Brand: Therm-a-Rest

Category: Running General

Recommended by Jeff Garmire, Athlete — Montana

Highlights: cushioned, warm, comfortable

The Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad is a lightweight and compact closed-cell mattress designed for outdoor enthusiasts seeking comfort and warmth during their adventures. Its innovative design and materials ensure a restful night's sleep, making it an essential companion for camping and backpacking. 1. Lightweight construction at just 14 ounces, making it easy to carry on long hikes. 2. Accordion-style design allows for quick setup and compact storage. 3. Heat-trapping dimples enhance insulation, providing superior warmth in cold conditions. 4. Reflective ThermaCapture™ coating reflects body heat, maximizing thermal efficiency. 5. Durable closed-cell foam material offers long-lasting support and resistance to moisture. 6. Dimensions of 72 x 20 inches provide ample space for a comfortable sleeping experience. 7. Versatile use for camping, backpacking, or as an extra layer on cold nights at home. The Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad is ideal for camping and backpacking in various environments, particularly in cooler climates where insulation is crucial. It caters to outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels, from novice campers to seasoned backpackers. This sleeping pad excels in scenarios where weight and packability are essential, such as multi-day hikes or minimalist camping trips. Its durable design ensures it can withstand rugged terrains, making it a reliable choice for seasonal adventures.

Price: $49.95 - $59.95

Who it's for: Hikers who want a lightweight, packable pad for emergency overnight use or trail breaks rather than nightly comfort. Those prioritizing durability and pack-ability over sleep quality will get the most from it.
What people are saying: Hosts consistently flag it as uncomfortable — likened to a yoga mat — but praise its fast fold/unfold, easy external pack attachment, and near-indestructible build. It earns real respect as an emergency insulation layer since it cannot deflate.
Worth noting: One host reports a 3/4-length version lasting over a decade with no issues. The 3/4 length covers hips and shoulders but not the full body, which suits day-use or emergency scenarios better than dedicated sleep setups.

Jeff Garmire's review

It's basically a glorified yoga mat, not comfortable, but the pad is long enough to give my hips and shoulders a bit of cushion.

Recommended by Jeff Garmire, Athlete

Frequently asked questions

Who is the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad Blue Regular for?

Hikers who want a lightweight, packable pad for emergency overnight use or trail breaks rather than nightly comfort. Those prioritizing durability and pack-ability over sleep quality will get the most from it.

What do experts say about the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad Blue Regular?

Hosts consistently flag it as uncomfortable — likened to a yoga mat — but praise its fast fold/unfold, easy external pack attachment, and near-indestructible build. It earns real respect as an emergency insulation layer since it cannot deflate.

What should you know before buying the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad Blue Regular?

One host reports a 3/4-length version lasting over a decade with no issues. The 3/4 length covers hips and shoulders but not the full body, which suits day-use or emergency scenarios better than dedicated sleep setups.

What does Jeff Garmire say about the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad Blue Regular?

It's basically a glorified yoga mat, not comfortable, but the pad is long enough to give my hips and shoulders a bit of cushion.

Why does Jeff Garmire recommend Therm-a-Rest?

Jeff Garmire recommends the Therm-a-Rest Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad Blue Regular for running general. It's basically a glorified yoga mat, not comfortable, but the pad is long enough to give my hips and shoulders a bit of cushion.

Is the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad Blue Regular a good running general?

Yes — Jeff Garmire recommends the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad Blue Regular by Therm-a-Rest as their running general pick. It's basically a glorified yoga mat, not comfortable, but the pad is long enough to give my hips and shoulders a bit of cushion.

How cushioned is the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad Blue Regular?

In Jeff Garmire's experience: It's basically a glorified yoga mat, not comfortable, but the pad is long enough to give my hips and shoulders a bit of cushion.

More from Jeff Garmire's Appalachian Trail FKT

View Jeff Garmire's expert gear recommendations on Rendezvu

Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad Blue Regular

Purchasing through this link directly supports Jeff

Who it's for: Hikers who want a lightweight, packable pad for emergency overnight use or trail breaks rather than nightly comfort. Those prioritizing durability and pack-ability over sleep quality will get the most from it.
What other hosts are saying: Hosts consistently flag it as uncomfortable — likened to a yoga mat — but praise its fast fold/unfold, easy external pack attachment, and near-indestructible build. It earns real respect as an emergency insulation layer since it cannot deflate.
Worth noting: One host reports a 3/4-length version lasting over a decade with no issues. The 3/4 length covers hips and shoulders but not the full body, which suits day-use or emergency scenarios better than dedicated sleep setups.

Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad Blue Regular

Who it's for: Hikers who want a lightweight, packable pad for emergency overnight use or trail breaks rather than nightly comfort. Those prioritizing durability and pack-ability over sleep quality will get the most from it.
What other hosts are saying: Hosts consistently flag it as uncomfortable — likened to a yoga mat — but praise its fast fold/unfold, easy external pack attachment, and near-indestructible build. It earns real respect as an emergency insulation layer since it cannot deflate.
Worth noting: One host reports a 3/4-length version lasting over a decade with no issues. The 3/4 length covers hips and shoulders but not the full body, which suits day-use or emergency scenarios better than dedicated sleep setups.

Purchasing through this link directly supports Jeff

What other hosts are saying

4 experts recommend the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad Blue Regular.

Danny Innamorati, Climbing Guide

I have a 3/4 length one of these, and find it really convenient for packing since it folds/ unfolds very quickly. It straps to the side or under a pack without taking up much room.

Recommended in Mountaineering

Doug Dobkowski, Outdoor Educator, Guide

In the event someone in your group goes down, you need to insulate them from the ground otherwise hypothermia will set in quickly. This thing can't deflate. Mine has lasted me over a decade.

Recommended in Mt. Washington

Jarrod Blundy, Founder/Guide at Onward Mountain Guides

3/4-length pad that's perfect for keeping your butt dry while eating lunch, and a literal lifer-saver in an unexpected overnight situation.

Recommended in Winter Hiking Kit

Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad Blue Regular

Purchasing through this link directly supports Jeff

Who it's for: Hikers who want a lightweight, packable pad for emergency overnight use or trail breaks rather than nightly comfort. Those prioritizing durability and pack-ability over sleep quality will get the most from it.
What other hosts are saying: Hosts consistently flag it as uncomfortable — likened to a yoga mat — but praise its fast fold/unfold, easy external pack attachment, and near-indestructible build. It earns real respect as an emergency insulation layer since it cannot deflate.
Worth noting: One host reports a 3/4-length version lasting over a decade with no issues. The 3/4 length covers hips and shoulders but not the full body, which suits day-use or emergency scenarios better than dedicated sleep setups.

Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad Blue Regular

Who it's for: Hikers who want a lightweight, packable pad for emergency overnight use or trail breaks rather than nightly comfort. Those prioritizing durability and pack-ability over sleep quality will get the most from it.
What other hosts are saying: Hosts consistently flag it as uncomfortable — likened to a yoga mat — but praise its fast fold/unfold, easy external pack attachment, and near-indestructible build. It earns real respect as an emergency insulation layer since it cannot deflate.
Worth noting: One host reports a 3/4-length version lasting over a decade with no issues. The 3/4 length covers hips and shoulders but not the full body, which suits day-use or emergency scenarios better than dedicated sleep setups.

Purchasing through this link directly supports Jeff