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SILVER/LIMON

Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad

$34.95 - $44.95

(21)

Item # 829826

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For sleep-anywhere comfort, the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol mattress is a light, compact, full-length closed-cell foam sleeping pad that features a heat reflective surface for added warmth!

Aluminized surface reflects heat, returning it back to your body; increases overall warmth from previous model by nearly 20%
Pad is engineered for extreme alpine climbing, adventure racing and long-distance backpacking when reducing weight is paramount
Egg-carton pattern increases softness and adds insulation by trapping warm air under your sleeping bag
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol mattress uses an accordion-style design that lies flat instantly and folds up into a small package quickly and easily
Closed-cell foam withstands years of use and abuse

Please note: Therm-a-Rest products can only be shipped to U.S. addresses.

Made in USA.

Item 829826

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Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews

Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad

4.2

(based on 21 reviews)

95%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

Lightweight (20)
Durable (13)
Comfortable (11)
Warm (11)
Packs easily (10)

Cons

Hard to pack (4)
Heavy / bulky (4)
Packs too large (4)
Uncomfortable (3)

Best Uses

Backpacking (15)
3 season use (13)
Car camping (6)
Cold conditions (5)
4 season camping (4)

- Reviewer Profile:
- Avid adventurer (13), Casual/ recreational (5)
- What Is Your Gear Style:
- Survivalist / minimalist (14), Comfort driven (4)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (19)

Reviewed by 21 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-10

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May

2013

4.0

great! except bulkiness

By cosimo-

from Miami, FL

About Me Avid Adventurer

See all my reviews

Pros

Comfortable
Durable
Lightweight
Non Slip
Warm

Cons

Bulky
Hard to Pack
Packs Too Large

Best Uses

3 Season Camping
Backpacking
Car Camping

Comments about Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad:

backpacked 3 months in patagonia and bolivia with this pad and it always kept my warm and comfortable. its really useful as a quick comfy seat during breaks on a long trek. its been through a lot and I expect it to hold its functional shape for many years.

the only complaint I have with this pad is the bulkiness. it is light but kinda gets in the way because of how bulky it is. Not really a problem on the trail but could be a hassle if you're backpacking in urban areas and getting in and out of cars, airports, etc.

Comment on this review

Apr

2013

4.0

great for what I needed

By KokoRadford

from boston, ma

About Me Avid Adventurer

See all my reviews

Pros

Comfortable
Durable
Lightweight

Cons

Packs Too Large

Best Uses

3 Season Camping
Backpacking
Car Camping

Comments about Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad:

works well

Comment on this review

Mar

2013

(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Works great with brainstorming

By Penner

from Arizona

About Me Casual/ Recreational

See all my reviews

Pros

Comfortable
Durable
Lightweight

Cons

Hard to Pack

Best Uses

3 Season Camping
Backpacking

Comments about Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad:

I do 1-3 day backpacking trips. I go as light as I personally can, because my physician said not to be carrying heavy backpacks. I have arthritis in my hips ( 1 is replaced), & knee, lower back. I was using a Thermarest NeoAir XL which for me worked great, but then I've really needed something to kneel on too. Both this & the neoair jumped the weight up to 30 oz of pads to carry, & that was too much to carry.
So, in addition to using the Z lite for a knee pad, I triple fold it under my Montbell Super Spiral under my hips & low back. There is still some to spare under my thighs & shoulders (I have the long). I use the Inertia Xframe inside my sleeping bag, this keeps my heels off the ground.

This combo is warm, & works to cushion my bones. I am a side sleeper. HTH people with arthritis who still want to be active.

Comment on this review

Mar

2013

(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

Winter camping; this is the way to go

By Mountainman Sam

from Beulah, CO

About Me Avid Adventurer

See all my reviews

Pros

Durable
Lightweight
Packs Easily
Warm

Cons

Bulky
Uncomfortable

Best Uses

4 Season Camping
Backpacking
Climbing
Cold Conditions
Winter Camping

Comments about Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad:

I'm pretty much going to say the same thing here as I said about the RidgeRest SOlite. Honestly, in the summer time I pretty much dislike, if not hate, them both. They are rather hard and don't offer that much reward for the weight and bulk. For summer camping; go with an inflatable. So why the 4 stars you ask? Because in the winter this thrown under an Inflatable gives you an incredibly warm sleep (as long as your sleeping bag does its job and keeps you toasty on top). I've camped on top of mountains here in Colorado in subzero conditions with steady 30+ mph winds (granted this is usually inside a tent or snow cave, but I have tarped it a couple of times when the temp hung right around 0) and the combo of these foam pads and an inflatable is incredible, not to mention VERY comfy! So, for winter camping I don't leave these behind, they have become a part of my "permanent" gear list (at least until something better comes along). For winter time make sure you go with the full length, unless your short (no offence), to take advantage of the cold blocking all the way down your legs.

Comment on this review

Oct

2012

(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

Great as a bottom pad

By footdoc

from WA

About Me Avid Adventurer

See all my reviews

Pros

Durable
Lightweight
Warm

Cons

Not Enough Pad
Packs Too Large
Uncomfortable

Best Uses

Comments about Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad:

This is a great pad if you use it as a bottom layer. Took it on a Rainier climb to get my pack as light as possible and did not sleep. I am a side sleeper and was in pain. I bought a big agnus air pad at just over a pound an cut this down to 3/4 length and 17 inches wide. It now weighs a 1/2 pound with the entire package of both pads att 1.5 pounds and an R value of 5.5. Side sleep on snow never felt better.

