Here is how these two sleeping pads compare on the numbers. They score within a hair of each other, so it comes down to the details below.
| Exped Ultra 5R | Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft | |
|---|---|---|
| GearScore | 78✓ | 77 |
| Warmth (R-value) | 4.8 R✓ | 4.7 R |
| Weight | 20.3 oz✓ | 25.0 oz |
| Warmth-to-weight | 0.83 R/100g✓ | 0.66 R/100g |
| Packed size | 4.11 L | 3.98 L✓ |
| Thickness | 3.0 in | 4.6 in✓ |
| Durability | 12 /100 | 65 /100✓ |
| Price | $200✓ | $250 |
| Features | 3Pump sack included, Two-way valve, Repair kit included | 4Quiet fabric, Pump sack included, Two-way valve, Repair kit included✓ |
| Type | Inflatable | Inflatable |
| Shape | Rectangular | Rectangular |
Highlighted cells mark the better spec: Ultra 5R in blue, NeoLoft in amber. A blank spec is never counted as a win. GearScore is the rating for the Overall use-case (0 to 100). Pick another above to re-score. Prices are current MSRP.
The Exped Ultra 5R against the Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft is a study in priorities. They are close enough that this really is about which handful of specs you weight most.
The Ultra 5R is warmer (R 4.8 vs R 4.7), 5 oz lighter, and stronger on warmth-to-weight. The NeoLoft is a touch more packable, thicker for more cushion, and more durable. Their GearScores land within a couple of points (78 vs 77), so neither runs away with it.
Pick the Ultra 5R if you care most about warmth and low weight, which makes it the better call for colder nights and shoulder-season trips. Pick the NeoLoft if packability and cushion matter more to you, or you are focused on saving space in your pack.
The Exped Ultra 5R. It is warmer (R 4.8 vs R 4.7) than the NeoLoft.
The Exped Ultra 5R. It is 5 oz lighter than the NeoLoft.
They are nearly tied at 78 and 77 on the default algorithm, so re-weight the score to your own priorities to break the tie.
It depends on your priorities. Go with the Ultra 5R for warmth, or the NeoLoft for packability. The spec table above shows exactly where each wins.