How does Big Agnes Insulated Air Core compare with the Term-a-rest Neo Air Sleeping pad? Thanks.

While the Neo Air is significantly lighter, I found three main advantages to the Air Core over the Thermarest: (1) price; (2) no noise; and (3) warmth. The Air Core is pretty substantially cheaper when you consider that the price includes the sack and repair kit. When I tried out the Neo Air, I found it very noisy...crinkly space blanket noisy (if that makes sense). Since my wife and I were getting the same pad, I knew that we would annoy and possibly wake the other up by just rolling over. The Primaloft insulation in the Air Core has been a blessing on cold nights.

I'm not impressed with the neo air. It utilizes the same material as a space blanket, which works best when its close to the skin. So the insulation factor of the pad is not realistic. And thus it makes it difficult to compare an insulated pad to an uninsulated because weight will be much different (as it is between these two) To compare the neo air to a BA pad, you'd have to check out the BA clearview pad. Same weight and insulating capabilities as neo air, for 1/3 the price. People question durability, I just finished 20+ days on the Long Trail with it, not a problem at all. Some people don't like that the clearview is vinyl, I like that because it keeps my sleeping bag from getting all twisted in the night.

Weight and price are the two of the big factors. Here are the specs laid out for a size regular for each BA - Neoair $71.96 - $149.95 72" x 20" - 72" x 20" rolled size 5" x 9" - 4" x 9" weight: 24oz - 14oz R value 4.1 - 2.5 The neo does not have any insulation whereas the BA has a layer of primoloft which is why the neo is only a 2.5 R value. Which one you buy is dependent on where and when you camp. If you like inflatables (which I don't) then you need to decide how much weight you want to put into a pad. 24oz compared to 14oz is a huge difference. Price is a big factor, if you are a weekend camper/hiker go with the BA it's cheaper. If you are not concerned with weight go with BA. The only real reason to go for the neo is if you A: have the money, and B: if you are a light hiker. I'm a light hiker though and I wouldn't even spend that much on a pad. Hope this helps.