Therm-A-Rest NeoLoft Sleeping Pad review

Publication date: 05 May 2025

CampingGearSleeping pads

Getting good sleep while backpacking takes more than luck. The ground is rarely flat, some root or rock always finds its way beneath you, and a bad sleeping pad means a long night. In hopes of finding my dream sleep system, I took the Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft Sleeping Pad on the Trans Catalina Trail, and it held its own in every condition we faced.

From the first night on the trail, I noticed how the NeoLoft stayed reliable without needing extra care. We slept on everything from sand to sharp rocks, and the mattress felt the exact same, no matter what the ground was beneath me. It was super light and still cushy, with no real tradeoffs in terms of weight. Overall, I recommend the NeoLoft and think it can be a great companion for long-distance hikes where sleep is a non-negotiable. Therm-A-Rest is known for its high quality, and this product is no different!

Editor

Katie Mitchell

After a whirlwind of 8 years on the road (and trail!), Katie has hiked the Camino Frances, the Peaks of the Balkans, the Fisherman’s Trail, and extensively in the United States. She is an avid trail runner and now lives in Colorado where she plays in the mountains in her free time. You can follow her adventures on Instagram.

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Testing the NeoLoft Sleeping Pad

The Trans Catalina Trail throws a lot at you, but the final night really put the pad to the test. I thought I had booked us a sandy beach campsite for a relaxing finish. Instead, we landed on a bed of uneven, loose rock next to the Pacific Ocean. I rolled out the NeoLoft, climbed in, and braced for a rough night. But to my happy surprise, I slept straight through.

I stayed warm and dry right next to the sea, even with condensation soaking the tent and mist hanging in the air. The pad blocked out the cold and kept the rocks from digging in. I never shifted around or had to search for a comfortable position. That kind of rest can change the whole feel of a trip, especially when you’ve already completed a lot of kilometers.

During the hike, I packed and unpacked the pad with ease. It fit in my bag without taking up too much space, and its weight never felt like a burden. Once I set it up, it inflated fast and held shape all night.

About Therm-a-Rest

Therm-a-Rest has been perfecting outdoor sleep systems since the 1970s. They focus on making gear that performs in the backcountry, gear you can count on when comfort isn’t a given. From self-inflating pads to smart insulation tech, they’ve shaped a lot of what we now expect from sleeping pads.

They also build most of their products in-house in the U.S. and Ireland. That helps them keep quality high and limit their carbon footprint. On top of that, they offer repair services, something more brands committed to sustainability should do.

About the Neoloft Sleeping Pad

The NeoLoft is meant for 3-season use and delivers on that promise. The synthetic insulation locks in warmth without adding bulk. Its rectangular shape gives you extra room to shift around, and the surface grips your sleeping bag enough to stop it from sliding.

Inflating the pad takes just a few breaths or a quick use of a pump sack. Packing it down doesn’t take much time either. While it’s not ultralight, it balances comfort and packability better than most.

I put it through tough terrain, sharp rocks, and wet conditions, and it showed no wear. No leaks, no soft spots. It took the abuse and came out looking fine. That’s the kind of durability I want in a pad I take everywhere.

person pumping up sleeping pad with pump sack

Specifications

Therm-A-Rest NeoLoft Sleeping Pad
R-Value	4.7
Weight	0.85 kg
Width (regular)	66cm
Length (regular)	185cm
Packed dimensions	29 x 15cm
Included	Stuff Sack, Repair Kit, Sleeping Pad
Country of origin	U.S.A.

pro's

Handles rough ground easily

Performs well in damp conditions

Tough build and insulated

Quick to set up and take down

con's

Heavier than ultralight models

Takes up pack space

Not built for winter

Higher price point

Conclusion

The Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft doesn’t demand attention. It just works. I counted on it across tough terrain and wet coastal weather, and it kept me warm, comfortable, and well-rested. That’s all I want from my sleep system. If you’re looking for a three-season pad that delivers consistent performance, the NeoLoft deserves a spot in your kit.

Therm-A-Rest NeoLoft Sleeping Pad review

Specifications

Conclusion

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