Therm-a-Rest - NeoAir XTherm NXT

It's tough to find a quality sleeping pad with an R-Value of 5 around the $100 price point. What type of weather will you be hiking in? My off the cuff recommendation within your budget is the [Kylmit Static V (Insulated) ](https://amzn.to/4irkjTc). It's got an (alleged) R-Value of 4.4. I have their non-insulated version of this pad as a spare pad that friends borrow for summer hikes. It's lightweight and comfortable. I've heard that the insulated version (linked above) is on the "Meh" side of the spectrum for R. If you really need an R-Value of at least 5, I'd go higher and go with a [Thermorest](https://amzn.to/4htamDn). I don't like being cold at night 😂 I've got a slightly older version of this pad and it's super warm and comfortable, though it's a little "crinkly" when you move around.

I don't think the comfort is the best for the Xtherm, but it's comfortable enough for me. And very warm, I have yet to feel cold when using it (in Norway and Iceland for instance).

I have this same pad and I’ve hiked about 3000 miles with it. I love it! I don’t use a pad underneath it but it does have 4 or 5 patches on it but still going strong!

I find the xtherm nxt pretty quiet if it's well inflated. It's more comfy but noisier if softer.

I was not a fan of the XTherm. I don’t like the baffle system on it and its super loud!

One has an R-value of 5.4 and the other is a 7.3. No brainer for a cold sleeper. I have the warmer (7.3) pad for winter use. And to make sure my youngest stays warm when family camping.

Looks good! The thickness is my least favourite aspect of the Xtherm NXT. Though to be frank, even if this was available when I bought mine, I probably would have went with Thermarest out of conservativeness, for winter I appreciate "tried and true" products and brands.

Xtherm has for long been the standard inflatable for winter use. NXT version are newer, but there hasn't been any issues with them. Some find them uncomfortable and prefer other brands, but others (including me) are happy with them. R-value/weight is great. Xtherm has quite thick nylon on the underside, Xlite has thinner, lot of the generic complaints about "Neoair" durability might be actually from different model. Also, Neoair -series is probably the most widely used series of air mattresses, so there are more complaints to echo around as well. Rab makes quality gear, but that mattress doesn't have much going on for it, except for the price. Looks like heavier and less time-tested piece. I haven't tried that, though.

You get the XTherm because you want the warmest pad available. Not for comfort. All pin cushion/dimple patterned sleeping pads experience heat loss at the dimples in extreme cold temps, requiring them to be fully inflated in extreme cold to mitigate the terrible heat loss at those dimples. Which makes it uncomfortable to sleep on. Thermarest’s baffle design does not have this issue. Rapide/Helix design, I prefer for most temps above freezing. When you can let some air out, enjoy the dimpled pad comfort, and not freeze. This is all anecdotal.

The Thermarest NeoAir is indeed lighter. At just 12 ounces the semi-mummy arguably the best quality sleeping pad in this range and weight. But it's also not cheap. The NeoAir Xtherm is the cold weather version, R 7.4, and 16 oz. The Nemo Tensor Extreme is rectangle, R 8.1, and 18 oz. Both the Thermarest and Nemos are quieter than they were in the past. Also, the more you use them, the more quiet they get. Agree the Thermarest pump sack is the worst of the bunch, no question, but I've gotten mine to work enough. The Rapide is usually warm enough for most people 3 seasons, and the reason to buy it is indeed it's thickness, and the sides being raised. Agree the Exped 5R is good for most people. It's a simple, comfortable, rectangle. R 4.8, and 1lb 4 oz. That's certainly heavier than the Thermarest but $50 cheaper.

I own the XTherm and have been very happy with it, and Thermarest as a company in general. Great stuff.

These are two very high end backpacking sleeping pads. Xtherm is going to be warmer. It also has a slightly thicker bottom fabric. This is built to even handle sleeping on the snow, so warmth shouldn't be an issue. It costs more though. Or were you thinking of the Nemo Tensor *Extreme*? Which is even warmer than the Neo-Air Xtherm. While I like the valve on the Thermarests, I like the pump sack a lot more on the Nemo. If you shop at REI, they have a sale coming up from November 14-24.

yep. ive got mine in two parts so i can sit on it and then sleep on them together. in cold weather i use an xtherm nxt, but the switch back in parts is fine for other seasons.

I recently switched from the Thermarest XTherm NXT as I just couldn’t get comfortable on it. I loved the weight and small size of it when packed down and I really wanted to like it. I tried different levels of inflation, pillow under my knees etc, but in the end I just couldn’t avoid waking up with significant lower back pain. I went for the Exped Dura 8R MW which is HUGE when in my pack but god damn that thing is comfortable. I don’t have any concerns about its longevity either. It’s robust AF. It’s the cost, quality, weight triangle I guess.

I couldn’t wake up without lower back pain after spending the night on the Xtherm.

The new version of the thermarest neo air xtherm. Super warm and comfortable and pretty quiet. The older version sounded like you were sleeping on a potato chip bag.

Get something with a super high R rating - higher than you think you need. Look for a baffling system that is either dimpled or vertical. For whatever reason, horizontal baffles don’t have a lot of “give” to them so they are less comfortable for side sleepers in general.  Therm-a-Rest Neoair Xtherm is probably the warmest pad out there (not the highest R rating per se but the most effective insulation system means it is still warmer than other pads with higher R values). It may not the most comfortable for a side sleeper because of the horizontal baffles, however. But this is the pad you want if you want to prioritize warmth. If you want to prioritize comfort, Sea to Summit Ether Light XR Pro will probably not sleep as warm but will be more comfortable for a side sleeper because of the dimpled baffling system. Nemo Tensor Extreme Conditions is also very warm and only slightly less comfy than the Ether Light.  Exped Ultra 7R is a bit heavier and bulkier but is very comfy for a side sleeper. It uses down rather than reflective film for insulation. So it won’t be quite as crinkly as a lot of warm pads, but I’m not sure if the down insulation is more or less effective in this application.  Big Agnes Campmeister Deluxe is quite bulky and heavy for a backpacking pad but is super, super comfortable and has a very respectable R value of 7.  The other big, bulky “luxury” comfort backpacking pads - Exped Megamat Ultra and Therm-a-Rest Neoloft - are great options for comfort but with lower R values so they may be less warm than you might want.  Other things to consider - even a well-insulated sleeping pad will only stay as warm as your body is able to heat it. The bigger the pad, the more of your body’s heat it will draw away from you. So don’t buy a massively oversized sleeping pad thinking it will automatically be more comfortable. For insulating purposes, something that is only as big as you need it to be will be more efficient for your body to keep warm.  Make sure you take advantage of all the usual strategies for staying warm in the backcountry: Use your Nalgene as a hot water bottle and keep it in your sleeping bag/quilt with at night. Do some jumping jacks or other activity to get your heartrate and body temperature up before going to bed. Make sure you are properly hydrated and getting enough food to keep warm. Etc. 

I have a [thermarest neoair xtherm](https://www.rei.com/product/217084/therm-a-rest-neoair-xtherm-nxt-sleeping-pad?cm_mmc=aff_AL-_-145262-_-180150-_-NA&avad=180150_c406ca609) and it's a solid product. I got it for the high r-value (7.3) at a relatively low weight. Decent construction, durable materials, great performance. I'd opt for the wide version. Only real con is that this thing is CRINKLY, definitely the loudest pad I've used and would honestly be a dealbreaker but ultimately it's comfortable and keeps me warm so it's tolerable for me. I will say that if you don't have too much money already sunk into a good tent and you want to upgrade your entire sleeping system, look into hammock camping. I was always a tent person but after using a hammock on one of my trips I could not believe how much more comfortable it is. Check out r/hammockcamping. Either way, good luck with your search!

