Gear Review

Thermarest Z-Lite Pad

1. most comfortable foam pad
2. folds to compact size
3. less insulation value
4. 15 ounces (regular)

Unlike typical closed-cell foam pads, which are rolled, Themarest's Z-Lite pad is made of corrugated sections which stack together.

The ability to fold rather than roll your Z-Lite makes it noticably more compact than other pads (like Thermarest's RidgeRest pad) when it's time to pack up. This helps mitigate what is inarguably the biggest nuisance with bulky foam pads—trying to find creative ways to fit them in or on your backpack.

Also noteworthy for the ultralight crew: while the Z-Lite is slightly heavier than a RidgeRest, it is much easier to cut—after all, you can just separate the sections. So, with a pair of scissors, you can chop the pad into any size you like, from a two-section seat to a shorty pad to any combination you can imagine.

What else makes the Z-Lite interesting?

How about comfort?

The Z-Lite's eggshell pattern makes for a surprisingly cushy mattress.

You can almost forget you're sleeping on a closed-cell foam pad—it's that soft.

Unlike the spartan RidgeRest, the soft and springy Z-Lite is almost as comfortable as an inflatable pad.

The key word there, of course is almost.

As a bit of backcountry engineering, the Z-Lite kind of lost its wind when everyone started shifting to inflatable pads, like Thermarest's Prolite series.

That leaves the Z-Lite as sort of a throwback item (like the RidgeRest) for old schoolers.

Both pads, however, have their uses. As I say, the sectional quality of the Z-Lite makes it a tempting choice if you want to customize the size of your pad. Don't underestimate the effectiveness of adding two sections of Z-Lite beneath your torso for extra warmth with an inflatable pad.

As for another arcane use of the Z-Lite: there exists a set of frameless backpacks floating around that actually use the Z-Lite as the basis of their suspension (again: Old School).

Ultimately, you'll probably choose either a RidgeRest or an inflatable pad if you're looking for a full-length sleeping solution. The RidgeRest is lighter, and a tad warmer. And inflatable pads, for all their drawbacks, pretty much rule the world nowadays. Still, you might find it useful to have one of these sitting in your closet. Just keep the scissors handy...

» Bottom Line: Sectional slicing is nice; else get a Ridgerest

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