How to Choose the Best Sleeping Pad for Camping and Backpacking
Therm-a-Rest ProLite Apex Sleeping Pad
This product is not available.
Pairing essential 3-season comfort with lightweight packability, the Therm-a-Rest ProLite Apex self-inflating sleeping pad offers top-notch performance for backpacking.
Shop similar productsKey Details
Insulated
Yes
Pad Thickness (in.)
2 inches
- StrataCore™ construction uses a continuous layer of thermal foam nestled between alternating ridges of air and foam to yield an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio
- Expanding foam core self-inflates—simply top off with a few breaths for personalized firmness on 2 in. (5 cm) of StrataCore loft
- Packs down small to easily find a place in your pack during fast-and-light adventures
- Intuitive and dependable WingLock™ valve maximizes airflow for easier inflation and quicker deflation; wings toggle for 1-way inflation to save breath
- A range of sizes allows you to pick a length/width that best suits your adventure needs
- Stuff sack included
Made in USA.
View the Therm-a-Rest ProLite Product LineView all Therm-a-Rest Self-inflating Pads| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Sleeping Pad Type | Self-inflating |
| Sleeping Pad Shape | Mummy |
| Insulated | Yes |
| Insulation Type | Open-cell Foam |
| R-Value | 3.8 |
| Stuff Sack Included | Yes |
| Sleeping Capacity | 1-person |
| Pad Thickness (in.) | 2 inches |
| Gender | Unisex |
Buying Advice
Review this Product
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
Most Helpful Favorable Review
Light and comfortable
Wheels4 years ago
Received free productThis is a fairly compact sleeping pad when packed. The carry pouch has a compression "flap" with two straps to help control the packed size. It packs up a little bit tighter than my trusty REI air rail 1.5 (long-wide), and feels a little bit lighter. It was reluctant to inflate at first, but after a couple hours out of the box (inflated) it seems to compress/expand just fine.
When inflated, my regular-wide Thermarest is slightly narrower and shorter than my REI pad. There is slightly more "security" in the REI pad with the rails, where I felt almost like I might roll off the Thermarest. After a long hike, I'd probably be so exhausted that I wouldn't notice the difference.
First impressions after a night in the back yard are very good. Hopefully the camping restrictions will ease up around here. I'll try to update this review after I've had more time to experience this new pad.
WheelsReceived free product
NJ
10 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
Keep looking
Gabriel3 years ago
I did a lot of research and was really excited about how great this pad was going to be. Read a few comments about durability but figured they might be outliers. Do yourself a favor, don’t ignore them. The pad leaked the first night I used it. Okay it happens, so I paid 50 dollars to ship it in for warranty repair, wait 6 weeks for them to tell me it’s going to cost another 21 dollars for them to fix it! Customer service is unhelpful and Thermarest doesn’t stand behind their product. Spend your money on something else.
Gabriel
21 people found this review helpful
Customer Images
Richard
Boston
Super comfy. Go wide!
4 years ago
I've used this pad in three seasons for a few years, both car camping and backpacking. Overall it's is extremely comfortable and super warm. It's so comfy that I don't mind the weight and the compression straps help it pack down reasonably small. I'm not a very wide person, but I highly recommend the wide version--no more waking up freezing because you moved a couple inches. "Self-inflating" is an overstatement, but this could be my own fault as I stored it in the compression sack for quite a while. Also, I recently picked up a hammock and have only used this pad in it three times, but the shape conformed perfectly and it was the best sleep I've ever had camping.
Age:25–34
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'6"
Yes , I recommend this product
Wheels
Received free product
NJ
Light and comfortable
4 years ago
This is a fairly compact sleeping pad when packed. The carry pouch has a compression "flap" with two straps to help control the packed size. It packs up a little bit tighter than my trusty REI air rail 1.5 (long-wide), and feels a little bit lighter. It was reluctant to inflate at first, but after a couple hours out of the box (inflated) it seems to compress/expand just fine. When inflated, my regular-wide Thermarest is slightly narrower and shorter than my REI pad. There is slightly more "security" in the REI pad with the rails, where I felt almost like I might roll off the Thermarest. After a long hike, I'd probably be so exhausted that I wouldn't notice the difference. First impressions after a night in the back yard are very good. Hopefully the camping restrictions will ease up around here. I'll try to update this review after I've had more time to experience this new pad.
