 You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
Anyone used one of these? What're they like to sleep on vs the traditional open cell foam jobbies?
Had one for a year and done maybe a dozen nights on it (2 of them last week). I like it a lot - obviously it's tiny and light when packed, but it's quite deep when inflated so it gives plenty of insulation and is very comfortable. You need to treat it with respect though - it won't be as robust as other mats. I had to send my first one back because of a leak from new, but it was quickly replaced, no questions. Replacement has been spot on. Shop around online to get the best deal.
I know you can get a foam one for half the price and similar weight, but less warmth. Just wondering if they are comfortable or not really.
Cheers.
If you plan on using it through winter, you may want to buy an Exped instead (just like a Neoair but insulated with down).
I used a neoair in November and whilst really comfy, my back was cold. It's such a large volume of air to heat, especially with no insulation (such as the down in Expeds).
For me, very comfy. That Exped sounds good for winter though.
Interesting, they claim an R value of 3, I do wonder if they've fiddled that somehow.
I love that down filled one. Heavier than the alternatives but could be really nice.
I'm planning my Tour Divide race kit, see. I think that a nice sleeping mat is one of my allowed luxuries.
The one thing you seem to be overlooking is bulk...a Neoair will pack up smaller than a foam mat. The POE Peak elite is a popular choice too.
Like stated above though, when in colder conditions you might want something with more insulation. It can get down to 0deg on the TDR, can't it?
Have a look at past competitors kit lists and see what they used. Good luck too!
Neoair not a whole lot smaller than a Prolite, is it?
I'd expect plenty of cold nights on the TDR. The lightweight sleeping bag I have is one of those Rab ones with no stuffing on the bottom, so a nicer mattress helps a bit 🙂
I find mine a lot comfier than any other sort of camping mat. I've used the standard (old model) neoair down to -15C, and whilst it wasn't great it was okay, and putting a space blanket underneath helped.
They're also a lot more durable than they look - I had mine on a ten month cycletour (camping nearly all the time) and it lasted fine. It finally started to delaminate recently but I got it exchanged for a new one no problem. I'd definately recommend it!