Thermo rest neo air xtherm best money can buy

Just go all out, man. You'll regret it if you don't. Those budget constraints? You're gonna end up uncomfortable, trust me. You say 200 max: that’s funny. When you're freezing your butt off or lying on the hard ground, you'll wish you'd spent that little bit extra. Seriously though, look at something like the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm. Yeah, it's pricey, but it’s worth it if you love your comfort. Get ready to splurge, or keep regretting your “max 200.”

Consider the Therma rest Xtherm NXT wide. Fantastic pad. Plenty of R for cold weather. Half the weight of those Exped options.

An xtherm, regular (rectangular) sized if you like the extra room to spread out. I've been using mine going on 5 years, for everything from vanlife road trips to multi month thru hikes to hitchhiking trips intentionally. It's tough, lightweight, can handle all seasons (winter too!), and did I mention tough? And once the patches I used weren't enough for the holes I put in it after a bunch of camping on bedrock and concrete, they did a full warranty replacement under their lifetime guarantee. And then I took a bunch of seamgrip to my worn out one, patched it again with a heavier fabric, and I expect I'll get a few more years out of it. Oh! And it's thick and comfy. Great for side sleeping, that's why I got it originally.

I all ready got Thermarest Xtherme NXT and Exped MegaMat Lite 12 but want also a self inflating one.

The biggest thing is definitely the 9.5 r-value at 500g. I am very very very skeptical about how warm the pad sleeps. Looks to be a similar insulation style to the Tensor XC at an r-value of 8.5, but my experience is that it sleeps colder than an Xtherm (R7.3).

If you want to camp in your backyard or out of your car, just stack a bunch of foam - it'll be the cheapest and effective. If you want to carry your ground insulation on your back, the xtherm is the only good option for conditions where it is 0F or below and you are on frozen ground and snow (ideally paired with a thin foam pad as well).

It was really cool to see Steven test this. There are not many people outside of the big companies with resources to be doing this. It reinforces observations I have had with pads since the new ASTM standard first came out. I think the big takeaway was that the tests reinforce how much the current r-value testing system gets completely messed up by convective heat transfer. Because rvalue testing happens at room temperature, pads without methods to reduce convective heat transfer potentially perform better than if they had methods to reduce convective heat transfer. The room temp air is helping the pads "combat" the cold plate underneath the pads. This is made more of a factor by the fact the plates that sandwich the pads usually only take up a fraction of the pads surface area. Stevens testing reinforces what I have also been seeing in the field while testing dozens of pads in every temperature possible. Pads like the Xtherm (with good convective heat loss mechanisms) outperform pads like the Tensor XC (minimal convectove eat loss mechanisms) even though the Tensor XC has a higher tested rvalue. I think a good quick and dirty method for testing convective heat transfer is the deflation test. Open a fully inflated pads dump valve and see how quickly it deflates. You could start trying to push air out too by rolling it. You'll notice pads like the Xtherm are a lot harder to get air out of. Companies are designing pads for the testing standard, which is going to bite them in the butt since it's essentially wasted R&D with more info coming out about how rvalue can be a good place to start but is kind of garbage. edit: To answer your question, you will sleep warmer on a CCF pad of an equal ASTM tested r-value inflatable pad due to the issues with the testing standard. CCF does phenomenally at reducing convective heat transfer.

Xtherm and lifetime warranty hard to beat

CCF pads are for super humans. The only reason I use 3” Neoair NXT is because they haven’t built an NXT in 4” yet.

I think any of the inflation pads will be pretty similar (as opposed to self inflating that are typically thinner). So Thermarest NeoAir NXT, Nemo Tensor, plus those already listed. Circa 3 inches thick to allow the hip to stay off the ground, and a square shape rather than mummy.

I’ve had a Thermarest (a NeoAir NXT) fail on me too, and while it sucked having to spend a night on the cold ground, Thermarest _immediately_ replaced it after I contacted the retailer. And this is where my own experience with Chinese brands really diverges from western brands - getting warranty replacements can be difficult if not impossible. And whilst an enforceable warranty is just one aspect to consider when buying gear, for me personally it’s quite important because I see gear purchases as an investment and I want that peace of mind. I also find myself wondering about the many comments I see from folks saying “the Chinese brands are just as good as western branded items”; whilst I don’t doubt that there’s good gear coming from there, I do always wonder about how many of the people posting those comparisons do truly have the experience to be making those comparisons. I do think it worth also touching on the ethics inherent here too. It’s totally understandable that cheap Chinese gear is popular. The prices can be a fraction of the originals, and at a glance, many of these items look almost identical. But beneath the surface, there’s an uncomfortable ethical tangle that’s not as simple as “cheap versus expensive.” One of the main issues lies in intellectual property. When a Chinese manufacturer replicates a design without permission, it’s effectively using someone else’s research, development, and creativity without contributing to the cost of making it. The original company might have spent years refining that product, testing materials, and ensuring safety or quality standards, all of which add to the final price. So when a copy bypasses those steps, it’s not just undercutting the cost; it’s also sidestepping the ethics of rewarding innovation and craftsmanship. That said, the moral picture isn’t entirely black and white. Some original brands have built in markups that certainly far exceed the cost of production, often relying on prestige or western consumer culture rather than the real value of materials or labour. Meanwhile, many of the “copies” come from the very same factories or suppliers that make parts for the branded versions, blurring the line between legitimate manufacturing and imitation. Add to that the fact that people in lower income brackets often can’t justify the premium for a name brand, and the conversation becomes more about accessibility and global inequality than simple right or wrong. Then there’s the question of labour ethics and sustainability. While Western brands sometimes promote ethical sourcing and fair labour, they also frequently outsource production to the same regions where cheaper copies are made, meaning the working conditions may not differ much. So while buying an original might feel like the more ethical choice, that’s not always guaranteed. The real challenge lies in transparency; knowing who made the product, how they were treated, and whether the profits go back to the people who did the work. In the end, buying copies versus originals is less about passing moral judgment and more about awareness. Every purchase sits somewhere on a spectrum between affordability, ethics, and quality. It’s about recognising that while copies might make certain products more accessible, they also exist within a system that undervalues creativity and fair labour. Likewise, not every “authentic” brand is innocent of exploitation. The best we can often do is stay informed, ask questions, and make choices that feel balanced and honest within our own circumstances. Just some food for thought!

Personally (I’m in my 40s and a side sleeper) an Xtherm or Xlite is one of my favorite purchases. But everyone has different needs. I’m a fan of not buying new things until you actually need them. Or you are sure that your goals will outgrow your gear. A cheap inflatable is definitely not worth it.

If you have something you’re happy with, decline to participate in outdoor culture’s fascination with over consumption. That said, getting an expensive XTherm pad completely changed the range of temps I’m stoked to be out in.

The Xtherm was a total game changer for me. The warmth from the reflective technology makes a huuuge difference

Thermarest Xtherm for me.

