Hi Andy,

I/we still have the older Therm-a-rest Prolite pads that are bulletproof but no longer suit our aging bodies.

We switched to the Klymit Static pads a while back and have been relatively happy with some exceptions. I find that side-sleeping isn't great on them, but I'm not sure if side-sleeping is great on any lightweight pad. I mitigate this by having a piece of old-school closed-cell foam to sit on at camp and put under my hips to sleep. I have the older V and V+ Ultralight models. One of the V models developed a slow leak over time (I assume in the valve) and has now been discarded. The Ultralight has survived many sleeps and serves a great backpacking purpose, but it makes a crinkly noise when shifting on it (not sure if the recent model is better?). We also have the somewhat newer V Luxe Insulated pads but haven't used them too much yet (maybe the equivalent of several weeks). They are a touch comfier and noticeably better on cool evenings. These are now our go-to's for canoe trips or cool season hikes, despite their additional weight. 

Having said all of that, and if money were no object, I would be very keen to try the Therm-a-rest Neo-Loft pad based on the specs and reviews. I too am curious if anyone here has tried it, especially in shoulder seasons?

Cheers!
Rich



 

Last edited by hiker72 (12/21/2025 8:55 am)

I purchased a Neo-Loft at the beginning of this year after trying numerous different pads and hammock camping over the years.  It has dramatically improved my comfort in the backcountry.   I typically do 3-4 trips a year from 4-7 days long, with all but one being in the shoulder seasons (May & October are my preferred camping windows)

I have never been a great sleeper while camping, mostly because I am a side sleeper with tight hips and back.  Once I got the Neo-loft, it has been a game-changer for me.  I love the thickness and can comfortably sleep on my side with lots of cushion under me.  It's soft, and best of all, the raised sides cradle me, so I don't roll off, as I have with other pads.

It is much heavier than my other pads, but I've also lightened my load significantly in recent years, and I'll happily take the weight penalty for the much-improved comfort on my hip and the extra time I can stay asleep.

Paired with the Nemo Fillo pillow and on occasion I'll take a Thermo Z-Pad if it's cold or I know I'll be sleeping on rock, I've got my sleep set-up dialled in for the first time in many years.

For me, the price and weight are well worth the value I get out of the Neo-Loft.
 

Last edited by Guyute (12/22/2025 11:00 am)

We have 3 Thermarest. One is 25 years old. Also have an older 3/4 prolite plus and a newer Trail Scout. All are great IMO(mostly used in hammock however) Only negative thing I'd have to say is I like the old school valves better than the modern version . Great products IMO. The trail scout is $99 at MEC. 

Hey Andy.

I own the Neo loft. It is the most comfortable thermarest pad I own by a fair margin and likely the most comfortable overall. The heaviest too but it isn’t that bad considering how big it is. No hip pain steeping on it.

Also have from thermarest. 

Uberlite
Xlite
Xtherm
Camper

Last edited by ShawnD (12/25/2025 3:01 pm)

andy wrote:

Has anyone tried the Therm-a-rest Neo-Loft, looks super comfy, and expensive.......

Just a follow up, I ended up buying the Neo-Loft and used it for my sping trip, 7 nights. I'm very happy with this pad, I honestly can't believe how nice it is to sleep on, I'm a side sleeper and the thin pads work ok but nothing like this. I was a little concerned about durability, I bought a pad with round cells years ago, I think it was a eureka pad and it didn't last a night. This one held up perfecty, packed well, probably smaller than my old therm-a-rest one inch pad and was pretty much like sleeping on a mattress. Couldn't be happier with the purchase, supposing it lasts years like my old one did but for now A+.