Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Sleeping Mat

[Peaksnik]

Has anyone here bought one? I've been luxuriating of late on an Exped downmat (900g) but I'm tempted by the 410g of the thermarest. It has similar thickness (over 6cm) but does require lungpower and its R value is much lower (2.5 compared to 5.9) but okay for non snow conditions.

[kanangra]

I've ordered one. Am waiting its arrival.

K.

[Jellybean]

Hi,

I've just received mine. Haven't used it in the field yet but so far I love everything about it! Very light, packs up really small and is the most comfortable mat I've ever laid on (I put it on the floor at home last night to check it out. It was so comfortable I stayed there - instead of the couch, and I have a very comfy couch! - to watch tv). (I've used several earlier Thermarest incarnations, plus the old foam mats). I'd recommend paying the extra for the Fast and Light Repair kit (just in case - but I'd do that with any inflatable mat). Minimal lung power is required to inflate the mat, I wouldn't let that put you off (unless you have some lung disease which precludes this!? ). For non-snow conditions I think it's probably a winner!

Cheers,

JB

[Franco]

This has been the most talked about mat ever (I think...)
I have one and I like it.
Very light(obviously) packs very small and it is very comfortable for me.
It does take a lot of puffing to blow it up, some may consider the Big Agnes stuff sack/pump (42 g) to use for this.
(lighter alternative to the Exped pump..)
http://www.bigagnes.com/Products/Detail ... /Pumphouse
The main "problem" is that some don't get the idea that it is meant to be an above freeing point mat ( IE not the mat for the one tool for every job brigade) and complain that it is cold below that. Strangely I don't see people complaining that shorts are too cold in the snow...
Franco

[Peaksnik]

Hi,

I've just received mine. Haven't used it in the field yet but so far I love everything about it! Very light, packs up really small and is the most comfortable mat I've ever laid on (I put it on the floor at home last night to check it out. It was so comfortable I stayed there - instead of the couch, and I have a very comfy couch! - to watch tv).

Thanks for the report Jellybean. I've read in some reviews that the fabric is "noisy". What's your view? I would have thought that the brushing sound of sleeping bag fabric would swamp that of the mat.

Cheers

[Peaksnik]

This has been the most talked about mat ever (I think...)
I have one and I like it.
Very light(obviously) packs very small and it is very comfortable for me. . . The main "problem" is that some don't get the idea that it is meant to be an above freeing point mat ( IE not the mat for the one tool for every job brigade) and complain that it is cold below that. Strangely I don't see people complaining that shorts are too cold in the snow...
Franco

Thanks Franco. Would you have any concerns about its summer use in alpine Tasmania or NZ (below snowline)?

Cheers

[Franco]

I am seeing reports of people happy only down to around 5 or so degrees, others think it is great at -5.
For areas where it might get temporarily below zero ( out of season) you can always shove whatever spare clothing you have under the mat.
Spreading out your rain gear will help already. Same for plastic bags,stuff sacks and pack liner.( this is in theory, as I have not had to do it as yet)
So far I have only used it down to about 4c inside the TT Contrail (ie outside and inside temperatures are about the same)
at medium to low humidity .
Franco

[Nuts]

do you think the foil dos anything? ie. is it really just an expensive airmat?

[corvus]

With all due respect this looks like a mat when you need more than one mat !!

What can be wrong with a Thermarest Prolite 4 , easy usage ,ultra comfortable (even for an old fart like me) and so far strong as and proven to me on snow to be effective
corvus

[Nuts]

Forgive me my intrusion kind sir, but dont you have more than one stove

[corvus]

Forgive me my intrusion kind sir, but dont you have more than one stove

Yes ,
And Tents and Mats and Packs and Boots and Coats and Gaiters and Overpants and Guitars and Amplifiers and and and and etc, fortunately I have only one very tolerant Wife.
corvus

[north-north-west]

If she's that tolerant, surely two (or more) wouldn't be a problem?

Expensive, perhaps, but not a problem . . .

[Peaksnik]

With all due respect this looks like a mat when you need more than one mat !!

What can be wrong with a Thermarest Prolite 4 , easy usage ,ultra comfortable (even for an old fart like me) and so far strong as and proven to me on snow to be effective
corvus

I have a Prolite 4, as well, but the jump from it to the Exped downmat was a no brainer. I'm getting close but not yet an old codger however the comfort of the Exped's 7cm thick mattress is very, very welcome, and this is from someone who once could sleep soundly on a bare hardwood floor.

