Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft Sleeping Pad Review
Thick and lightweight, this is the most comfortable backpacking sleeping pad we’ve ever tried
The author curled up and side-sleeping on the NeoLoft sleeping pad (no sliding, slipping, or buckling). Photo courtesy Mary Murphy.
November 11th, 2024
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Over the years, I’ve had a lot of good sleeps out on trail…and also some pretty bad ones. (Weather, durability of gear, circumstance, tiredness can all play factors.) Preparation and knowledge come first, but your sleep system choices are a close second. I was thoroughly surprised the first time I saw the NeoLoft Sleeping Pad, and I was floored (not literally) when I first tested it. In the past, I’ve had issues sliding off other pads, not being warm enough, and even bottoming out (even though I don’t weigh much). In my years of gear testing, I’ve seen pads taco, twist, or end up being noisy due to reflective sheeting or the insulation inside. The NeoLoft rises to the level of other premium backpacking pads, and also achieves so much that many other pads don’t, in a still-small, backpacking-friendly size.
This sleeping pad has changed what my idea of “comfortable” sleep can be when backpacking; it is thick, lofty, and light and packable. And, it can keep me warm in fall into winter with its higher R-value. The pad also ranks high in other areas besides just pure comfort. Read on for my full review.
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Our verdict
The Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft, while a bit thicker and about an inch taller, it is roughly the same size as a Nalgene bottle. Yet, it rolls out to 73 inches long and inflates to 4.6 inches thick.
The Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft Sleeping Pad is a sleeping pad that pushes the innovations of our current sleeping pad options. It wasn’t the lightest weight, the warmest, or even the most perfectly designed to win our attention — it didn’t have to be. Other pads on the market rank high in these areas, innovating year after year to shave weight, upgrade quality, or increase R-value while keeping other specs low. What the NeoLoft has to offer is that it was impressively comfortable for its packed and unpacked size and weight. Visually, it’s what you’d expect from a cushy, car-camper-friendly “camping mattress”. But, don’t let it fool you: this is a high-performance backpacking pad.
Price-wise, well, let’s just say watch to see if this pad goes on sale…Still, its value is high up there for me already after just three months of testing, even down to 34-degree, high-altitude temps (10,000 feet). It has been so comfortable to sleep on, and easy to integrate into my sleep system, and still small and light enough to carry on 3-4 day backpacking trips in my 50L pack, including once when I had to carry a bear can per regulation.
Specs
| Regular Size | Regular-Wide | Long Wide | |
|---|---|---|---|
| R-Value | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.7 |
| Weight | 1 lb 9 oz | 1 lb 14 oz | 2 lb |
| Width | 22 in | 26 in | 26 in |
| Length | 73 in | 73 in | 78 in |
| Height | 4.6 in | 4.6 in | 4.6 in |
The Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft rectangular sleeping pad comes in a regular, regular wide, and long options. (The long option is both long and wide.) The regular pad, which we tested, is 22 inches across by 73 inches — definitely on the longer side for comparable pads of this size and weight. Some similar backpacking pads only measure 66-70 inches long.
However, while it’s super packable and definitely designed for backpacking, this pad is not ultralight. At 1 lb 8 oz, it will take up some room and weight in your pack. It’s extremely worth it if you are a hiker or side-sleeper who knows you’d benefit from the extra inches in dimensions and loft this pad provides.
This pad should be on your list if weight is not a concern for most backpacking trips or if you want to prioritize comfort without sacrificing much else. I’d also highly recommend this pad for anyone who both car camps and backpacks often and wants one pad that can provide 3-season (or even 4-season) comfort and reliability. If you are looking to upgrade your car camping and/or backpacking sleep system, you should consider this pad.
However, it is pricey at more than $230. It’s the best value if you know you need a pad with this R-value or higher, or know you’d benefit from its comfort and packed vs. unpacked size. And, a great option for those looking for something like a bed or cot — providing the comfort, loft and height without the consumer having to invest in both a cot and a pad. Because the packability of a pad this thick, lofty, and roomy really can’t be beat. Finally, if comfort is a priority, you really can’t put a price tag on a good night’s sleep.
