Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Topo Luxe Review

Finding the perfect camping mattress is about finding a balance between comfort and usability. Foam mattresses excel at comfort but tend to be heavy and space-hogging. Air mattresses don't insulate as well and can feel bouncy. Only you know what is most important for your night of sleep, but we are mightily impressed with the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Topo Luxe, which is packable, warm, and one of the most comfortable air mattresses we've tested. Nicely done.

Performance Comparison

Comfort

It is hardly fair to compare an air mattress to a foam mattress in terms of comfort. But not everyone wants to pack a giant roll of foam for camping, especially if heading out to the backcountry. And having an air mattress that is four inches thick means that poking hip bones won't hit the ground, and your body will have greater protection from rocks and uneven terrain. So, while the NeoAir Topo Luxe is by no stretch the most comfortable mattress we tested, it IS the most comfortable mattress we have ever taken backpacking. The cover is soft nylon with a cool-looking topo map design. It's comfortable next to the skin and won't become a sticky, sweaty plastic slide in warmer temps.

Air mattresses at full inflation can be super bouncy, and with a thin air mattress, you need full inflation, or you will sink into the ground. Very thick air mattresses that aren't firm enough will swallow you like a whale and can be quite challenging for the lower back. We found the four inches of air in the NeoAir Topo Luxe to be enough to allow a lower level of inflation — enough to lessen the bounce while keeping us off sharper parts of the ground. Still, air is bouncier than foam, so if you move a lot in the night and are sensitive to bouncing, you may want to look at a different option.

Ease of Use

The NeoAir Topo Luxe has dual one-way valves, clearly labeled "in" and "out." Inflation is accomplished with breath or the handy inflation sack that snaps onto the "in" valve. One-way valves only allow air in or out, meaning you don't have to mess with the valve while inflating or deflating the mattress. The deflation valve can be twisted to release small amounts of air for the perfect amount of squish and can also be fully opened for rapid deflation. Rolling up the mattress to fit in the stuff sack is also quick and easy.

While it took a second to get used to the inflation sack, we quickly became fans. Just a light breath into the sack fills it with air, and it takes less than two minutes to fully inflate this mattress using the sack method. Bonus: you won't be lightheaded from blowing up your bed! The sack deflates in seconds and is easy to roll up into a tidy little package. The inflation sack can also be used as a stuff sack to save weight.

Overall, the NeoAir Topo Luxe is incredibly easy to use. While it's a good idea to inflate it before heading out on your camping trip just to ensure nothing is awry, it doesn't require initial inflation to make subsequent inflations faster, as a foam mattress does.

Warmth

Therm-a-Rest rates the NeoAir Topo Luxe with an R-value of 3.7. The higher this number, the more insulating your mattress is against the ground and air temperature. Air mattresses, in particular, have to find a way to insulate while remaining lightweight, and this one uses a patented "Triangular Core Matrix," which creates stability in the mattress while reflecting heat back up to your body. While 3.7 is not warm enough for winter camping, it should be enough to insulate in moderately cold temperatures. We tested this mattress in the low 40s (Fahrenheit), and felt perfectly comfortable.

The reflective insulation makes a little bit of a crinkling sound when you move around. This may irritate your tent mate more than it bothers you, but it is something to keep in mind if you or your camp mate is a light sleeper.

Versatility

The NeoAir Topo Luxe inflates to an indulgent 30 x 77 inches. This is not quite as large as some of the foam mattresses in our test, but it is giant for a backpacking mattress. Every ounce counts when you are carrying it on your back, and backpacking mattresses are often flat, short, and barely comfortable. This one weighs in at 2.34 pounds, giving it an excellent comfort-to-weight ratio. If you can't quite indulge in that much square footage, it is also available in smaller sizes.

The good news is that this mattress would also make an acceptable option for car camping, especially for those people that want one mattress that can do it all. While we haven't yet met the air mattress that we would choose for maximum warmth in winter, the Topo Luxe works well above 40 degrees, placing itself solidly in the three-season category.

Packed Size

Rolled up, the NeoAir Topo Luxe is hardly bigger than an insulated water bottle. It's a tiny little package compared to the foam burritos we tested, and that includes the inflation sack. This small size means you can stack half a dozen of them in the same amount of space as many of our favorite foam mattresses. You will want to measure your tent before committing, as the large footprint of the mattress might be at odds with a smaller backpacking tent.

It is important to remember that every mattress is a balance of weight, comfort, and packed size. The Topo Luxe excels at packing up small, and it is quite comfortable for its size, but if comfort is a primary concern, you probably will have to accept a larger packed size.

Should You Buy the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Topo Luxe?

A high level of technology is in use for the NeoAir Topo Luxe to end up so small, lightweight, warm, and comfortable. It is not as plush as the foam mats in our test, but it costs far less. And, for those who value space, packability, and versatility, this mattress is well worth every penny.

What Other Camping Mattresses Should You Consider?