Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Micro Pump – Rechargeable Sleeping Pad Inflator
Our NeoAir Micro Pump is a rechargeable electric inflator designed specifically for NeoAir sleeping pads and any pad with WingLock or TwinLock valves. At just 2.6 ounces, it delivers rapid inflation without the lung fatigue of manual blowing, making setup effortless after long trail days.
The built-in lithium-ion battery charges via micro-USB and provides enough power to inflate multiple pads on a single charge. We engineered the pump body to double as a stuff sack for your NeoAir pad, eliminating redundant gear weight. The reversible airflow lets you deflate pads quickly for faster pack-up in cold or wet conditions.
Micro Pump specifications
Rechargeable Power for Extended Trips
The integrated lithium-ion cell holds enough charge to inflate up to six NeoAir XLite pads or three NeoAir XTherm MAX pads before requiring a recharge. We specify a 500mAh capacity that balances weight with real-world backcountry use — most backpackers carry a portable battery bank anyway, so topping off the pump alongside your headlamp and GPS is seamless.
Charge time runs approximately 90 minutes from empty using any standard USB power source. The micro-USB port sits recessed in the pump body to prevent cable strain during charging, and an LED indicator pulses while charging then holds steady when the cell reaches full capacity.
Valve Compatibility and Airflow Design
Our valve interface works with both WingLock valves (found on NeoAir XLite, XTherm, and Trekker models) and TwinLock valves (used on older NeoAir pads and some third-party mats). The rubber gasket creates an airtight seal without requiring adapters or threaded fittings.
Reversing the pump motor takes one button press — hold the power button for two seconds to switch from inflate to deflate mode. Deflation pulls air rapidly from the pad, collapsing it in roughly 15 seconds so you can roll it tighter and faster than manual compression alone. Cold morning pack-ups become noticeably quicker when you’re not fighting stiff fabric and trapped air pockets.
Integrated Stuff Sack Function
The pump body measures 4.5 inches in diameter with elastic cinch cord at the open end, sized precisely to hold a folded NeoAir pad. After inflating your mat at camp, you fold it back into thirds, slide it inside the pump, and cinch the drawcord — your pump becomes the pad’s storage bag rather than dead weight in your pack.
This dual-use design shaves approximately 1 ounce compared to carrying a separate stuff sack. We reinforced the seams where the elastic cord attaches since this junction sees repeated tension cycles when you’re shoving a bulky pad inside. Trail repairs stay simpler with our self-adhesive patch kit that bonds to the pump’s ABS shell if you manage to crack the housing against a rock.
Essential Therm-a-Rest Sleep System Accessories
Rated 4.8 by verified buyers
Questions About the NeoAir Micro Pump
On a full charge, the Micro Pump inflates approximately six NeoAir XLite pads or three NeoAir XTherm MAX pads. Thicker, higher-volume pads like the XTherm draw more battery capacity per inflation.
Cold temperatures reduce lithium-ion performance, so expect around four XLite inflations at 20°F if the pump has been stored outside your sleeping bag overnight. Most backpackers recharge the pump every 2-3 nights using a portable battery bank.
Yes, as long as the pad uses a WingLock or TwinLock valve. Many pads from Sea to Summit, Nemo, and Big Agnes use compatible flat valve designs, though you should test the seal before relying on it in the field.
Pads with threaded Schrader-style valves or proprietary locking mechanisms may not form an airtight connection with the pump's silicone gasket. Check your pad's valve type before purchasing or bring a manual pump sack as backup.
The pump works with any inflatable that accepts the WingLock valve interface, including Therm-a-Rest compressible pillows and some dry bags with air-purge valves. It will not inflate items with wide-mouth openings or gear that requires high-pressure inflation like packrafts.
For items that need only partial inflation, use short 2-3 second bursts rather than running the pump continuously. This conserves battery and prevents over-inflation of smaller-volume accessories.
The pump recharges in approximately 90 minutes using a standard 5V/1A USB power source. Higher-amperage chargers (2A or greater) do not significantly reduce charge time due to the battery's built-in charging circuit limits.
An LED indicator on the pump body pulses during charging and stays solid when the battery reaches full capacity. You can charge the pump from a wall adapter, laptop USB port, or portable battery bank in the field.
Manual inflation introduces breath moisture into the pad's interior baffles, which can condense and freeze in cold conditions. Over many seasons, this moisture may degrade reflective insulation layers and add weight as internal ice accumulates.
Using the Micro Pump eliminates moisture transfer entirely, extending the pad's effective lifespan and maintaining consistent R-value performance. This advantage matters most on winter trips where overnight temps drop below freezing regularly.
Yes. Hold the power button for two seconds to switch the motor into reverse mode, which pulls air out of the pad through the valve. Deflation takes approximately 15 seconds for a NeoAir XLite, collapsing the pad enough to roll it tightly without fighting trapped air pockets.
This feature speeds up morning pack-up significantly in cold or wet weather when you want to minimize the time your pad spends exposed to moisture. Once deflated, fold the pad and store it inside the pump body for transit.
Check that the silicone gasket inside the pump nozzle is clean and free of dirt or debris. A thin layer of grime can prevent an airtight seal, especially after dusty trail use.
If the gasket looks worn or cracked after extended use, contact our warranty service for a replacement part. The gasket is user-replaceable and we stock spares for long-term pump maintenance. Avoid using petroleum-based lubricants on the gasket as they degrade silicone over time.