Thermarest NeoLoft Sleeping Mat: Built for Backpacking
Mar 14, 2017
It may not look like it, but make no mistake, the NeoLoft is a true backpacking sleeping pad. From the inside out, every element of the NeoLoft comes together to deliver sublime comfort while remaining incredibly light and packable. 3D construction elevates the pad to 4.6 inches (11.7 cm) thick, making the NeoLoft a side sleeper’s dream. Vertical sidewalls attach the top and bottom fabric and eliminate the tapering edges of non-3D pads. This increases the sleep surface by 20% and delivers excellent stability—you’ll never feel like you’re falling off while you adjust to get comfortable.
On the outside, the NeoLoft’s surface is made of a plush stretch knit fabric (the NeoLoft is the first ever air pad to be made with stretch knit). Stretch knit is a base layer-like fabric with multi-directional elasticity and is FAR softer to the touch than the nylons typically used to make backpacking pads. Its stretch properties improve the NeoLoft’s contouring support and help to minimize pressure points by locally conforming to the shape of your body. On the inside is the ContourCore Matrix™—the epicenter of the NeoLoft’s backcountry-ready specs. It efficiently insulates by minimizing convective heat loss with two stacked rows of triangular chambers, while ThermaCapture™ reflects body heat back at you, delivering an all-season R-value rating of 4.7. Along the sides we built in large chambers that rise to form side rails when the pad is inflated. These give your body a tactile sense of the pad’s edge and cradle you towards its center to prevent roll-offs.
We fitted the NeoLoft with our high-volume-pad TwinLock™ Valve System. The two-valve system rapidly inflates the NeoLoft with a dedicated ‘In’ valve featuring one-way air flow, and quickly dumps air with a dedicated ‘Out’ valve. Paired with a high-volume, seam-sealed pump sack, the NeoLoft blows up and packs out quickly and efficiently.
3D Construction
Much more like your mattress at home than 2-piece pad construction, vertical sidewalls attach the top and bottom to maximize the sleep surface and deliver a super-thick and stable pad.
Stretch Knit Fabric
A plush, base layer-like, knit polyester textile with contouring stretch properties. A far more comfortable sleep surface than traditional sleeping pad nylons, without sacrificing weight or durability.
Side Rails
Raised air chambers along the side of the pad give your body a tactile sense of the edge and cradle you towards the pad’s center. Help prevent roll-offs that lead to cold spots and discomfort.
ContourCore Matrix™
A comfort-forward version of our industry-best Triangular Core Matrix™ ultralight air pad construction. Delivers an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio while contouring, cushioning, supporting, insulating and packing down small.
Our Verdict
The Thermarest NeoLoft is, without doubt, the most comfortable mat I’ve used. At 833g for the Regular Wide, it’s not ultralight, but it still packs impressively small given its 11.7 cm thickness and generous shape. The stretch-knit surface has a soft, almost quilted feel, and combined with the deep sidewalls, it cradles the body beautifully, especially welcome for side sleepers like me. The extra thickness reduces headroom in lower-profile shelters, something worth considering if you plan on using this in a compact tent.
Inflation is quick using the TwinLock valve and the included pump sack, which, at 63g, is large enough to double as a dry bag in your rucksack—a nice touch for anyone looking to streamline kit. Once dialled in, the firmness stays consistent, and the R-value of 4.7 is enough for three-season use, dipping into winter use.
If your priority is all-night comfort, the NeoLoft delivers in a big way without completely abandoning packability.
Packed Size
Packed size not much larger than a 1L water bottle: 11in x 6in | 29cm x 15cm.
Easy Inflation & Deflation
TwinLock™ Valve system pairs with a seam-sealed pump sack to make inflation a breeze, provides for precise firmness control and delivers rapid deflation when it’s time to pack up.
Solution-Dyed Bottom Fabric
Solution dyeing provides longer lasting and more vivid colors and reduces ecological impact by using less water and energy than traditional methods.
Welcome to the comfort revolution and get ready for the most comfortable nights you’ve ever experienced backpacking. If an XLite NXT and a MondoKing had a baby, it would be the NeoLoft. With a lightweight and warmth-efficient internal structure, a luxurious comfort-driven 3D profile, and a silkysoft stretch knit surface, the NeoLoft is designed to cushion, cradle and contour all night long. Quite simply, it’s the most comfortable backpacking air pad ever created.