Staff Review: Therm-A-Rest Neoloft Sleeping Mat
Introduction – Testing the Therm-A-Rest Neoloft in Northern Sweden
As part of the Trekitt Marketing Team, I’m fortunate enough to get the opportunity to put new kit through its paces. The Neoloft was one bit of kit I couldn’t wait to get my hands on, and I was keen to see how it performed in different environments.
Conveniently, I had a week-long trek in Northern Sweden coming up; it seemed like a perfect opportunity to put the Neoloft through its paces. Whether you’re looking for a major comfort upgrade to your sleep system or your old sleeping mat is ready for retirement, I’ve put the Neoloft to the test for you so you can decide whether it’s the right upgrade for you.
First Impressions – Big Comfort, Manageable Weight
Before I’d unpacked the Neoloft, I knew I wanted to give it a fair test, several nights on the hill to see how it compared to other mats I’ve used.
At 12cm thick (11.7cm if we’re being picky), it packs down small, stays under 1kg, and ticks plenty of ‘Rightweight’ boxes for me.
Is it the lightest sleeping mat available? No, but it’s not trying to be. The Neoloft is unashamedly designed for those of us who value a comfortable night’s sleep over shaving every last gram. And I, for one, will always carry a little more for a good night’s sleep when out on the hill, and spoiler alert, the Neoloft does a great job.
The premium stretch-knit fabric outer and the 3D sidewall construction make it supremely comfortable and cradling, and unlike some of Therm-A-Rest’s older mats, it’s near silent to sleep on!
From the first unroll, it gave me confidence that this was a mat built to last, one that balances lightweight packability with genuine comfort.
Where I’ve Used It – Trekking in the Arctic Circle
To really put the Therm-A-Rest Neoloft through its paces, I took it with me on a 6-day self-supported trek through northern Sweden. My pack weighed just under 25kg, thanks to a mix of luxuries (the Neoloft being one of them), food for six days, and camera gear to document the journey. With all that weight and six days on the trail, I wanted to ensure I was well-rested, so the Neoloft was the order of the day.
It was supremely comfortable every night, smoothing out the lumps, bumps, and uneven ground at camp with ease. Inflation using the included pump sack was straightforward, though a little slow due to the mat’s generous volume. Inside-tent inflation was a tad awkward, but it was worth the effort once I lay down.
The whole trip varied massively in weather, never getting down to the coldest temps, but still comfortably in single figures overnight. I have no doubt that the Neoloft would cope when the mercury falls further, too, thanks to the R-Value of 4.7.
At one point, I thought it might have to be used as a buoyancy aid after a near-tent-flooding incident, thanks to a prolonged downpour on already saturated ground. Fortunately, it didn’t come to this, but had I ended up with a flooded tent, I would have been fine aboard the mighty Neoloft.
A key point to mention about the Neoloft, whilst it is an incredibly comfortable mat, it dictated which tent I could take, which had some knock-on effects on the pack I chose to take with me too. Simply put, the mat is a bit of a chunk, doubly so for me, using the large version for the added length. It was too wide to fit in any of the one-person tents I had access to, so a two-person Fjällräven Abisko Friluft was my weapon of choice, both bulkier and heavier than the one-person alternatives. Not one to complain, though, the extra space and headroom were much welcome, the bigger and heavier pack, slightly less so. But that’s part of the whole debate for taking the Neoloft out with you on the hills. Due to its size and weight, it won’t be for the ultralighters amongst us; there are much smaller and lighter mats out there that would be better suited.
Mats like the Therm-A-Rest NeoAir Xlite NXT would comfortably cut the weight in half and drop around a third of the pack size whilst remaining comfortable enough. However, for those of us who favour a more comfortable night and are willing to make a Rightweight choice to add some extra weight for more comfort, the Neoloft is well worth considering. Just make sure it fits in your tent!
Still deciding which sleeping mat is right for you? Check out our blog on ‘How to Choose a Sleeping Mat’ for expert advice on choosing the right balance between weight, warmth, and comfort for your adventures.
