Topic

2025 MSR NeoLoft pad – built for comfort?

This topic has 16 replies, 10 voices, and was last updated 3 days, 3 hours ago by JG H.

Viewing 17 posts - 1 through 17 (of 17 total)

Author

Posts
Sep 23, 2024 at 2:56 pm #3818646

Art
BPL Member

@verysimpleoutlook-com

Looks super comfy with 4.6 height and R4.7. 1lb 14oz for 26×73 (longer and wider than standard wide ultralight pads)

https://www.thermarest.com/products/sleeping-pads/neoloft-sleeping-pad/neoloft.html

https://thedaily.outdoorretailer.com/news/industry-press-releases/therm-a-rest-introduces-neoloft-for-spring-2025/

https://www.rei.com/product/241039/therm-a-rest-neoloft-sleeping-pad (REI exclusive until 2025)

Not the lightest, but might be a good option for comfort oriented hikers.

Sep 23, 2024 at 4:28 pm #3818651

Dan
BPL Member

@dan-s
Locale: Colorado

I can’t believe they’re marketing that for backpacking.

Sep 23, 2024 at 5:14 pm #3818662

JCH
BPL Member

@pastyj-2-2

I can’t believe they’re marketing that for backpacking

I would not backpack with it…but I would sleep the HECK out of it :)

Sep 24, 2024 at 12:14 pm #3818717

Erik Hagen
BPL Member

@ewh100
Locale: SF Bay Area

I could see this ending up in my Bikepacking kit, looks comfy.

Dec 27, 2024 at 8:33 am #3825051

JG H
BPL Member

@jgh4

Resurrecting the dead here…

Has anyone tried this pad yet?

Dec 27, 2024 at 1:16 pm #3825076

David K
BPL Member

@dbkuttner

I bought it when it was first released and available only via REI.. took it out on one trip (3 days/2 nights) in early October. It packs down pretty small so it doesn’t take up much space in your backpack. While a pound heavier than most UL or backpacking sleeping pads (I bought the regular wide) it wasn’t something that noticeable on trail especially if you are being more weight conscious with the other gear you bring. The comfort of this pad (subjective to each person) for me was so good that I would carry it on all my trips except for maybe a few where weight is the number one priority above all else. The fabric used on the top of this pad is really soft and comfortable while the bottom of the pad is constructed with a fabric that seems way less likely to puncture than most pads on the market. Other than the weight this pad shines in confort and durability.. its also crazy quiet when used on a poly/nylon or DCF tent floor. It’s generously sized and for me a dream to sleep on. Its likely not the pad for hard core ultralight backpackers but it’s still a viable pad for many different types of backpacking trips…. highly recommend it.

Dec 27, 2024 at 2:42 pm #3825080

Luke Coop
BPL Member

@deuce

Interesting. Only four ounces heavier than same size Exped Ultra 5r. Looks like it might roll a little larger, but not much. My Tensor Extreme just arrived though, and having now held both I know which one I’ll take on solo trips.

Dec 27, 2024 at 3:29 pm #3825081

Jon Fong / Flat Cat Gear
BPL Member

@jonfong
Locale: FLAT CAT GEAR

I use the original NeoAir, I can inflat it using about 40 breaths. This one looks like it might require an inflator!

Dec 27, 2024 at 4:35 pm #3825087

JG H
BPL Member

@jgh4

Its only 3oz heavier than the Exped Ultra 7R I currently carry. I prioritize sleep comfort above all else, so this may be a belated Christmas gift to myself.

Dec 27, 2024 at 4:37 pm #3825090

JG H
BPL Member

@jgh4

@ David K…. Thanks for the report!

Dec 28, 2024 at 6:34 am #3825101

Terran Terran
BPL Member

@terran

I added a cut down Exped Flexmat to my pad. About 14 ounces, it adds a R-value of 2.2 while increasing comfort to my torso area. Two 22″ x 24″ sections. It also adds a back for my chair if I bring it.

Dec 28, 2024 at 6:58 am #3825102

Bill in Roswell
BPL Member

@roadscrape88-2
Locale: Roswell, GA, USA

I tried one at REI. It is comfy indeed. But $100 more comfy than my Exped Ultra? When a sleep pad costs as much as my tent and quilt, I have to question my sanity.

For car camping, my Exped Megamat is more comfy, has higher R value, comes with foot pump to top it off. I have no reason to replace it.

To each his own. Hike your own hike, sleep your own sleep! Cheers…

Dec 28, 2024 at 7:34 am #3825106

JG H
BPL Member

@jgh4

@ Terran: We carried Nemo Switchbacks on our Yosemite trip this year and laid them atop our Exped Ultras. It works okay, but with me being a rotisserie side-sleeper its just more stuff to have to contend with during the night as I flip back and forth from side to side.

@Bill: yeah, the price is pretty steep, but if it levels up my sleep comfort noticeably then it’d be worth it to me. I’m 56 and not getting younger. Sleep quality is the one area where price and weight take a back seat. Plus, we only backpack about 20 nights a year, so with care we should get plenty of use to justify the coin.

Dec 28, 2024 at 10:20 am #3825113

Terran Terran
BPL Member

@terran

The only reason I bought the Flexmat is because I had bought a ZenBivy Flex and didn’t find it that comfortable. I made it work. I use the mat underneath. I have a couple things from Thermarest and I haven’t been that impressed. The thicker pad does look nice though I have an Exped R-5 Ultra Duo that they sent me to replace an old R-7. Very nice pad. I wish I’d gone with another Exped or maybe the Nemo.

At 68, I have a few regrets about some of the heavier comfort items I bought in my 50’s, early 60’s, yet I’ve added a chair. It’s all good.

Dec 28, 2024 at 1:35 pm #3825132

JG H
BPL Member

@jgh4

I bought one today at REI (Asheville). If the pad is as comfy overnight as it was laying on it in the store, I’ll be a very happy camper. I’ll keep my Ultra 7R for sub-freezing temps, but otherwise hoping this works for all other trips.

Dec 29, 2024 at 4:33 am #3825182

Terran Terran
BPL Member

@terran

Sounds comfy. These 3″ pads with all the dimples are more like 2″ pads. There’s very little adjustment.

Dec 30, 2024 at 5:32 am #3825269

JG H
BPL Member

@jgh4

One downside I’ve noticed is that the “side rails” are completely ineffective unless the pad is fully inflated. If you release some of the air to soften the pad, the rails will collapse with ease if you roll onto them. This isn’t true of my Ultra 7R. I had it right next to the NeoLoft for a side-by-side comparison and they held up solid, even when the pad was slightly deflated.

One upside is that the pad seems to be quite comfortable while fully inflated. I haven’t spent a night on it yet, which will be the true test. If the comfort holds while fully inflated, it will likely become my go-to pad.

One neutral point is that the length and width aren’t bigger than my 7R. They’re essentially identical in those regards. The difference is in the thickness.
Author

Posts