I've been an avid believer in buying the best hiking shoes I could afford. I have loved the Asolo top of the line boots. That being said, I've recently become a newbie in the ultralight packing idea. Going to trail runners was my last point of resistance. I did a 3 day Utah King's Peak climb as a test of a 52 mile cross country across Utah's Highline Trail. The upper part of the trail from Gunsight Pass to King's Peak and down the main chute is across extremely rugged rock fields. Given two important adjustments: much lighter pack of 25 lbs and using walking poles, I am very pleased with the La Sportivas. They dried out fast after a snow storm. One important point however is make sure you use closed cell foam inserts if you switch out the stock inserts. That was the biggest adjustment I made from the test run to the 52 mile trek. Makes a big difference in how fast they dry out.
I think my Asolo's will have to wait until the snow flies.

The NeoAir is totally awesome. The weight and size savings are a big factor. After a subfreezing, 52 mile 5 day trek across the Utah Highline Trail I can honestly say that this pad made a huge difference. It's the first time in 25 years of backpacking that I actually looked forward to going to bed at night. It is so comfortable!
I totally agree, however, that it's a bummer to have to buy the stuff sack and repair kit separately. Come on, Thermorest! For the price, you should throw these in.

The NeoAir is totally awesome. I totally agree, however, that it's a bummer to have to buy the stuff sack and repair kit separately. Come on, Thermorest! For the price, you should throw these in.

I just completed a 52 mile, 5 day solo trek across the spectacular Uinta Highline trail. It was critical to cut my pack weight down to 35 lbs or less in order for me to make the time that I needed. I stewed and fretted about the negative reports of the NeoAir pad. I finally spent the money and am glad I did. It was amazing! I have never slept better. Besides the greatly reduced weight and size, I really liked the fact that I didn't have to spend a lot of time preparing a sleeping spot. The stuff about only being 20 inches wide was not a factor for me as the pad fits perfectly inside my REI Cruiser SM tent. With my mummy bag and tent constraints, never did I feel like the pad was too small. I highly recommend the pad! It was a critical part of reducing 20 lbs off my usual Uinta 55 lb pack. I totally agree, however, that it's a bummer to have to buy the stuff sack and repair kit separately. Come on, Thermorest! For the price, you should throw these in.