I have an original Neoair that I purchased in 2009 and it made that year’s Gear of the Year list. Reviews were mixed – many people felt that the questionable durability wasn’t worth the weight savings. It made the 2009 list simply due to the comfort to weight ration. This year it’s on the list for the same reasons, plus the fact that I have had no problems with leaking or durability.

With several negative stories about the Neoair’s durability out there I wanted to throw my hat in the ‘great gear’ pile. I do pay attention to my gear and don’t go out of the way to be rough with it, but I also don’t go out of the way to treat items with special care. The Neoair has gone through three seasons of regular use and is still as comfortable and leak-free as the day I got it.
Since 2009 Therm-a-rest has come out with new models and designs, and I’m sure I’ll try them someday. In the meantime I’ll enjoy the excellent nights of sleep I get on the Neoair Original Flavor.