Therm-a-Rest RidgeRest SOLite Sleeping Pad

Likes

I got this pad in size large, which is 25" wide by 77" long. The Thermarest Ridgerest series is the only closed cell foam pad I know of that is made in a size large. All other closed cell foam pads on the market, as far as I know, are 20" wide by 72" long or smaller. The fact that I can get this in size large is the first thing I really like about this pad because I'm 6 foot 4 inches tall. This pad enables me to stretch out fully lying down, and also gives me enough room that my elbows aren't falling off the pad as they do with closed cell foam pads that are only 20 inches wide. When I first received this pad in the manufacturer's packaging, it looked extremely bulky. It is in fact bulky when rolled up, but you can actually roll it up much more tightly than it comes initially. In fact, when I roll it very tightly, it seems to me that it's no more bulky than the accordion style closed cell foam pads like the Thermarest ZLite Sol. However, it certainly can't be packed inside a backpack, so you'll need to carry it attached to the outside of your backpack. I attach mine to the bottom of my pack with some paracord. I use this pad for long resting periods on day hikes. I find it keeps me warm enough down to about 35 degrees or so. Below that temperature, I either fold the pad in half to double the insulation or I bring a second closed cell foam pad and stack them one on top of the other. I love the durability of this pad and don't worry too much about where i put it down on the ground. However, I have had sticks poke holes through the pad, so sometimes I'll clear the ground a little bit before putting it down. While you can certainly put holes in it, it's much more durable than an air pad. This pad isn't comfortable enough for me to sleep on, even when I double it up, but it certainly works for sitting and lying down on for long resting periods on day hikes. Another thing I love about this pad is how it can be used with the Thermarest Trekker Chair Kit to turn it into a chair with back support. The Trekker Chair Kit is meant to be used to turn an air pad into a backpacking chair, but I actually find that closed cell foam pads are not only much easier to pair with this Trekker Chair Kit in terms of setting it up, but much more comfortable. When I'm using the Chair Kit with the Ridgerest Solar pad, I bring along an inflatable pillow to use as lower back support. Without the inflatable pillow, I wouldn't find the pad plus the chair kit comfortable as a chair because it dosen't have enough lower back support. But with the inflatable pillow, it becomes EXTREMELY comfortable and gives me adjustable lower back support (by varying the amount of air in the pillow). If you are only wearing a thin layer or two of clothes, when you lie down on this pad, you can definitely feel your heat being reflected back to you, which feels so comforting! However, once you've got some thicker layers on, you can't feel that anymore. Nonetheless, it certainly does an incredible job of insulating you from the cold ground.

Dislikes

I actually don't feel disappointed about anything in relation to this pad. I'd like to point out, however, that the pad can definitely get chewed up quite a bit when hiking off trail through brush and trees. I'm currently trying to solve this problem by having a stuff sack custom made for the pad out of really durable material to protect it. Also, I've spent some time lying down on this pad and also the Thermarest ZLite Sol, and the ZLite Sol does feel a little more comfortable to me. However, you can't get the ZLite Sol in size large (25" by 77"), so that's why I would choose this pad over the ZLite Sol.

Likes

Got this sleep pad for the pup for backpacking. Seems comfortable enough and the short version is at a good weight.

Dislikes

It is very bulky when rolled up and is a must to be strapped externally to your pack.

Likes

If you've ever had an inflatable pad fail in the middle of a camping trip, you'll appreciate having one of these as a backup. Good for car camping.

Dislikes

Bulk.

Likes

A classic camping stuff. Durable and light weight foam.

Dislikes

The reflective (aluminium like) stuff don't last when you move a lot on it.

Likes

Lightweight and a great under pad for my Therm-a-rest NeoAir Xlite. I'm always paranoid about getting a hole in my sleep system and this helps ease that mental anguish

Dislikes

Bulky

Likes

R-value, comfort, and price point can't be beat for my toddler's first pad. . This coupled with his BA Little Red sleep system may just allow me to do some camping with him a bit further from the car. I'm also going to be able to lash this "kid size/short" to my solo pack in cooler weather for added comfort/warmth under my inflatable. Love it!

Dislikes

None? Maybe it's tendency to have "shape memory" from being rolled, takes some fidgeting to get it in his pad sleeve, but, I'm really stretching to find a dislike with that

Likes

Great insulation, kept me warm in 32 degree weather.

Dislikes

Rollin it up tight is a bit of a pain, I wish it folded like other ones, but not a huge deal

Likes

Not much has changed compared to my old sleeping pad that is falling apart. I'm sure this will be the same comfort as it. I use this under my inflatable mattress for extra warmth and to keep from wearing out an expensive mattress. Good Price for the pad.

Dislikes

I don't like that it rolls up taking TONS of pack space- even rolled up on the outside. Rolling up takes up precious space in my pack and on the outside even when rolled as tight as I can. I found that Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite fold up sleeping pad for saving extra space, so I just put that one on order to use instead and will let my kid use this one.

Likes

I have had this product for over a year and used it many times. For the price, it really is the best option out there.

Dislikes

It is bulky for backpacking, but it does a great job for when your sleeping on it.

Likes

Extremely light. It's not the most comfortable sleeping pad, but it insulates a lot of heat.

Dislikes

It's a bit bulky. When I take it out, I attach it to the outside of my pack with some lash straps since it would take up too much room in my pack.

Likes

Best you can find for the price!

Dislikes

Nothing for the price!

Likes

This sleeping pad has a great design with the aluminized surface to reflect heat back to the body. This pad is very lightweight and super durable

Dislikes

I only wish that it could be rolled up to slightly smaller dimensions for greater mobility.