Hey there! First time backpacker here. Long story short, backpacking is something I have thought seems fun and recently got a bunch of gear from holidays/special events. Now I have 5 backpacking trips planned this for this year in the PNW.

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I'm looking to purchase myself a sleeping pad and want to get something that I buy once but will last me. I was going to pull the trigger on buying the REI Helix, but then found the discontinued Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm is only $13 more. Compared to the Helix, its R-value goes from 4.9 > 6.9, and its weight 21oz > 15oz.

This almost seemed too good to be true. Huge heat & weight benefit on sale for only $13 more. However, I researched and found many people mentioning that the NeoAir is extremely loud & crinkly like a potato chip bag. I am someone who tends to roll around in their sleep a lot. (Though I am planning on using this mainly in a hammock, so I don't know if that will prevent me from moving as much?)

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Having never used either of these pads, is the loudness really that egregious on the NeoAir? Will I disturb fellow backpackers or wake up myself? Should I just be better safe than sorry and buy the Helix or would I be stupid to not take advantage of this marked down deal? Looking for advice for a noob from anyone who has used either of these pads, thanks!