Age:45–54
Weight:200–225 lbs.
Height:5'10"
Yes , I recommend this product
Gabriel
Keep looking
3 years ago
I did a lot of research and was really excited about how great this pad was going to be. Read a few comments about durability but figured they might be outliers. Do yourself a favor, don’t ignore them. The pad leaked the first night I used it. Okay it happens, so I paid 50 dollars to ship it in for warranty repair, wait 6 weeks for them to tell me it’s going to cost another 21 dollars for them to fix it! Customer service is unhelpful and Thermarest doesn’t stand behind their product. Spend your money on something else.
Age:35–44
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'8"
smithr12
Received free product
Ballston Spa, NY
Superior Comfort in a Small Size
4 years ago
Extremely comfortable pad especially considering the small packed size and light weight. Layer of insulation keeps you warmer on a cold ground than just an air pad. Self-inflates as well as any pad, which is to say it still needs some blowing up to reach full pressure. Double valve is a game changer though, prevents slow leaks and helps adjusting for just the right amount of air pressure. Carrying case is a nice design too with tightening straps to help minimize size without being frustratingly difficult to fit into the case. Overall a great lightweight and comfortable pad for any overnight, would highly reccomend.
Age:25–34
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'10"
Yes , I recommend this product
Jeff F.
Excellent
11 months ago
Excellent sleeping pad. Light weight, compact, perfect thickness for an enjoyable rest.
Originally posted on a Cascade Designs brand site
Ande
Received free product
Indianapolis, IN
Great comfy sleep pad
4 years ago
Ok, I slept on this on my living room hardwood floors the first night I got this. Slept great! Took it to Valley of Fire st. park in Nevada. Worked great! On the desert ground. I slept outside, no tent under the stars. Kept me warm from the ground and dry in the morning. Got home and tried it out in the Indiana weather. Temps got to 45 that night. Still warm off the ground and dry in morning from dew. Slept great every time I used it. Easy to inflate and deflate. Cant wait to take it bike packing in Oregon this fall.
Age:45–54
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:5'10"
Yes , I recommend this product
Atlanta Hiker
A warm, insulating big orange cloud
3 years ago
I bought this because when the night temps drop below 50, I switch from my hiking hammock to a tent. I am 6'4" and 215 pounds, and I have slept very comfortably and warmly on this pad on two two-night trips on the AT this fall. It would take up a large amount of room in your pack if you carry it in the factory stuff sack. Instead, I rolled it up like a yoga mat and strapped it to the outside of my pack. This saved space in my pack, and the color surely alerted hunters for miles around of my orange presence. It weighs about 2 pounds and sleeps like a cloud. A warm, insulating cloud.
Forager23
Seattle, WA
Light, but compromises comfort
4 years ago
This sleeping pad packs down nicely into its compression sack and is lightweight on the trail, but that's about where the pro's stop. Advertised as a "self-inflating" sleeping pad, I have never once had this pad inflate itself to a comfortable thickness, even after letting it lay out for hours. The pad is also very narrow for people with any kind of shoulders, and slippery. I am constantly readjusting through the night as I slide off. If you're a narrow-shouldered back sleeper who never moves a muscle, maybe this sleeping pad works for you. Otherwise I would have expected more at this price point.
Age:25–34
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:5'6"
No, I do not recommend this product
AmyS
Tennessee
Easy to inflate and deflate! No pump required!
3 years ago
Very comfortable pad. Just a few breaths and it was inflated. The night was predicted to be cooler than originally thought, so I also packed on an extra closed foam pad for insulation under this pad. It was perfect for 30 degrees and rainy night. But this pad was thick enough to not feel the ground at all. Deflation was quick. If I’m looking to lighten up next trip, this pad stays!
Age:65–74
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'5"
Yes , I recommend this product
Idhikethat321
Melbourne, FL
Love this pad
3 years ago
I’m 6’7” and the larger size has been absolutely perfect so far. Stays inflated all night and it’s comfortable sleeping on my side. I wake up and I forget I’m sleeping on the floor in a tent. Highly recommend.
Age:25–34
Weight:250–275 lbs.
Height:Taller than 6' 5"
Yes , I recommend this product
1 - 10 of 124 Reviews