Comment on this review

Sep

2012

3.0

Does the trick

By Jimbo72

from Gardnerville, NV

About Me Casual/ Recreational

See all my reviews

Pros

Lightweight
Packs Easily
Small / Compact

Cons

Slips Easily

Best Uses

3 Season Camping
Backpacking
Car Camping

Comments about Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad:

I have the 3/4 version. Used this on a walking trip I took from Gardnerville, NV to Seattle, WA. Originally I was going to be using a backpack, so this pad seemed the best option because it is super light and inexpensive. At the last moment I decided instead to use a cart to haul my gear for my trip. Had I decided earlier on that I was going to use a cart, I probably would have opted for something more comfortable. All that aside, this pad gets the job done. My trip was during the summer, so I can't speak to its performance in colder temps. It still got pretty chilly at night however, and this pad helps keep that chill off your body while sleeping. It provides minimal comfort, but still better than no pad at all. Set up is a snap. Just unfold it and lay it down. I tend to dig-in pretty hard while sleeping, and this thing held up pretty well. Although, after using it day in and day out for nearly two months straight, it's not as "fluffy" anymore.

Comment on this review

Sep

2012

(3 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

2.0

Super average pad

By Kendall Bailey

from Newport News, VA

About Me Avid Adventurer

See all my reviews

Pros

Makes A Good Camp Chair
Quick Set Up

Cons

Bulky
Not Warm
Uncomfortable

Best Uses

Summer Use

Comments about Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad:

I consider myself a minimalist and try to go ultra light most times. I used this pad for one summer. Those were some of the most uncomfortable nights I have ever had. If you turn onto your sides during the night then this pad is not for you! You might get by with sleeping on your back. This pad seems thin while you're laying on it.

I've just ordered the Neoair xlite as my first ever inflatable. I've heard great things about it and at 12oz you can't go wrong (unless it pops....which won't happen to the Z lite). If you're most concerned about weight (with comfort) then check out the xlite. If you're looking for a simple, bomb-proof pad that's not terribly warm or comfortable then this one is just right. I'm going to miss having a pad that i can quickly throw down during breaks on the trail. :/ i'm having second thoughts now.

A few good things:
DURABLE- i have had it for several years. it hasn't started disintegrating yet.
MAKES A GOOD CAMP CHAIR- unfold and lean it up against a tree or log while taking breaks on the trail (i kept mine on outside of pack for quick retrieval)
Takes one second (really, i timed it) to set up- attach to outside of pack and use throughout the day for breaks.
Chicks dig using it for yoga
Use it under your car during oil changes

Comment on this review

Jun

2012

(16 of 16 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Not for everyone, but works for me.

By MPeters

from California

About Me Avid Adventurer

See all my reviews

Pros

Durable
Lightweight
Packs Easily
Sets up Easily
Warm

Cons

Best Uses

Backpacking

Comments about Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad:

This pad is a minimalist pad that will provide warmth and a bit of comfort with easy set-up and take down. I got the third

I am a side sleeper that tends to roll on my back midway thru the night, but I have been adjusting to start on my back when backpacking because this pad does not provide the cushion you need for side sleeping. This pad is super light and can easily be strapped to the outside of your bag so it doesn't take up precious bag volume.

The set-up and take down is where this pad really shines, especially for the minimalist. Simply pull it off your bag and lay it out. When it is time to break camp, fold it up and strap it on. No tight rolling, deflating or stuff sack shoving to get going. You will be ready to roll out of camp before everyone else.

Also be careful where you set up camp. I have had some bad nights when I set up in a bowl and none of my body from my heels to my butt touch the pad because it is not thick enough to fill the gap. This puts way too much pressure on my heels as I got the 3/4 length and my heels had nothing under them but hard rock.

Buy this pad if:
- You sleep on your back
- You don't mind minimal padding
- You have a place to put it (likely externally on your pack)
- You want to set-up and tear-down camp quicker.

Comment on this review

Jun

2012

5.0

Love it

By thegroverest

from Detroit, MI

About Me Avid Adventurer

See all my reviews

Pros

Comfortable
Lightweight
Packs Easily
Warm

Cons

Best Uses

4 Season Camping
Backpacking
Cold Conditions
Winter Camping

Comments about Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad:

Took this on a week hike down the outer banks of NC.
I mainly like this because it's a LOT lighter than self-inflating pads and doubles as a seat when folded.

Comment on this review

Jun

2012

(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

A pleasant surprise

By daddyinmi

from Mid-Michigan

About Me Avid Adventurer

See all my reviews

Pros

Comfortable
Lightweight
Non Slip
Packs Easily
Warm

Cons

Best Uses

3 Season Camping
Backpacking
Car Camping
Cold Conditions

Comments about Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad:

I grew tired of inflating, uninflating, rolling, unrolling and packing self-inflating pads, so I gave this very insubstantial-looking thin bumpy foam a try. It was on discount, and I thought, "Well, if it's no good, I'll let my son use it." (Thanks, Dad.)

Wow! I could not believe the comfort of this thing! I am a 6' 180# side-sleeper and I have been comfortable on this pad in grass, gravel, bare desert alluvium, and cement. The temperature range I have so far used it in is 47F-76F. I use it in a T2 Quarterdome with a 45 deg. bag plus liner. I have not experienced any slipping.

Yes it's bulky, but its prismatic shape makes it easy to pack for car camping. Of greater concern to me is the fact that after 2 weeks of being shoved into an overstuffed vehicle, the corners and edges look a bit dog-eared. I'll see if it actually frays over time.

I'll be buying each of my boys a Z-lite. It should last them for the long haul.