Comparison table
Side-by-side comparison with similar sleeping pads for quick reference.
| SLEEPING PAD | WEIGHT (ounces) | TYPE | PUMP SACK? | R-VALUE | THICKNESS (inches) | PACKED SIZE (inches) | LENGTHS (inches) | WARRANTY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft Sleeping Pad | 25 | Inflatable | Y | 4.7 | 4.6 | 5.7 x 9.5 inches | 73, 78 | Lifetime guarantee |
| Nemo Tensor All Season Insulated Sleeping Pad | 14.1 | Inflatable | Y | 5.4 | 3.5 | 4 x 10 inches | 72, 76 | Lifetime |
| Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT | 13.0 | Inflatable | Y | 4.5 | 3.0 | 9 x 4.1 inches | 66, 72, 77 | Limited lifetime |
| Sea To Summit Ultralight Air Insulated | 16.9 | Inflatable | Y | 3.1 | 2.0 | 9 x 4 inches | 50, 66, 72, 78 | Lifetime guarantee |
| Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated Pad | 18 | Inflatable | Y | 4.8 | 3.5 (lowest) to 4.25 (highest) | 4 x 7 inches | 66, 72, 78 | Lifetime warranty |
Who is it foR?
Rolling up the Therm-A-Rest NeoLoft sleeping pad in a tent. Photo by Mary Murphy.
This pad is best for backpackers, campers, and hikers who sleep outside often and are looking for a warm and packable sleeping pad with a taller pad thickness and loftier profile. It’s best for those looking to invest in one quality, do-it-all pad for 3 or 4 seasons. It will be most valuable to those who are taller, heavier, or those who side-sleep, who have traditionally bottomed out, sunk, or not been comfortable on thinner (1-3 inch) sleeping pads. If comfort is a priority in your sleep system equation, definitely look into the NeoLoft pad.
How we tested
Mary tests out the Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft sleeping pad camping outside Summit County, Colo.
I tested this pad tent camping, backpacking, and dispersed car camping from late summer through October at varying places and altitudes. After only sleeping on it twice, I committed to bringing it as my sleep pad on a 3-day camping and climbing trip. It was definitely a perk to come back to camp after climbing for 6-7 hours and have this pad to rest and sleep on, as
I am someone who appreciates the little things. I also tend to pack very light — meaning I might bring one or two “luxury” items backpacking. An ultralight chair, or my backpacking coffee pour-over are two good examples. This pad is now high up on my list each time and worth the little bit of room it takes up in my pack.
On two occasions in testing, I carried my full sleep setup (1-person tent, a 20° bag, and this pad), a backpacking chair, and a bear canister I had to pack around. With layers and a few liters of water on top of that, my pack was full, but it was still a very doable load, and the pad did not take up much room compared to other items. However, backpackers looking for a thicker or slightly higher bump in R-value in a new pad — know that this is not ultralight by any means.
What we liked
The author carrying the Therm-A-Rest NeoLoft sleeping pad.
Top features that set the NeoLoft apart:
Supreme comfort — you would not know you were on the ground
Design
No slipping, caving at the sidewalls/edges, or “taco-ing” in the middle
Huge difference in quality of sleep for side-sleepers and tossers (me!)
Different in and out valves for inflation
One of the best options if you prioritize comfort over all else in a backpacking pad
What could be better
The size and height next to a “standard” 2ish-inch thick backpacking pad — a huge and noticable difference.
I do have to address the thickness of this pad. At 4.6 inches thick, this mattress stacks up a lot taller than most, and compatibility with your hiking partner’s pad could be an issue. This pad is so tall that there’s a significant height difference, which, depending on the size of your tent or shelter, could be odd. I had no trouble setting this up to other rectangular or thicker insulated pads, but next to thinner mummy backpacking pads, it takes up a lot more room. Because of its height you’ll also have less headroom when sitting up in your tent if you use this pad.
