Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad
A light and compact closed-cell mattress, the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol sleeping pad features an accordion-style shape, heat-trapping dimples and reflective ThermaCapture™ coating for added warmth.
Key Details
- This pad expands upon the utralight performance of the Original Z Lite by adding a reflective ThermaCapture coating to capture radiant heat and increase overall warmth
- ThermaCapture surface reflects radiant heat back to your body, amplifying the warmth of the heat-trapping dimples by 15%; use reflective side up
- Folding design is compact and easy to pack
- Sleeping pad, sitting pad, mosquito swatter—fold it and find your best uses!
- Proprietary closed-cell foam provides lasting, economical comfort
- R-value of 2.0 makes this pad perfect for use on its own in warmer weather or layering under another pad for extra warmth in the cold
Made in USA.
View all Therm-a-Rest Closed-cell Foam Pads| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Sleeping Pad Type | Closed-cell Foam |
| Sleeping Pad Shape | Rectangular |
| Insulated | Yes |
| Insulation Type | Closed-cell Foam |
| R-Value | 2.0 |
| Packed Size | Small: 20 x 5.5 x 4 inches Regular: 20 x 5.5 x 5 inches |
| Sleeping Capacity | 1-person |
| Ultralight | Yes |
| Pad Thickness (in.) | 0.75 inches |
| Dimensions | Small: 51 x 20 x 0.75 inches Regular: 72 x 20 x 0.75 inches |
| Weight | Small: 10 ounces Regular: 14 ounces |
| Gender | Unisex |
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being square has become cool
I use it for camping in all seasons and its not only warm and soft but if you put it on some annoying rocks or roots it really soaks them up. I have even used this as a substitute for my own bed in a few cases where my back was out of wack and it did the trick. and apparently it doubles as an exercise/yoga mat according to the way my girlfriend was using it one day. I bought a self inflating previous to this and didnt like it. take too long to set up and tear down and not nearly as consistently comfortable. overall an excellent product that is quick and easy to pack, smaller and lighter than the competition and is as comfortable as it gets.
Great pad for its class
I am not comparing this pad to expensive inflatables. This pad is what it is. It is a great choice if you want to sacrafice a little on comfort and compactness for weight savings. It straps on the the back of your pack easily and the rain cover still fits if needed. I chose it because I got tired of buying a new expensive inflatable every couple years. They always get slow leaks in them eventually and I end up on the ground in the morning regardless. So why not spend half as much and save a little weight for my thru hikes? I have a nice durable (heavy) car camping pad for when I am not on the trail. I find it is a good balance for me.
Good VALUE and works okay!!
I have this pad. It folds easily but requires lots of space. To make this 4 season, wrap in a micro fleece blanket or a space blanket or sac. This offers you further insul properties. Even when you lie on it, and compress "it" by virtue of "dead" weight, it insulates well enough to leave you impressed with its' propeties. Unlike closed cell foam, you don't have to fight to get the pad to lie flat out. I've used this with a Hennessey Hammock, double bottom, and several different tents I own. In addition, I own three bivy sacks - different types, and it fits inside perfect. A good deal all the way around! You can't go wrong with this one.
Does The Job
As previous reviews put it, this pad is what it is. It is not a cushy, cloud-like experience but it does give you some extra comfort on the trail. I am a side and back sleeper and this works well for me overall. On my back I put my pack under my knees to take pressure off the lower back, on my side I use a sturdy camping pillow or full stuff-sack. What I LOVE: super light, easy peasy set up/take down, and it keeps you warm! I could feel the warmth coming from it. I am a 5'7" female and the S was good for me. The pad covered head to knee and not having the extra length did not affect my sleep or comfort at all.
A decade of use!
I bought the original Z Lite over 10 years ago, have used it countless times, and it's still going strong. Sure, it's bulky. But that is the ONLY drawback of this pad. Durability and weight are unparalleled, insulation and comfort are more than adequate. I've used mine in below-freezing temps without any major discomfort, and the newer Sol model has an even higher R-value. I also use this for hammock camping, and the naturally grippy foam keeps the pad in place on a nylon hammock (a serious issue with other pads). I'm in the market for a more compact pad to fly with, but anytime I drive to the campsite or trailhead I'll be using my trusty Z Lite. You need this pad!
Solid
I bought this pad to replace my other egg shell pad (sister took it). I have a thermarest air mattress that has not been holding air all the way through the night as well. Instead of getting another air pad, this is a much more reliable and durable pad. Its thicker than my last egg shell which evens out a little more of the bumps. I got the regular size, or largest, but at 6'2" it still seems short. However, i let my feet hang off and my gear pad under my head and it works out fine.
Replaced an inflatable pad
I had an insualted inflatable pad (not self-inflating) that packed down very small and light, and found that (a) it deflated a bit overnight, sometimes more, sometimes less (b) it took a really long time to deflate and roll up completely, and (c) it was rather "slippery." I was skeptical that I would be comfortable enough on the Z-Lite, but now I recommend it frequently. It's nearly indestructible and plenty soft and insulating for my purposes (down to the 20s). And, best of all: setup and teardown take about 10 seconds. It can be tricky to pack because it takes up a lot of space, but because it's light and durable, this isn't a big problem. I've had this pad for about five months.
Perfect, but don’t expect to be super comfortable.
I love the Z pads but the gods honest truth is that if you are either a side sleeper or if you were looking for something super comfortable, you may be a little bit disappointed. That being said, The pad trained me to not sleep on my side which is better regardless as sleeping on your back is more beneficial anyway. It does what it’s supposed to do, it won’t pop, or get tears. I also should add that I generally use this pad in combination with a Big Agnes Air Core Ultra on occasion if I feel like lugging the extra pound. That will make it a lot more comfortable. This thing is awesome and there is no reason not to buy it.
Keep It Simple, Stupid!
I bought this after having an older coleman self inflating pad. I am a large guy and had trouble with the inflatable pad "bottoming out" on my back. It was the cold that bothered me, not the comfort (I can sleep on a bare rock if it is not cold). What really sold me is that it insulates well, it cant pop, and it is SUPER easy to pack/unpack. I bought two adjustable straps to attach it to the outside of my pack and keep it from unfolding. Only takes a minute to pack up! I even bought a 2nd for my girlfriend. I have used this for two nights on the Ruby-Horsetheif stretch of the Colorado River, dozens of nights in the Colorado mountains, and even a night in Southern Utah on pavement in the open.
It doesn't weigh much
I had an inflatable Therm-A-Rest and was sleeping alright. Came across a Z-Lite and decided to try it. A few days later I ditched the inflatable I had been carrying. The Z-Lite is simple, light, and compact. If you are backpacking or long distance hiking you do not need an inflatable. The Z-Lites's accordion design is a breeze... no rolling up and compressing. No wasting time. Provides reasonable comfort and insulation, doubles as a seat. Only complaint- it did have a tendency to slip around in my tent if sleeping on a slight slope. Keep it level. Otherwise, great design.