Thermarest neoair classic & xlite long (at / lt / pct / winter hiking)
This review will be on my experience using the Thermarest Neoair inflatable mat. I use the 6'6" long size airmats, and I've used both the original "Neoair" that was rectangular, and the newly introduced "Neoair Xlite" that is tapered. Between various thru-hikes and local trips, I've put over 2,500 miles on these mattresses. Here is why I keep using them.
LIKES:
LIKES:
- Comfortable, plain and simple. They take your aching body off the ground, and lift you into cozy suspension. Very light for an airmat, the new Xlite Long weighs a mere 16 oz. and fits my 6'6" sleeping bags just fine.
- Warm - with an R-value (rating of insulation) of 3.2, this mat is great for staying off the cold ground. NOTE: R-value: Insulation is measured according to its capacity to resist (that's the "R") heat flow. The higher a pad's R-value, the better you can expect it to insulate you from cold surfaces. The R-values shown are provided by the manufacturers and range from 1.0 (minimally insulated) to 9.5 (extremely well insulated for winter camping). Thicker pads generally offer higher R-values*. (As stated on REI.COM)*
- Can be a little loud while you're rolling around on it. While I found this to not really be an issue - I also sleep with ear plugs when I camp. I found the comfort and warmth to outweigh the noise.