NeoAir Durability

Travis:

I used the NeoAir just once — but it was in the desert with sharp cacti leaves, pebbles, etc. The NeoAir did just fine. No clue about long term usage, and given how new this product is, I doubt if anyone really knows for sure. But I wouldn't worry about puncture/abrasion. My thoughts:

1. Any pad that can meaningfully withstand puncture/abrasion will need to be pretty thick and heavy.

2. To get away from heavy tent floor and pad fabrics, one will always need to spend a few minutes carefully examining one's campsite and clear out sharp objects beforehand.

3. And if one has to go through #2 anyway even with relatively robust tent floor and pad fabrics — then one may as well do a good job of it and enjoy the benefits of UL tent floor and pad fabrics.

I had one on the AT last year for the first 800 miles with no problems whatsoever. I got tired to blowing it up and deflating it, so I swapped it out, but it worked great.

I've been using it in the hammock and on the ground without issues, on a drop cloth or on a thin foam pad, depending. But I did get a patch kit and keep it in a stuff sack to avoid undue abrasion in the pack.

"I got tired to blowing it up and deflating it, so I swapped it out…"

That was one of my two reasons for selling mine — the other being the pad was too cool for me temp. wise. Blowing that thing was tedious.

For that price they could at least ship it with a repair kit. There again they'd need to give you a bag to put it in then…

I keep wondering why I see so many for sale on the gear swap.

"I keep wondering why I see so many for sale on the gear swap."

I sold mine because I found it too cold even at 32-35F. YMMV.

We've used ours for ~50 nights each and so far no problem. We are very careful in ground prep (but no more careful than with the old Thermarest).

"I keep wondering why I see so many for sale on the gear swap."

I guess you could make the same comment about Tarptents, MLD DuoMids, or Granite Gear Vapor Trail packs.

How do you define durability? How much durability will you be sacrificing over what?? It can't be measured like pack weight. I'm careful with mine, as I am with all my lightweight gear. It's wrapped inside my quilt in my pack, I am careful about site selection, and it never sees bare ground. Had mine out for about 20 nights now with no problem. So for me it is durable enough. Will it take the same abuse as a closed cell blue pad? Of course not. If durability was my first concern I would not consider the NeoAir. Its design, like any other, is a compromise. But IMO it is an acceptable compromise between weight, comfort and durability. If a subjective thing like comfort could be measured, I would say that it gives me more comfort per ounce than any other pad I have ever used, and I have tried a lot of pads.

FWIW my friend who is 6'1" 220ish threw his down on pine duff without even looking for cones/ sticks and plopped right down on it the first night of our trip. We all stood and stared wide-eyed, giving him the 'you're in trouble' look that kids give. To my amazement, nothing happened. He just relaxed.

Obviously, DTTAH (don't try this at home)(did I just invent yet an abbreviation?), but it sold me on the durability issue

I have used my neoair for one season. No punctures, but the internal baffling separated near the foot creating a "fat spot". I sent it in for repair or replacement…waiting.

Other than a single puncture wound on my old thermarest I've not had any type of pad failure. Could be the neoair had a manufacturing flaw, but I'd say it is not quite as durable as say a regular thermarest or a BA air core.

Still the weight savings and comfort even with some extra expense and hassle are worth it to me.

No two hikers are alike, I suppose…

I have used mine for a total of ten nights or so, and really enjoy it. I have also used it down to 23 degrees F and did not notice any cold coming through at all, but I am typically a warm sleeper.

Durability has not been an issue, and the inflating doesn't seem to be a big deal to me.

I do notice that the temp variation between warm and cool does tend to deflate it some, but I just blow a few puffs of air in it and it is up to where it was.

I am satisfied with it and plan on keeping mine.

I agree that it is a bit less warm than other mats but it is comfortable and surely beats carrying a downmat. I normally carry it with a thin CCF pad. The durability seems to be on par with any other thermarest self inflating mat

It is weird to me that folks take issue with blowing it up. Maybe I'm just used to it, because as a side sleeper- I had to give up on ridgerest/ zrests about 10 years ago.

My Neo small blows up in 12 of my breaths. That's me trying to blow it up in as few breaths as possible- Probably more like 18 or so 'normal' breaths. Not too much of a PITA for me. My BAIAC Makes my lips and cheeks tired and makes me reminisce about my days of playing the trombone. The Neo inflates well before I get tired. Maybe the other cats who don't like blowing it up had bigger ones?

No issues after 1 season (about 25 nights).

I returned one after only about seven nights of gentle use, since it had a slow leak. Nothing too bad, but I'd be on the ground in about three hours and have to reinflate several times throughout the night. Bought it at REI specifically b/c I was worried about durability. When I returned it, I asked whether they'd gotten many returns, explaining that if they had, I'd just like my money back, but if not, I'd like to exchange it for another one and try again. They said that hardly any had come back. Only a couple nights on the replacement so far. It's working, but I don't trust it the way I trust the rest of my gear–itself something to think about.

Nathan,
Did you try to find the leak?

I'm curious about failure modes.

Thanks.

I also had a slow leak after about a weeks use. I submerged mine and still couldn't find the leak. I returned to REI for a new one. I only have a few nights on it but so far so good.

Was looking at them today at local REI. Was very comfy. Was not real concerned with its durability as I take care of light but non-bulletproof gear, but did not like it because it seemed noisy. Did seem like you'd have to add a bit of installation underneath (1/8 in foam or something) to boost its installation – I know YMMV of course : ). The price seems high.

Those that have them – please also comment on noise. How does it compare to Big Agnes

Noise is a non-issue with me.

As for the BA, to me the Neo can get firmer. I like it better.(deflated a little)

For those who find it unappealing to inflate the NeoAir, try the small version. I blow mine up in 9-10 breaths versus about 15 for the regular version. This makes a difference because it's those last few puffs where you are really feeling light headed.

Also, while it does take a bit longer to inflate than a self inflating pad, you do save a bit of time in the morning because it rolls up faster.

I haven't noticed cold ground using mine in 30F conditions. I've used mine to about 25F with nothing else. I'm a side sleeper.

Noise is a non-issue for me.

A few more inches of width (22-23") would be ideal.

The NeoAir is the best air mattress I've used, but it's still a far cry from my bed at home.

I was hesitant to buy mine at the REI garage sale as I wouldn't have the opportunity to return it if/when it failed, but the price was too hard to pass up and I'd heard too many good things about it. I've only got about 10 nights on it and I'm very careful with where I put it for the night. I have the regular length version (only one they had at the sale), and a Granite Gear Virga pack. I used to carry a Thermarest Prolite which would create the form in the backpack. I now have to carry a small ~2' section of an old Ridgerest as the internal packframe. It's a heavier solution but much more comfortable. I can use the section of Ridgerest as a camp cushion and also place that small piece under my torso at night as I often sleep on my side with the neo air deflated slightly. This way I'm not grinding the thin fabric into the ground and any potential pointy objects.

No failures, yet with mine.I wonder though, those that have if problems are happening at the "fold" lines. I usually fold mine in thirds and roll toward the valve. Folding in the same spot everytime i wonder if this could weaken, or maybe from the creased area being on the ends of the roll it is succeptible to damage when rolled up…

as for inflating… 1.5oz for a big agnes pumphouse is well worth it, i have seen some fuss about effectiveness but it works perfect for me introduces no water vapor into the pad. triples as a bag/quilt sack and bear bag.