Reddit reviews Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Ultralight Foam Backpacking Mattress, Limon/Silver, Regular - 20 x 72 Inches
We found 15 Reddit comments about Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Ultralight Foam Backpacking Mattress, Limon/Silver, Regular - 20 x 72 Inches. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Lightweight and compact closed-cell foam camping mattress is a durable, dependable, and economical option for sleeping on the groundTrusted by mountaineers and backpackers for generations, the classic pad features folding accordion-style construction that is compact and easily packableReflective ThermaCapture coating and heat-trapping dimples capture radiant heat, increasing overall warmth by 20 percent for an extra cozy night’s sleep (R-Value 2.0)Sleeping pad foam is softer on the top for comfort, and denser on the bottom for extra insulation, durability, and protection from the groundMolded foam mattress measures 72 x 20 inches (20 x 5 x 5.5 inches folded) and weighs 14 ounces; manufacturer’s limited lifetime warranty; made in the USA
Take a look at the Kelty Salida 2 is what my search-fu came up with.
Originally I was going to recommend the REI Half Dome 2. I've had mine for years. You can shave weight by ditching a ground cloth if you want but the weight over all is a bit higher than you commented.
Your price range will drive the options available, your weight requirement will limit that even more. If you want to use this as a Bug out type tent keep in mind the quality, uses and durability of what you're buying. I do understand a sealable tent is good to keep out bugs and weather.
My personal BOB 'tent' is:
I've used all of the above in various weather and stayed warm and dry. Colder weather I'd just keep a few layers of clothing on. Warmer weather I'd just layout on top of the poncho liner and be just fine. I do like the ability to just jump the fuck up and go into action without being impeded by zippers.
Pay Attention here... PUT SOME INSULATION BETWEEN YOU AND THE DAMN GROUND!
IMHO, Have read your other posted questions, you need to get better at listening to advice.
Have fun...
Therm-a-rest has the Zlite on sale on amazon. Z Lite Sol for $26/$33Zlite for $30
Most of their inflatables are sale on amazon also.
I recently spent some time tent camping above the arctic circle. The biggest thing is just to have a warm place to sleep. That means a sleeping bag that is going to be adequate for the temperatures you're going to be dealing with. If you're going to be backpacking, you'll want to get a down sleeping bag good for around 0F. That will keep you warm in most conditions and because you can either not wear anything if it's hot or wear full thermals/down jacket to bed if it's really cold. If you're going to be car camping most of the time you can get a really warm synthetic bag for way cheaper than down, but it will be huge and heavy. (which is fine if you're car camping). Aside from a warm sleeping bag you'll want to make sure you have a sleeping pad that will reflect your body heat back at you so the ground does not suck the heat out of your body through your sleeping bag. I would recommend a z-pad and a blow up backpacking mattress. You could also use a huge coleman blow up mattress if you're car camping.
The other thing is food. If it's really cold you won't want to be cooking something complex. I usually bring a can of chili and some bread or something to quickly cook in a jetboil.
Obviously you'll want to make a fire so bring wood if you have a car. As far as activities go, when it's cold you're just going to spend the entire night sitting around the fire eating and drinking.
Just make sure you dress appropriately or you're going to be miserable. That means layering. Thermal base layer, warm pants, medium weight fleece, down puffy over that. You may want gloves and a beanie for sleeping.
I have an Osprey Aura 65 that I love. It is very comfortable and can hold a lot.
Sleeping pad: Thermarest Z lite. Cheap and light and comfy. https://www.amazon.com/Therm-Rest-Lite-Mattress-Regular/dp/B005I6R0WC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1503837564&sr=8-1&keywords=z%2Blite%2Bsleeping&th=1&psc=1
Pillow: https://www.amazon.com/Trekology-Ultralight-Inflating-Camping-Pillows/dp/B071ZPMGQ9/ref=sr_1_4?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1503837613&sr=1-4&keywords=camping+pillow
Don't listen to people who tell you to leave your comfy stuff behind, if that is what makes camping fun for you - bring it. Your chair, your cup, your coffee, your wine, your fresh clothes so you don't feel disgusting.
Pack your pack with what you think you want to bring (including water) and then walk around with it for a while. If it feels horribly heavy, unpack and see what you might leave behind - maybe you don't need as many changes of clothes (I am guilty of this one) or you can repack your toiletries into much smaller containers.
Then go on your trip! (weigh your pack before you leave) When you get back, get out your kitchen scale out and weigh things individually. Add up the weight of the things you didn't use and realize how much lighter your next trip will be. (except first aid stuff, which you won't always use. But that shouldn't be more than 5 ounces or so.)
And I wouldn't go post over at r /ultralight just yet. They will tell you things like "you don't need 2 bras" or "you can sit on a log and just eat your instant coffee to save the weight of the stove!" Obviously they have never experienced boob sweat. And I say this lovingly, I post over there. Reading there can give you some ideas though.
