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I have a Thermarest Ridgerest. It is cheap, bullet proof, and ultralight. I use a grey foam pad for work, I spend a lot of time sleeping in the dirt for work so I am pretty much conditioned to them. The key to comfort is picking the best sleeping spot, in my opinion.
I like my Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite. It folds up in sections. The 51"x20" is 10 ounces, 72" one is 14 ounces. I've had the air filled pads and just don't trust them from leaking anymore.
I agree with the Ridge. I have one of them in my dogs kennel and it's lasted for awhile, over a year. I went to a blow up and it works well for me. But the Ridge will hold up to a lot of punishment.Quote:
Originally Posted by elk*hunter
My Neoair stood up well this year. No leaks whatsoever, but I always have duct tape, just in case.Quote:
Originally Posted by Kevin Root
Duct tape is always a must. After sleeping on it a season, how does it compare to your big Agnes? I have a therma rest prolite 3. I just patched my first hole in it this weekend, I am thinking about upgrading. My mattress is 1"-1.5" and I want to go with either the big Agnes insulated or the neolite. I don't know if the extra money for the neolite is worth it though. Thoughts?Quote:
Originally Posted by Bitterroot Bulls
Bitterroot Bulls did you get the new Neoair 4 season that came out in 2011? It does look comfortable and compact to pack up, lightweight and the heat membrane sounds like a interesting innovation from other air pads that don't have good R value or are more bulky to pack with added insulation. I just was wondering if it did pop or leak would it still retain the R value somewhat? The pad gets good reviews from what I've read. I've had air pads where I had a hard time fixing or even finding the slow leaks easy. The Neoair looks like a good one though for me to perhaps look at again.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bitterroot Bulls
I have the standard crazy-light Neoair with an R value of 3.2, which is actually pretty good on its own. I think the pad requires air for the R value. I don't know how easy it is to find leaks or fix, because it hasn't leaked.Quote:
Originally Posted by Kevin Root
Thanks Bitterroot Bulls. As I get older comfort becomes perhaps more of a factor in getting a good nights sleep so I'm torn between more comfort or the thought of reliving the pad failing on me out on a trip due to a leak. I checked on the pad's site and I see they even have new model NeoAir Xlite for 2012. It seems to have the same R-value, 3.2 as what your mentioning and 12 oz for the 72" long.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bitterroot Bulls
I'm sure I have been the biggest part in my mattress air pads failing in the past :). I took a look at the recommended maintenance video on their site and I'm sure I've missed more than a few points that caused some of the delamination or it's mode of failure. Proper storage, site placement, getting some sunscreen or DEET on it or exposed it to direct sunlight more than I should to mention a few. I tend to be tough on stuff so long lasting and fairly bulletproof tends to be something I tend to remind myself of knowing how I am.
http://cascadedesigns.com/therm-a-re...-xlite/product
I am pretty careful with deet application. That stuff will eat up your rain jacket, tent walls, watch (my altimeter watch looks like it got too close to a fire). I won't let it near my Neoair. I don't have much other trouble taking care of my pad, either. It is either in my tent, or rolled up tight in the pack.
All that said, this pad seems more durable than you might think. I really like it. I have the Z-Lite pad also, but it doesn't get used now that I have the Neoair.
Ha that made me laugh about the deet. I've had my share of mishaps from that stuff leaking as well. I have a tripod that has that "close to the fire look" to it and it has ruined a day pack. Life's learning tends to be a work in progress :D.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bitterroot Bulls
My down Marmont sleeping bag material is real delicate so I have learned that I need to take better care of my sleeping equipment. I will tryout the NeoAir on a upcoming trip. I'm sure it is way more comfortable than the Z-Lite and I like the way it packs down and the rest of the specs on it.