Pros / Reasons to Buy
- Extremely comfortable, with no pressure points from a well known brand
- Very easy to use and set up
Cons / Reasons to Avoid
- A little on the heavy side, so not entirely suitable to longer trips
- Packed size will make it a little too big for some backpackers
Once you go Therm-a-Rest, you never go back. This company really knows sleeping pads. I enjoyed the comfort, the ease of use and the topographic lines incorporated into the design really stand out and make this pad a no-brainer.
Compare to Similar Products:
Nemo Switchback | Nemo Tensor All-Season | Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite NXT | Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT | Rab Stratosphere 4 | Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Insulated | Big Agnes Divide Insulated | Nemo Quasar 3D | Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated | Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated | Exped Ultra 7R | Klymit Static V | Sleepingo Large | Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Topo Luxe | Therm-A-Rest Z Lite Sol | |
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | |  | |
Buying Options | |||||||||||||||
Our Rating | Best Foam Sleeping Pad | Best Air Sleeping Pad | Best for Comfort and Ultralight | Best for Winter and Best Mummy Shaped Sleeping Pad | Best for Summer | Best for Side Sleepers | Best for Back Sleepers | Best Budget Air Pad | Best Rectangular Sleeping Pad | ||||||
Type and Shape | Folding, closed-cell foam | Rectangular or Mummy Inflatable | Mummy Inflatable | Mummy Inflatable | Rectangular Inflatable | Mummy Inflatable | Rectangular Inflatable | Rectangular Inflatable | Rectangular or Mummy Inflatable | Rectangular Inflatable | Rectangular or Mummy Inflatable | Rectangular Inflatable | Mummy Inflatable | Rectangular Inflatable | Folding, closed-cell foam |
Comfort | Low | Excellent | Excellent | Very Good | Excellent | Excellent | Very Good | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Average | Excellent | Low |
Warmth/R-Value | Average (R-Value = 2) | Excellent (R-Value = 5.4) | Very Good (R-Value = 4.5) | Excellent (R-Value = 7.3) | Very Good (R-Value = 3.8) | Very Good (R-Value = 4) | Very Good (R-Value = 4) | Low (R-Value = 1.8) | Very Good (R-Value = 3.2) | Very Good (R-Value = 4.8) | Excellent (R-Value = 7) | Low (R-Value = 1.3) | Low - Average (No ASTM FF3340 rated R-Value, but likely around 2) | Good (R-Value = 3.7) | Average (R-Value = 2) |
Weight | Regular Version - 415g/14.5oz | Regular Version - 522g/1lb 2oz | Regular Version - 368g/13 oz | Regular Version - 453g/1lb | Regular Version - 695g/1lb 9oz | Regular Version - 845g/29.8oz | Regular Version - 652g/23oz | Non-Insulated Regular Version - 650g/1lb 7oz | Mummy Regular - 490g/17.3oz | Regular Version - 510g/18oz | Rectangular Medium Version - 650g/23oz | Regular Version - 530g/18.7oz | 408g/14oz | 634g/22.4oz | Regular Version - 410g/14oz |
Packed Size | Regular Version - 51x13x14cm/20x5x5.5in | Regular Version - 25.5x10cm/10x4in | Regular Version - 10.4x22.86cm/4.1x9in | Regular Version - 11.3x22.86cm/4.5x9in | Regular Version - 24cmx12cm/9.4inx4.7in | Regular Version - 12x23cm/5x9in | Regular Version - 20x13cm/8x5in | Non-Insulated Regular Version - 20x10cm/8x4in | Mummy Regular - 24x11cm/9.5x4.5in | Regular Version - 18x10cm/7x4in | Rectangular Medium Version - 23x14cm/9x5.5in | Regular Version - 20x8cm/8x3in | 27x8cm/10.5x3in | 23x14cm/9x5in | Regular Version - 51x13x14cm/20x5x5.5in |
Open Size | Regular Version - 183x51x2.3cm/72x20x0.9in | Regular Version - 183x51x9cm/72x20x3.5in | Regular Version - 182x50.8x7.62cm/72x20x3in | Regular Version - 177.8x50.8x7.62cm/72x20x3in | Regular Version - 183x51x8cm/72x20x3in | Regular Version - 184x55cm/72x21.5in | Regular Version - 183x51x8.25cm/72x20x3.25in | Non-Insulated Regular Version - 183x51x9cm/72x20x3.5in | Mummy Regular - 183x55-42x10cm/72x21.5-16.5x4in | Regular Version - 51x183x11cm/20x72x4.25in | Rectangular Medium Version - 183x52x9cm/72x20.4x3.5in | Regular Version - 183x58x6cm/72x23x2.5in | 187x54.6x5cm/73.5x21x2in | 177.8x50.8x10.1cm/70x20x4in | Regular Version - 183x51x2cm/72x20x0.75in |
