I posted about this on the reddit ultralight too, but this place seems to be much more active, so figured I'd post here too.
The gist of it is that I have some bones to pick with foam after many years of use (bulky, not as comfortable on the hard floors of trail shelters, have to replace due to being prone to damage/wear and tear, etc.) and I am considering an air pad to upgrade my +1season sleep system, and have narrowed things down to 4 choices.
I noticed that Gossamer Gear just released some air mats. Checked them out, and the size medium is what I would get, which is I guess roughly R1 or less, around 9oz and 88 bucks.
But there are some places that still carry the old school small sized Neoair (or I could buy used), which is R 2.5 and 9oz, and is about the same length as the GG Air Beam size medium (GG is 48 vs. NA 47 inches). Seen for around 80 bucks new online, lower for used (though they seem to get snatched up fast here on gear swap).
Then there is the Neoair Prolite size small, which is R 2.2 and 11oz. Seen for around 80 bucks new online.
Finally there is Big Agnes Clearview mummy short which is R 1, 11oz, and 60 inches long–plus much cheaper than both of the other mats, but I question how durable the material is. Around 50 bucks new online.
Are there other options that can compete with the above choices of inflatable pads? I should mention that I am 6ft tall and not willing to sleep on anything under 45 inches or so in length. And I'd like it to be under 10oz if possible, and I'm too skeptical to consider Klymit AKA "let's put holes in our pads to save weight and call it a 'technically advanced' design."
Right now I am leaning towards the old school Neoair because it's low weight, not too expensive (especially if I buy used), has great reviews/reputation, and in case there is a mild cold sap an R 2.5 is nice to have but not overkill. I'm not interested in the new Neoair Xlite, as I already have a regular sized one for cooler temps/3 season use, it's a bit pricy, and too warm for summer/warm weather use with an R value of 3.2.
And side note: who else is on r/Ultralight?
