How to Choose the Best Sleeping Pad for Camping and Backpacking

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Go backpacking with one of the thickest camping mattresses available. The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Topo Luxe sleeping pad provides top-rated luxury comfort in a lightweight and compact package.
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View the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Product LineView all Therm-a-Rest Air PadsBest Use | Backpacking |
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Sleeping Pad Type | Air |
Sleeping Pad Shape | Rectangular |
R-Value | 3.7 |
Repair Kit Included | Yes |
Stuff Sack Included | Yes |
Sleeping Capacity | 1-person |
Pad Thickness (in.) | 4 inches |
Gender | Unisex |
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After using the same sleeping pad for over a decade, I was ready for a change. The NeoAir Topi Lux did not disappoint! The topo print on the top of the mat is a fun addition. I was initially a little worried that it would be noisy to sleep on, since it was pretty crinkly unrolling it for the first time, but once inflated, it wasn’t a problem. On the topic of inflation, this setup was very slick. The included stuffsack/ pump sack attaches to the “in” valve, and makes inflating the pad a breeze. Directions are printed on the sack, and it only took a dozen sackfulls of air to have the whole pad completely inflated in less than 2 minutes. Plus, no lightheaded feeling from having to blow up by mouth, or deal with extra moisture from breath. Very cool. It deflates quickly and easily, and is easy to store compactly for the next day’s packing. My only reservation with this pad is that it doesn’t fit into my sleeping bag sleeve...but maybe that’s just a sign that I’m ready for an upgraded bag!
One of the most comfortable, tightly-packed sleeping pads I've ever used. I also loved the sack included to help blow it up efficiently (saving my lungs). I also love the topo-inspired design across one side. Stayed plenty warm (never felt the cold from the ground) and remained comfortably inflated all night long. I also love how small it packs down. It is heavier and larger than a pad I would take backpacking on normal occasions, so I will likely keep it for car camping. However, it's not impossible to take backpacking if you're going on a short jaunt. I would highly recommend this pad!
I used this pad for travel so that I can sleep on the floor of places with beds that bother my back so I have not slept with it outside. HOWEVER, those who think the pad is noisy, they are sleeping on the WRONG side of the pad. The underside is very crinkly and if you sleep on it, yes it is loud. Flip the pad. You know the noisy side by touching it. For sleeping on the floor, it works well because I can lay on my side. After about 5-6 nites in my home, I found a comfortable air pressure level so that I don't feel the horizontal baffles inside the pad. So far a good purchase. I will be taking it soon on my first trip, which will be the real test.
I have tried Klymit, Ov, a random Amazon buy & finally broke down & brought this in its largest form. Why o why Lord didn't I buy this to begin with. This pad is plenty plush for me weighing in at 265lbs. The main issue this pad solved for me is the width of the pad allows me to keep my shoulders and arms comfortably on the pad and not dropped off to the sides and hanging out of my quilt. I will no longer consider ANY other pad this is the king of the hill. Side note I brought the pump and it works just fine to inflate the pad, takes of few minutes but its better than doing it yourself after a long hike. The deflate portion of the program is just about worthless...
I'm a tall guy (6'2") and I wanted a sleeping pad that was comfortable for both back and size sleeping. I tried a LOT of different sleeping pads (Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Extreme, Big Agnes Insulated SLX Tent Floor, Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated, Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated) and in ALL those cases, the pad was too small. My biggest issue for 'back sleeping' was that my elbows would fall off the side of the pad and land on the ground in a painful way. When I was 'side sleeping' my hips would hurt on many of these. This pad solves all these issues! Yes, it adds about a pound over the lighter options, but at my size that pound does NOT matter.
In response to the person who rated it a 1 star and suggested it requires a pump--I disagree. I blew it up with my mouth. (As a reference point: I am a 66yo woman and do not pride myself on my aerobic capacity.) This is unlike any other Therm-a-Rest pad I have ever used--it is essentially a very lightweight air mattress. As a result, it deflates very easily and quickly, and you can be stuffing your sleeping bag or drinking your morning coffee while it deflates mostly on its own. No kneeling on it and rolling and folding it over and over again to press all the air out of the foam. I marked it as medium weight as it is heavier than I would have taken with me when I was a backpacker. Great for car camping--it stuffs down to a very compact size.
I have had multiple therma-rest products that I have liked but this product was a huge letdown. It broke spectacularly after my dog took two steps on it. She doesn't have sharp claws but it just exploded under her feet. And there is no recourse. REI would not allow a return. I called the company and they referred to the product as akin to "sleeping on a balloon" and told me I should have done my research on the product. There is no warning on the package that says super fragile or anything like that. So I was expecting something with the typical longevity of a therma-rest but all that happened was I lost a lot of money. The phrase caveat emptor does not do this experience justice.
Pros: Seems very durable. Really like the valves, especially the ability to remove air to adjust stiffness. Rolls up easily. Good inflation sac. Cons: Almost too thick. Sit up very high. Has a definite "crown" feeling along the centerline. The sides tend to slope off very quickly so you don't get the full width. Notes: I was looking for a narrow pad for a 1-person tent. So I purchases a 20" wide pad (the standard size). This is too narrow for me. Perhaps I would have felt more positive about the pad if I had purchases a wider version. However, overall, I much prefer my Nemo Tensor except for the valve which is superior on the Terma-a-Rest.
Found this pad to be luxuriously thick - just around the advertised 4 inches when fully inflated. It's perfectly comfortable for side and back sleeping alike, while still remaining surprisingly lightweight. The included pump sack also really helps with the inflation process. Two notes however; first, this pad is LOUD. Tent mates beware, this is a strictly solo product. Tossing and turning at night can easily be heard from 10-12 feet away. Second, the sleeping pad and inflation sack both store inside of a stuff sack, adding extra weight, but moreover, useless bulk. As an extra note, check to make sure this pad's R-value. I found it to be just warm enough when paired with a 30 degree bag in freezing temperatures.
Large (77"x25") Topo Luxe paired with MicroPump, used est. 100 nights, most comfy backpacking pad I've had in 45 years of backpacking and mountaineering. 3.7 R-value is sufficient for 3-season use. I place a Z-Lite pad underneath for snow or frozen ground. 50D poly fabric top & bottom has held up very well. Small gripe: IMO, 1/3 folded OEM pad does not fit well in pack, thus I made a DIY stuff sack to carry deflated/rolled pad folded in half sideways. Not the lightest pad (nor the heaviest), but surely the most comfortable and, so far, very durable.