Thermarest NeoAir Therm
28th Apr 2025
What can I say? Is this the perfect mattress? I've slept on dozens of different makes and models over the years, and I think this probably ranks as the best all rounder to date.
It is lightweight weight at 440g, but at the same time is a whopping 7 cm thick when fully inflated! There are three different sizes so make sure you get the one that fits you so you're not carrying around extra weight. Its thermal rating is high at 7R thanks to an internal matrix, which doesn't feel bulky when packed down.
It's worth noting that the upper and lower surfaces are made of different materials. The lower is thicker making it more resistant to punctures, whilst the top is lighter to keep their overall weight down.
Inflation is via a combination valve by mouth or ideally using the inflation sack provided. In reality, though the sack keeps any moisture out of the inside of the mattress, it does take longer than blowing it up by mouth, so it is likely to depend on how much of a rush you are which option you choose. The twist valve is one way which maximises the air going in whilst inflating. When it's time to deflate simply open the wing valve which allows you to get the air out very quickly. If in the middle of the night you need to let us a little this is easy to do with the right combination of valve openings.
As I said above, I've used a lot of different makes and models of sleeping mattresses over the years. I think it's safe to say that Thermarest are my favourite. This is one of four mattresses of theirs which I own. If I am car camping, I will take one of the larger more comfortable ones, but if I have to carry then this is the one of choice. One of the features which you likely won't see written up in the technical specifications online is how quiet this one is compared with previous lightweight models. I am a boisterous sleeper, I toss and turn a lot especially in that half hour before actually falling asleep. I've always been acutely aware how noisy some of the previous models were. Not so with this one.
If there was one drawback it would be the pricetag. Retailing at £270 you may well baulk at a price. However, with a lifetime warranty, and online discounts, I strongly argue that it's worth every penny. Generally speaking, you are likely to be sleeping on this mattress after a day of arduous exercise, and quite probably with more to come the following day. A good nights sleep is essential under such circumstances.
Thermarest website