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2025 MSR NeoLoft pad – built for comfort?

This topic has 33 replies, 16 voices, and was last updated 3 months, 1 week ago by Alexander L.

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Sep 23, 2024 at 2:56 pm #3818646

Art Rhizhiy
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.

Jul 18, 2025 at 12:39 pm #3838296

Buckeye Davis
BPL Member

@buckeyepacker

Hi All!

Can any of you give an update on the NeoLoft? I’m seeing some reviews that it sleeps cold which isn’t surprising for the volume of air. Seems with a lot of volume of air, the reflective insulation type pads don’t hold their R-values as well. I’m going on a trip in a week and decided to upgrade my old pad. I practice light/ultralight where I can but want to splurge on comfort for my sleeping pad so I’m looking for the most comfortable pad all the way up to 40oz or less. But it also should be warm. I haven’t been out in a while but would love something that can handle down to 20-25F. Thanks.

PS. I’ve lurked here at BPL for about 15 years and this is my first ever post!

Jul 18, 2025 at 1:55 pm #3838300

JG H
BPL Member

@jgh4

I had one and returned it. I found that the sides weren’t supportive at all unless the pad was fully inflated, which made it too firm for my liking.

If it helps, we use Exped Ultra 7R pads and love them. Super warm, supportive, quiet, and comfortable all night.

Jul 18, 2025 at 2:49 pm #3838305

Dan @ Durston Gear
BPL Member

@dandydan
Locale: Canadian Rockies

I find it pretty cozy in the wide version. The weight and bulk are a major downside, but it is a great night sleep for me. I won’t normally use it, but for those short hikes I might.

Jul 18, 2025 at 5:45 pm #3838316

JG H
BPL Member

@jgh4

To Dan’s point about width, mine was the regular width.

Jul 18, 2025 at 11:38 pm #3838340

Buckeye Davis
BPL Member

@buckeyepacker

Thanks guys! What do you guys think about the Exped 5r or 7r in comparison to that neoloft as far as comfort? I get that I can’t have something that is the best at everything but I really think I would get out more and backpack more if I slept comfy so this is the gear I really want to get right, along with quilt which is why I’m looking at Zenbivy system to pair with this, and pillow. But I also don’t want it to be cold or heavy haha. Cost isn’t an issue for me on this.

Jul 20, 2025 at 1:07 am #3838382

Karen Kennedy
BPL Member

@karenk
Locale: NE NSW - Australian subtropics

Spent my first night on my new MW NeoLoft last week. What a game changer! Comfort was extraordinary – I’m 68 and a side sleeper. I’m not sure how keen I’d be to carry it on my back(this trip was car camping), but if the trip was shortish or mild, I’d certainly consider it! Up until now my most comfy mat has been the Exped 9cm Downmat, but the NeoLoft beat that hands down. I didn’t have an issue with the lack of side rails, the stretchy nature of the fabric on top of the NeoLoft seemed to keep me centred on the mat throughout the night. Can’t comment on temp range, this was a mild winter night in Oz at 10°C with a foam mat underneath. I’m now officially a NeoLoft fan – highly recommended!

Jul 20, 2025 at 5:25 am #3838384

Joey G
BPL Member

@joey-green

I am fixing to take this pad out next weekend. I’m doing basically a base camping trip in Mount Rainier National Park. This weekend I inflated this alongside my S2S Ether Light XT. It made the S2S feel like I was using something 20 years old. It felt defiantly worth the extra 10 ounces for this trip.

If they can somehow get the fabric in a lighter pad, I think this would be perfect. Like others though, this will only go on trips I where being light isn’t the top priority, like base camping ;).

Jul 20, 2025 at 1:27 pm #3838393

JG H
BPL Member

@jgh4

@ Buckeye

I would recommend the 7R over the 5R. It’s only 2oz heavier in size Regular, but the R value jumps from 4.8 to 7.1 and the 7r is 1/2” thicker.

@ Karen

I’m so jealous. I wanted so much to like mine but the collapsing edges was just a deal breaker. I suspect my “density” was an issue as I weigh 200+ lbs, so I’m sure I tested the pad’s support characteristics a bit more than you. 😉
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