Thermarest Neoair Sleeping Pad
Neoair Sleeping Pad
Retail price: $139.95 for the medium
Specs per manufacturer: For the medium size: R-value 2.5; weight 13 oz; width 20 in; length 66 in; thickness 2.5 in; packed size 9″x4″. The NeoAir mattress represents the world’s most advanced engineering in ultralight comfort. Beyond being the lightest air mattress available, we’ve utilized two patent-pending internal technologies, making it up to three times warmer and far more stable than any other uninsulated air mattress available. And when it comes to space in your pack, you’ll appreciate that it’s no bigger than a one-liter water bottle. Revolutionary by design, the gossamer NeoAir mattress makes comfort one less thing you’ll need to compromise when traveling fast and light.
Findings: I just got this pad for Christmas. It was all I asked for. Every time I went to REI, I drooled over the sample laying out in the pad section. But $139.95 is a lot of money for a sleep pad. I had read reviews of people saying the pad was prone to leaks and punctures. But still–13 oz for 2.5″ of pure comfort in my tent? I had to find out for myself. Grandma to the rescue! I blew up my pad the second I got it! I considered sleeping on the floor that night just to try it out! But alas, I waited for a more authentic test. Night one. No leaks, no punctures, SUPER comfortable. Well worth the money although it would have been nice to have included the stuff sack in for the price. Oh well, what’s another $15? I can see how the Neo Air would be susceptible to punctures more so than some of its counterparts. Note to self, don’t use directly on sharp rocks. I don’t have the repair kit yet–I do plan to buy it before my summer trips. While other reviewers complaints that the Neo won’t have any padding when deflated are true, it will still have some heat retention qualities due to the reflective material. I had none of the reported problems of the pad leaking air. (I have had other pads do that on trips) The pad is noisier than our other ones, but not in an obnoxious way. At least it didn’t really bother me 🙂 Over all, I love this thing. The weight and space savings are tremendous which is so important when adventuring with kids. Major thumbs up!!