Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite

My Price: 229.95

Manufacturer: Therm-a-Rest

Made In: USA

Availability: Online and Major Outdoor Retailers

Weight: 8.8Oz/250grams

Season use: Summer

Review: There was a time in my backpacking career that I was doing everything possible to drop weight from my bag. This included using a torso length Therm-a-Rest Neo Air XLite. Sadly, this did not lead to good sleep on trail as my knees were constantly sore and my feet constantly cold. Then the NeoAir UberLite came onto the scene and I was able to pack a full length 72” long and 20” wide pad for only 8.8 ounces. The down side to this weight savings is the 2.0 R value which led to poor sleep due to being cold when the temps dropped below 45 degrees at night. Add the fact that I toss and turn and am fairly broad shoulders and it just seemed like there was no good option for me as far as ultralight sleeping pads.

The latest version of this sleeping pad does come in a 72x25 configuration which weighs only 12 ounces but still only offers a 2.3 R Value and is only 2.5” thick. I have learned over the years to invest in sleep when it comes to the weight on my back and because of this the UberLite rarely gets used. It is still my go to ultralight pad but more often than not the added 10 ounces to carry my wide and warm pad from Nemo are well worth the great sleep at night on the trail.

My Rating: Bypass unless you are a gram wennie and only backpack in the summer this may be the pad for you.

Rating scale:

-Bypass: This isn’t worth the money.

-Borrow: Handy but may or may not be worth your money.

-Buy: Get one. You’ll love it!

May the miles you hike be filled with wonder and the glasses you raise be filled with whiskey.

Cheers!