If you haven't tried self-inflating pads you should give them a shot. I hate sleeping on air mattresses or inflatable sleeping pads, and self-inflating feel much more like a real mattress. It's a combination of foam/air, also helps if you don't inflate it all the way. Sea to summit has a whole line including the comfort and comfort light which I've used and I think are great. I've also used a cheaper REI branded one and ALPS mountaineering version and found them just as good.(Only difference being the cut which shaves weight instead of just a rectangle.)
They are heavier than what everyone seems to want to go for, but they have better insulation properties than inflatable and in case of a puncture will still have some comfort.
If you haven't tried self-inflating pads you should give them a shot. I hate sleeping on air mattresses or inflatable sleeping pads, and self-inflating feel much more like a real mattress. It's a combination of foam/air, also helps if you don't inflate it all the way. Sea to summit has a whole line including the comfort and comfort light which I've used and I think are great. I've also used a cheaper REI branded one and ALPS mountaineering version and found them just as good.(Only difference being the cut which shaves weight instead of just a rectangle.)
They are heavier than what everyone seems to want to go for, but they have better insulation properties than inflatable and in case of a puncture will still have some comfort.
Hi,
Request for shared experiences and opinions, especially regarding comfort and reliability/durability between Therm-a-Rest Neoloft (regular wide), Neoair Topo Luxe (30 wide), and Trail Pro Max (regular wide).
I travel with my wife, mostly by motorcycle, but occasionally also on short backpacking and bikebacking trips. Currently, we both use Sea-To-Summit Comfort Light (non-insulated), and we want something that provides insulation and maximum comfort, within a weight and volume compatible with our use.
After much research, the Neoloft seems to be the new gold standard in terms of comfort and weight/volume. The Neoair Topo Luxe is tempting due to its 4-inch thickness and the high discounts it currently offers. The Trail Pro Max has excellent reviews in terms of comfort and durability, and is available at more affordable prices, but its volume could be a problem.
The idea is to use both connected with a sheet or something similar and use a quilt or sleeping bag for two people.
We didn't consider double sleeping pads because there are few options and they seem excessively expensive.
Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Hi 1Screw2Few,
Thanks for your opinion. When you mention that the "NeoLoft" is much more comfortable, is that due to the type of exterior material, noise? Considering that the difference in thickness isn't very significant.
We started with a self-inflating mattress that was 1 inch thick, then moved on to the current Sea-to-Summit mattresses that are 2 inches thick and 20 inches wide, but we never slept comfortably. So now, if we invest, it has to be something comfortable that gives us a good night's sleep.
Weight, particularly for motorcycle touring, isn't the most important factor, volume should be limited, but above all, comfort for both is paramount.
I love my sea to summit comfort lite. Can't comment on the exped but just wanted to mention how I love the quality of the one I have. I have a few other things from sea to summit as well
I’ve been using the Sea-to-Summit Comfort Light for about eight years and it’s by far the best I’ve used in 40 years of backpacking and wilderness canoeing. Other pads were hard on my lower back problems unless I used like a 4” thick version that was suitable only for car camping. The multiple cells support your body as you shift into different positions through the night and they are semi-randomly oriented, not straight lines like OP describes in their current pad.
Im_the_dude_
