Therm-a-Rest Original Z-Lite Sleeping Pad
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Sleep on it, sit on it or stack it with an air pad for extra warmth—the Therm-a-Rest Original Z-Lite sleeping pad is a highly durable foam mattress with endless uses. It's light and compact, too!
Shop similar productsKey Details
- Proprietary foams with heat-trapping dimples are softer on top for extra comfort and denser on the bottom for extra durability
- This pad has an R-value of 1.7, which makes it best for adventures in warm weather; it provides minimal insulation from ground temperature
- Most sleeping pads we sell range from 1.0 (good for warm weather) to 5.5+ (for use in extreme cold); the higher the R-value, the more insulated the pad
- Accordion-style design is compact and easy to strap onto a pack or fold into a seat
- Virtually indestructible closed-cell foam provides lasting, economical comfort
Made in USA.
View all Therm-a-Rest Closed-cell Foam Pads| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Sleeping Pad Type | Closed-cell Foam |
| Sleeping Pad Shape | Rectangular |
| Insulated | Yes |
| Insulation Type | Closed-cell Foam |
| R-Value | 1.7 |
| Packed Size | 20 x 5.5 x 5 inches |
| Sleeping Capacity | 1-person |
| Ultralight | Yes |
| Pad Thickness (in.) | 0.75 inches |
| Dimensions | 72 x 20 x 0.75 inches |
| Weight | 14 ounces |
| Gender | Unisex |
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Would survive any apocalypse!
If the Z Lite was a person, I'd feel utterly sorry for the beating I put on it. I'd probably be condemned and thrown into prison for a lifetime. This pad would be strapped to my backpack or bike and endured the carelessness of trail drunkenness due to fatigue and sometimes and adult beverage. Not only does it provide comfort while sleeping, it also doubles as a quick seat, dog bed, knee protection while working on cars/motorcycles, buffer for furniture while moving and shade during hot days or rain. I've used this poor pad to do the dirty of everyday life and yet, it looks as fresh as a daisy. PS: If you buy the long, you can cut it to the right length and used the extra for a makeshift seat. Just sayin.
Lightweight and multi use
I have used the Z-Lite twice: once on a six-day backpacking trip and once, recently, on a 3-day backpacking trip. The Z-Lite is nice and light, and can be used for both seating while at camp and for a sleeping mat. On my first trip I doubled up and used it with a Thermarest automatically inflating ultralight mat that I borrowed from a friend. And I must say, the luxury of two mats was worth the extra weight. While the Z-Lite was great to have on my second trip, I definitely woke up a few times due to stiffness. A self-inflating mat is on my list, to use along with my Z-Lite.
Light-weight sleeping pad plus foot massager!
I bought this sleeping pad because it is cheap, lightweight, and seems more durable and less risky than the inflatable pads. I find it be be plenty comfortable (but I also recommend getting a camping pillow). It fits nicely on the outside of my pack. Bonus: I'm a physical therapist and recognize the importance of good foot care for backpackers. After putting in 12-14 mile days, my favorite thing to do is remove the boots, socks, and run my feet up and down the heat-trapping dimples of the Z-lite! It's like getting a little foot massage! Pure heaven!
One tough pad
Ok I want to say my dad got the Z-lite back in 2006, and used it for a year or two. Thats when i started to get into backpacking and began to use it myself. There were times i have tried inflatable mattresses but have always gone back to the simplicity of this mat. I love this mat and i dont have to worry about popping a hole in it when i have it on the outside of my pack. This pad has been on many of my adventures from Alaska to Wyoming to the Adirondacks, it has never let me down and im looking to many more years of adventure with this pad.
Lightweight, Durable, Reliable, Simple!
I Just got back from a backpacking trip up in the White mountains. The Z-lite was attached to the outside of my pack. I went through some very dense forest while bushwacking. All my other gear had scratches and holes but the Z-lite was very durable and had minor fraying. It kept me warm when it was 33'f. It was actually pretty comfy! After that test I realized that this is my new sleeping mat. It is much lighter and more durable than my other mat. It is so easy to set up and fold up. No more squeezing air out of a mattress and pushing for dear life to get it back into a stuff sack. Not to mention the thought of popping a blowup mattress in the field could be a nightmare! By the way my stove tipped over and spilled boiling water all over the Z-Lite. No damage.
Very versatile pad
This is a great foam pad. I typically use this on shorter hikes to limit the gear that I have to carry on longer distances. However, I commonly use this to layer up my sleeping pads when winter camping or to make my sleeping experience that much comfier when car camping. It is also super great as a door mat during winter camping as it helped to not track snow into the main area of the tent. I will definitely be getting the Z Seat given my experience with the pad!
Z-Lite for backpacking is awesome!
I have used so many pads over the years, but I find the Z-Lite to be the best choice for backpacking. Weighs nothing. Is bomb proof, and you have your pad and bag in your tent in a matter of seconds. The sleep I get on it is low profile, and you never roll off your pad. It packs quick, and is just about good for anything including a nice place to lay out in a meadow and tap a nap in the mountains. It is the best backpacking pad I have ever owned.
The Short Z-Lite as a ""frame"" for Ultra Light Packs
I recently went with the new Six Moon Designs Minimalist Pack and I found that the short Z-Lite when opened so two panels go across the back with the remaining panels forming side support that I now have a great ""frameless"" yet fairly rigged pack allowing me to keep everything inside so as I hike nothing dangles to be caught on rocks & branches nor falls off. All while keeping my base weight, with Lil' Sami Bear Canister within the 10lb range!
Bulletproof, dependable, comfort
I've owned this great and not-so-expensive piece of gear for some time now and have had >100 nights of use out of it. It still looks and feels just as it did with the first night's rest. Mine is the original z-lite model and it is plenty warm for me even in cold weather (sub-freezing temps) when paired with the right sleeping bag. Not the most compact or thick mattress out there, but a lightweight and impressively durable pad for the money!
you can spend more but not sure you get more
i'm really old (meaning I've been buying pads since the Carter Administration and this one is my go to for everything from bike camping to backpacking. Never needs repair, no need to blow it up after a long day and it just works. If I was car camping, I'd get something plusher but this thing lives in my truck and seems to get a workout every other weekend. I've had it so long (still looks like new) I can't remember when I bought it.