Price: $45.95

Type: Closed-cell foam

Claimed R-value: 2

Weight: 14oz (396g)

Packed Volume: 9.2L

Thickness: 0.75″ (1.9cm)

LxW: 0.75″ (1.9cm)

Breaths to Inflate: N/A

What We Like: Inexpensive, Lightweight, Durable

What We Don’t: Large packed size, Minimal comfort

The Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL is a polarizing pad. There’s a lot to like about it, but it also has several notable drawbacks. At only $45.95, this closed-cell foam pad is the cheapest on our list. In fact, the price is reasonable enough that you’ll sometimes see this pad included as a complement to another pad to boost overall comfort and warmth; not only that, but using the closed-cell foam below an air-construction pad will protect the latter from potential punctures. However, if comfort is a major concern for you, then this may just be your very last choice. Still, many hikers who aren’t too picky about their degree of cushioning have come to love this light and durable pad.

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See Our Best Backpacking Sleeping Pad Review HERE!

The Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL is a polarizing pad. There’s a lot to like about it, but it also has several notable drawbacks. At only $45.95, this closed-cell foam pad is the cheapest on our list. In fact, the price is reasonable enough that you’ll sometimes see this pad included as a complement to another pad to boost overall comfort and warmth; not only that, but using the closed-cell foam below an air-construction pad will protect the latter from potential punctures. However, if comfort is a significant concern for you, then this may just be your very last choice. Still, many hikers who aren’t too picky about their degree of cushioning have come to love this light and durable pad.

Warmth

The Z Lite SOL offers a reasonable degree of warmth, with a somewhat average R-value of 2 (previous versions of this pad claimed 2.6). It’s just warm enough to be considered a three-season pad but we certainly wouldn’t test the limits; more often than not, it’s used in conjunction with a packable air pad to boost the total R-value. One thing worth noting on this pad is its silver-colored reflective side; for optimal warmth on chilly nights, you’ll want to sleep with the reflective side up, while on warmer nights this should be on the bottom to keep yourself from getting too sweaty.

Comfort

At only 0.75″ (1.9cm) thick, the Z Lite SOL is the thinnest pad on our list; there’s no question that comfort is its most noteworthy weakness. On anything but the flattest ground, you’re sure to feel every nook and cranny. Quite simply, side sleepers and those who have trouble sleeping on the trail will be, to put it in Urban Dictionary terms, “SOL.” The pad has the typical dimensions of 72″x20″ (1.8m x 0.5m) but could also be cut down for those who only need the pad to cover the areas from their shoulder to their hips. For those who need just a bit more of a buffer between their body and the ground, the NEMO Switchback provides 0.9” while only costing $4 more. For everyone else, there’s simply no competition with the cushioning that you’ll get from an air pad.

Weight & Packed Size

At only 14oz (396g), the Z Lite SOL is undoubtedly appropriately named; it’s the fourth lightest pad on our list. Only the NEMO Switchback, the only other foam pad on our list, can offer the same essential weight at a similar price point. However, the Klymit Static V2 weighs only 17.5oz, albeit at $20 more, and packs down significantly smaller than the Z Lite SOL.

On the topic of packed size, the Z Lite SOL has a compressed volume of approximately 9.2L. However, it’s unlikely that anyone will attempt to stuff this inside their bag. Instead, it will be folded down accordion-style to dimensions of 20”x5”x5.5” (51cm x 13cm x 14cm) and either strapped to the outside of the bag, or in some cases, used as the back panel for a frameless ultralight backpack. As with all foam pads, those who truly don’t concern themselves over comfort and would prefer to reduce weight and packed size can cut out some of the pad’s panels. You can also save yourself some of the DIY work by simply purchasing the smaller version, which has the same width but is only 51” long; this weighs only 10oz and will actually save you $10.

Inflation

In case you haven’t already guessed, inflation is a non-issue with foam pads. You’ll be saving yourself quite a bit of heavy breathing by opting for the Z Lite SOL rather than an inflatable pad. Just unroll it, and you’re all set! One of the great reliefs of pads like the Z Lite SOL is that it’s one less task to complete when you finally reach your campsite. It even provides a quick seat for you to give your feet a rest while you sort through your backpack for all the other essentials.

Durability

The Z Lite Sol utilizes a crosslinked polyethylene fill that’s softer on top and denser on the bottom. Much like ease of inflation, durability is a category where foam pads will always come out on top (no repair kit needed). While foam pads like the Z Lite SOL are by no means impervious to the occasional scrape and missing chunk, they are still, for all intents and purposes, indestructible, considering that they will still function as intended even with a considerable degree of damage. When the day finally comes that it’s time to replace your pad, it’s comforting to know that it won’t take a big chunk from your bank account.

The Bottom Line

If you’re forming a list of economical sleeping pads, it would be foolish to exclude the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL, which offers a great deal of value at a very reasonable price. As an inexpensive sleep system, it’s very popular amongst those who don’t put too much concern into comfort. It makes for a great addition to an inflatable pad when you’re looking to boost your comfort and your R-value. However, at only $4 more, the NEMO Switchback provides slightly more cushioning and is only 0.5oz heavier, so if this will be your only pad, that’s probably the one we would choose.

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