Good to know: this sleeping pad is unisex
Pros / Reasons to Buy
- Accessible price point
- Low weight – which makes a lot of sense of lightweight backpacking
Cons / Reasons to Avoid
- Low R-Value may put some backpackers off who want a warmer pad
- Comfort level could be an issue for some users
Overall, I was really happy with my testing experiences of the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol sleeping pad. I’ve been using an original ZLite since I started backpacking, and this was a natural progression.
I find it pretty comfortable as most of my backpacking trips happen in the desert and I do find that the pad’s heat reflecting capabilities really are as the brand advertise. I actually find this pad does provide decent warmth for me during chilly tent nights.
I think this is a great pad to consider if you are likely to be camping in hotter locations. I also especially like folding sleeping pads as I never have to worry about punctures from desert debris, needles etc.
Compare to similar products:
Nemo Switchback | Nemo Tensor All-Season | Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite NXT | Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT | Rab Stratosphere 4 | Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Insulated | Big Agnes Divide Insulated | Nemo Quasar 3D | Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated | Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated | Exped Ultra 7R | Klymit Static V | Sleepingo Large | Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Topo Luxe | Therm-A-Rest Z Lite Sol | |
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Buying Options | |||||||||||||||
Our Rating | Best Foam Sleeping Pad | Best Air Sleeping Pad | Best for Comfort and Ultralight | Best for Winter and Best Mummy Shaped Sleeping Pad | Best for Summer | Best for Side Sleepers | Best for Back Sleepers | Best Budget Air Pad | Best Rectangular Sleeping Pad | ||||||
Type and Shape | Folding, closed-cell foam | Rectangular or Mummy Inflatable | Mummy Inflatable | Mummy Inflatable | Rectangular Inflatable | Mummy Inflatable | Rectangular Inflatable | Rectangular Inflatable | Rectangular or Mummy Inflatable | Rectangular Inflatable | Rectangular or Mummy Inflatable | Rectangular Inflatable | Mummy Inflatable | Rectangular Inflatable | Folding, closed-cell foam |
Comfort | Low | Excellent | Excellent | Very Good | Excellent | Excellent | Very Good | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Average | Excellent | Low |
Warmth/R-Value | Average (R-Value = 2) | Excellent (R-Value = 5.4) | Very Good (R-Value = 4.5) | Excellent (R-Value = 7.3) | Very Good (R-Value = 3.8) | Very Good (R-Value = 4) | Very Good (R-Value = 4) | Low (R-Value = 1.8) | Very Good (R-Value = 3.2) | Very Good (R-Value = 4.8) | Excellent (R-Value = 7) | Low (R-Value = 1.3) | Low - Average (No ASTM FF3340 rated R-Value, but likely around 2) | Good (R-Value = 3.7) | Average (R-Value = 2) |
Weight | Regular Version - 415g/14.5oz | Regular Version - 522g/1lb 2oz | Regular Version - 368g/13 oz | Regular Version - 453g/1lb | Regular Version - 695g/1lb 9oz | Regular Version - 845g/29.8oz | Regular Version - 652g/23oz | Non-Insulated Regular Version - 650g/1lb 7oz | Mummy Regular - 490g/17.3oz | Regular Version - 510g/18oz | Rectangular Medium Version - 650g/23oz | Regular Version - 530g/18.7oz | 408g/14oz | 634g/22.4oz | Regular Version - 410g/14oz |
Packed Size | Regular Version - 51x13x14cm/20x5x5.5in | Regular Version - 25.5x10cm/10x4in | Regular Version - 10.4x22.86cm/4.1x9in | Regular Version - 11.3x22.86cm/4.5x9in | Regular Version - 24cmx12cm/9.4inx4.7in | Regular Version - 12x23cm/5x9in | Regular Version - 20x13cm/8x5in | Non-Insulated Regular Version - 20x10cm/8x4in | Mummy Regular - 24x11cm/9.5x4.5in | Regular Version - 18x10cm/7x4in | Rectangular Medium Version - 23x14cm/9x5.5in | Regular Version - 20x8cm/8x3in | 27x8cm/10.5x3in | 23x14cm/9x5in | Regular Version - 51x13x14cm/20x5x5.5in |
Open Size | Regular Version - 183x51x2.3cm/72x20x0.9in | Regular Version - 183x51x9cm/72x20x3.5in | Regular Version - 182x50.8x7.62cm/72x20x3in | Regular Version - 177.8x50.8x7.62cm/72x20x3in | Regular Version - 183x51x8cm/72x20x3in | Regular Version - 184x55cm/72x21.5in | Regular Version - 183x51x8.25cm/72x20x3.25in | Non-Insulated Regular Version - 183x51x9cm/72x20x3.5in | Mummy Regular - 183x55-42x10cm/72x21.5-16.5x4in | Regular Version - 51x183x11cm/20x72x4.25in | Rectangular Medium Version - 183x52x9cm/72x20.4x3.5in | Regular Version - 183x58x6cm/72x23x2.5in | 187x54.6x5cm/73.5x21x2in | 177.8x50.8x10.1cm/70x20x4in | Regular Version - 183x51x2cm/72x20x0.75in |
