I am going on a four day trip in march and need a sleeping pad. I am looking at the Thermarest trail scout and the thermarest Neoair trekker. Anyone have any ideas aboutwhich one to get? Any help is appreciated.

I used a closed-cell blue foam pad for 30 years or so. Then got my wife a Neoair so that she would be more comfortable. She loved it.

One day on the trail, I borrowed it for an afternoon nap.

Bought one for myself the day we returned from the trip.

I suggest you do more research. There are several other excellent brands of sleeping pad besides Thermarest, the best known of which are Big Agnes and Exped. Also, to make a recommendation, we need to know the conditions under which you will use the pad: Where will you be backpacking? What temperatures do you expect? You don't say where you live although I notice your IP is in Kansas. And are you a side sleeper or a back sleeper? Do you toss and turn a lot?

The two pads you describe are quite different types. The Scout is a self-inflator while the NeoAir needs to be blown up. They differ considerably in weight and in comfort. The ProLite is a lighter model of self-inflator than the Scout. This being a lightweight backpacking site, weight is important to many of us, assuming equal comfort and warmth.

The "R" value (measure of warmth) can be important depending on how and where you will use the pad (you can find this on the manufacturers' websites under "Specifications"). For winter or for Rocky Mountain summers where it can get well below freezing every night, you want a pad with an "R" value of at least 5 or above. It has also been shown that with inflatable pads the value will be less if the pad is not fully inflated but left "squishy" (the way I like it).

I personally could never get comfortable on a NeoAir. The horizontal tubes let me roll off the pad every time I got anywhere near the edge. I also could never find the "sweet spot" between too much inflation and not enough. Many others are enthusiastic about this pad, though. Sleeping styles vary considerably among individuals.

The best form of research is trying out different models of sleeping pad on the floor of the store (most outdoor stores have a carpeted place for you to do this) to see which you like the best. Then spend two or three nights on the floor at home to be sure the pad works for you, while you can still return it.

I am going on a 4 day hike in ky/tn. Temps should be in the 30/40 at night. I live in memphis. I have a mountain hardwear lamina 20 sleeping bag. My buddy has 2 big agnes and likes them.

If you're a side sleeper, I'd definitely go with a Neoair. I personally would get one of the other variants (more R value) so it would be more useful in future trips that may be colder. My original (R 2.5) has been fine on it's own into the 30s. I have tested it as low as -2 with the addition of two blue foam pads (and more clothing as my bag is only 20F as well).

If you're a back sleeper, the Scout should be OK. It's heavier and takes significantly more volume.

You should really visit a store that has pads like this so you can see how they feel to you. I don't mind the horizontal baffles, but some like OregonMouse do.

I'd second what OM said. After using the NeoAir (several models), I've ended up with the Big Agnes Q Core (a pound and a half), which I really like after 2 or 3 cool-weather trips. I'll be trying the Q-Core SL (one pound) this weekend, in predicted 15-20 degree temperatures on cold, damp ground. The SL has a slightly lower R-value (4.5) than the Q-Core (5), per the BA website, but both are rated to 15 degrees. We'll see.

By comparison, the NeoAir X-therm or All-Season (my own favorite among NeoAirs) have R-values from 5 to 5.7, and weigh 14 to 18 ounces for the 66" length (the same length as the Q-Core or SL.)

For price, the Q-Core and NeoAir pads are pretty similar, in the $130 - $220 range, depending on length, width, and R-value; for similar pads, the Q-Cores tend to be slightly less expensive.

The Trail Scout's only apparent advantage is that it's cheap - under $80. It weighs about a pound, but only has an R-value of 3.7. I used one on car-camping trip (testing it for the local outfitter), and it really wasn't much more comfortable than a closed-cell pad; I woke up after about 2 hours with an aching hip, couldn't get comfortable again, and ended up going to the car to get my NeoAir All-Season so I could get some sleep. It would be OK for 3-season camping if you're young and tough, and maybe could be stretched to winter if you put a closed-cell pad on top of it. I would only consider the Scout if price was a major limiting factor, and even then I'd look around some more. (There are other brands out there that I just don't have experience with.)

I would first borrow your buddies pads and sleep on them on the hard floor at your house at night. That will give you a basis for comparison.

Folks I know with experience at this all seem to agree with my personal experience that you want the ccf pad on top of the inflatable when net R-value is a factor, and not the other way round.

D*&% typos and fat fingers - that's what I meant, and just got in a hurry. I'll correct the original post. Thanks.

Ok thanks guys. I will borrow his and see how I like them.

Be aware that the Big Agnes Q-Core SL is actually narrower than advertised: about 18.5" or 19" wide; I confirmed this in the store. I think 20" is the minimum for my fat butt However, it does appear very comfortable.

Has anyone had trouble with inflatables leaking? That sounds like a miserable night. I'm leaning towards NeoAir XLite wrapped top and bottom with 1/4" XPE foam for backup padding and sound dampening.

There is always that concern with any inflatable. The earliest Neoairs seemed to have some QC issues, but those got fixed pretty fast. POE has had some issues, too. But other than those QC type things, it's mostly just taking care of where you lay it down (moreso in the desert, lava, granite) or not over-inflating it or leaving it in the sun mostly inflated.

I lay my backpad foam (3/16" folded over several times) under my Neoair as extra insurance. The first one I had bought used popped a couple baffles and was replaced for free.

I have used my BA q-core for just about a year with no leaks, but I still bring a 1/8" ccf pad just in case.

My Q Core got a ride in a box back to Big Agnes.

I loaned it to someone. It started to lose air gradually after that, slowly going flat over a few hours, whether anyone was on it or not. I suspect the valve since I spent some time in a half full bathtub wallowing with it and found no bubbles.

Customer service with Big Agnes is pretty good!

I checked mine at lunch - you're right, it is narrower. I'll play around with it tonight (my weekend trip just got cancelled; my buddy couldn't make it); if it is narrower, I'll probably take it back to REI for a refund, since I haven't used it outdoors yet. Thanks for the heads-up.

I can't see giving up width and .5 in R-value just to save a few ounces. (Weight isn't everything - I'm also returning a Fly Creek UL1 tent because it's not as convenient as my Copper Spur. That's another half pound - guess I'll just have to tough it out carrying 19 pounds for a weekend instead of 18. )

No problems with leaks in the Q-Core, after about 5 nights.

Coming back with damage made me quit loaning gear. (I've given some away, but I've quit loaning.)

I expect to put another 30+ nights on it this year, so I hope they can fix it!

Hoping to be able to leave the neoair in my SAR gear full time. It is a hassle unpacking it repeatedly.

From now on, only loaning foam pads!

I guess i don't get to know what happened to my q core... Replaced it under warranty with a new one.

Took my SL back last weekend; guess I'll just schlepp the extra weight of the regular QCore around.

Hiking in Gila National Forest in fall in can get pretty cold so when hiking for a week we use a Klymit x Frame about $80. on top of Space blanket from REI for $15, works real well together weight is 12oz

I do not have experience with the 2 bags you mentioned, but I can recommend the Big Agnes QSL and the NeoAir 4 season. The QSL is super comfy, but the NeoAir is warmer.