How to Choose the Best Sleeping Pad for Camping and Backpacking
Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft Sleeping Pad
$239.95 – to $259.95
It may not look like it, but make no mistake, the Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft is a backpacking sleeping pad. From the inside out, this pad delivers sublime comfort while being incredibly light and packable.
Key Details
Pad Thickness (in.)
4.6 inches
Weight
Regular: 1 lb. 8.9 oz.
Regular Wide: 1 lb. 14 oz.
Large: 2 lbs.
- With a packed size not much larger than a 1 L water bottle and a 4.7 R-value, the NeoLoft allows you to take car-camping comfort deep into the backcountry
- 3D construction elevates the pad to 4.6 in. (11.7 cm) thick with a broad, taper-free surface, making the NeoLoft a dream for side sleepers and nighttime movers
- Vertical sidewalls attach the top and bottom fabric and eliminate the tapering edges of non-3D pads
- This increases the sleep surface by 20% and delivers excellent stability—you'll never feel like you're falling off while you adjust to get comfortable
- On the outside, the NeoLoft's surface is made of a plush stretch knit fabric—far softer to the touch than the nylons typically used to make backpacking pads
- Stretch knit is a base-layer-like fabric with multidirectional elasticity
- The stretch properties improve contouring support and help to minimize pressure points by locally conforming to the shape of your body
- On the inside is the ContourCore Matrix—the epicenter of the NeoLoft's backcountry-ready specs—delivering an all-season R-value rating of 4.7
- ContourCore Matrix insulates with 2 stacked rows of triangular chambers to minimize convective heat loss and ThermaCaptureâ„¢ to reflect body heat back at you
- Large side-rail chambers give you a tactile sense of the pad's edge and cradle you toward its center to prevent rolling off and to minimize cold spots
- High-volume-pad TwinLockâ„¢ Valve system rapidly inflates the pad with a dedicated In valve featuring 1-way airflow; a dedicated Out valve quickly dumps air
- TwinLockâ„¢ Valve system also provides for precise firmness control
- Paired with a high-volume, seam-sealed pump sack, the NeoLoft blows up and packs out quickly and efficiently
- Solution-dyed bottom fabric; solution dyeing provides longer-lasting, more vivid colors and reduces ecological impact by using less water and energy than traditional methods
Made in USA.
View all Therm-a-Rest Air Pads| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Sleeping Pad Type | Air |
| Sleeping Pad Shape | Rectangular |
| R-Value | 4.7 |
| Repair Kit Included | Yes |
| Stuff Sack Included | Yes |
| Packed Size | Regular: 5.7 x 9.5 inches Regular Wide: 6 x 11 inches Large: 6 x 11 inches |
| Sleeping Capacity | 1-person |
| Pad Thickness (in.) | 4.6 inches |
| Dimensions | Regular: 73 x 22 x 4.6 inches Regular Wide: 73 x 26 x 4.6 inches Large: 78 x 26 x 4.6 inches |
| Weight | Regular: 1 lb. 8.9 oz. Regular Wide: 1 lb. 14 oz. Large: 2 lbs. |
| Gender | Unisex |
Buying Advice
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Most Helpful Favorable Review
Bought it for short ranges
mattshafter11 months ago
I have been WAITING for Thermarest to develop a raised perimeter air pad based of the basic xlite construction and now it's here. Because of their baffle design, Thermarest basically has the "light AND warm AND durable" category down pat, but not comfort. Now they're in play for all 4.
Now, ALL they have to do is make this exact design out of 30d materials, make it 3.0in thick, and add a 4th dimension of 30in x 73in. They will then have light, warm, durable, and comfortable cornered. The pad I just described will be THE pad for every long trail and will become even more legendary than the xlite.
