Thermarest Z-Lite Sleeping Pad

• Folds accordion style to fit inside backpack
• Fairly lightweight - 11-15 ounces
• Comfy, warm egg carton closed cell pattern
• Available in regular and small sizes
• Women's specific design available

• Accordion fold may retain moisture when packed
• More expensive, less durable than roll-up closed cell patterns

• Compact - accordion-style design lies flat and packs small
• Weight: regular - 15 oz.; small - 11 oz.
• Rolled Size: large - 20x5x5.5in.; small - 20x4x5in.
• R-Value: 2.2 for both sizes
• Thickness: 0.75 in. for both sizes

Sleeping bag pads are the difference between feeling you are snoozing in the arms of Morpheus or at the gates of camping heck. Thermarest is my hands down choice for the best pad offerings - plenty of pads to choose from, including women's specific pads (shorter than norm - translate: cheaper - with extra insulation in the feet and torso areas) and pads with different patterns, all designed to insulate you and keep you from the rocks and arrows of outrageuos sleeping misfortunae. The Z-Lite is the latest and most interesing Thermarest pad.

The Z-Lite is part of Thermarest's "Fast and Light" series of pads, targeted to three season backpackers. According to Therm-a-Rest, "These mattresses are engineered for users who will be carrying their mattress, and consider mobility and packability slightly more important than durability and comfort. Fast & Light mattresses are durable and comfortable, but our Trek and Travel mattresses are slightly more durable and comfortable, with only a minor increase in weight."

You can choose between a short (20x47") or long (20x72") pad - a short pad is lighter but won't insulate your feet. Solve that problem by carrying a piece of industrial strength plastic; use it under the lower part of your bag and it triples as a seat or a dry place to stand while you change clothes on wet ground.

See the Z-Lite specs and read more about choosing a pad here. Tip: R-values are a measure of insulation.

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