Materials | Polyethylene foam backed with metalized foil | 20D and 40D Nylon with two layers of metalized film | 30D Ripstop Nylon | 30D and 70D Ripstop Nylon with Thermacapture Reflective Film | 75D Polyester with 100% recycled polyester 'Stratus R' insulation | 30D/40D Nylon withThermolite insulation and Exkin Platinum film | Ripstop nylon with Thermalite insulaiton and heat-reflecting film layer | 100% Recycled Polyester | 30D/40D Nylon withThermolite insulation and Exkin Platinum film | Ripstop nylon with two layers of metalized film | 20D Ripstop polyester with down insulation | 75D Polyester | Ripstop Nylon | Ripstop Nylon | Polyethylene foam backed with Thermacapture Reflective Film |
Durability | Excellent - will still work even if torn or damaged | Good - supplied with repair patches | Good - supplied with repair patches | Good - supplied with repair patches | Good - supplied with repair patches | Very Good - supplied with repair patches and spare valve parts | Good - supplied with repair patches | Good - Supplied with repair patches | Very Good - supplied with repair patches and spare valve parts | Good - Supplied with repair patches | Good - Supplied with repair patches | Good - Supplied with repair patches | Good - supplied with repair patches | Good - supplied with repair patches | Excellent - will still work even if torn or damaged |
This article is part of our series on the best sleeping pads for camping, view all articles below:
- Best Sleeping Pads for Camping
- How we Tested Sleeping Pads
- How to Choose the Right Sleeping Pad for Camping
- Compare Sleeping Pads
Related content:
Analysis and Test Results
The Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol is a premium yet well priced product in the closed cell foam, fold up sleeping pad market. Coming in at 410g/14oz I found it was pretty easy going in terms of weight but does take up considerable space on the front of my pack, making it bulky.
The R-Value of this pad is quite low (at 2) but it’s perfect for warmer treks and whilst this is quite low, the dimples on the surface help to trap head and do lead to this pad feeling pretty warm.
I’d say this is a better pad for someone who doesn’t have any joint or muscle concerns, as it is relatively thin. However, this is also an excellent pad too when paired with an inflatable pad for extra insulation on much colder treks.
Performance Comparison
See our video 360 of the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol sleeping pad which covers this simple pads main features:
Type and Shape
The great thing about this foldable closed cell pad is it packs down and sets up in no time. Unlike inflatable sleeping pads there is virtually no set up time at all, and you’re good to go straight away. Its rectangular in shape when laid out flat and folds into a compressed rectangle.
I love that its really simple to set up and get into place when I’ve had a long day out hiking. It means I can just focus on other things – the simplicity is a really good plus point!
Comfort
As a ‘medium sized body’ I find it comfortable because I fit well within the size of the pad. It also really helps to smooth out the pokey bumps on the ground meaning I have always found I get a really good night’s sleep. As a benchmark, I’ve been testing the regular size pad.
I also don’t slide off the pad, as sometimes I find happens when I use inflatable pads. I would say that this pad is certainly more suitable for hikers who have no real joint or muscle concerns at all – as it could be a little thin in this context.
Warmth
Ultimately, warmth comfort is a personal thing, for my camps, in warmer temperatures I do find that this pad works incredibly well and works to trap in heat well too. In cooler temperatures, I do sleep cold. This is also a great sleeping pad to introduce into a warmer winter set up too – you can combine really well with an inflatable pad for extra insulation.
With an R-Value of 2, this Therm-a-Rest Pad is at the lower end of the scale in terms of the other pads in our best sleeping pads round up. However, the ThermaCapture technology makes it warm enough to be comfortable.
Ease of Use
This Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol sleeping pad is about as easy to use as it gets! You just unravel it and you’re good to go. This is the same as most foldable closed cell foam sleeping pads.
There are some advantages to this – if you’re wanting to just have a fuss free camp, it’s pretty much perfect!
Weight
At 410g/14oz, this sleeping pad is pretty lightweight, and it’s a great option for lightweight backpackers. If you have the right attachment hardware on your pack, then carrying this is super easy. In fact, you’ll be barely aware that it’s attached to your pack.
Of course, if you’re thinking about using this within a layering system with an inflatable pad, you will need to keep in mind to add up both weights. This shouldn’t deter you though, as once this pad is lashed on your pack, it’s pretty indistinct.