The prospect of getting the same level of comfort as the Exped and with less than half the weight is very enticing.

[corvus]

If she's that tolerant, surely two (or more) wouldn't be a problem?

Expensive, perhaps, but not a problem . . .

In no way would two or more be expensive in fact what a good idea welcome aboard scavenger you could become the pack carrier I need
corvus

[north-north-west]

1) I don't do marriage.
2) I don't carry anyone else's gear.
3) You're not man enough to cope with me.

[Jellybean]

Thanks for the report Jellybean. I've read in some reviews that the fabric is "noisy". What's your view? I would have thought that the brushing sound of sleeping bag fabric would swamp that of the mat.

I couldn't recall it being noisy (which probably indicates how much of a problem the "noise" is! Not), so I checked it out again. Sure, there's a bit of noise if you're moving around, it's the nature of the lightweight material used, but I don't see it as a problem. If that's someone's biggest concern ....?

Cheers,

JB

[Jellybean]

With all due respect this looks like a mat when you need more than one mat !!

What can be wrong with a Thermarest Prolite 4 , easy usage ,ultra comfortable (even for an old fart like me) and so far strong as and proven to me on snow to be effective
corvus

Hmmm. In my case I currently only have a Thermarest Ultra Lite 3/4 (and a foam mat) and the comfy, lightweight, full length Neo looked too good to pass up (only $150USD or so). And, before I camp above the snow line again, I will definitely be investing in an Exped Downmat!! Does that make me a mat tragic!? (I only have two stoves!? )

[Franco]

Nuts :
Is it really just an expensive air mat ?
No. Airmat R1, Neo R2.5 (Prolite /Prolite 3 R2.2....)


"What can be wrong with a Thermarest Prolite 4 , easy usage ,ultra comfortable (even for an old fart like me) and so far strong as and proven to me on snow to be effective"
As I mentioned before the Neo Air is not a do it all mat, but in this respect (for me) neither is the Prolite 4. Below -4 or -5 I use the Exped 7...
Volume to me is also important...
(Photo : Prolite 3 and Neo, both R)


Franco
BTW, I am not justifying my purchase, I don't have to. I just like the mat and it works for me.

[Son of a Beach]

Thanks for that picture Franco... says a lot. I'm not sure I want a new mat at this stage, and if I did, I'm not sure I'd get one that wasn't suitable for colder nights. However, that picture alone has me reconsidering that if I ever have the spare cash, it may be worth getting a second mat for summer and low altitude walks.

[Nuts]

Fanco, is that the same sizes (ie sml/) in the photo...

i read a lot of reviews last night.
Seems to me that the jury is still out on a few points durability, warmth , noisyness(?)..
I'll give one a go at some stage but I really would expect that you will need to be gentle with it.My experience with exped would leave me wanting at least a thin insulating mat as well (for a long remote cold trip)
Looks like a good concept though,i'd imagine as a 3 season mat it would be ok in short length also..

PS what is it with some of those us sites. the bulk of the reviewers had 'tried the mat in the living room', 'spent a weekend', 'five nights in total'.
There are some useful ones but really....

[Franco]

The two mats are both the Regular size, 168 cm

If you read a lot of reviews you will come across posts about deflation or slow leaks. In most cases that has to do with Boyle's law and not a defect. It is just more noticeable with the Neo because it has no foam or down inside, just thin space blanket type material.

Here is a comment from one of the US forums :
Originally Posted by Tagless
I started my 09 thru hike with a BA Insulated Air Core and had problems with a slow leak near the blow up nozzle. My wife used the the same pad and had two pads leaks - same issue.
In Damascus I bought the NeoAir, used it the rest of my hike (4 months) and never had a problem. I absolutely love the NeoAir! By the way, I am a side sleeper as well and thought it was well suited for th

Franco

[photohiker]

I bought one when they first came out and have spent about a week on it so far.

Can't really think of a negative. It's light, small and comfortable. It's the only mat I have been able to sleep on my side with so far. It does take some experimentation to get the pressure right as it loses comfort if it's inflated too tight.

A lot cheaper to buy out of the US than locally. Be aware that Cascade are shutting down retail exports from the US, so you either have to find a retailer who ignores the directives or buy through a forwarder. If you buy one, grab a fast-and-light repair kit for it at the same time as I haven't seen one in a shop in Aus yet.

