I'm comparing two regular sized air mattresses. The Big Agnes Air Core, and the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir. I have never used either one and I am looking at both of them for a possible purchase. They are very similar in many respects, but there are some differences.

Similarities:
The Dimensions are identical, both of them 20x72 inches with a 2.5 inch thickness, they both pack down to a similar size, the BA 4x7.5in., the NeoAir larger at 4x9in.

Differences:
Weight - the medium NeoAir weighs 14 oz. The medium BA Air Core weighs 22 oz.
Cost - Big Agnes $49.95, NeoAir $149.95.
Included Accessories - Big Agnes includes a stuff sack and patch kit. The Therm-a-Rest includes nothing.

Is 8 oz worth $100?
Perhaps Big Agnes includes the stuff sack and patch kit in the listed weight?

Bottom Line: Why should I buy the Therm-a-Rest over the Big Agnes? Does Big Agnes include the sack and patch kit in the listed weight? I have never used either one, so is the NeoAir more durable?

Durability is the name of the game with this product. I spent 30 days on the Big Agnes insulated air core and a friend of mine had the NeoAir. Before the trip, both pads had suffered punctures, but over the course of 30 days of continuous use, my BA ruptured again (day 22). The NeoAir preformed faithfully without problems. The price is in the quality construction and materials.

Thank you for that great answer Jason. And here I was thinking that the NeoAir was just an air mattress!! I used to sell Thermarest back in the 80s when I was in college working at a sporting goods store in Anchorage, so I know that Thermarest is a quality brand and that $100 had to be there for some reason. It amazes me that the NeoAir has so many more baffles, yet still remains lighter weight than the Air Core. I think that Big Agnes is also a quality brand, but it seems that these two products are in a different league. On the surface they seemed very much alike, but they are really quite different. By the way, I read your bio. I think you must have one of the best jobs in the world. Hiring? :)

There are a few major differences between the Big Agnes Air Core and the Thermarest NeoAir. They are: 1. NeoAir is smaller or at the least the same size. You can get the NeoAir incredibly small! I've actually gotten my Regular NeoAir pad in the small stuff sack. 2. The major difference between the two is that the NeoAir has R-Value, or insulative properties, where as the Air Core does not. This is done by the "Triangular Core Matrix" which uses a reflective safety blanket and air permeable material lamenated to the outer material. Because of this brand new technology, the NeoAir has an R-Value of 2.5, allowing the user to sleep in colder conditions. 3. The NeoAir is much more comfortable because of the 140 baffles vs. the 14 baffles of the AirCore. Sleeping on the AirCore is akin to sleeping on a pool toy. The NeoAir is like sleeping on a regular Thermarest much a tad more thick. The NeoAir is much more technologically superior to the AirCore.