Version | Weight |
Regular | 410g/14oz |
Short | 290g/10oz |
Packed Size
The packed size of this pad is a bit of a challenge, and you really need to think about this before you buy it. Do you have space on the front or bottom of your pack to hold it and do you have attachment points for it?
If you don’t, you’ll struggle, as this isn’t really suitable to be put inside your backpack. I’m used to this as I’ve been using a folding pad like this from Therm-a-Rest for years now within my set up. But just keep this in mind. It is much bigger packed down than any of the inflatable sleeping pads we’ve covered in our reviews.
Version | Packed Size |
Regular | 51x13x14cm/20x5x5.5in |
Short | 51x10x14cm/20x4x5.5in |
Open Size
The open size of the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol varies depending on which one you buy. The regular comes in at 20×72 in/51x183cm and the small comes in at 20×51 in/51x130cm. So, as you can see the main difference comes in the length of the pad.
I’ve used this sleeping pad in various tents whilst testing. The smallest I used it in is the Nemo Hornet OSMO Ultralight. It was tight, but still a comfortable fit.
If you’re going to be camping with someone else, you may want to just check the floor dimensions of your sleeping space and tent before you go ahead and buy. As you should with any pad really, to make sure that two pads lined up together will actually fit.
Version | Open Size |
Regular | 183x51x2cm/72x20x0.75in |
Short | 130x51x2cm/51x20x0.75in |
Features
My favorite part about the ZLite is that I don’t have to worry about a needle ruining my sleeping pad in the desert, as I would if I had an inflatable one. I also like that because of its foldable design, it can also be used for sitting too, which means I can hone down the kit I need to bring with me.
I also really like layering the ZLite with an inflatable pad for added warmth and comfort, and to protect the inflatable pad from punctures. I was surprised to find the same quality in this newer ZLite. I had a ZLite before testing this one which lasted me 6 years and hundreds of miles of backpacking!
Materials
This pad is made of polyethylene and uses metalized foil on one side which helps with insulation. The protective layer on the front is soft foam but is also pretty firm and robust.
Therm-a-Rest suggest that you should use this sleeping pad silver side up to help radiate heat back into your body – and the heat trapping dimples claim to help by at least 15%.
Durability
One area I really love is the fact that this sleeping pad from Therm-a-Rest is great for backpacking in more desert like conditions – which is what a lot of my backpacking happens in. The great thing is that on its own its pretty much indestructible against the sort of things you might expect to find in the desert – spikey surfaces and cactus needles!
When used in combination with an inflatable sleeping pad for warmth and comfort, I’m also really safe in the knowledge that this pad is protecting the inflatable sleeping pad and providing a barrier from the floor. Given that there is no option for this pad to blow out, it’s pretty much a safe bet for as long as it’s trail worthy!
Sustainability
Therm-a-Rest don’t talk a great deal on their site about the specific sustainability of the Z Lite Sol. However, they do talk about the product being designed for durability and longevity. To me it’s also clear that this product is built to last.
I’ve been using the previous version of this sleeping pad for a long time now, and you only have to look at the reviews on Therm-a-Rest’s own website to see that this sleeping pad gets comments saying it’s been the sleeping pad of choice for many campers for 25+ years.
That means something. The brand also talks about how most of their products can be repaired pretty easily – and all of these elements work well to make suggest that whilst the brand don’t outwardly talk about it, the fact that their products are built to last makes them more sustainable.
Price
This is a really well priced product – at the time of publishing, it comes in at $47.95/£36.93. This is very much at the cheaper end of the scale in terms of the sleeping pads we’ve covered in our main roundup on best sleeping pads. In fact, it’s even cheaper than the Nemo Switchback, the other closed cell foam pad in our reviews.
This makes it an uncostly decision for a lot of backpackers. If you’re looking for something that can carry you through summer treks alone, then it won’t break the bank. Likewise, if you’re looking for something to add in with an inflatable sleeping pad, it’s also pretty well priced.
Conclusion
I’ve been impressed with the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol – it’s a great sleeping pad. I’ve used the brand’s previous version for many years, and I’ve been impressed to see that the updated product has the same level of build quality. It’s clearly built to last.
Whilst I do find that this sleeping pad is more than capable of working well on warmer camps alone, I think it’s best when it’s paired with another inflatable pad. This gives it various benefits – it provides an extra R-Value of 2 to an existing pad, making it better in cooler temps, especially if you sleep cold.
The other main benefit is the extra layer of protection that this closed cell foam sleeping pad provides to an inflatable pad. I camp a lot in the desert, and I find by adding a pad like this it means I’m not worrying about getting a puncture.
The price point and the fact it’s built to last are massive bonuses too. I don’t think this sleeping pad will be right for everyone, but if it fits your needs, then I think you will be happy with this pad’s performance, for a very long time!
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