Print This Page
"it's attained cult status among fast packers for it's sub-pound weight and fold up design that lets it double as a pack panel for frameless rucksacks." - Backpacker Gear Guide, March 2006
Customers most agreed on the following attributes:
from New England on 8/30/2008
This pad is simply the greatest. It has the best value of any sleeping pad for that price. I've used it on many weekend camping trips as well as a week long backpacking trip in the White Mountains. It's sturdy and durable, scratches/abrasion doesn't affect it, and there's no worries of puncturing the foam construction. It takes some getting used to in terms of comfort though. I am planning to bring it with me to Mt Washington as well as New Mexico with confidence.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from Marysville, Wa on 6/2/2008
This pad is great overall, it just need to be a little thicker. I'd packed this pad around for a season or two but then decided to go back to the inflatables. Though they're a bit heavier and tend to puncture easily, it's better to deal with the extra weight and be a little more careful, then lose sleep over discomfort...Bottom line...back sleeper-go for it. Side sleeper-your moneys better spent elsewhere.
from Gaithersburg, MD on 4/25/2008
I've used my thermarest once for a two night backcountry hiking trip. It was surprisingly confortable to sleep on. I had it strapped on the outside of my pack and there are a couple of places where I can see small tears and abrasion. I am not sure how durable it really is.
from New England campsites on 3/1/2008
Overall, this is a quality pad because it's lightweight, comfortable, and the easiest set up of any pad I can think of because it does not need to be inflated. Also, the egg-crate design helps to reduce bulk and make it more compact.
The only slight problem that I've had, but probably is not common, is that the material on one end already is chafing a bit after only having it for a while. I'm not sure why that could be because I have not placed it on anywhere but the floor yet. Plus, it can be difficult at times to unravel this pad and keep it flat after its been folded up for awhile because it wants to fold back up. However, that should not stop you from buying it it's a great pad and its cheap.
from Denver, CO on 1/2/2008
Can be combined in winter camping with inflatable to both protect the inflatable from puncture and to improve insulation power, at lower combined weight than a heavy inflatable design.
You can then pick which pad/combination to bring on any given trip. Works great.
Lighter for younger folks to carry (Scouts).
from Blue Bell, PA on 7/4/2007
My husband has been very happy with his Z Lite pad alone. He always gets a great sleep! Meantime, I had been unhappy with the too thin self inflating pad I was using under my sleeping bag. Got the Z Lite and layered it with my skinny mat and it is terrific!
from South Lake Tahoe, CA on 1/3/2007
The thing is lightweight, but I couldn't get over how thin it is. It insulates from the ground but doesn't offer much more padding than the ground. If you ever sleep on your side, this is not the mat for you.
from Oklahoma City, OK on 12/8/2006
If you don't require a whole lot of padding and can live with a little bulk these are great. They are especially great for kids. Inexpensive and you don't have to worry about punctures.