Therm-a-Rest Trail ProLite vs NEMO Flyer
In short: The NEMO Flyer is warmer by 0.4 points of R-value; the NEMO Flyer saves 3.0 oz.
| Spec | Therm-a-Rest Trail ProLite | NEMO Flyer |
|---|---|---|
| Approx. price | ~$140 | ~$140 |
| R-value | R 3.8 | R 4.2 |
| Season band | Three-season | Cold three-season |
| R-value standard | ASTM F3340 | ASTM F3340 |
| Weight | 1 lb 8 oz | 1 lb 5 oz |
| R per ounce | 0.16 R/oz | 0.20 R/oz |
| Thickness | 2 in | 2 in |
| Pad type | self-inflating | self-inflating |
| Inflation | self-inflating | self-inflating |
| Dimensions | 72 × 20 in | 72 × 20 in |
| Packed size | 11 × 6.8 in | 10 × 6.5 in |
| Insulation | Die-cut open-cell urethane foam | Die-cut open-cell foam |
| Top fabric | 75D | 75D |
Shaded cells mark the row where one has a measurable advantage. Weight, thickness, girth and shape are left unshaded on purpose: heavier is sometimes tougher, wider is sometimes warmer, and calling a winner on those would be an opinion dressed as a measurement.
What each one does well, and costs you
Therm-a-Rest Trail ProLite
- Foam core means a leak degrades the pad rather than ending the night — the single biggest argument for self-inflating over air.
- 75-denier polyester is more than twice the fabric of the ultralight air pads and shrugs off tent-floor grit.
- Inflates itself to about 80% while you set up the tent; a few breaths finishes it.
- $140 for a 3.8 R-value pad is good value next to $210 air pads with a similar rating.
- Silent. There is no film and no crinkle, which is the thing people notice first after switching from a NeoAir.
- Two inches of loft is not enough for most side sleepers; hips find the ground.
- 24 ounces and a 11 × 6.8-inch packed size are both roughly double an XLite's.
- Self-inflating is a generous description — it gets most of the way and then needs help, especially when cold.
- The foam takes a set after long storage compressed; it wants to live unrolled with the valve open.
NEMO Flyer
- 21 ounces is the lightest self-inflating pad in this catalogue, three ounces under the closest comparison.
- R-value 4.2 from foam rather than film, so a puncture costs comfort rather than the whole night.
- Silent, and warm to the touch in a way reflective-film pads never are.
- $140 is at the bottom of the three-season price range for this much R-value.
- Two inches of loft is thin — side sleepers will feel the ground through it.
- Packs to 10 × 6.5 inches, roughly twice the volume of an ultralight air pad.
- Self-inflation is partial, as always; expect to top it up.
- Sold in mummy cut only, so there is no rectangular version for restless sleepers.