Rating: | 7.8 / 10 |
Value for Money | 1.9 / 2.5 |
Durability | 2.2 / 2.5 |
Comfort | 1.8 / 2.5 |
Weight | 1.9 / 2.5 |
I am a bit like Goldilocks when it comes to sleeping mats – it needs to be just right, not too hard and not too soft! I have tried almost every option available on the market …. almost! Being a side sleeper I found most to be too hard or too thin. But then when you get one with a bit of depth, for some bizarre reason I end up rolling off the mat.
I think must have sleep tested every Therm-a-rest sleeping mat option but had little success in finding one that was a good compromise. Lets face it – a hiking mat is never going to be as comfortable as your bed – so you need to work out what you’re compromises will be. Despite the Therm-a-rest Z Lite Sol appearing a little basic and perhaps even a bit old fashioned, this sleeping mat is currently my preferred choice. There is nothing fancy about this sleeping mat – I am sure there are lots of techy specs and it definitely does not look fancy – but it does the job very well.
On hard ground it can be a bit uncomfortable however it is also super durable so I worry less about it getting wrecked. It is lightweight and folds neatly flat – what more do you want? Well it has great thermal qualities and the silver coloured surface reflects heat back to your body.
No inflation is needed – all you do is unfold and lay flat – then relax while you’re watching everyone else sort their sleeping system. In addition this foam style mat will never deflate on you!
The Therm-a-rest Z Lite Sol is a no nonsense, lightweight sleeping pad option for hikers wanting economy, durability and less weight all for under AUD $140.
You can purchase the Therm-a-rest Z Lite Sol online from Wild Earth or from Wildfire Sports
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AUD $139.99 RRP
Therm-a-rest makes a large range of sleeping pads however the following are alternatives depending on your needs:
This review was done with product purchased from a retail store by Australian Hiker
Therm-a-rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad showing reflective surface and the folding panels
Therm-a-rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad showing the coloured side
I’m still working out the best way to pack this mat
17 October 2024