Thermarest Prolite Sleeping Pad

Very small and light
March 28, 2011

These pads keep getting lighter and smaller, which is why I got this one. Compared to my full-length prolite of 5 yrs ago it's substantially lighter and smaller when packed. Very comfy and just long enough that I don't mind using a 3/4 length pad. I went with this pad over the Neo Air b/c I did not want its 2.5" thickness. I like the 1" thickness of the Prolite b/c if you roll part way over the edge you don't really even notice it. Excellent pad and shedding over a 1/2 lb compared to my old prolite is great.

Nice product
July 05, 2010

Thermarest-- the most important piece of camping equipment. Bought this to replace a much older version. Good size for lightweight camping.

Already own the Thermarest Prolite Sleeping Pad? Tell us your thoughts.

Space saver
March 29, 2005

Great pad. Lightweight & very comfortable. I blow mine up for a bit more firmness yet never had a problem with punctures, holes or leaks. Great space saver.

handles rocks and hurricanes
September 11, 2011

I slept over rock and ice on this during 70 mph winds and rain at base camp on Rainier. Don't do what I did - forgot to buy the compression sack. It does not come with one. Much harder to pack without sack. Got to have both. I am small (5'8" - 155#) and this one was great. In a 2 man tent, the other hiker's pad was wider but there would not have been enough room if mine was bigger.

Great 3 Season Pad
January 24, 2005

This is a great 3 Season Pad. Its VERY light and sleeps comfortably. I had been using a Ridgecrest sleeping pad in the past. The ProLite 3 doesn't take up near as much room and is a lot lighter. I recently took it on a 2 night trip through the GSMNP. The low was 12F/-11C. I was comfortable in a Cat's Meow bag and Roadrunner tent. It self inflated in about 5 minutes. If your looking for a 3 Season Pad, this is the one to get.

Great warranty
February 09, 2005

self inflating? Well I always just blew it up with my lungs. No complants about this purchase. I actually did pop it my first time using it, all I did was take it back to the store I got it from and they gave me a brand new one. So the lifetime warranty is wonderful.

Superior
May 16, 2005

Best on the market in terms of weight, pack size and function. Wish i coulda had one years ago.

Amazing!
September 20, 2011

I recently purchased this mat to replace an older self inflating mattress and I am blown away by the difference in weight, while maintaining the same level of comfort. The material of the shell is pretty slippery, and seems tough, however I worry about punctures. This concern lead me to use it in conjunction with a Thermalrest Z-Lite, for the ultimate comfort while still weighing in lighter than my previous mat. This mat compacts down very small, about the size of a 32 oz. Nalgene, or can be folded into a nice flat package. Inflates quickly and easily.

very lightweight
January 25, 2005

This pad is great if you are looking for a lightweight compact sleeping pad. It is a bit slow to inflate but pretty comfortable to sleep on.

Nice Pad
May 03, 2012

Since it's not nice enough yet to take this out backpacking, i have used it on hardwood floors inside to get a feel for it, and so I could write this review. It comes packed very tight and needs time to get a "memory" to help it self inflate when it's time to use it, it's simple just blow into it and stick it under your bed and forget about it till you need to pack it up. It's got decent thickness and does well help keep you comfortable on hard surfaces, and is easy to adjust to the firmness desired. The fit is just perfect, I am 5'10 and ordered a regular size, and it's able to fit under me, I even probably could have gone small, only because I'm use to much shorter pads for backpacking. The width is also pretty good, I did find my self moving off it, but I feel on a rocky surface when backpacking that shouldn't be a problem. Over all this is a great product, feels tough, and is textured to help keep your sleeping-bag on top of it, it was also a lot lighter than I was expecting. I am definitely looking forward to using it a lot this summer, both for backpacking and when I might not have access to a bed (worlds better than sleeping on the floor).

Good product
December 04, 2009

I bought the XS size for carrying outside sitting. It's so light and an good idea. Recommend.

Compact Sleeping Pad
September 18, 2011

For most of my camping history I've used the traditional blue foam sleeping pad which makes the Prolite a great improvement. Personally, I am a guy that needs a firm pad and I'm able to accomplish that with this pad. In addition, I really like the small since it cuts down on the weight even more. When this pad is all wrapped up it is just a little bigger than my Nalgene bottle so I can just slip in in one of my 2 water bottle sleeves on my pack which is really convenient.

Excellent Sleeping Pad for Backpacking
July 27, 2009

I’ve just returned from a weekend backpacking trip where I tested my new Prolite sleeping pad. I found it to be comfortable and functional. The new pad was a replacement for a very old Thermarest ¾ length pad that has served me well over many years of occasional backpacking trips. I recently decided to upgrade because of the substantial improvements in weight reduction and packed size offered by newer models. My product selection focused on two Thermarest pads: the regular Prolite rated here and the just released NeoAir model. I evaluated both models in a local store and made several observations. The NeoAir is lighter by several ounces and has a slightly smaller pack size. On the negative side, the NeoAir is more difficult to inflate and was not as comfortable to me in the store trial. It felt bouncy like an air mattress and was higher off the ground making the 20 inch width more noticeable. I also had concerns about the long-term durability of the NeoAir. In summary, I purchased the Prolite as the best self-inflating pad for my needs. Although not a factor in the decision, it also cost 50 percent less than the NeoAir model.

Better than ever anticipated
December 30, 2012

I wanted this pad for Christmas and got it from my parents. I was just looking for a pad that would last me a while and would be small to take on advanced trips, but this pad has exceeded all of my anticipations. The compacts small, keeps you warm, durable, and extremely light weight. Look no further for a fantastic deal.

Will buy it again .
August 19, 2007

Great light weight pad, rolled up to a small size.

light and comfortable
January 15, 2010

This sleeping pad is great. Light, comfortable, durable, I even used it winter camping and was warm!

Excellent Sleeping Pad
September 01, 2011

After reading countless sleeping pad reviews and comparing weights, sizes, features, etc., I decided on the Prolite pad. The small is fairly light at 11oz. and is comfortably for my 5'10" frame. Its also very comfortable and I like the nonslip texture ton the top. I can't yet comment on durability but it appears to be well made.

the best
November 20, 2006

sleep like a baby on this pad.

Comfort in an ultralight world!
January 16, 2006

This is by far the best ultralight sleeping pad I've ever had. Can't wait to use it again this spring!

prolite versus neoair
April 26, 2010

trade off a few ounces for durable self inflating pad. 25" version is luxury

Love the space it saves
May 21, 2010

First time using a small pad, was not sure I would like it, worked great very happy with it.

Nice Pad
February 03, 2011

Thermarest really knows what they are doing when it comes to pads. I checked out a bunch of different pad but the Prolite is lite and easy to inflate. It is tough enough so that you don't have to worry about tears. It is also comfortable. My son just used this pad at Pinnacles National Monument and he really liked it. This is our 2nd Prolite pad.

February 08, 2011

I was looking to lighten my pack and still utilize a self inflating sleeping pad. This is the perfect fit. It is the lightest full length pad that I have found, yet it is still very comfortable.

Outstanding pad
November 21, 2009

Big improvement over my 20 year old Thermarest! Packs well. Excellent insulation and comfort for my stature at 5 foot 5 inches, 130 lbs. Material was easy to clean and maintain.