do wish it came with a stuffsack.
April 28, 2010
Worth the price!
I ordered one of these for my husband for a motorcycle trip we went on last month. He was much more comfortable than on his Thermarest Prolite. I tried it out as well and ordered one for myself as soon as we got home. It's expensive, but worth it. Only negative is that it should come with the bag for the price.
April 1, 2010
A innovative quality product
Basically weightless and invisble in your pack this sleeping pad delivers on all counts. Easy to inflate, excellent insulation from the cold ground (AT Smoky Mountains in winter), superb support and comfort and no slipping around. Buy it! A 60 year old backpacker.
March 20, 2010
Excellent pad/expensive but worth it
I've had z-lite, Prolite 4 and BA Insulated Air Core pads. This is by far the best among them all, albeit comparatively more expensive. The pad is ultralight and warm in R value in comparison to all pads out there, and inflates much more easily than my BA did. I've also found the pad to be very durable and have had no issues with any leakage.
March 3, 2010
perfect
light,good matress,
January 14, 2010
Worth to the every cent you paid
Lightweight, compact, easy to use and compress than down mat. Warm than clear view, I'm very happy to have this excellent product.
January 14, 2010
Overall Good Piece
very light; comfortable; purchased wide version and suitable for side-sleeper; appears delicate
December 19, 2009
Backpacker's glowing review was deserving!
Very light and compact. Worth every penny if you want a comfortable mattress that weighs mere 14 oz. I agree with other reviewer regarding durability. It will definitely require more tender loving care compare to other Thermarest mattresses.
November 16, 2009
Everything you've read is true.....
Compact, lightweight, and embarrassingly comfortable when your supposedly out roughing it. Yes, it's a bit of an investment, you gotta figure out what your priorities are when assembling your pack kit. I'd say, if you can swing the bucks you'll be grateful for the space, and if your breaking brush or marching through secondary jungle , it's nice not to have a rolled up pad tied across your pack exterior catching branches.The bright yellow pad is an excellent signal panel. If your carrying all you got on your back, then be good to your back.
November 8, 2009
light weight comfortable sleeping pad
Very compact and lightweight. Only took about 20 - 25 breaths to inflate pad. Very comfortable. This is a must have for light weight backpackers.
October 11, 2009
Unexpectedly pretty great
I was worried the NeoAir would feel like a bouncy air mattress. But if you deflate it just a bit (it takes about 30 breaths to fully inflate), it's pretty nice. Not quite as comfy as a self-inflating foam mattress, but it's nearly half the weight of a ProLite. And it's surprisingly warm. I also love the tackiness of the material. I got a L for the extra width, and it's pretty amazing to pack a full-sized mattress at just over a pound and about the size of a water bottle! Also, it's nice to not have to store it fully inflated like air/foam pads.
October 7, 2009
Next Generation of Sleeping Pad
Thermarest has advanced the state of technology with the NeoAir. It is light weight and has the thickness of my Big Agnes. It is made for side sleepers because of its thickness. It does have the same warmth of the insulated Big Agness. It also seems delicate and so needs a stuff sack for protection
September 9, 2009
good gear!
It's SOOOO overpriced, doesn't come with a stuff sack OR a repair kit, and just sounds too good to be true. The small size and lightweight only reinforce it as my sleeping pad of choice. A fully inflated pad is easy to roll off, so I do about 85% inflation for extreme comfort.
September 7, 2009
perfect.
The small neoair is just perfect for occasional ground sleeping AND hammock use. The weight (light) and warmth (quite) are amazing. Definitely on my list of favorite equipment.
September 4, 2009
just okay
The sticky vinyl surface I find annoying, as it causes my skin to stick to the pad along with the sleeping bag. Very thin plastic seems vulnerable to puncture as well. Set aside a good 3 minutes of blow time to inflate, not an easy task at the end of a long day of hiking. But it's light and it's long and nothing comparable out there right now.
July 5, 2009
Nice.
This is a super nice pad. Light and comfortable. The only downside is the fact that the material is paper thin, so care must be taken. Packs down super small! So so much easier to pack and carry than my old 20 by 72 self inflatable that weighed 2 pounds and was very bulky.
June 22, 2009
