In addition, an aluminized urethane film holds the Triangular Core Matrix together that reflects heat back to your body and deflects cold air from the ground.
The final product — 2.5 inches thick, ribbed, puffy and sporting a bright yellow “Limon” color scheme — looks more like a pool toy than a “revolutionary” piece of outdoors gear.
But Therm-a-Rest, which committed five years to the development of NeoAir, seems to have the data to back up its hyperbole. The company applied for multiple patents on this product and invested in a manufacturing process in its Seattle factory.
NeoAir debuts next year for $120 – $170, dependent on size. If all is as the company claims, this pad could be a panacea for backpackers looking to cut bulk and save weight while still sleeping cozy in a bag on the cold hard ground.
NeoAir Update: Backpacking Test
After testing the NeoAir on multiple backpacking trips this spring and summer, I can say I am a fan. It packs small and inflates to create a mattress that indeed does seem to seep and reflect heat.
I have twice used this mattress on cool nights (~50 degrees F) with just a one-sided, minimalist sleeping bag (and a waterproof bivy bag). The result was a cozy night’s rest while a friend, with a similar setup, struggled to stay warm.
