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Thermarest Trail Pro or NeoAir

Posted: Wed Feb 04, 2015 11:55 pm
by Adrn
I have a Cabelas gift card and am considering getting a nice pad. Considering the trail pro due to being 2" and R-value of 4-4.8. The Neoair seems like a comfortable option, but R-value drops to 2.2. Being 40 with a bad back, am I giving up too much by going with the higher R-value? I am more concerned with comfort, light weight being second. Any advice is welcome. Maybe there is a cheaper option I am just not aware of. Please advise.

Thanks,
-Adrian

Re: Thermarest Trail Pro or NeoAir

Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2015 7:49 am
by oldranger
If weight and cost isn't an issue I would go for an Exped Downmat 7 LW. I use one when car camping or canoe camping. When backpacking i use UL version but it is not as durable and at about a dozen nights seems to generate a micro leak that requires blowing up about 4 AM.

Mike

Re: Thermarest Trail Pro or NeoAir

Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2015 11:00 am
by John Harper
How about the NeoAir Xtherm? It has and R value of 5.7 and only weighs 15oz.

John

Re: Thermarest Trail Pro or NeoAir

Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2015 2:17 pm
by Brien
I have a Therm-a-rest NeoAir Xlite on order. Seemed like the best R value (3.2) for the weight (12 oz for a regular). Can't wait to try it out!

Re: Thermarest Trail Pro or NeoAir

Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2015 4:57 pm
by Adrn
Thanks all for the replies. I did reach out thermarest for some tech advice related to my needs. One key thing that has me leaning toward the NeoAir over the Pro Trail is how the guy mentioned the comfort level. He mentioned how easier he found it to "get started" first thing in the morning when sleeping on the neoair as opposed to a self inflatable foam pad. Have either of you had this experience and could you say which you prefer in that sense?

Thanks again

Re: Thermarest Trail Pro or NeoAir

Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2015 5:29 pm
by rlown
Having to blow up the neo air for me is 32 lung puffs (its a long). Oldranger has the bag to fill his exped. Fun to watch.

Both are way more comfortable than the old self inflating thermarest. That said, the old thermarests were almost bullet-proof puncture wise.

Re: Thermarest Trail Pro or NeoAir

Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2015 6:07 pm
by robow8
One thing about the Neo Airs, and I'm sure the other "air" mattresses: Don't overinflate them as they become too firm and uncomfortable. For me at least.

Re: Thermarest Trail Pro or NeoAir

Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2015 6:39 pm
by oldranger
Robow8

That is just your preference. I like my pad as firm as I can get it. I also note that with less air there is less insulation between me and the ground and I sleep colder. Of course my preference and sensitivity to the cold may be due to the fact that I'm getting old.

Mike

Re: Thermarest Trail Pro or NeoAir

Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2015 6:50 pm
by rlown
Depending on temp, I blow my Neo up to full tilt. I can easily adjust it down with a turn of the knob. That and temp changes when it gets colder, it'll "deflate" a bit. Learned something in Chem class at least. YMMV. If my butt hits the ground, it's cold out and and need to blow it back up a bit. Not necessarily a leak.

Re: Thermarest Trail Pro or NeoAir

Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2015 1:11 am
by gary c.
I have the NeoAir and love sleeping on it. I don't like it blown op tight but with a little compressibility. I have to agree with Russ, I blow it up tight when a set up and it is usually a little soft by nightfall. I always carry a trash bag to cover by pack in bad weather or to use as a pack liner if needed. I bought one of these little adapters to use with my trash bag for blowing up my NeoAir. Because the NeoAir is so transparent I don't want to see a bunch of mold as a result of my breath condensing inside the pad. I've had my pad out on several trips including a couple of week long treks without a leak but I don't think I'll ever get over how delicate the NeoAir feels.

Air Tap Pump Kit
http://www.amazon.com/Therm-A-Rest-0332 ... eoair+pump