15F frequently or “just in case”? This is my set up: Xtherm Thermarest, 0F Enlightened Equipment Enigma (bought in 2021, I’ve heard their quality is decreasing), 90gsm alpha fleece sleeping layer. SMD’s Gatewood Cape , which offers minimal heat trapping. I feel good to 20F. I’d be uncomfortable but ok at 15F. If my tarp isn’t cutting the wind well enough, I’ll also sleep in my rain layers. There’s no one “true”/“best” way. It’s going to depend on your body, your baselayers and how much comfort you want. Alpha fleece is incredible, but only if you take care of it and have a wind layer. 850 or better down is going to be a good thing to look at. Lighter materials need more care/are more fragile. Thicker material on a sleeping bag will also cut wind better, but be heavier. Managing sweat and condensation is also going to be a big part of being warm. https://preview.redd.it/ql5u7bcm7b6f1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3447a515da55f7c7c722dd870512568afebd5473

The best warmth to weight ratio pad on the market is the Therm-A-Rest XTherm. Great pad, really fucking warm though so only get it if you sleep cold. It’s pricy but if you buy it at REI it’s got a year of warranty, which you might really need, especially in the desert or even just if it gets all nasty from being wet later on. It’s a steal imo.

XTherm seems to be the gold standard currently and is what I have. I have nothing but good things to say about it - super warm, super light, decently comfortable, and (from my experience) durable

The idea that you can’t be too hot on a pad is reductive. Anyone who sleeps hot in their home will tell you the kind of mattress they use makes a huge difference in sleep comfort. In my experience an X-Therm is very uncomfortable in 50+ F degree temps. I think the reflective feature makes it more uncomfortable in warmer tempts. In hot temps I want a pad that cools, not insulates. It’s worth having options, just like quilts, to have the best setup for the conditions.

Thermarest xthrerm works pretty well. I also run cold and cold has never been an issue for me in Canada with it. My only regret is not buying the extra wide size. The normal mummy bag shape fits my sleeping bag perfectly but the mummy wide shape would give me a bit extra room for my arms so they don't hang over the edge. 

I would very highly recommend a quilt sleeping bag. I have a katabatic gear palisade and I love it. https://katabaticgear.com/collections/elite-quilts/products/palisade-ultralight-quilt I use it with thermarest xtherm and when it gets cold enough you just use the straps. You can roll inside of it without moving the bag.

That's still not true though. An X-therm weighs 16oz and has a R value of 7.3. Whereas a z-lite weighs 14oz and has a R value of 2. Even if we assume that foam pads perform above their stated r value you would still need multiple to match the warmth of a single inflatable.

Yep I bring two pads as well. Although my system is a little bit different in that I use an X-therm combined with a 80x40 1/8th pad as my floor and then can fold it down in an emergency. I'm surprised that worked for you. I know when I had first gotten my sulo I took it down to 22F on snow with just a nemo switchback because that's all I owned and could very easily feel the cold from the pad

Auspost delivered a new S2S Etherlight XR (regular Mummy) this morning so I set it up next to my old Thermarest Xtherm (2020 model) - Here are my first impressions. **Comfort** \- It feels more comfortable than my Xtherm. At 10cm thick it is much more plush. **Size/shape** \- The extra 4cm in width feels good. I am a 181cm, 100kg side sleeper and this feels like a better size and shape for me. It is also wider near the foot which is very welcome. **Profile** \- the Etherlight is higher at the sides than in the middle which feels a lot more stable. The Xtherm with its horizontal baffles regularly made me feel as though I was about to roll off the side. **Noise** \- They are roughly the same in volume but it is a different sound. The Xtherm sounded like a muted chip packet - still crinkly but not as noisy as the old Xlite. The Etherlight sounds more like a thick balloon - still makes a noise but a lower pitch. **Weight** \- Heavier. On my scales the Xtherm is 440g. S2S was 481g. **Warmth** \- The design looks pretty good. The new Etherlight uses reflective aluminium film - similar to the thermarest. The welds use a loop in the centre so it maintains an air gap even at the weld. Will actually take a few nights outside to really tell. I am not expecting it to be as warm as my old mat but we shall see. **Slipperyness** \- The fabric feels a little more grippy than the Xtherm so hopefully won't slip around as much. Once again - will need a few nights in the outdoors to really tell. **Packability -** Great. It folds down to same size as the Xtherm. I believe is a great improvement over the old Etherlight XT due to the new insulation. So on most points the Etherlight looks to be a winner. Size, shape and comfort is great. Weight is a bit higher and warmth is TBD but I feel like this is going to be my main mat form here on.

Thermarest Neo-air x-lite for 3 seasons use or the x-therm if you are looking at colder weather. Yes they are expensive but they have a lifetime warranty and great customer service

I’ve used the xterme since it came out with zero problem. At the beginning of last summer I bought the xlite and it immediately leaked. Used it for about 10 nights and took it back to REI. Never again.

Pretty sure the reactor is the best. And the obvious pad recommendation for you is the Xtherm

You'll never regret being warm. Go for high r value. I have a thermarest xtherm which is a whooping 7.3r value. It's absolutely the warmest pad I've ever owned. It however is very crinkly sounding, so much so that I can't recommend it. (Newer versions may be better I hear) Go for the higher r value pads. It's worth the extra weight.

One Tigris isn't a brand I would ever personally consider, usually poorly designed and often more expensive than similar products. This mat is another example of this. For a budget "4 season" mat the Bestway is less than this. If you require a mat that will take you down to such low temperatures I would be looking for something that has been tried and tested in those conditions e.g Thermarest X-therm.

Plus one. I have a therm-a-rest Xtherm, two cheap Amazon pads (they didn’t last), a Big Agnes, and I’ve tried the foam pads (they’re not for me). Exped seems to have the best tech. Their pads are quiet, comfy, reliable, and I love the synthetic down on the inside

Xtherm neoair, very impressed, almost too warm for the conditions I ended up in but it surpassed expectations Being more comfortable, pratical to use and less noisy than reviews had suggested. Seemed robust enough with my use directly onto the floor too. Can't wait for winter and a real test!

I have both the XTherm and Nemo Tensor All Season. The Nemo is more comfortable, so that’s the one I tend to bring. I’m a very cold sleeper though. If it’s below freezing, neither pad feels warm enough, so I need a CCF pad on top.

2 things here, time of year is key, the other is age. even late spring, in the uplands in the UK you can get hyperthermia pretty easily without decent ground insulation. You mention student, so i'm guessing circa 17-22. You should be able to sleep on a roll mat just fine at thatt age with, esp after a day's hard PT in the outdoors. For this if you want to save money, forget amazon entirely and look at an army foam matt, or a thermarest one if want to buy from a regular shop. Both will keep you alive and insulated in all weathers. As for airpads, they are a liability. I know i've had most brands over the years and the reality is there is no cutting corners. Sure can get a cheap one from amazon, say trekology one of the better one's but know it will fail, and its not a question of if, but when. Note a non insulated airpad, you will have a very very uncomforable night, as in freezing. I've been all over, all different terrains and super remote, a hard foam matt will never fail and you should always carry one, even if you have a top of the range airmat, because without one, if the airpad fails your screwed. As for air pads themselves. My advice is having tried all leading brands, save up and get a thermorest neoair (avoid uber) and go for a xtherm if wanting winter, and the normal(yellow) one if 3 season. yes they are expensive but if they fail (which out of all the matt's ive had over the years are the most reliable) the customer service is second to none, you will get a replacement. So you can buy x number of cheap pads without any ability to get a replacement a year down the road, but over the seasons it adds up. So best advice, is save up a little, make home brew to save money lol, and buy once, but buy quality. The other thing is sleeping bags, and again that becomes very costly. If your young and thus should be fit and thus your not worrying about every gram, look no further than uk ex military surplus stock for sleeping systems/bags. They will last, are well proven and just work.

