We Like
- Generously sized at 51 x 183 cm and 2 cm thick means I don’t ‘roll off’
- Very easy to set up – unfold and lay flat – no puffing or blowing
- Thermal reflective barrier sends heat back to your body which will keep you warm in all three-season conditions
- Hard wearing – the manufacturer says it is ‘virtually indestructible’
- Relatively cheap sleeping mat option
- Can double a seat during the day
We Don't Like
- It is a hard mat so can be a challenge for this side sleeper
- Folds down neatly. It’s a bit bulky compared the the ultra lite Thermarest Near Elite NXT Sleeping Pad
and I am still working out the best way to attach it to my pack
Therm-a-rest Z Lite Sol Review
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 $142.99 RRP.
Best Uses
- No fuss hiking
- Great for back sleepers
- As a seat
Other Versions
Therm-a-rest makes a large range of sleeping pads however the following are alternatives depending on your needs:
Disclaimer
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
Last updated
24 January 2026