Materials | Polyethylene foam backed with metalized foil | 20D and 40D Nylon with two layers of metalized film | 30D Ripstop Nylon | 30D and 70D Ripstop Nylon with Thermacapture Reflective Film | 75D Polyester with 100% recycled polyester 'Stratus R' insulation | 30D/40D Nylon withThermolite insulation and Exkin Platinum film | Ripstop nylon with Thermalite insulaiton and heat-reflecting film layer | 100% Recycled Polyester | 30D/40D Nylon withThermolite insulation and Exkin Platinum film | Ripstop nylon with two layers of metalized film | 20D Ripstop polyester with down insulation | 75D Polyester | Ripstop Nylon | Ripstop Nylon | Polyethylene foam backed with Thermacapture Reflective Film |
Durability | Excellent - will still work even if torn or damaged | Good - supplied with repair patches | Good - supplied with repair patches | Good - supplied with repair patches | Good - supplied with repair patches | Very Good - supplied with repair patches and spare valve parts | Good - supplied with repair patches | Good - Supplied with repair patches | Very Good - supplied with repair patches and spare valve parts | Good - Supplied with repair patches | Good - Supplied with repair patches | Good - Supplied with repair patches | Good - supplied with repair patches | Good - supplied with repair patches | Excellent - will still work even if torn or damaged |
This article is part of our series on the best sleeping pads for camping, view all articles below:
- Best Sleeping Pads for Camping
- How we Tested Sleeping Pads
- How to Choose the Right Sleeping Pad for Camping
- Compare Sleeping Pads
Related content:
Analysis and Test Results
This sleeping pad from Therm-a-Rest is a no brainer and performed well in my tests outdoors. I was very happy with the shape and the topographic shape which created a very comfortable sleep.
As a rectangular sleeping pad, it worked well to prevent me from sliding off, which so often happens on mummy pads. However, this sleeping pad’s weight will make it a trade off for some backpackers.
For me, the Topo Luxe sleeping pad will be making it into my rotation for quicker overnights and trips where weight isn’t my only thought. It’s a great pad from a well known brand who have done it again with this product.
See the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Topo Luxe in motion:
Performance Comparison
Type and Shape
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Topo Luxe Sleeping pad is a rectangular sleeping pad. It is air inflated and comes with a pump sack to make this job easier. The pump sack provided with this sleeping pad is slightly bigger than some others, making it quick to inflate.
This sleeping pad has an R-Value of 3.7. This isn’t in the higher end of R-Values, but it’s certainly good for all but the coldest temps and shaves off the cold really well. It also has a one way wing lock valve for inflating, deflating and making micro adjustments on the trail.
Comfort
Sleeping on an inflatable sleeping pad can have a bit of a learning curve. If you are used to a contoured mummy shape, it can be easy to roll off onto the cold tent floor in the middle of the night.
The rectangular design of the Topo Luxe helps with this problem. At 4 inches thick, you won’t be finding any pressure points at all. The one-way release valve is easy to find and use, allowing for quick adjustment to find your preferred firmness. I was able to make easy adjustments with one hand in the dark.
Warmth
The R-Value for the Topo Luxe comes in at 3.7, so it kept me plenty warm during an overnight camping trip with temps in the low 40s. There are better R-Value pads out there, but I think that the thickness certainly helps to prevent conductive heat loss.
Ease of Use
Setup was a breeze. One thing I noticed is that the pump sack was larger for the Topo Luxe than the other lighter weight pump sacks, which made for a very quick inflation process in comparison.
Weight
The Topo Luxe weighs in at 1lb. 7 oz, which is a bit heavier than some of the other pads that Therm-a-Rest offers. There is a bit of a trade-off for comfort versus pack weight.