2 things here, time of year is key, the other is age. even late spring, in the uplands in the UK you can get hyperthermia pretty easily without decent ground insulation. You mention student, so i'm guessing circa 17-22. You should be able to sleep on a roll mat just fine at thatt age with, esp after a day's hard PT in the outdoors. For this if you want to save money, forget amazon entirely and look at an army foam matt, or a thermarest one if want to buy from a regular shop. Both will keep you alive and insulated in all weathers. As for airpads, they are a liability. I know i've had most brands over the years and the reality is there is no cutting corners. Sure can get a cheap one from amazon, say trekology one of the better one's but know it will fail, and its not a question of if, but when. Note a non insulated airpad, you will have a very very uncomforable night, as in freezing. I've been all over, all different terrains and super remote, a hard foam matt will never fail and you should always carry one, even if you have a top of the range airmat, because without one, if the airpad fails your screwed. As for air pads themselves. My advice is having tried all leading brands, save up and get a thermorest neoair (avoid uber) and go for a xtherm if wanting winter, and the normal(yellow) one if 3 season. yes they are expensive but if they fail (which out of all the matt's ive had over the years are the most reliable) the customer service is second to none, you will get a replacement. So you can buy x number of cheap pads without any ability to get a replacement a year down the road, but over the seasons it adds up. So best advice, is save up a little, make home brew to save money lol, and buy once, but buy quality. The other thing is sleeping bags, and again that becomes very costly. If your young and thus should be fit and thus your not worrying about every gram, look no further than uk ex military surplus stock for sleeping systems/bags. They will last, are well proven and just work.

Yeah, but no.... I bought the Thermarest Uberlite some time ago, quite expensive. I cried the first time I used it because it was slowly leaking air and was on the ground before morning. It took me a few months to find the leak and patch it. I was very frustrated with this. Love my thermarest X-Therm though.

Short pads are widely praised by on r/ultralight. I’ve been combining a full-length thin inflatable (NeoAir X-Term, like it) with a GG torso foam. Put your empty pack or sit pad or whatever under your feet and it works fine.

I’m a side sleeper and I’ve spent hundreds of nights on an xtherm, and while I didn’t sleep perfectly soundly on every single one of those nights, I can’t think of one where the xtherm was the reason.

"And no a new pad will not be sufficient to keep me warm" Highly disagree. Have you tried an Xtherm pad? I will guarantee you won't be cold with a 15deg bag and an xtherm. People underestimate how much a pad does to keep you warm, its as equally important as your bag.

If you are gentle with them and halfway careful about sharp stuff they’re pretty good. Mine has 3000+ miles on it and is fine, not one puncture. I have an Xtherm, I would need like 6 ccf pads to match the R value of the Xtherm. It’s warm, so comfy, and I love it. People crash down on them like a home mattress, and set them up on sharp granite which leads to disaster.

I switched from the Xtherm to the Tensor All-Season last year and found the vertical baffles much better for side sleeping. The weight penalty is minimal for the comfort gain, though the Xtherm is definitely warmer if you're consistently in sub-freezing temps.

Naturehike is not ASTM rated. Skip. The Rapide is a great pad but is a bit cold. If you want the direct replacement to this pad get the Boundary Deluxe, which is the new name for the Q Core Deluxe. However if you are going to go winter camping over snow go for a higher R value pad. Exped Ultra 5 Exped Ultra 7 Sea to Summit Etherlight XT Extreme Thermarest XTherm Nemo Tensor Extreme

Closed Cell Foam pads like the Ridgerest are actually quite lightweight and super durable compared to air mats - I think my full length Ridgerest was 12.7oz (listed at 14oz). I used a Ridgerest from \~2005 to 2015 and then switched to a Neo Air X-Therm as I was getting older. I'm not saying I'd go back, but I do miss the durability and simplicity of the Ridgerest. Durability will not be a concern over an inflatable mat at all.

What is your start date? I used a Thermarest xtherm and was warm and comfy. YMMV.

The high end thermorests are a good middle ground. The neoair line is very comfortable and the xtherm has a great r value

The high end thermorests are a good middle ground. The neoair line is very comfortable and the xtherm has a great r value

>I sleep hot, so puffy pants and jackets often result in waking up sweaty That seems to contradict that you are looking to add warmth. Either you are already warm enough or somewhere you are using material that is not very breathable. I know you said without spending more, but I tried several sleeping pads and for cool/cold conditions the XTherm is the only option for me. I had other pads that supposedly have enough R value but don't use this reflective foil stuff. They all feel cool from below while the XTherm feels warm. With something other than XTherm I can't get anywhere close to the rating that my sleeping bag should support. But with it because of how it reflects heat from below I can achieve it and maybe a bit more. So 5-10 degrees difference without adding weight. Less losses from below requiring less layers above you means better breathability for the same warmth as well.

Gonflé bien ferme, présente t-il un problème ?! Je suis de fort gabarit ! J'ai un Néoair Topo Luxe  que j'adore ! J'ai aussi un Xtherm 😉 !

J'ai aussi un Xtherm et viens de faire l'achat du Néoloft...je ne sais pas si cela vaut la différence vs mon Topo...je le préfère ferme !

It will take some adjusting and time but I would try to learn to sleep on just foam. Substantially cheaper, more durable, easy to use, and warm enough for the summer. Inflatables take a lot of babying, they often get holes. I use a Nemo switchback for 3 seasons and then jump to a thermarest xtherm (which has a 70d bottom) for the cold. Yes, foam is not as comfy, it just takes some getting used to but you can learn to sleep on it fine. If it’s just not worth it and you really want an inflatable, put an 1/8in foam under, or at a bare minimum a groundsheet, even in the shelters

I have the tensor too and have to deflate it quite a bit to get comfortable, and yeah sometimes a foam pad just feels better. I have an old hybrid type (Rei air rail) that I find to be SUPER comfortable. In the winter, I generally use an x-therm and find it comfy enough and toasty warm. You could try putting your foam pad on top of the tensor, and that might get you closer to what you’re looking for. It’s how I’ve used it in winter bc in my experience, the tensor is a chilly pad.

All day. I mean all night. Thermarest xtherm, ccf and make sure to cover your neck and head. Really cold-light wool gloves are a game changer. 

> I'm close to getting a Thermarest Xtherm, which I probably will as it seems ideal to me, unless convinced otherwise. Good call. I vaguely prefer a torso-length CCF paired with a ThermaRest XLite to build in a bit of redundancy, but the XTherm has fantastic warmth for weight, and we don't hear about many issues. This is a sound choice for sure. Consider a wide. I don't mind "regular" width pads, even as a big guy, but people often find them shockingly small. Think seriously about the dimensions. For -10C, I'd strongly recommend a mummy bag, with a hood. Quilts are a great weight savings, but even a lot of experienced people prefer mummy bags as the temperature dips meaningfully below freezing. Where are you ordering to and what's the budget for the bag? (Tariffs and shipping will probably guide the selection process.)

If you have at least one tree you can use just one pole. If you’re under the limit you should be fine. Checkout the exped mats, try and find a store where you can go in see them and lay on them. I’m not a fan of thermrest but I haven’t tried the one you mentioned, but I hate my exthem so I’m done with thermarest. Exped make great mats though. I’m 95% a hammock guy these days.

I think a lot of the inflatable pads are cold in sub freezing temperatures because they are getting cooled from the sides by the cold air. The cold sides will then cool the rest of the air between the mylar sheets. I imagine the exped don’t suffer as much from cooling from the sides because it’s filled with synthetic/down insulation and not “just” layers of mylar film. (This is just my theory) I was miserable on my thermarest xtherm at -20-25C. Going forward I will use my exped 5r coupled with a ccf, mammut bamse extreme, on top at those temps.