The xlite was the pad we needed years ago when it was hard to get to low pack weights. The pad I describe above is a pad for 2024 and beyond. Thermarest, your course is clear
mattshafter
81 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
ThermaLoft: very comfortable but sleeps cold
Nick9 months ago
My girlfriend and I each just used our Neoloft pads for one night and had nearly identical experiences. Temps on the Oregon coast were mid to upper 30's F. We were in separate solo tents. She used a Feathered Friends 10 degree bag, I used a UGQ 30 degree down quilt and a 40 degree EE Apex quilt. We both felt it was the most comfortable pad we'd ever used. But after 30 minutes or so we both felt cold creeping through. We each had similar sleeping clothes including merino top and bottoms, fleece tops and Enlightened Equipment Apex Torrid pants. I felt the R value was less than a Neoair pad or Sea to Su mit pad, but more comfortable. My pad was well inflated, I had plenty of upper insulation and had no air leakage around the quilts, yet cold was coming through to my back. I will try using a foam pad on top of the Neoloft to see if it improves the insulative performance, but we were both disappointed this very comfortable pad with a supposed 4.7 R rating didn't sleep warmer.
Nick
OR
41 people found this review helpful
Customer Images
NNYHikes
Northern NY
Worth the cost and weight when backpacking
2 months ago
This is the best thing I’ve ever bought myself. I have used tons of mattresses before from the old trail scout to other popular name brand inflatables. The old trail scout just isn’t enough padding to sleep on my side anymore and the other inflatables are uncomfortable and noisy. I’d slide off of them all night long and just sleep like garbage. I’ve now used this for 9 months and numerous trips. In the summer heat it wasn’t too warm and it still keeps you warm in cold weather. I can sleep on my side and not bottom out. I have the long wide since I’m 6’ and I will caution that if you use a 2 person tent it may be a struggle to use two of these with the width. When I’m with another person I use a 3 person tent anyway and it’s fine for a 2 person tent with me and my dog. Some tips: if you are expecting the temperature to drop use a pump and then top off in a few hours prior to bed when the temp drops. I got a sea to summit sleeping bag liner that I put this pad inside of as an extra liner and to protect it from deet. I’ve used it dozens of nights and recommend without hesitation. The little bit of extra weight is worth it for back country comfort.
Age:35–44
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:5'11"
Yes , I recommend this product
Miranda
PNW
$240 and all I got was (mild) Hypothermia
5 days ago
Mid September in the PNW- crowds have died down, bug swarms are thinning out, the days are warm and sunny; the nights are cool and clear. Perfect shoulder season weather! I snagged a permit for my absolute favorite area! 3 days of exploring subalpine lakes, watching for marmots and grouse, perhaps venturing to a neighboring valley or mountain pass. 2 nights of hot chocolate, star gazing, and getting cozy in my tent with my 30° sleeping bag, merino thermals, on my brand new Thermarest Neoloft with an impressive 4.7 r value! Should be more than adequate for mid 40°s right?! The REI employee has assured me that the reviews saying this pad sleeps cold must be wrong! It has a 4.7r value! I practiced with all of my gear at home and in my yard. Unfortunately, I didn't have time for a proper shakedown trip closer to home/car. I had to bail on my dream trip after 1 night. 1 miserable, sleepless night of the worst shivering and panic that I've ever experienced. I was solo and quite ready to hit the SOS sometime around 3am. My phone wouldn't connect to satellite and I didn't have the energy to get out of my tent. (Yes, I know that I need a Garmin.) It's hard to explain if you haven't experienced it, but there was a very distinct feeling of cold underneath me. I pulled out every trick I knew- buff over my head/ears, multiple pairs of handwarmers to help warm my sleeping bag, clean + dry clothes, wool layers, etc. By 3am, I had my emergency blanket covering the sleeping pad, 2 pairs of wool socks, wool gloves, every hand warmer I had, multiple shirts, nano puff, sleeping bag completely zipped and cinched. Unfortunately, I just didn't have the capacity to go get my (properly secured) food bag to eat something or make tea. Despite getting next to no sleep and being completely exhausted, I had to hike out the next day. I simply couldn't risk another sleepless night of being unable to get warm. Neither staying nor leaving felt safe, to be honest. Thankfully, I made it back to my car on my own power, just barely. TLDR: Please heed the reviews that this pad may sleep much colder than expected. Not only is it NOT warm, it's quite heavy and the packed size is borderline absurd. I absolutely would NOT recommend this for women (esp solo), cold sleepers, shoulder seasons, or winter. My sore hips say that maybe it isn't even as comfortable for side sleepers as the marketing says. Your mileage may vary. Remember that even mild hypothermia can be very dangerous due to altered mental state/poor decision making. So the big question- WHY does this pad feel cold to some? Maybe the lab testing just doesn't always translate to real world conditions? Do the vertical sidewalls affect heat loss/retention? Is the insulated area too narrow, esp on the regular size? (See photo) I don't have the answers; just thankful I'm here to ask the question! And thanks to REI for accepting the return.
