Gear Review
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Sleeping Pad
My advice research before you believe the hype.
By joe stans
Ranked #435 - Lightweight Sleep Pads
May 5, 2009
I own the air core, and Ive seen and researched the neoair. There is no doubt that it is light but also be very aware it is not as dependable. Ive seen other reviews regarding complaints of deflation, and internal air imbalance caused by a broken seal between baffles (out of respect for BC I wont referencethe where but if you look youll see the contrasting reviews). Regarding the neoair others with much more knowledge then me claim the R 2.5 rating may be pure hype. Personally I can attest that Ive slept on my BA AirCore in 35 degrees comfortably (with a 20 degree synth bag)you really cant get much more 3 season than that - so who knows maybe my Aircore is has a rating of R 2.5 as well. The Aircore comes in at 16oz of rugged dependable nylon. Sure I may be shlepping an extra 7oz but the sucker has stood the test of time. It has few complaints after serving hikers dependably for years look for youself. be aware the Neoair has a spotty track record after a few short weeks. Also take note that most these reviews are out of the box summations. I would hope the NEOAIR fills up nicely and stays inflated on your living room carpet - and we are all aware that it is light (we can read). My advice to someone taken in by the glitz and fancy talk is to consider the 40 something dollar cost and the dependable record of the BA AirCore in contrast to the $120 - spotty short history and a seven ounce savings of the NEOAIR - you decide - only you may end up looking for leaves to cushion yourself when your brilliant purchase haunts you somewhere in the middle of Yellowstone at 2:00am. At that time that 7oz savings will be undoubtedly be to your mind one of the dumbest decisions you have made - after all mother nature isnt carpeted. I am in no way judging those that purchase the NeoAir and am quite aware (and respect) those who will only rely on the dependability of Foam. We all make sacrifices I suppose - just decide what risk you are willing to take before you buy. So in summation NEOAIR 3 stars Backcountry 5 stars.
View Details: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Sleeping Pad
Helpful Votes: 3 Yes
Change me.
4 Comments Last Reply: November 8, 2009 By: Andrew Brandt
If you do not have actual experience with a product, or are not relating experience for someone else who is unable to review the product then you should not be reviewing the product. If your point is that you agree with the reasoning of the negative reviews of this product, then by all means leave a comment on those reviews to show your agreement. By your logic any time I see a review that makes sense on a product I should also review the product parroting the actual reviewer's information. The value in reviews comes from real experience with the product.
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes
Hmmmm...having spent several uncomfortable nights on an air core that sprang a leak and resisted all attempts to repair...and having owned my neo air now for about 6 months of pure comfort...I have to ask slinky...do you work for BA? I agree that the price difference is significant - you have a point there - but in my case, I feel it was money well spent.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
air is air - so is it more comfortable than another 2.5 inch pad? r anyway my point is about the discomfort one will have if this pad fails - which it has done to more than a couple people - Who have reviewed it. that's my point - it's a risky pad to rely on. yes it's light but it's too delicate for dependable use. perhaps using it for an over nighter - i can see that.
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
I respect your review, but do you even own this pad? You complain these reviews are out of the box summations, but if you don't even own one, how can you review it? I used this pad again this past weekend. Easily the most comfortable sleep I've had in the backcountry in a long time.
Helpful Votes: 2 Yes