Rab Ultrasphere 4.5 Inflatable Sleeping Pad

Product detailed description

The Rab Ultrasphere 4.5 is the latest addition to Rab’s line of inflatable sleeping pads. We’re really excited about this sleeping pad because, despite its very low weight, it offers an excellent level of comfort and thermal insulation. As a full-fledged three-season sleeping pad weighing under 370 grams and with a rating of R = 4.3, it is a more than worthy challenger to the most popular sleeping pad for long treks Thermarest NeoAir Xlite and the increasingly popular Big Agnes Zoom UL Insulated.

ISPO Award Winner (2023)

The fact that Rab’s new sleeping pad is truly a success is also evidenced by its triumph at the ISPO Awards 2023.

TILT Technology

The TILT (Thermo Ionic Lining) reflective foil reduces heat loss through radiation, while the arrangement of the internal partitions reduces heat loss through convection, ensuring you can recharge for tomorrow even if the temperature drops. A major advantage is that the inner film does not curl at all, so it remains sufficiently quiet even when moving around. Thanks to these technologies, the mat achieves a very good thermal resistance value of R = 4.3, making it a fully-fledged three-season mat. However, for use on snow, we would still recommend adding a foam pad.

Sustainability

As a climate-neutral company, Rab naturally uses recycled materials in its production. The outer material is recycled 20D Polyester with an inner layer of TPU and fluorocarbon-free DWR. The outer fabric also features a gradient print that helps keep the sleeping bag in the same position.

Simple and quick inflation

Rab really nailed the valve. It’s located on the bottom of the mat near the head; it’s flat and therefore doesn’t get in the way at all. To inflate, simply flip open the first cap and you can start inflating right away; in this case, air enters the mat in only one direction (it cannot deflate). When you want to deflate the mat, just flip open the second cap and the air is out in a second. Deflating is surprisingly easy and fast. The package also includes a great inflatable bag. In our opinion, it’s the best inflatable bag we’ve ever seen. It’s huge, but weighs only 70 grams. It’s incredibly easy to fill with air, has taped seams, and can easily be turned into a fully functional waterproof bag that you can use, for example, as a cover for your sleeping bag. You can inflate the mat in about three breaths. Easy and fast—we give it 10 out of 10 here.

Great cover

Another thing Rab really nailed is the perfect sleeping pad cover. It works completely differently from all the traditional covers from other manufacturers. It’s basically a simple pouch with an elastic hem, into which you can easily slip the rolled-up sleeping pad, and the opening is covered by a simple “lid” with integrated elastic bands. There’s no struggle when packing it up. Packing is truly a breeze. Inside the cover, you’ll also find a small pocket with a repair kit.

Dimensions

It comes in three sizes. All versions are the same height—a wonderfully comfortable 8 cm (we've measured 7,8 ± 0,1 cm).

The Regular model has standard dimensions of 183 x 51 cm and is mummy-shaped. Then there is the wider Regular Wide version, which is 64 cm wide, and the Long Wide version, which is ideal for taller people thanks to its dimensions of 196 x 64 cm. 

We recommend placing a Tyvek sheet under every inflatable sleeping pad, as it significantly reduces the risk of punctures.

Review:

You can read about how the mat performed in real life in our review.

Rab Ultrasphere 4.5 :

• Weight (± 5 g): 370 g (Regular), 450 g (Reg. Wide), 500 g (Long Wide).
• Dimensions: 183 x 51 x 8 cm (Regular), 183 x 64 x 8 cm (Reg. Wide), 196 x 64 x 8 cm (Long Wide).
• Packed dimensions: 15 x 9 cm (Regular), 19 x 9 cm (Large).
• Thermal resistance: R = 4.3.
• TILT reflective foil.
• Raised side chambers.
• Material: 100% recycled 20D Polyester.
• Two-way valve.
• Inflatable bag that can be used as a dry bag – weight 70 g.
• Repair kit included.