Cheaper alternative to neo air?

Klymit has some alternatives. No experience personally, however.

The Big Agnes Air Core and Klymit Static V fit that description, but they are heavier.

Exped Airmat UL Basic 7.5

I have one and it is comfortable as long as the ground is not cold.

I'll play the guessing game. The POE Hyalite Peak AC is comparable to the Neoair terms of weight. They have a weird variable R rating called Bio-mapping. Priced lower than the Neoairs. I've never tried one personally but was on a trip where a guy had one-he didn't rave about it but woke up looking rested.

You should check out the REI flash sleeping mat. It weighs one pound and is cheaper then the neo air. I tried it at the store and it seemed comfortable enough, and didn't crinkle like the x lite. I just ordered a set for my wife and I.

Cameron,
You aren't going to find anything in the $60 range that is directly comparable to the NeoAir lines in terms of warm and comfort for the weight.

The most comparable NeoAir alternative is probably the Exped SynMat UL 7. It has a vertical baffling system and uses synthetic fiber insulation instead of the internal aluminized reflective systems employed in the NeoAirs. Unfortunately, the SynMat UL 7 is going to be just as expensive as a NeoAir.

If you are willing to sacrifice pad warmth (i.e. R-value) for the sake of saving cash, you might try the Big Agnes Air Core SL (a very comfortable pad) or the Klymit Static V. It should be noted that both of these pads are significantly more durable and quieter than the NeoAirs, but will still be heavier than a NeoAir while providing less warmth. Will it be enough warmth for you? That'll be your call.

If you want a relatively inexpensive, yet very comfortable pad that is also very warm, you might try the Klymit Insulated Static V, which can be had on Amazon right now for less than $70. It certainly is not the lightest option, but it is significantly wider and more stable than the NeoAirs.

In short, you have a few options that are cheaper than the NeoAirs, but you will need to either sacrifice warmth or take a weight penalty. Your choice.

All of the pads mentioned are going to be considered.

The Klymit Insulated looks attractive because of the price, width and R-value even if it is heavier. A good night sleep is also a great piece of kit.

Air mattresses and I have a spotty history leaning toward the negative but I would like to give a differnt design a chance so I don't want to spend too much right off. After all this I might end up back at my blue pad or a zlite.

Thanks alot guys, they are all in my favorites waiting to be decided on.

Consider the warranty and vendor return policies– like an insurance policy. I've seen lots of retuned air pads in the REI gear garage. 1 in a hundred are comfort issues, the rest are leakers.

Use a good ground cloth and pick over your campsite for pointy stuff. A warranty won't do a thing for you at 3AM with a flat :)

The best cheap alternative to a NeoAir is simply a cheap NeoAir.

Dale is right, REI garage sales are full of air mattresses that have leaks, often for $15 or so. The corollary is that they aren't hard to patch, at least in the comfort of your own home. I wouldn't want to be in the position where I had to patch one in the middle of the night in a cramped tent, with it raining outside though.

I've bought a couple known leaky air pads. If you see one with an obvious hole that is one thing. The stinkers are ones that have a broad area of fabric with defective coating. I've seen an area of several square inches that released tiny bubbles under pressure, AKA a slow leak. If it occurs at the foot of a long model, you MIGHT be able to successfully shorten it. Having a failure on trip really steals the bargain in such an enterprise. It's advice roll at best.

Lately, REI Has been selling defective leaky Neo air pads at amazingly high prices. I don't get it.