Performance & Comfort – Field Results
Here’s how the Therm-A-Rest Neoloft held up in the field:
Comfort and Fit
Sleep comfort for the Neoloft was outstanding, the plush 11.7cm thick pad did a fantastic job of smoothing out any lumps and bumps in the ground and made for some comfortable nights’ sleep. The stretch fabric upper felt great and contributed to a much quieter sleeping experience; this is arguably one of the quietest sleeping mats I’ve ever used.
The Large variant I used was palatial in its sizing; it was more than wide enough and long enough to feel closer to a regular bed rather than a sleeping pad.
Carry comfort did take a small hit compared to lighter and smaller mats, but that is a payoff I’m willing to make; an extra few hundred grams isn’t going to break me, but a more comfortable night on a mat like the Neoloft is well worth it.
Durability and Build Quality
The Neoloft feels reliably durable; not once was I concerned about sleeping on the pad on any of the ground surfaces I’ve tried it on. The 75d polyester underside and the 50d polyester knit upper felt sturdy.
This is a mat that feels like it will last the test of time well.
The included puncture repair kit is a welcome inclusion and worth packing. Any inflatable pad is susceptible to puncture; a handful of grams for added peace of mind is worthwhile.
Ease of Use and Packability
The Neoloft was easy to inflate, although it could be a little frustrating at times if you didn’t get the angle on the pump sack quite right. Overall, it inflated easily. Inflating it inside my tent on the rainiest days was more challenging; some tent acrobatics came into play a few times to get the Neoloft inflated.
Packing the mat back away, you have to ensure it’s tightly rolled and free of any air inside the mat; the included stuff sack is not the most generous. I found myself packing the mat inside the included pump sack instead, also choosing to keep the mat flat for easier management in my pack, rather than tightly rolling it whilst on the trail.
Best For – Who Will Love the Therm-A-Rest Neoloft
The Therm-A-Rest Neoloft Sleeping Mat is best suited for outdoor enthusiasts who place a premium on rest and recovery. It’s ideal for:
- Campers seeking the best sleeping mat for comfort
- Backpackers and trekkers who don’t mind carrying a little extra weight for better sleep
- Car campers who want premium comfort in the wild
- Tall users who struggle with shorter pads
- Anyone looking for a comfortable sleeping mat for backpacking or even an emergency guest bed at home
It’s not aimed at ultralight minimalists, but for everyone else, it’s an incredible comfort upgrade.
Standout Features
What I loved:
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The comfort. 11.7cm of plush cushioning made for some great nights’ sleep
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The ease of inflation with the included pump sack
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The twin valves made for easy inflation and deflation
These features make it one of the most comfortable and refined mats I’ve tested to date.
Final Thoughts – Is the Therm-A-Rest Neoloft Worth It?
After testing the Therm-A-Rest Neoloft, I can confidently say it’s a solid choice for the overnight comfort connoisseurs and those willing to carry more for a better night out in the hills.
Is it right for all the adventures I go on? No, but for most of my overnight campouts, I’ll be reaching for the Neoloft to ensure a good night’s sleep. It’s a fantastic option for anyone looking for more comfort in their sleep system. Just make sure you consider how it fits into your tent, especially if you’re in a one-person or sharing a two-person, and also that you’re happy to carry the extra weight and have the space in your pack for it.
If you can tick all those boxes, this is definitely worth considering for your next adventure!
Shop the Therm-A-Rest range here or drop by our Hereford store to find your perfect sleep system for nights under the stars.
FAQs
The Therm-A-Rest Neoloft has an R-Value of 4.7, making it suitable for three-season camping and mild winter conditions.
It’s one of the most comfort-focused mats Therm-A-Rest has ever produced, with 11.7cm of cushioning and a quiet stretch-knit top for a peaceful night’s sleep.
Yes, especially for those who prioritise comfort over minimal weight. It’s perfect for multi-day treks, basecamps, or car camping, but less ideal for ultralight expeditions.
The Large version can be too wide for compact one-person tents. Always check your tent’s internal width, but it’ll likely fit comfortably in most two-person models.
Words written by Ben Darby
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