And car camping is a good way to bridge the gap between glamping and camping. It's how I started camping. It just lets you figure out how your tent set up will be, whether your cooking kit works for you, how your meals work, etc.
Therm-a-Rest ZLite is the most popular CCF (closed cell foam) sleeping pad. It's relatively light/warm and indestructible. Not comfortable, but it gets the job done.
Nemo just started making one, it's worth checking out too.
​
However I'd seriously re-consider the inflatable options. I'm 35 and get a much better sleep with my inflatable. It's both warmer and more comfortable. Plus it's lighter and packs smaller.
You didn't list a budget - so I can't make a specific recommendation. Therm-a-Rest makes the top end options and Klymit makes more budget friendly stuff.
My first mat was $10. Terrible but kept me dry for a few days.
My personal opinion is not to go totally cheap on the pad. The last thing you need in the backcountry is a rough night of sleep and/or a bad back. For $40, you can get into a z-lite, and worry about more important things.
I use the Therm-A-Rest Z-Lite SOL + something cushy between my knees.
>I have 50ft of paracord, which was actually the smallest amount that company sold it in. I suppose I could cut it down.
50 ft is probably fine. It looked like a lot more from the picture for some reason.
>Won't sleeping mats add a lot more weight?
Not really.
For the backpack, I'd suggest the Osprey Atmos 65 AG. I have that pack and you only feel a fraction of the weight on your back. I was blown away when I switched from it to my old pack, the difference really is night and day. You should go in store to get your pack, they'll fit it for you and even put some weight in it to simulate a full load. I went to REI and they fitted it for me while I was there. As for the sleeping pad, Therm-a-Rest pad is your best bet. They make a variety of pads depending on how much you want to spend or if you prefer foam vs inflatable pads. I use a Z-Lite Sol. Its great at reflecting heat and keeping you warm on the cold ground. They also make inflatable versions that might be a bit more comfy. Sleeping bag and tent are a little more tricky just because there's so many options. I couldn't tell you what brand sleeping bag I have, but it keeps me warm at night and that's all I care about. I've never had an issue with Kelty bags in the past but they do tend to be on the heavy side. As for tents, I use a North Face Triarch 2. It might be more than you're willing to spend on a tent, but wow is it light. It can also be a little cozy with two people, but I've never minded it. The MSR Hubba Hubba and the REI Half Dome 2 also fall into this category of ultralight tents. You might want to check out /r/ultralight if you really want your pack to weigh as little as possible. Also check out /r/campingandhiking. I always check Reddit before I choose my gear and these subreddits come up often.
> -books
ebooks
cheap air mattress or pricey Thermarest pad
emergency mylar reflective blanket(s)
A few tools, duct tape & zip ties are worth including, as well.
You should definitely have a sleeping pad to keep you off the ground, preferably with an aluminized coating that will reflect body heat back up towards you like this one. Or you can use a mylar emergency blanket between your pad and your bag
Hand warmers are very handy and have many uses as well. Toss one in the foot of your sleeping bag before you turn in. It won't last all night but even once it's used up it helps absorb moisture in your bag.
Klymit static v is the best buy of the inflatables
The Z-lite Sol - regular is on sale here is the best buy of the foam pads. Naturehike knockoff
My recommendations on what to look for: Comfort supercedes weight in my opinion. Get whatever setup you need to sleep well. If you are a side or stomach sleeper, I recommend a wide pad. Wide pads start to be a problem when you have to put them side by side in a smaller tent. Warm pad is also helpful. We spend hundreds for a down bag to keep the top and sides of us warm... then spend dollars to keep the bottom of us warm. The problem is in the metrics. R value for pads, vs temp ratings for bags. Pads should be (and easily could be) temp rated like bags. I recommend a warmer/heavier pad for the most versatility because you are most likely to be camping in cold conditions where it matters, more than warm conditions where it doesn't.
For the heavier/taller people or side/roller sleepers this mat is 30inches wide and 76 inches long. It weighs about 2 pounds (ouch) but you might want to add a pound for this comfort range. Klymit static v luxe insulated. It also comes in a lighter uninsulated version.
20 inches wide is not wide enough in my opinion. If you can sleep like a mummy on your back with your arms crossed above you, then 20 inches is fine. Other than that... measure yourself... you'll find you are wider than 20 inches. This will lend you to balancing precariously on your pad.
My folks have it right now on the other side of the country, so no I haven't weighed it. Claimed weight that I found was 11.2 oz.
Will this foam sleeping pad insulate me during these cold winter month? I have a sleeping bag I'm happy with. I don't want to put the money in for a downquilt considering all the maintenance associated with them. I live in Georgia so nights usually don't get colder than 30F, but it would be nice to have something that allows me to go hiking up north sometime.