NeoLoft™ Sleeping Pad

Just did 37 miles and 3 nights with the neoloft. It was worth every ounce. As I get older I value sleep quality more than ever, and its just so comfortable. If you can fall asleep in something lighter like the nemo tensor or xlite do it. If not, its worth the weight.

Thermarest Neoloft all the way

No the sleeping bag won’t help much. To get a significant bump in comfort you’ll have to jump into some heavier pads that are still compressible enough to bring backpacking. Pads like the Thermarest Neoloft or Exped Megamat Ultra. I have a Tensor All Season and find it comfortable, however my Exped Synmat 3D (older version of the Megamat Ultra) is definitely more comfortable. My brother has the Rapide SL which is similar to the Tensor in comfort.

A Katabatic quilt and the Rei Flash 55 would be next to pick up. You won’t need the switchback much, the Neoloft is plenty warm and durable.

I have the predecessor to the Megamat Ultra and it’s amazing, so I’d check out the Ultra. The other mat to consider is the Neoloft, which should be close in comfort but packs smaller. There will be a noticeable jump in comfort between either of these and ultralight pads like the Tensor All Season which I use for backpacking. My Exped is what I take on rafting/kayaking trips where weight doesn’t matter but volume still does. The foam pads like the regular Megamat are more comfortable but they pack down huge and will take up too much room in the raft, avoid foam if pack size matters. Those are car camping pads.

You mean backpacking? The Megamat ultra is my favorite comfort oriented pad that you can use backpacking but it’s pretty bulky, but for shorter distances or more base camp oriented backpacking trips it’s fine. The Thermarest Neoloft packs smaller while still being very comfortable so that’s a nice compromise. If you are pushing miles, the Rapide SL, Nemo Eclipse, Exped Ultra 6.5 are really good.

I had a Tensor and it was uncomfortable for me as well. I’ve found Exped inflatable pads comfortable. My favorite right now though is the Neoloft.

Hi! I bought the Neoloft because I have had issues with pads that are thinner where my hips always hit the ground. I really like the Neoloft, but I will say that if you sit on it (especially in the middle) it can definitely feel like a big balloon and the front and back will make an effort to hit you in the face. The squishy material on the top does work quite well, and the depth of the pad means that my hips never touch the ground when I am on the pad. I have used and been very comfortable on the Neoloft down to -3°C (26.6°F) and did not feel cold or any cold spots, even under my hips. I made my own pillow, so no recommendations there. I would definitely suggest going to try out other pads at REI, and just embrace the weird and lie down on it for awhile.