Australian Hiker

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Therm-a-rest Z Seat SOL Camping Seat Review

Up until a few years ago this is one luxury item you wouldn’t have found in my pack however given the amount of time I spend looking for that ‘perfect spot’ to have a break, in many cases this is because of rain has resulted in a lack of dry spots to sit! While I am always looking at ways to reduce my pack weight this has to be balanced with a certain degree of comfort and I have now come to love these foam sit pads.

There are a number of different brands and models that are available on the market and where the differences are in the weight and thickness of these mats. Previously I used the Exped Sit Pad and this one now sits with Gill (pun intended) as I have swapped over to the this Therm-a-rest seat, so why is that?

In all honesty there are four differences between these two mats:

1. Firstly is the weight with the Therm-a-rest pad being 20 grams heavier coming in at 60 grams. Not a lot in the overall scheme of things but there’s a reasons for it
2. Now to the second difference. The reason for the extra 20 grams of weight is because this seat uses thicker foam and for those of you with less padding you will appreciate the extra degree of cushioning. This pad is 33 cm wide, 41 cm long and 2 cm thick. In addition, this mat is approximately 11% larger than its cheaper competitor so when ‘acreage counts’ the Therm-a-rest wins out
3. This sit pad uses small segments so when folded up its a bit thicker but much narrower. What this means is that you can wedge it into more pocket options on your pack. The packed size is 30 cm x 6 cm x 7 cm
4. Last but not least is cost. This isn’t a cheap sit pad selling for around AUD $65.00 RRP although you can find it cheaper on the market if you look

One other small feature is that the latest models of this little sit pad comes with an elastic storage strap. Not a big feature I know but one you may appreciate.

So whether you’re taking a break on a mountain trail or resting during a music festival, the Therm-a-rest Z Seat SOL Camping Seat provides the comfort you need in a lightweight, portable package. In choosing this mat over cheaper options you are prioritising comfort over cost.

So whats the verdict? I’m sold! It’s extremely rare I will add something to my hiking kit and particularly an item that is best classed as a ‘luxury item.’ For the sake of 60 grams in weight, this little pad has now become part of my hiking kit and an item I will carry on any hike that is long enough for me needing to sit at some stage.

We Like

• Lightweight at 60 grams
• Packs down to a very small and will fit into a water bottle pocket along with other pockets for easy access
• Will suit the average hiker really well as an on-trail seat
• Provides additional cushioning and thermal protection when used as part of a pillow

We Don't Like

• Nothing

Best Uses

• For longer hikes where you want a bit of padding and/or moisture protection when you sit

Buy One

You can purchase the Therm-a-rest Z Seat SOL Camping Seat online from Amazon Australia or from Wildfire Sports

Disclosure: Some of the above links are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Please note that our affiliations do not influence, in any way, the independence of our reviews. If we don’t like a product, you’ll hear about it from us!

Investment

AUD $65.50 RRP

Therm-a-rest Z Seat SOL Camping Seat

Therm-a-rest-Z-Seat-SOL Camping Seat compared to water a 1 litre Nalgene bottle

Therm-a-rest Z Seat SOL Camping Seat close up of the cushioning and storage strap

Gill sitting on my Therm-a-rest Z Seat SOL Camping Seat

Disclaimer

This review was done with product provided by the Australian importer of Therm-a-rest for testing

Last updated

25 November 2024

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