Thermarest Z Lite SOL

I have used a Thermarest Prolite 3/4 for a number of years on walking trips, however a slow puncture in the field which I was unable to locate or repair led me to seek a more reliable alternative for a proposed prolonged back-country trip. The Z Lite is less comfortable, but adequately so, and virtually indestructible. It weighs virtually the same, although when I weighed it it was nearer 440g than the advertised weight of 410g (this is a Thermarest issue rather than Facewest). It's instantly deployed or packed and although a little bulky, easily stowed, externally if necessary. I wander if a full length version is necessary, I am tempted to hack off two sections to make it lighter and smaller, perhaps Thermarest should offer a choice of lengths. It seems odd returning to a closed cell foam mat, having been brought up on the trad Karrimat and then turning to Thermarest inflatables for 30 years, the wheel has turned full circle. But for price, weight and durability I am very happy with this purchase.

After my first one blew of the top of an mountain it took around 10 hours before I bought a new one. . . I would say this is one of the best mattresses to use for brakes and small trips, though it's too cold to sleep directly on ice with it.

Awesome for winter/alpine camping. Very light & very comfy

I have been backpacking for a few years, and have always tried to reduce weight as much as possible, to this end I have a 40L rucksack which I have used for 2 National Trails along with other shorter overnight walks. I have progressed from simple roll mats, to a 3/4 length self inflating mat - however I was planning a walk 30miles in total with overnight stop of the Viking Way around Belvoir Castle. Its the beginning of April and I was a bit concerned about how cold it would be at night, my other backpacking has always been in the summer and night time temperatures were low teens. After considering a larger self inflating mat and an air mattress I plumped for the Thermarest Z lite SOL, price was a definite consideration but the warmth value was also very similar to the more expensive mats and finally it just looks cool - I am not disappointed. Having completed the walk I can report the night temperature was 4C - it felt cold. However the Thermarest Z Lite SOL was excellent, it helped to keep me warm I only have a lightwight summer down sleeping bag - but with baselayers I was very snug - and I had a good nights sleep. It is very lightweight and easy to carry, strapped to the outside of my rucksack and remarkably comfortable to sleep on. The ordering process from facewest is simple the the mat arrived quickly, thanks guys

I am used sleeping outdoors and before buy the termarest I had another sleeping mat. When I tested the termarest, from the first time I could notice the difference. You don't feel like being sleeping on the floor because it is soft and it keeps you warm. Indeed its shape and low weightmade that really comfortable to carriage.

Pros. -More comfortable than any closed cell mat I have used and pretty close to some older thinner self inflating mats. Not luxury but acceptable. Comfort only becomes an issue compared to inflatables on very uneven ground. Warm enough in cool summer use so far. Handling and packing is far easier and more adaptable than other closed cell. Cons -None. Judged purely as a closed cell mat where you are choosing reliability and low weight over ultimate comfort.

Ultra lightweight and easy to attach to bag. Comfortable to sleep on and great to lay one on another for extra comfort. Also folded it into a comfy seat. Ideal bit of kit for light weight and don't have to worry about getting punctures :)

Slightly bigger than I expected (which is a good thing btw). It comfortable to lie on and easy to roll up. Its lightweight and good value, in fact I wish I had bought one of these years ago instead of the inflatable ones.

Bought this as a present for my nephew as I have used one for about 5 years and am unlikely to change after experimenting with numerous options. Pros: While inflatable mats are fine, they are clearly subject to puncture/deflation (although I do pair my Z Lite with a Neo Air in winter) and I need something comfortable, insulating and light which can stand up to rough treatment and not be expensive to replace. The Z Lite basically ticks all of the boxes.