Reviews You Can Rely On

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Topo Luxe Review

A lightweight and packable mattress that is also comfortable and warm enough for most uses
therm-a-rest neoair topo luxe camping mattress review
Credit: Therm-a-Rest
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Price:  $180 List
Manufacturer:   Therm-a-Rest
By Laurel Hunter ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Apr 29, 2020
77
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#9 of 14
  • Comfort - 40% 7.0
  • Ease of Use - 20% 9.0
  • Warmth - 20% 6.0
  • Versatility - 10% 10.0
  • Packed Size - 10% 9.0

Our Verdict

The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Topo Luxe is a four-inch air mattress that folds down to a tiny water bottle-sized package that you could easily carry backpacking. While it can't compare to a four-inch foam mattress in terms of comfort, it is by far the most comfortable mattress we tested that is also very lightweight and easy to use. And if you get the XL, as we did, you will have more airy comfort than you ever imagined possible out on the trail. It is not recommended for winter use but is a strong candidate for three-season camping.
REASONS TO BUY
Very packable
Lightweight
Warm enough for three season use
REASONS TO AVOID
Bouncy
A little noisy
Not warm enough for winter

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Overall Score Sort Icon
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Star Rating
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Pros Very packable, lightweight, warm enough for three season useBed-like comfort, easy inflation, great valuePacks to half the size of similar mattresses, super fast inflation, warm, comfortableWarm, comfortable, easy to useInexpensive, easy to use
Cons Bouncy, a little noisy, not warm enough for winterToo big for some single person tentsSlight bounciness, heavyHeavy, large packed sizeNo insulation, bouncy, heavy
Bottom Line A lightweight and packable mattress that is also comfortable and warm enough for most usesAll our favorite features we love from a camping mat at a great priceFour inches of foam camping mattress comfort that packs into a relatively small packageA really warm foam mattress that is a little bit cheaper than its rivals, and a little less comfortableA classic air mattress, it's easy to use and good for the occasional warm night outdoors
Rating Categories Therm-a-Rest NeoAir... REI Co-op Camp Drea... NEMO Roamer Exped DeepSleep 7.5 EnerPlex Camping Se...
Comfort (40%)
7.0
10.0
9.0
8.0
4.0
Ease of Use (20%)
9.0
9.0
9.0
8.0
8.0
Warmth (20%)
6.0
9.0
8.0
9.0
1
Versatility (10%)
10.0
6.0
8.0
7.0
4.0
Packed Size (10%)
9.0
5.0
7.0
7.0
6.0
Specs Therm-a-Rest NeoAir... REI Co-op Camp Drea... NEMO Roamer Exped DeepSleep 7.5 EnerPlex Camping Se...
Dimensions 77 x 30 x 4 in 78 x 32 x 4 in 78 x 30 x 4.0 in 77.6 x 30.3 x 3 in 80 x 60 x 9 in
R Value 3.7 6.6 6 8.5 None
Test Model XLarge XL XL, XWide Long Wide Queen
Length 77 in 78 in 78 in 77.6 in 80 in
Width 30 in 32 in 30 in 30.3 in 60 in
Thickness 4 in 4 in 4 in 3 in 9 in
Weight 2.34 lbs 6.38 lbs 5.88 lbs 5.8 lbs 10.94 lbs
Type Pump inflation Self Inflating Self inflating Self inflating Pump inflation
Packed Size (inches) 12 x 6 in 11 in x 30 in 16.0 x 10.0 in dia 32 x 8 in 17 x 17 x 8 in
Bed Material Polyester Stretch polyester 75D polyester 75D polyester Polyvinyl Chloride with waterproof flock top
Valves TwinLock One valve Three valves One-way One valve
Accessories Stuff sack, pump, pump sack Air Pump/Pillow Stuff sack, pump sack, repair kit Stuff sack Electric pump, 12 volt car plug, storage sack
Breaths to Inflate N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Our Analysis and Test Results

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


therm-a-rest neoair topo luxe camping mattress review - warm, comfortable, packable, lightweight! it's not foam, but it's...
Warm, comfortable, packable, lightweight! It's not foam, but it's pretty impressive.
Credit: Laurel Hunter

Comfort


It is hardly fair to compare an air mattress to a foam mattress, really, in terms of comfort. But not everyone wants to pack a giant roll of foam for camping, especially if they are heading out to the backcountry. However, 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 ground. So, while the NeoAir Topo Luxe is by no stretch the most comfortable mattress we tested, it is the most comfortable mattress that we have ever taken backpacking.


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 that we could have a lower level of inflation that lessened bounce while keeping us off the sharper parts of the ground. Of course, air is bouncier than foam. If you move a lot in the night and are sensitive to bouncing, you may want to look at a different option.

The cover is soft nylon, with a cool-looking topo map design, making it comfortable next to your skin, and it won't become a sticky, sweaty plastic slide in warmer temps.

therm-a-rest neoair topo luxe camping mattress review - 4 inches of air mattress comfort! quite indulgent in the backcountry.
4 inches of air mattress comfort! Quite indulgent in the backcountry.
Credit: Laurel Hunter

Ease of Use


The NeoAir Topo Luxe is fitted with dual one-way valves, clearly labeled "In" and "Out." Inflation is accomplished with breath or with the handy inflation sack that snaps onto the "in" valve. One-way valves only allow air in or out, meaning that you don't have to mess with the valve while you are 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 was quick and easy, as well.


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 mattress! It 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.

therm-a-rest neoair topo luxe camping mattress review - the inflation sack makes inflation a piece of cake. this mattress is...
The inflation sack makes inflation a piece of cake. This mattress is fully inflated in less than two minutes.
Credit: Laurel Hunter

The NeoAir Topo Luxe is incredibly easy to use, and while it's a good idea to inflate it before heading out on your camping trip just to make sure there is nothing 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 temperature, as well as the 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 (F) and felt perfectly comfortable.


The reflective insulation does make 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.

Versatility


This NeoAir Topo Luxe inflates to an indulgent 30 by 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.

therm-a-rest neoair topo luxe camping mattress review - a smaller mattress will typically be more versatile, if you find one...
A smaller mattress will typically be more versatile, if you find one that also provides enough comfort.
Credit: Laurel Hunter

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, this model works well above 40 degrees. This places it 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 a 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 to see how many will fit when they are inflated, 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. This mattress 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.

therm-a-rest neoair topo luxe camping mattress review - so tiny! this is also one of the best air mattresses we have slept on.
So tiny! This is also one of the best air mattresses we have slept on.
Credit: Laurel Hunter

Value


Considering that this is not only small and lightweight but also warm and comfortable, we appreciate that a high level of technology is at use in the NeoAir Topo Luxe. It is on the more expensive end of the spectrum for mattresses, but for those who value space, packability, and versatility, we think it is a great value.

therm-a-rest neoair topo luxe camping mattress review - this 4-inch air mattress deflates in seconds, is warm, and packs up...
This 4-inch air mattress deflates in seconds, is warm, and packs up small enough for backpacking use.
Credit: Laurel Hunter

Conclusion


We have yet to meet an air mattress that can truly compete in the comfort category with four inches of plush foam. Foam, however, has its limitations for use beyond the campground. If you are looking for a very packable mattress that is also quite comfortable, the NeoAir Topo Luxe is one of the best we have seen.

Laurel Hunter
 
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