This. I use an Xtherm and a 30degree quilt and have been fine on nights in the high 20s.

I have a Big Agnes Tensor and a thermarest neo air x therm Both are great. BA is a little more comfortable, IMO.

I have the Draco -9 bag. It's nice, packs down well, and is impressively warm. I have no problem taking it out during shoulder season (April/October), though it's worth noting I'm a warm sleeper. As far as price goes, have a look at The Last Hunt (gear liquidator from Montreal). Last time I checked they had a bunch of Disco bags on clearance for *really* cheap. And yes, they are the real deal - no counterfeit gear from my experience or my friends'. As far as sleeping pads go - I have an XTherm large (tall guy). Zero complaints regarding the pad, though it's a little above your budget. Geartrade or Valhalla Pure Outfitters sometimes have sales that will bring it within your budget though. Speaking of which. Check out Valhalla if you haven't already. They have a much better offering of gear than MEC, and are actually Canadian-owned. I much prefer buying from them when possible.

You should be good with the Neoair xlite. For your temps, it should be more than enough. If you plan on camping even colder, get the xtherm. The Xtherm is so warm it literally feels like im on a heated floor unless im directly on snow, even then it feels warm, its literally unusable in the summer.

Don't get a liner, get down boots and a down balaclava instead. Much warmer for the weight. As for the pad, fix it (soap water to see the bubbles), get an xtherm but you'll probably have another leak at some point. Or get a closed cell foam pad like the Exped Flexmat Plus which won't ever leak. The r value is much better than the number suggests (due to lackluster test methodology). As general advice, lightly suffering on a thru hike is unavoidable sometimes. If you just started give your body time to adjust and read up how can influence perceived sleep temperatures. It's a skill.

Neo air xtherm, high rating, light and packs small. You get a pump sack, literally 2/3 pumps and it's inflated.

I use the thermarest xlite nxt combined with the MLD thin light pad. I’ve used this combo down to around 5f and been toasty underneath. I tried the thin light pad underneath the inflatable and on top and found that it was warmer on top the inflatable. My biggest cold spots resulted from drafts around the sides of my quilt below 20f. This sounds weird but I tucked the thin light pad inside my quilt and it made a big difference in stoping drafts and my contact side was not cold. I’ve also slept in expedition grade down jacket and then down pants with alpha layers underneath and down booties with no sleeping bag and stayed warm on top the thermarest down to about 10f.

If your planning on sleeping with temps below 20f your going to want a R6 or greater insulated sleeping pad like the thermarest xtherm. I’d say the thin light pad is comfortable 30-20f on a r4 three season pad. You’ll defiantly want a 0f bag if it’s anywhere close to 0f no playing around when its that cold.. Long term temps below 10f makes for very difficult backpacking survival without a well planned gear kit. It’s hard enough to keep your water from freezing and the colder it gets the faster it all happens. If the ground is frozen and your on a r2 sleeping pad your ground side body will feel like it’s slightly warmer than freezing. You’ll be rolling over every 10 mins or less to keep the ground side of your body warm and it’s not fun. From r2 to r6 or above is a huge difference in Insulation when it’s below freezing.

I’ve a full XTherm and 3/4 Neolite plus many foam pads for winter. Both are loud but I don’t notice it

Then it’s a CCF pad for you. I’ve had no issues with reliability. I’ve owned an Uberlite and two Neoairs (NXT and non). But if something can break, it will eventually. I’d recommend babying it, in every way (site selection and clearing, handling, etc.).

Then it’s a CCF pad for you. I’ve had no issues with reliability. I’ve owned an Uberlite and two Neoairs (NXT and non). But if something can break, it will eventually. I’d recommend babying it, in every way (site selection and clearing, handling, etc.).

As a side sleeper, I like the Tensor Extreme a lot too. I first got the NeoAir NXT but I kept waking up several times per hour every night because the pad was causing discomfort. With the Tensor, I haven’t woken up once like that. Fully worth the couple hundred grams.

True. I had one less-than-ideal tent spot on a recent trip because the terrain was simply not flat anywhere. I had a small incline from feet to head (not so bad) but also a slight incline left to right. Despite this, I slept well on the Tensor. On the NeoAir I would have been sliding off the mat all night. Of course, on a closed cell foam the sliding is probably a non-issue.

I've loved the neoair nxt. It's more comfortable than some of my heavier pads and it's very very warm. I heard they used to be really noisy, but have improved in that area. I haven't noticed it to be an issue. Can't speak for the other pad, but I've enjoyed that one.

The last few years have been brutal to me in terms of sleep quality while camping as I'm getting older. I have just started to accept I don't sleep well backpacking, regardless of how much money I throw at it. For me honestly focusing on finding a good pillow probably had more returns for me than focusing on a pad. I have a 3" neoair pad and a 4+" neoloft and I find them about equally as comfortable (the neoair is a wider pad, and all things being equal I'd almost rather than the wider pad than the thicker one, especially as a side sleeper)..

I had one of the first neo airs and I used on extended trips and for work. I also let my dogs walk all over it. I used it on rocks and twigs. It took like 10 years to get a hole.

I've been using the thermarest neos air ones since they were introduced.

I personally don’t think that pad will be good enough for shoulder season and def not winter, even if paired with foam. Virginia winter can be in the teens or colder even. In general, I haven’t found my Neo air (notably higher r value) to be “too hot” in mid Atlantic summer temps. It’s the top insulation that controls for that far more. If you’re worried about being too hot in summer, the real move is to find an alternative to that 20* bag.

My neo air is noticably more comfortable than my static V, but neither of them is as comfortable as my bed at home, which in turn is not as comfortable as my hammock. I'm usually tired enough when backpacking to make it through the night on the neo air, but I try my best to camp somewhere with trees, so I can hang instead.

I've had a neo air and it's light but noisy when turning. Just got a big Agnes (can't remember the model but the widest single insulated) and it's comfy and quieter when turning. Certainly heavier than the neoair though

I found the hest foamy to be awesome in every aspect except for its size. Rolled up it takes up an insane amount of room inside. Swapped back to a Neo air instead.

No insulating value so not appropriate for cold weather; otherwise, if you like it great! I like closed cell foam for bottom dollar functionality but lots of folks can't/won't sleep on it, which is where you get the expensive inflatable pads you're talking about that are light and warm and compact (but cost a lot). In that category I like the thermarest neoair series.

i have a therma neo air therm--good. but what makes it great is the 1cm closed cell foam pad that i bring along with it--keeps me xtra warm at night, but more importantly is a great lounging pad in the winter kitchen and kneeling pad at the tent door etc

If i am car camping.... I am crazy bougie. I bring my aerobed and use my big anker solar battery to blow it up. If i am backpacking, i just use my backpacking thermarest.

We have therma rest inflatable backpacking mattresses (neoair and my 10+ year old pre-neo pad) , that we take car camping aswell. I often lay out more blankets on top, especially if we have my 4yo stepson with us. 3 pads, 2-3 layers of comfy blankets and then we can basically use sleaping bags as top covers, or individually, or whatever we feel like.. It might help though that while we cuddle/snuggle a lot, we don't generally touch each other that much while actually sleeping due to overheating. I can tolerate it more though, so I get stuck with kiddo near me haha.

How cold is it going to be? I have a thermarest neoair (a couple versions as purchased over the last 10 years) and previously only used the Coleman mats like you have there. I find the inflatable pads far more comfortable. My suggestion would be to find an inflatable pad in "wide" and there are varying insulation levels (R value). It won't me AS tiny as the klymit but much smaller than the Coleman. About nalgene size . Thermarest, big Agnes and a bunch of other brands make them in wide.