Compatibility with smaller ultralight tents — the height of the center or the angle of the tent’s sidewalls for example — could be an issue for some. It’s not a dealbreaker, but something to consider when configuring your sleep setup around this pad.
Using the very large pump sack to inflate the Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft, then folding it neatly afterward while backpacking.
The pump sack is very large, and while it works well, I think it could be smaller. (Shaving weight or material could be worth it here, while maintaining usability.) I also find the valve attachment (how the pump sack snaps onto the valve on the pad) sometimes fickle to use. That being said, it doesn’t take much time at all to inflate this lofty, thick pad. And, there’s great micro-adjustability with how full you want your pad inflated, thanks to the separate in/out valve design.
The pump sack on the Therm-A-Rest NeoLoft sleeping pad.
The pump sack could be an area of improvement for the next iterations of this pad. Other than that and elements of personal preferences with the pad dimensions, I really can’t find any downsides with the NeoLoft.
Key features of the Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft
The soft, stretch-knit fabric on the top of the Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft sleeping pad prevents crinkling, slipping, and sliding.
Thickness and 3D construction
The pad's substantial thickness (4.6") creates a sleeping surface that effectively keeps you elevated from the cold ground. The 3D construction prevents the pad from flattening when compressed, maintaining consistent loft throughout the night. This generous thickness also helps smooth out uneven terrain beneath your tent.
R-value of 4.7 for all-season warmth
With an R-value well above 4, this pad is rated for true four-season use, keeping you insulated even on snow or frozen ground. (I tested it in cold, late October above 10,000 feet.) The high thermal resistance makes it suitable for winter camping and alpine expeditions. This rating puts it in the premium category for insulated sleeping pads.
ContourCore Matrix and ThermaCapture insulation
The ContourCore Matrix creates stabilized air pockets that minimize bouncing and movement while sleeping. ThermaCapture technology uses a reflective coating to trap radiant heat that would otherwise be lost to the ground. These two technologies work together to provide both comfort and exceptional thermal efficiency.
Plush, stretch-knit fabric surface
The soft, stretchy top fabric provides a comfortable, quiet sleeping surface that doesn't have the crinkly feeling common to many ultralight pads. The material is designed to grip your sleeping bag to prevent sliding during the night. The stretch-knit construction also enhances durability by distributing stress across the fabric. We definitely noticed this fabric compared to other pads.
Raised air chamber side rails
The elevated side rails create a subtle cradling effect that helps keep you centered on the pad while sleeping. These rails also prevent you from rolling off during the night. You can see from the side when its fully inflated the shape of how these siderails curve out. The design maintains consistent support across the entire sleeping surface while adding stability.
TwinLock valve system for fast inflation/deflation
This innovative two-valve system features dedicated inflation and deflation valves, allowing for quick setup and breakdown of the pad. The one-way inflation valve prevents air loss while you're setting up, and the larger deflation valve helps you pack up quickly. The system also allows for micro-adjustments to find your perfect firmness level.
Lightweight and compact, packs like a 1L water bottle
Despite its impressive thickness and insulation, the pad compresses down to a remarkably small size comparable to a standard Nalgene bottle (just slightly chunkier). Essentially, this allows it to pack small enough to fit easily in your backpack without sacrificing comfort or warmth. The lightweight construction makes it an excellent choice for backpackers who want comfort with a minor weight penalty.
Available in multiple sizes: Regular, Regular Wide, Large
The pad comes in Regular (72" x 20"), Regular Wide (72" x 25"), and Large (77" x 25") options to accommodate different body types and sleeping preferences. Each size has the same technical features and performance characteristics. The variety of sizes ensures that users can find the perfect fit for their needs and sleeping style.