Age:25–34
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'6"
No, I do not recommend this product
Andrew O
If i did warmer weather sleeping, this pad 100%
4 months ago
I spent three nights using this pad—two cowboy camping and one in a tent. My previous pad was a mummy cut of the Therm-a-rest Neoair Xtherm (a 2012 ish version). I bought the NeoLoft in the large size, and was ready to suck up the 2lb weight...if it delivered on comfort. IT. DELIVERED. Hands down the most comfortable pad I could imagine. Roomy, soft (that fabric on top). But i returned it. What gives? It slept a lot colder than i expected an R-value of 4.7 to sleep. I was using a 15F overfilled Western Mountaineering sleeping bag (the Badger MF, I bet its EN comfort rated to ~18F with the overfill, for a comparison point). During those nights, the overnight lows were 26-30F or so (clear, high sierra nights), and I was feeling the cold creep in. To be faiiiiir, I am a cold sleeper. Allow me to nerd out for a second - I think this pad feels colder because of the high, straight, sidewalls. I believe R value is measured by cooling the bottom (dont quote me on this), and measuring heat loss on the top. But in the real world, you have so much surface area on the sides of this pad, which will lose heat too. Future me will likely go grab the xtherm max to replace this (my 2011 has been going strong, i know how it behaves i.e. not cold). If i was only going to expect my trip overnight lows to be 30-40...I would stick with this pad for sure. Dang would I have loved if this pad didn't feel cold.
Age:25–34
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'8"
Yes , I recommend this product
PriestX
Big Sur, California
Best Backpacking mattress to date
6 months ago
Over the last 6 months I've been on the hunt for the best sleeping pad for comfort that fits inside a pack, and doesn't way a ton. I have tried both versions of the Nemo Tensor, Big Agnes Rapide, Zenbivy, Exped, and a lot of others. No one touches the balance of comfort, weight, and packability of the NeoLoft!! It's a dream to sleep on even beating out my car camping pads such as the MegaMat Duo from Exped. If you want the best mattress on the market, BUY THIS PAD. The only downside to it is they don't offer a 30" wide version yet. Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft is the Pad that rules them all.
Age:35–44
Weight:200–225 lbs.