I hate my NeoAir, I don’t find ThermaRest pads comfortable at all. I’d take a CCF over a Thermarest. For trips where I want an inflatable over a CCF, I just got a Nemo Tensor since they’re on sale at REI (25% off). At least in store, it felt a lot better than my NeoAir or CCF.

Seems like a great all around option. A little heavier than I would like on because I need a long/wide, but I sleep like shit on the NeoAir. I wake up multiple times every night off the pad, slide around, bottom out and my body hurts in the morning. The CCF pad I have is better, but also not warm enough a lot of the time.

If the Prolite works great for you, why not keep it and cut weight elsewhere? Pads are quite subjective, like recommending shoes. I agree it's a grail hunt, I've went through a bunch too! The Neoair is my go-to, the Exped Ultra is my favorite, and I can get by on a z-lite in warmer weather.

The thermarest Neo air mats are lightweight and good quality, if a little pricey. MEC alternatives aren’t bad either. I prefer a foam/air mix pad and have been really happy with the one I have form Sea to Summit. If you want to be on the inexpensive side, look at Woods or Decathalon, but expect more weight.

I have found and fixed a leak in my NeoAir, but I can't imagine finding the hole while on the trail.

I've 200+ nights on my NeoAir. I've patched a couple holes over that time, but it was easy to identify and fix them in the field. Cascade Designs, the parent company of thermarest, will replace your pad if there's a defect in it (I've warrantied an MSR tent with them). Thru hikers use inflatable pads and do just fine. Are you having this problem with multiple brands and models? Are you super heavy? Are you sleeping wearing anything that is metal? Maybe get a gossamer gear 1/8" foam pad and put it underneath your inflatable.

I went kayak camping pretty recently. I doubled up and packed my thermarest neo-air in my kayak since it packs down so small, then I tucked a foldable foam pad to the top of the boat.l under the bungee lines. It got wet but the material doesn't hold water so it worked out. I'm a bit of a princess when it comes to my sleep set up and this worked pretty well. To sleep I put the foam pad down then the thermarest over it.

You should go to REI if you can and try out different pads. I had a very hard time sleeping on the neoair, the horizontal baffles killed my shoulders (Im a side sleeper). I recently got an exped 5r mummy which is still under a lb depending on size. I love it. Its so comfortable, it feels sturdy, doesnt slide around. I sleep better than I ever got on the trail I love it. I think its a nice balance between very light & obscenely heavy (like the neoloft).

Exped megamat for car camping, thermarest neoair for backpacking

For solo? Assuming you don’t need a free standing tent, take a look at Mier Lanshan 1P on Amazon. It uses a trekking pole. I have like a 16 year old NeoAir pad which rolls up slightly smaller than a Nalgene. It’s kinda pricey but they still make them.

I would not recommend a ccf pad though I take a small piece to sit/kneel on at camp. Found the Thermarest Neo-air uncomfortable and a pain to inflate; bought a Klymit Static V2 at less than half the cost and they’re definitely on to something with their design. It’s a few more ounces than the neoair. I’m a side and stomach sleeper and slept like a baby on my last 5-night trip. It seems thin at first so I was skeptical but its wide/channeled design does a miraculous job of cradling your body and distributing the weight. Honestly, best pad I’ve used backpacking in 25 years.

This is subjective. For me, yes, an inflatable pad is worth it for better sleep quality. Foam pads just don't work for me. In your case, you report that you already sleep fine on a foam pad so why not just stick with it? Regarding durability of an inflatable, yes it's likely lower but you may be able to patch it and still worth it for sleep quality. I did get a leak in my NeoAir but I set up camp in a reasonable spot and was able to put my pack under it and it was ok. Patched it when I got home. The hot ticket item for me is actually the short Prolite. Very similar weight to my old NeoAir, bit more durable, adequate ground insulation, and still has a bit of foam. Takes up more space but still fits in my packs with usual loadouts.

I'm doubtful the exped is more durable than the neoair. Exped uses a 20D fabric vs a 30D for the neoair. Denier isn't everything but we can suppose both brands use good quality fabric. The neoair is one of the highest rated inflatable pad on the pct survey, it wouldn't be the case if they were constantly popping. I don't think you should ever use it on bare ground though.

I’m taking a neoair AND a RIDGEREST!!!!! Luxury baby! Base weight is still 11 pounds cuz of a few other luxuries but DO IT!

You've tested *all* of them? You find the Nemo more comfortable than an Etherlite XT? An REI Helix? An Exped? A Rapide SL? That doesn't compute for me. The Nemo is more comfy than a Neoair but well below all of those.

Slept on a ZLite on the AT and PCT, bought a NeoAir for the CDT and slept great on all of them. 10+ years later and I can’t even come close to a good nights sleep on a 25 inch wide pad with a decent pillow. Probably just need to hike more miles.

Therm-a-Rest neo-air. Bought it on a whim ten years ago before a three week long trip and probably done around 180 nights on it since then. Hasn’t missed a beat, no problems and it’s so much warmer and comfier than my previous self inflating mat. Might be a wee bit crinkly but I’m normally spark out. 😉

Buy once cry once. Get a nemo Tensor all season or a Thermarest Neoair - you can find both used on ebay for less than rrp.

I used to sleep on a Klymit and recently upgraded to a Thermarest Neoair. Huge difference, Klymits are cheap but they are cheap for a reason, they kinda suck.

yeah sometimes you end up in a bind where the pad that is the most comfortable for you is one that is prone to having some manufacturing defect that reveals itself slowly. i wish i was more comfortable on thermarest neoair but i just can't sleep good on horizontal baffles. i know they're more reliable over the long term. but what are you gonna do. what kills me is people on this sub who act like because pads develop weld defects that means you're WaStEfUl or bad at caring for your gear. it's asinine

they both kinda suck tbh try a nemo tensor, big agnes rapide, or sea to summit etherlite, or thermarest neo air

I sleep incredibly well on my expensive yellow thermarest neo air. *especially* after a long day of excercise.

I know they are light but the neoair durability isn’t great. Also Cascade (thermarest) just moved from Seattle to Reno and I bet things are super disorganized still I opted for the Exped Ultra series. There’s a weight penalty but I find them much more comfortable, and Exped repairs pads for the cost of shipping to Tacoma.

You obviously have not tried a NeoAir

I won’t say most but I would say a good majority use the thermo rest neo air. It varies in size but it’s a quality pad and I use it personally

Others have said the same but I'll chime in to add to add my personal experience. I have a thermarest neoair and it does great for most temps, but when it starts dropping near or below freezing, I usually bring a close cell foam pad to put under my neoair. Makes for a warmer sleep than an added Puffy and on longer trips protects me from sleeping on the ground in case of a puncture.

Overall quality isn't terrible. The valve is super low tech, tough to bleed the pad without having to reinflate. Outer material seems pretty fragile and there's an inner "space blanket" layer that crinkles when you pack it. Doesn't seem to be as warm as my other pad, a Thermarest NeoAir.

Same here. When I did my life's biggest hike thus far, I was in my early 20's, very close to being underweight, and had zero injuries. Sleeping on a Z-Lite was a no-brainer, and I was comfortable on it. Now, I'm tickling the upper limit of the normal weight range, I have to arrange my legs in a certain way to avoid knee pain, have one shoulder prone for a nerve getting pinched, and one elbow that won't go straight. My Thermarest NeoAir enables me to get a decent night of sleep out there.