This will be a deal breaker for some backpackers, but for others, not so much. This will really depend on the style of backpacking and overnights you do. If comfort is your goal here as well, and this is a tradeoff you’ll make, then the weight won’t be too much of an issue.
Version | Weight |
Regular | 634g/22.4oz |
Regular Wide | 816g/28.8oz |
Large | 873g/30.8oz |
Extra Large | 1043g/36.8oz |
Packed Size
The pack size was quite good. It was just a bit larger than a standard Nalgene bottle and in comparison to the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite NXT which I’ve also reviewed, it wasn’t a huge difference.
Version | Weight |
Regular | 23x14cm/9x5in |
Regular Wide | 28x15cm/11x5.9in |
Large | 28x15cm/11x5.9in |
Extra Large | 33x15cm/12.9x5.9in |
Open Size
I got this sleeping pad in a regular and the fully inflated Topo Luxe was a standard length. The rectangular shape fit nicely in a 2 Person tent. I think that this pad would really shine if it had a matching pair to make one large two person sleeping pad.
This obviously increases for the large and extra large, which offers more room. Perfect for larger frames or if you simply want more space to sleep on.
Version | Weight |
Regular | 177.8x50.8x10.1cm/70x20x4in |
Regular Wide | 182.8x63.5x10.1cm/72x25x4in |
Large | 182.8x50.8x10.1cm/72x20x4in |
Extra Large | 195.6x76.2x10.1cm/77x30x4in |
Features
It’s hard to spice things up in the world of inflatable sleeping pads, but Therm-a-Rest managed to do it with the NeoAir Topo Luxe sleeping pad! The new topographic lines on the pad makes it stand out.
The one way valves for inflation and deflation are the star of the show with this pad. They are clearly marked “In/Out” for ease of use. There is a slight difference in shape of the valves which makes for easy identification in the dark to make simple middle of the night adjustments for firmness.
The Twinlock valve can be used with one hand to let air out, whereas the Winglock valve that is used on the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite NXT requires two hands to make adjustments. Also, this pad is virtually silent to sleep on.
Materials
The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Topo Luxe Sleeping Pad uses nylon in it’s construction. This is hard wearing and tough. The sleeping pad also comes with a repair kit, which is standard for inflating sleeping pads. This means that in the event of a puncture, you don’t need to worry about a repair stopping you getting a good night’s sleep.
The materials used in the construction of this sleeping pad feel up to Therm-a-Rest’s usual quality. It’s well put together and the weld is extremely secure.
Durability
The Topo Luxe reminds me of the original Therm-a-Rest Neoair sleeping pad that won countless awards. I still see the 2009 versions in the wild and I suspect the Topo Luxe will be seen in tents 15 years from now. It feels super sturdy. The welds seem solid, and the valves are simple, which is a good thing.
Sustainability
Whilst Therm-a-Rest don’t make a huge deal about the environmental credentials of this sleeping pad, it does feel like it’s here to stay and built to last. This can only be a good thing in terms of sustainability as it means you won’t be needing to replace it and can take plenty of repairs if needed.
However, due to its weight, for some backpackers, this won’t be the only sleeping pad they need, combined with the R-Value. I think this does set it back a bit in terms of sustainability.
Price
Therm-a-Rest has a reputation for quality and with a limited lifetime warranty, the Topo Luxe is certainly something that I would invest in. I think there are other options that offer better R-Ratings and that offer a lighter weight, but I think that this pad in particular offers something that the others don’t. Versatility.
It’s great for backpacking if you want extra comfort, but I would be happy to use this car camping, use it at home for an unexpected guest or while traveling somewhere where you know you won’t have a comfortable bed.
Conclusion
I loved the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Topo Luxe Sleeping pad. This is my second Therm-a-Rest sleeping pad and it will be a valuable tool in my Trek & Travel tool kit. The Topo-Lux will be my go-to sleeping pad for quick overnight trips to provide extra comfort when I am not looking to shave off weight like I would for a longer multi-day trip.
If you invest in this sleeping pad option from Therm-a-Rest, you’re going to be gaining a pad that is versatile. It’ll be handy for so many uses, and offers undeniable comfort.
Disclaimer: This article contains Affiliate Links. You won’t pay any more for buying through these links, but we may receive a commission from any purchases made through them. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you choose to support us by buying through our links, we thank you as it helps us to continue providing the resources we do to help you enjoy the outdoors more!