Noise is a non-issue

[Penguin]

A lot cheaper to buy out of the US than locally. Be aware that Cascade are shutting down retail exports from the US, so you either have to find a retailer who ignores the directives or buy through a forwarder. If you buy one, grab a fast-and-light repair kit for it at the same time as I haven't seen one in a shop in Aus yet.

Noise is a non-issue

Which US sites are are still dealing with Australia? Which site would people recommend?

Soem of this is startign to sound like to old region codes for DVD's - in teh long run it did not work. A firned has one of teh new Kindle's. He very quickly worked out a way to get the electronic books form amazon desoite them not selling outside North Amerca.

P

[Penguin]

A lot cheaper to buy out of the US than locally. Be aware that Cascade are shutting down retail exports from the US, so you either have to find a retailer who ignores the directives or buy through a forwarder. If you buy one, grab a fast-and-light repair kit for it at the same time as I haven't seen one in a shop in Aus yet.

Noise is a non-issue

Which US sites are are still dealing with Australia? Which site would people recommend?

Some of this is starting to sound like to old region codes for DVD's - in the long run it did not work. A friend has one of the new Kindle's. He very quickly worked out a way to get the electronic books from Amazon despite them not selling outside North Amerca.

P

I did this one with spelling a bit more like normal English sorta kinda

p

[photohiker]

Kindle now has an international version as part of it's new updated model range.

Moontrail will no longer ship thermarest to Australia. I am trialling a forwarding service which uses a US address to get around this issue and also charges non rip-off freight pricing for overseas shipments. Many US regional delivery fees are so low as to be laughable - a couple of bucks gets a small package just about anywhere in the states. The forwarder will assemble orders from several suppliers into one international shipment, so as long as it comes under the $1k GST free limit, it should be a good deal. Will advise details and performance once the shipment arrives - a new US/International Kindle is actually in there to avoid the rather expensive Amazon international freight.

[Jellybean]

Which US sites are are still dealing with Australia? Which site would people recommend?
Some of this is starting to sound like to old region codes for DVD's - in the long run it did not work. A friend has one of the new Kindle's. He very quickly worked out a way to get the electronic books from Amazon despite them not selling outside North Amerca.

P

P,

Thanks for the translation!

I actually just bought my Neo from Moontrail!? I just had to agree to send any warranty claims/repairs direct to Moontrail rather than Thermarest!? No biggie.

As has been stated, some manufacturers do state they only sell to US addresses, I'm assuming to protect their overseas distributors? In my experience, however, some US retailers (or employees within them) respect (remember?) this and others don’t. If this is a problem, you can get around it, as others mentioned, by using a forwarding company (which provides you with a US address).

Moontrail sell Neo’s at the RRP (I paid $149USD plus postage for a Regular – it’s 183cm long; I’m 185cm long, slim build and sleep on my side with knees bent – this is a perfect length for me) but value add by awarding you points for purchases made. With the points gained for buying the Neo I got a repair kit, stuff sack and a few other small things for nothing. This is my first dealing with Moontrail but I was happy with their service.

Cheers,

JB

P.S. When I use a forwarder I use shipitto.com - they provide you with a US address and charge you $8.50USD for each parcel - they also provide a range of shipping options so you have more choice re shipping costs (Some US retailers charge through the nose). They also have a service whereby you can send a few parcels to them and they consolidate and ship on as one package to save shipping costs. I haven't used that).

[photohiker]

Jellybean.

Thanks for that. How long ago did you buy it? I bought one a month or so after they were released in the US and they accepted the order then advised they couldn't ship it. I had it shipped to another supplier who gladly shipped it for me...

[scockburn]

Hi , I too was thinking it might be a good idea. I've since had second thoughts when I slept next to one . Sounded loud and crinkly and was a bit off putting. I have a down mat and that too is little crinckly sounding but the Neo is louder when you readjust your position . FYI

[corvus]

Having slept next to a Down mat a couple of times which I thought was noisy I guess the Neo Air Mat may force me to search for my little knife and do a discreet venting poke
Then again it is no worse than snoring just a different nocturnal noise
So I guess the answer will be "rock concert" strength ear plugs as I really like my Strolling Mates
corvus

[Jellybean]

Jellybean.

Thanks for that. How long ago did you buy it? I bought one a month or so after they were released in the US and they accepted the order then advised they couldn't ship it. I had it shipped to another supplier who gladly shipped it for me...

Hi Michael,

Only very recently - arrived last week, ordered it the week before. 'Seems they may have changed their policy - perhaps as a result of the overseas demand for the mats? (or I just got the "right" employee).

Cheers,

JB