Height:5'11"
Yes , I recommend this product
mattshafter
Bought it for short ranges
11 months ago
I have been WAITING for Thermarest to develop a raised perimeter air pad based of the basic xlite construction and now it's here. Because of their baffle design, Thermarest basically has the "light AND warm AND durable" category down pat, but not comfort. Now they're in play for all 4. Now, ALL they have to do is make this exact design out of 30d materials, make it 3.0in thick, and add a 4th dimension of 30in x 73in. They will then have light, warm, durable, and comfortable cornered. The pad I just described will be THE pad for every long trail and will become even more legendary than the xlite. The xlite was the pad we needed years ago when it was hard to get to low pack weights. The pad I describe above is a pad for 2024 and beyond. Thermarest, your course is clear
Yes , I recommend this product
Stephen
Minnesota
comfy but colder than expected
4 months ago
Purchased this Spring, used twice so far. Comfort was great - superior to any pad I’ve used before. Lived up to expectations. However, like a few other reviewers I noticed a palpable heat loss sensation seemingly through the pad beneath me. Used in conjunction with a BA 3n1 15 degree sleep system and an accordion style foam pad between the NeoLoft and the ground - foil faced side up. Slept fully dressed and my side or back facing the ground couldn’t shake a chilled feeling each night. Would recommend a different pad if I were to make a habit of overnights in similar temps. Nighttime lows dipped to ~30F
Age:35–44
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:6'0"
Yes , I recommend this product
Nick
Oregon
ThermaLoft: very comfortable but sleeps cold
9 months ago
My girlfriend and I each just used our Neoloft pads for one night and had nearly identical experiences. Temps on the Oregon coast were mid to upper 30's F. We were in separate solo tents. She used a Feathered Friends 10 degree bag, I used a UGQ 30 degree down quilt and a 40 degree EE Apex quilt. We both felt it was the most comfortable pad we'd ever used. But after 30 minutes or so we both felt cold creeping through. We each had similar sleeping clothes including merino top and bottoms, fleece tops and Enlightened Equipment Apex Torrid pants. I felt the R value was less than a Neoair pad or Sea to Su mit pad, but more comfortable. My pad was well inflated, I had plenty of upper insulation and had no air leakage around the quilts, yet cold was coming through to my back. I will try using a foam pad on top of the Neoloft to see if it improves the insulative performance, but we were both disappointed this very comfortable pad with a supposed 4.7 R rating didn't sleep warmer.
Age:65–74
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:6'0"
Yes , I recommend this product
JMendoza
costal Georgia
This is my first pad
11 months ago
I have been in the market for an inflatable pad for a while. Due to my weight I was concerned about how a sleep pad would evenly hold my body. This was exceptional sleep. Better than a cot. I got the regular wide and even with side sleeping I never fell like I was falling. The only thing was that when I used my inflatable pillow, my heels would stick out a bit and needed to re adjust. Did 2 nights on, temps in the low 40’s felt nice and warm. No regrets so far for a first pad.
Age:45–54
Weight:250–275 lbs.
Height:5'10"
Yes , I recommend this product
SRM
Phoenix, AZ
Comfortable, but no way is the R-value accurate
7 months ago
I'm not really sure how to rate this. It is a very comfortable pad, but it sleeps cold and I wanted a pad that I could use in cooler temperatures. I've had three nights on it in temperatures ranging from upper 30s to low 40s and it has been cool underneath me all three times. My expectation based on this pad's 4.7 R-value is that it would sleep warmer than my Nemo Tensor Insulated rated at 3.5, and which I have slept on in the upper 20s comfortably. It is not close to that. I've even slept more warmly on my 2.3 Uberlite than I have on the Neoloft - taken it down to the mid-30s comfortably, but gotten cold on it in the 20s. I don't know if that's a fair comparison because the Uberlite seems to sleep warmer than its R-value - but those are my two other reference points.
Age:45–54
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'8"
No, I do not recommend this product
Richard TC
Traverse City, Mi.
Really wanted to like this pad, came up disappoint
10 months ago
I was excited to get this pad and to use it because it was wider and thicker than most pads on the backpacking market; I was good for trading the extra weight for the comfort that I was expecting. But, in order to make the pad comfortable I had to let air out of the pad...resulting in cutting down the pads R-value. Also, as wide as this pad is if you got to the outside it would give in allowing you to roll off, not like advertised. In addition, if you inflat the pad and hold it up to bright light you'll notice the insulation film layers do not come out to the outside margins of the pad, it actually comes 2 to 3 inches from the sides. I returned the pad and going back to Nemo.
Age:65–74
Weight:200–225 lbs.
Height:6'0"
No, I do not recommend this product
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