Sleeping Pad Suggestions

Neoair Trekker is made with beefier materials than the standard models. 16oz for the 47"x25" size.

My experience shows the NeoAir as being far more sturdy than you'd think.

+1 on Neoair being more durable than you would think. Mine's been used on the mileage equivalent of a thru hike without a patch or leak.

There seemed to be some manufacturing defects when they first came out. Later models seemed to hold up.

They have a very good warranty and have had for MANY years.

Interisting about the neoair. I'll look into them a bit more. I think the neoair might be out of my price range though. I did manage to find a neoair trekker for $95

However, its the same weight as the nemo astro, and the astro includes the patch kit and stuff sack.

Does anyone have any experience with the nemo astro?

Checkout the exped synmat ul 7. It's light like the neoair and very comfortable; packs down small as well. Not sure what the R value is but….

there have dozens (and dozens) of these pads used through all of the major thru hikes, not saying bombproof, but plenty capable w/ a little care (as w/ any inflatable bring a couple of patches)

I find the pad comfortable to about freezing, adding a 1/8" GG thinlight at 2.5 oz would probably be a good idea if you were seeing temps much below freezing (would add a little extra protection as well)- would also double as a nice sit pad

Ive fallen in love with the Big Agnes aircore pads. I had never slept like i was in my own bed before trying these out. Does anyone know if the new Neo-air models still sound like a potato chip bag?

If you can strap to the outside of the pack as not to waste space inside your pack – then check out Thermaerst Z-lite. Length/oz/$ is quite good compared to other pads which are smaller or slightly lighter but are a lot more expensive

Short

R-Valu

I agree, If you can get by with a Z-lite or even just a thin solid core pad, go for it. Much more durable and light.

I know I used to just use a thin closed cell pad or nothing at all, until I got old and some of my joints became more sensitive to pressure.

Not a real answer to your question, Scott, but my original Neo isn't loud. I don't have hearing loss but, while the uninflated pad is "louder" than a BAIAC, when inflated it honestly isn't what I'd call loud, and I'm a toss 'n turn kind of sleeper. Waaaaaaaaaaaaaay comfy pad.

Good to know, i might have to bite the bullet and try it.

i just got one from the Gear Swap brand new in box for 90 bucks (regular)…

Also, i've seen some here use these pads http://kookabay.com/

they look like the big agnes air core but these are lighter…

Overall, the durability of a Neoair sucks, 3 out of 5 I have had, have had problems.
NONE, however, were due to trail induced leaks. I used mine for a 6 week journey along the NFCT last summer. A couple baffles let loose, but it was always usable. The outer skins are fairly tough. A simple ground cloth was really the only ground prep I used. Many other trips it worked fine for both myself and wife, and, as a loaner for other people camping with me.

The failures were all due to baffle problems or leaking right out of the box. Poor QC, perhaps was the problem. Perhaps inadequate material, which amounts to the same thing. Anyway, they seem to be durable in use…having experience 0 failures in three years.

Has anyone used the Nemo Astro Air size Regular?

Its in my price range $80 or so, and looks similar to the neoair, just a little heavier. I would like to know if i'm better off with it, or a differnt pad, for the same amount of money.