Includes pump sack, stuff sack, and repair kit
The included pump sack eliminates the need to use lung power for inflation, which prevents moisture from entering the pad and potentially causing issues in cold weather. The stuff sack is slightly larger than we’d like, but fairly easy to pack down. The repair kit provides peace of mind for backcountry-goers, allowing you to quickly address any punctures or damage that might occur. Although, we found the pad durable in testing and have not had to use the repair kit yet.
Ease of use
The thickness of the pad, fully inflated at camp. Photo by Chris Peters.
Inflation and Deflation Experience
This pad really does inflate and expand well from its smaller packed size. The valves were super easy to figure out (labeled in and out), and the pump sack was efficient. I thought for a pad of this thickness I’d be inflating forever, but it didn’t take much time at all — maybe two minutes to inflate with maybe 5-6 rolls of the pump sack. It exceeded my expectations in not just loft but design: how the chambers inflated and expanded, and how long it took to inflate.
I also didn’t have any issues with deflation in the cold, and no issues with the valves leaking.
Performance in the field
The thickness of the Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft sleeping pad provides lots of great support for side sleepers.
Warmth and Insulation
With an R-value of 4.7, most 3-season backpackers will find the Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft really capable year-round in almost all conditions. I tested it mostly in the 4os with some temps hovering down to 34 degrees up in the mountains. I haven’t experienced any draftiness, unevenness, or cold spots on the pad, or cold deflation. So far, I haven’t been able to take this pad truly into winter conditions (below 30 degrees), but I expect I’ll be able to soon here in Colorado. An R-value of 5(ish) or higher is my personal aim for a winter pad, and the NeoLoft is warm-enough-rated that it could eke out as your “comfort” 4-season option.
Comfort and Sleeping
The author sleeping on the Therm-A-Rest NeoLoft sleeping pad.
As indicated by the dimensions, thickness, and size, this pad is designed for top-notch comfort. It’s more mattress than pad, in my opinion, when compared to other backpacking pads and how they feel when sleeping. I am typically a side-sleeper, though if I’m tired enough when backpacking I’ll sleep flat on my back. I’m also taller than average, and really appreciate the full length of this pad. It’s more than long and wide for my 5’8” frame when stretched out, or when side sleeping.
Versatility
The Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft pad has separate in and out valves for inflation.
This pad is definitely versatile as an all-season pad. It’s also versatile for thru-hiking, backpacking, overnight, or car camping. I’ve used it for everything from dispersed to car camping to backpacking in testing. Its packability is one of the reasons for this. But you also don’t feel like you are going too “minimal” or sacrificing comfort if you are at a campground for a few days — it’s comfort all the time, and packability when you need it.
Durability and Wear
Setting up the Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft in a 2P tent, without a footprint.
I have only had this pad in testing for a few months, so I plan to update any comments on its wear and durability later on. So far, it’s held up in various locales and temperatures, and the denier strength of the fabric has kept it durable and protected on my tent floor (on several occasions without a footprint beneath) and outside when setting up and inflating.
Sustainability
A USA-built label on the Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft pad.
The Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft Sleeping Pad incorporates sustainability through solution-dyed fabrics on most of this pad, which reduce water and energy consumption compared to traditional dyeing methods. This process ensures longer-lasting, vibrant colors while minimizing ecological impact. Additionally, Therm-a-Rest manufactures its products in the USA in its own factories (it’s not outsourced), which helps reduce transportation emissions and ensures better quality control over materials, patents, and production standards.
Should I buy the Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft Sleeping Pad?
The face fabric on the Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft is different from the higher-denier base fabric on this pad, giving it a soft feel.
I’m a firm believer that buying one piece of gear doesn’t automatically make the outdoor experience better. Buying brand new hiking boots? You’ll want to break them in, or maybe swap out the laces…or even try them on with different types of socks to find the right fit for your feet. Bought a new backpacking stove? You’ll want to learn its care and maintenance, and give it a practice go before heading out in the field.
I believe the same when it comes to your sleep setup. One new piece of gear won’t automatically make your experience better…it takes dialing in and practice. However, I’ve thought long and hard about this pad, and believe it could be the big exception to my own rule. It’s that good.