Sea to Summit has a structure they call "air sprung cell". I personally own an old NeoAir but have tested a Sea to summit pad with that structure and I must say, it was much comfier. I've been trying to justify chucking in the money for a new pad, but am not there yet.

Another vote for the Thermarest NeoAir

Thermarest neo air = heaven. Best pad I’ve ever owned by 1 million %

I read quite a few reviews if the nemo Tensor that it fails/leaks, and that it's potato-chip bag loud! The pad noise is something I really hate, so I would have to touch this in store to check personally. I bought the NeoAir years ago based on the hype, but found that it's so ridiculously loud I can't use it!

Take them both 100%. The thinlight stops the neoair from moving/ sliding around, or sharp sticks puncturing it. Thinlight is great back up if neo air pops. It’s so light, it does double duty for stretching, fast breaks, extra backing in frameless pack. Take it!( I’ve many with it on the PCT)

I’ve slept well — like *well* — in the backcountry for the first time this summer thanks to the StS Etherlight XR mummy. (No experience with the prior etherlight, which I think some might be commenting on.) It’s absolutely worth the few extra oz to me, and the packed size is still fairly small. I previously was using the NeoAir, and it’s just no contest. I don’t slide off the StS, and I can sleep on my side. I will start to feel the pressure on my hip and have to change position occasionally, but probably don’t end up doing that much more than when I’m at home. I’d thought about buying the wide version because my arms always slid off and were uncomfortable with the NeoAir. I went with the regular width mummy StS and have had no problems with any body parts sliding off. :) Thought about the Nemo Tensor(s) real hard the last few years but never purchased one due to the reported leakage potential even with occasional use. I haven’t tried the BA. I tried the regular (non-mummy) exped 5R last summer car camping. It has raised side baffles (similar approach to BA), and I found it more comfortable than the neoair. So I bought the exped 5R mummy this summer for backpacking. 1. It’s a very aggressive taper on the mummy. (Whereas the ether XR is relaxed.) 2. Its packed size was significantly larger than the neoair, and I couldn’t actually fit it into my pack in the spot that works best. Luckily I then saw that the Ether was a new version and returned the exped mummy, got the StS. The StS is more comfortable than the 5R rectangle, and I’ll probably use it for car camping too in the future.

For me it really depends what I'm doing and where I'll be sleeping. If I'm sleeping on relatively flat, manicured ground or snow I bring my inflatable Neoair, it's smaller, lighter and warmer. If however I might end up on rocky ground or am climbing something where a bivy isn't intended, but is a possibility I bring my z-lite as I can use it anywhere. So ultimately I'd recommend buying both if you intend to be sleeping on both rocky ground and snow.

It’s like a gamble. For me I’ve been using a NeoAir for a 2000 mile thru hike plus another 500 miles since than with no . Maybe mine was made on a Wednesday. Never buy a pad made on a Monday or Friday.

I’ve had one of these for maybe 12 years and I’m shocked it hasn’t sprung a leak so there’s a big vote of confidence

Light, Comfortable, Warm - you pay extra for each of those features as price increases. Investigate thicker pads, or pads with different baffling layouts - some people love the way Thermarest Neoairs feel others hate it, same goes for Nemo's inflatables. They aren't as light but I also find self-inflating pads like the Prolite very comfortable

I loveeee this mat! I also have an thermarest neoair, which I defenetly prefer! But this flexkat is great for above 5 C°. Try tk find soft grount. On stone etc it might be uncomfortabke.

I'm a side sleeper with hip pain at times and I prefer a CCF Nemo Switchback for sleep. I am planning on selling my barely used NeoAir Thermarest inflatable bc it always makes back and hip issues worse. Then again I'm someone who prefers to sleep on the floor over a bed bc it feels way better on my back. Good luck in your search!

I weigh around 170 and have had my current pad (a Therm-a-rest NeoAir) for over 10 years and it's still going strong. I use it roughly 30 nights per year. I roll it up, no stuff sack, and carry it in my pack. I sleep in a tent so my pad doesn't have direct ground contact when I'm sleeping, but I frequently take it out of the tent and put it on the ground so I can relax outside.

I have a neo air - cost a bomb when I got it about ten years ago. Definitely worth it - warm and comfy! Before that I "borrowed" my auntie's thermarest back in 2003 - that was a few years old then. I think I only made one repair.

I have a neo air - cost a bomb when I got it about ten years ago. Definitely worth it - warm and comfy! Before that I "borrowed" my auntie's thermarest back in 2003 - that was a few years old then. I think I only made one repair.

I've seen some people putting down reflective blankets + extra mats + more blankets + etc under air beds to insulate from the ground. To be honest though, it's a lot of faff with an uncertain outcome, when you can buy a sleeping pad with a high R-value (or combine two). My thermarest neo air cost a bomb when I got it ten years ago, but it's the only mat I take (even car camping) and I'm always warm.

I have a light weight thermarest neoair. Super small packed up. But thinking is there a just slightly wider version. I've used i a lot for a long time doing races but.... maybe more comfort is due. My arms fall off when on my back.

ThermaRest is the gold standard IMO. I’ve got several hundred nights on my Neo Air mattresses and they haven’t had a single leak or issue whatsoever. I’ve been let down in the past by other brands (Eureka, Big Agnes, Sea to Summit, MEC), but the ThermaRests are just rock solid. They’re the ONLY brand I’ll use now.

Light weight, durability, warranty coverage and customer service. I’ve got over 200 nights on my current ThermaRest Neo Air without a single leak or issue whatsoever. Heck, I still have 2 original self-inflating ThermaRests from the early 90s that still hold air just fine.

Looks too thick and bouncy. Is it? My Therm-A-Rest Neo Air feels like an air mattress, sounds like a bag of crisps and doesn’t feel nice on the skin. I hate the thing and much prefer my girlfriend’s Trail Lite. If only it were not so heavy and big.

If you’re camped on a slope, layering the neo-air over the foam pad keeps it from slipping downhill. Plus it makes a great ass pad during the day.

The suggestion of a rental is a good idea if you currently aren’t interested in making this a hobby! If you are looking to buy, however, the foam Therm-o-Rest pads are the classic camping pad that everyone owns one of. They z-fold up into a rectangular stack and are relatively light and cheap. I’m 40 and need a little extra cushion on the trail these days, so I use an air mattress. Therm-o-rest has some decent priced air mattresses, but they are a little spartan compared to some of the more expensive air mattresses.

I have had to sleep on some pretty rocky spots before. Firstly, I would gather any fallen twigs leaves and foliage to try and even out the floor and take the edge off the sharp bits. Then ideally I’d put a CCF pad down before getting on a thermarest inflatable. But I have bivied directly on some hard rock platform with just a bivi bag and an uberlite between me and the ground. It was piles of dead leaves and thin branches that made the difference. Turned out okay. I was doing an ultralight fast packing trip and was in the middle of some nasty forestry tree plantation on a steep slope by the time the sun was going down. Decent spots were very rare so I ended up sleeping on top of an out cropped boulder.

Both times I’ve hiked the PCT my thermarests have popped in the desert . The first time it was an older thermarest that had already seen a bit of action . The second time it was early on in my hike and it was the one I’d replaced the previous one with! After that I went CCF pad and was absolutely fine with it. In many ways, I prefer it.

