Bill Kaplan

I spent 3 weeks on a neo air last year and the noise of the fabric was not a problem. I can't comment on slipperiness since I used the fitted sheet and ventra comforter. We got down to the lower 40's in Patagonia and it was very warm and cozy. My wife was not excited about tenting for weeks but she warmed to the idea after finding out how comfortable the set up is. I will not go back to a sleeping bag except for winter camping.

You'll save a ton of bucks long term if you get the 16 versus the 18. the extra 2 feet is not that much but the shorter box yield way better gas mileage. I had an 18 on a volvo wagon and lost 3-4 mpg and when I switched to a 16 I only lost 1 mpg. I have a friend with a passat wagon who says her 16 shows no decline in mileage.

There is lots of room for duffles and gear in this box but remember to load the heavy stuff in the car and ligher bulkier stuff in the box to keep the center of gravity of your car lower. It will pay back in handling and safety especially if you have a little car.

So much depends on how far the hitch box extends and how far the spare tire extends. Maybe you should look at the sparetime rack which attaches to your spare tire.

Glenda
the stick up fits both 1 1/4 and 2 inch receivers and the attachment to the hitch is curved up to increase ground clearance. It's a great rack and easy to use but I wouldn't recomend it for carbon fiber bikes. They should only be attached by the wheels or the drop outs.