Therm-a-rest Z-lite Sol Foam Sleeping Pad

Product detailed description

Z-Lite is made from durable closed-cell foam, so unlike cheaper materials, it doesn't absorb water and loses its loft much more slowly. Thanks to the patented ThermaCapture^™  reflective surface, it is roughly 20% “warmer” because it reflects body heat back to you. The reflective surface also significantly extends the mat’s lifespan when you carry it on top of your backpack, exposed to direct sunlight (a standard black EVAZOTKA mat would be damaged relatively quickly). The pronounced contoured shape significantly increases comfort with minimal weight gain; however, it flattens out slightly faster than, for example, the ribs on the RidgeRest SOL mat from the same manufacturer.

A practical solution

The mat is amazing to handle—thanks to its accordion-style construction, you can pack it up and unfold it in a flash without it constantly trying to roll itself up into a tube when you want to lie down on it, as roll-up mats tend to do. The packed dimensions are also fantastic for a foam mat. If you shorten it a bit more, it’s an absolute gem :) Personally, I don’t think you need the full length—just cut it to shoulder-to-knee length (approx. 130–140 cm). This brings the weight down to about 290 g (130 cm) and significantly reduces the volume. At night, you can then place extra clothing under your head and a backpack under your feet. Plus, the cut-off piece can be used either as a back support for your ultralight backpack or as a seat during breaks on the trek, if you don’t want to ruin your sleeping pad by sitting on rocks or by the fire, and so on.

I’ve hiked the John Muir Trail in the Sierra Nevada in the US or the GR20 in Corsica. 

 

Thermarest Z-Lite SOL:

• Weight: 410 g.
• Dimensions: 183 x 51 x 2 cm.
• Material: Molded XL polyethylene.
• Silver, reflective ThermaCapture™ layer.
• Packed dimensions: 51 x 13 x 14 cm.
• Thermal resistance: R = 2.