For me the thermarest warranty has been worth its weight in gold, it’s an inflatable product that’s exposed to the elements, they’ll all get damaged eventually but every interaction I’ve had with them has been amazing, no questions asked replacement or repair

Me and my husband sleep on an air mattress with seperate blankets and sleeping bags, before that we had two thermarest that aired up

Have you considered a camping cot? There are a lot of ultralight options now which are about the same price as a good sleeping pad for side sleepers. The only difference being is the weight, you’re looking at around 1.5kg for a cot bed which would be double the weight of a sleeping pad. For me, the extra weight is worth it for the comfort. For context I’ve tried Therm-a-Rest, Big Agnes and Nemo mats. If I’m going for comfort, the cot bed wins every time.

For one year trip I would use something cheaper, more sturdy than ultralight. Thermarest often listed is great but £50 decathlon air mat is more sustainable, you'll have less stress. To increase R factor, you can add some CCF pad.

It's very simple if it blows up with air and inflates - at SOME point it's gonna get a hole in it. That's life! The whole air mattress thing started with Therm-a-rest's and they were pretty tough back then, now with everybody sporting hard-on's for "ultralight" gear its gonna get worse. Same goes for actual air mattress, you can sleep on them but if you're not in Texas or Arizona yer still gonna freeze your butt off. Here's why ....... People these days buy inflatable pads for the comfort, but you really need them for the insulative qualities they actually provide. Don't believe me go sleep on the actual ground one night. When you crawl in to your sleeping bag you actually crush the down or syntho fill in the bag so there is no insulation there under you and the cold even in summer can seep right in. You need a pad under you to keep you off the ground ..... the best ones for that are still the cheap blue ensolite foamy's you buy at the cheaper stores but yes, for comfort they suck. There is a yellow thicker brand called Zotefoams Evazote and they got up to an inch thick but I haven't seem them for years but they were good quality and tough and CAN'T deflate ! So ultimately if you want comfort you need to go buy a big chunk of open cell white foam four inches thick and 7 feet long like you see in hobby stores - mega comfy and the size of a house! But now you can't pack it anyway so you're back to the blow up pads - and that's it. You can go to stores and look at stuff like Futons and crap but they don't pack well ! Heck even Ikea makes a folding mattress but again good luck carrying it around, right? Pick one but they WILL get a hole in them at some point however you can try to limit that with a cot. I've used them for years and its nice. I'm gonna suggest a Cabella's Lounger Cot but they are $350 bloody bucks and the same goes a real camping pad, something like a Exped Megamat itself is $400 bucks by itself. The two cots I wanna get are gonna cost me $405 bucks so add in two decent pads like Expeds and they're $500 .... great huh? It's nuts at a thousand bucks! I actually might just go get some memory foam cut at an RV store and use that. They can't deflate and its about the same bloody price as these inflatable ones, granted it won't be near as packable and portable but both my Thermarest leak, both my Big Agnes pad leak, even the TWO Coleman air beds leak, you can't win. My tent is 210 sq feet and 10 feet tall so I don't need backpack-ability either ........

This comes up a lot. Search the sub for ‘mat’ for loads of replies. For me, thermarest, but I’ll break your budget unless you can get one second hand.

we each have a folding cot with a thermarest and a sleeping bag. we go car camping so it all fits in the back seat and the trunk. We also have (what they call) a seven person tent, but it fits our cots and a folding table comfortably, and we can stand up in it.

I did the PCT with just the thermarest and it was fine. I did the AZT with Thermarest and 1/8" foam pad and it was awesome. I slept much warmer and it was very nice to have the foam pad for breaks.

If you plan to sleep in shelters at all, you definitely want something under your pad to protect it from splinters and nails. My first thermarest popped in TN due to me raw dogging it in shelters. For my second pad, I got a sheet of tyvek and it made it all the way to Maine without any issues.

Have you actually tried the Klymit? I’m pretty sure it’s up there with thermarest in terms of popular backpacking mats. I’ve always used thermarests. That Coleman mat looks like it’s made for car camping, not backpacking. You should be able to find the R-value of the Klymit pad on the packaging to find out if it’s insulated or not.

Well if you need quality, comfort and light easy portable one… term a rest is just the best in the market. We use those for 20 years down here wile fly fishing in bariloche, patagonia Argentina. Good luck!👍

Cot and thermarest is boss. I use a folding wide, heavy duty woods cot. It’s heavy and has some bulk, but I’m usually near my truck or boat.

I’ve been using. Therma-rest for years. There might be better tech out there these days, but they’ve always served me well.

Yup. Those thick air mattresses are horrible to share with another person. I go with a good, solid cot with a thermarest for some padding and will never look back. For excursions where the cot is too bulky to bring along, the thermarest works fine.

We have a similar cot and thermarest. Very comfortable, and keeps us warm. We only camp in winter, early spring and fall.

Op zolder liggen 2 thermarest matten waar ik als kind nog op geslapen heb toen ik met m'n ouders kampeerde, 20-25 jaar geleden. Basic matjes, niet enorm dik maar tot ik m'n huidige (totaal niet compacte) tweepersoons van Redwood kocht altijd goed op geslapen.

i used a cot camping a few times with a thermarest on top. pros: off the ground and good on my back. cons: arms hung over the sides and hurt in the morning, pillow kept sliding off, wobbled long ways (not side to side) a lot when i moved around. i recommend an extra wide one to help w the arms hanging off the sides or use a sleeping bag. in the end it was heavy and not worth it for me when camping

I have no complaints about my thermarest. I can even sleep on my side without hip pain. OK, well it is a little noisy.

My thermarest is over 25 years old and I think had one leak that I patched. maybe?

I like my Thermarest. 🤷🏼‍♂️

Excellent mattress! I used it with pleasure but then switched to the thermarest which is lighter and I feel great with it.

I haven't had a good night sleep until I started to use the Rapid SL. It has a good weight I think, the R rating is valid on it, only need higher for winter camping (for that i'm using the therm-o-rest, which is crazy good, except the shape, where i much prefer the rectangle shape of the Rapide with the raised sides, because I'm turning around a lot). To fit the pump you do need to be a bit aggressive with it but doable. Side note: a non fully inflatable pillow made a big difference for me to get comfy 

I am twisting and turning around a lot even after I fell asleep and with the mummy shaped pad I often found myself halfway off the pad in the middle of the night.

I've had thermarest since their inception. Great product

I havepunctured 2 thermarests on rocks pr thorns. I won’t be using them again.

what brands? i only use thermarest bc they're the most reliable

Nope, have had mine for 10 years, still noisy.

Something like a Thermorest may be a good solution. They pack down small, are lightweight but robust, are an ok size and provide good ground insulation for those chilly Alpine nights

I fly with my thermarest

I like the one I have, it’s as old as I am

I have one Exped and one Therm-a-rest in this style. At first, they’re great. Over time, the Exped began to leak, and I think the TaR is now doing the same. As best I can tell, the rubber lining inside the fabric begins to slowly degrade and develop pinhole leaks. You never hear leaking air. You just wake up in the morning with your hip touching the ground (I’m a side sleeper). I stored both fully extended, with the valves open, so keeping them compressed in the sack was not the problem.

Yeah that is actually weird. When I bought my thermarest it was around 100 €, tough as nails, just under a kilo and I've never been cold on it even in sub freezing (the R-value is low though) But it seems the 100 € pad category has either gone extinct or prices have inflated.

I bought a thermarest. I do not believe in blow up mats because a pinhole means you wake up two hours later lying on the ground cold as fuck wishing you had bought something else, then spending an hour trying to find a way to warm up when you’ve already fucked that chance.

My gunner and I would stick a pair of stretchers in the back of our Bradley—quality sleep right there. (If you’re not blessed with being mech infantry—why let your ruck ride you when you can ride your ruck?—I always went thermarest)

I got my thermarest on ebay for a good price