Is it ultralight? No. Is it perfect? No. It is really, really fantastic in terms of comfort-to-weight and comfort-to-size ratio? Yes. And does it satisfy me with the side-sleeper support, reliability, quality and comfort I haven’t gotten with many other pads? Absolutely.
Other sleeping pads to consider
4.6 inch thickness of the Therm-A-Rest NeoLoft sleeping pad compared to 0.5-inch Therm-a-Rest Z-pad, and 3-inch-thick Sea to Summit Insulated Pad.
OTHER SLEEPING PADS TO CONSIDER
If the Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft doesn’t seem like the right fit for you, consider these other pads.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT
R-Value: 4.5 (rated for 4-seasons)
Thickness: 3”
Weight: 11.5 to 17 oz
Inflation: 25-40 breaths or comes with pumpsack
Lengths: 66”, 72”, 72”-wide, 77”-wide
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT has almost the same R-value as the NeoLoft, but is much lighter (the short version is only 11.5 ounces). It also packs up a lot smaller. What you're sacrificing here is comfort — the NeoLoft is much more comfortable than the NeoAir XLite. Choosing between them comes down to your priorities. The NeoAir is the overall winner in our Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads guide.
Options: regular, long wide, mummy, regular wide
R-value: 5.4 (All-Season), 8.5 (Extreme)
Height: 3.5"
Weight (minimum in mummy version): 14.1 oz (All-Season), 17.1 oz (Extreme)
Inflation: Inflatable single valve
Lengths: 72” (regular), 76" (long)
If you can't bring yourself to carry a pad as heavy as the NeoLoft, the Nemo Tensor offers nearly the same comfort but with a higher R-value (in both versions) and lower weight. Our tester found the extreme version of the Nemo noisy, though. Also, the Tensor's inflation bag is heavy, which may make some people just want to leave it at home.
Read our in-depth review of the Nemo Tensor sleeping pad for more information.
Lengths: 66", 72", 78"
Widths: 20", 25", 40"
R-value: 4.8
Height: 4.25"
Weight: 17 to 37 oz
Inflation: dual valve, inflation sack
A common complaint with ultralight sleeping pads is feeling like you're always going to slide off the sides. Big Agnes has solved this issue with their Rapide SL Insulated pad. The pad's outer chambers are 4.25" high, while the inner chambers only inflate to 3.5". This 0.75" differential helps to keep you centered in the middle of the pad. The NeoAir also has side rails that fix this problem and prevent sliding, but they're more pronounced with the Rapide SL. Like the NeoLoft, it also has a dual valve system.
About the author / Why you should trust us
The author having fun testing the Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft sleeping pad in different sized tents outside.
Mary Murphy has been a gear tester, writer, and editor for the past six years. She was introduced to the vast wonders of the backcountry thanks to her college’s Outdoor Education program…and worked her way up to become a trip leader and instructor, helping others get outside. She’s organized and led backpacking trips over steep mountain passes, across dunes and deserts, and into narrow slot canyons. After college, she worked as a freelancer while also working in outdoor recreation, teaching kids at a multi-sport day camp. She credits family adventures in the Colorado mountains when she was young for instilling her with the love of nature, camping, and beyond.
Over the years, she’s learned a thing or two about how to pick out a camp spot, how to get a good night’s sleep in a rocky boulder field, or how to not blow away in a 60+ mph windstorm. She’s section hiked on the CDT, CT, and AT, and has done countless trips through RMNP, Indian Peaks Wilderness, and Canyonlands. She’s been rained on, snowed on, and nearly washed out of her tent during a monsoon. Like Mary, you’ve probably had less-than-fun experiences when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep at camp…but hopefully, this gear review and others will help you make an informed decision, so you have nothing but a comfy place to rest, wherever the trails take you next.
You can read more about Mary and read her other Treeline Review articles on her author page.
