Therm-a-Rest NeoAir All-Season Sleeping Pad

I had called and talked with one of the Backcountry gear experts. I explained that I was an insomniac and tried a lot of different pads to no avail. I am a side sleeper, my hip or shoulder always bottom out on the ground through the pad, this causes me to wake up sore and I can't go back to sleep. The gear guru assured me I would not have this problem with this pad. This past week I had a chance to try it out. For me I found it took 17 breaths to blow it up each time consistantly that I tried. I am 5'10" 185lbs, muscular build being a trainer. While another 6" in width would be perfect I was very comfortable sleeping on this pad. I did not bottom out my hip/shoulder as with previous pads. I actually slept through the night which is rare for me. I was hesitant at first but he reassured me I would be happy so I took him at his word, at present I can not argue with him as it worked as he described (something I rarely find these days). It packs down small, taking up little space Granted this was my first outing with it and time may tell a different story, however I am grading it based on the fact that it solves the concerns I had when I called for advice. My hip/shoulder does not bottom out and I don't see that changing in the future short of a leak. I camp alone and therefore have no complaints from a noisey standpoint although did not find this to be a problem myself. Jeff

I've had this sleeping pad for a couple seasons and it works great for keeping you off the ground. I'm 5'6" and its a bit narrow so I suggest getting a Long if you want the extra room. Otherwise Regular is perfect! Its meant for backpacking so they make them smaller than you may think. It comes with a bag to help pressure into the pad but I have never been able to make that work efficiently so I just blow right into the mouth piece and that works great. I've taken this on the river and camping. Still a great pack if you plan to be out for a couple of days!

This is a great pad, it packs down a little shorter, but a little wider than a nalgene bottle. It's very light and doesn't take up much space inside my pack. I've used this Jan. 2012 up at Priest lake, ID on our annual snow camp out and it kept me plenty warm combined with a zero degree sleeping bag. I love the fact that it's over 2" thick, not sure that it's 2.5", but maybe I didn't have it all the way inflated. Either way it's the best nights sleep that I've had on a camping trip.

I just spent ten nights in the Bugaboos (BC) using this pad. Very warm and super comfortable! I still carry a short foam pad just in case of a puncture and to protect the neo air (did the same with my regular thermarest too). The material is tough, but thin, so you have to be careful with it. I wouldn't use it w/o a groud sheet, etc. I didn't use the silly pump bag. I work as a climbing/mtn guide and spend many nights out, and this pad is the most comfortable that I have had yet!