(as of Jun 14, 2025 00:31:03 UTC – Details)
The Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Foam Camping mattress with reflective heat technology is a warmer spin on the classic Z Lite sleeping pad, trusted choice of campers, backpackers, and mountaineers. The Sol pad has all the features of the original, in addition to a reflective ThermaCapture coating that reflects radiant heat back on the body, increasing overall warmth of the pad by 20 percent (R-Value 2.0; R-value measures the material’s ability to insulate—the higher the R-value, the warmer the pad). Softer on the top for comfort, and denser on the bottom for insulation, durability, and protection from rocks and dirt, the proprietary closed-cell foam also features heat-trapping dimples that capture heat for a cozy night’s sleep. Folding accordion-style construction is compact and easily packable for base camp or transporting into the backcountry. The Thermarest Z Lite Sol Foam Sleeping Pad can be used by minimalists as a stand-alone pad, or doubled up with another ground pad or air mattress for an exceptionally good night’s sleep. Available in two sizes: Small measures 47×20 inches (20x4x5.5 inches, folded) and weighs 10 ounces; Regular measures 72×20 inches (20x5x5.5 inches, folded) and weighs 14 ounces. Manufacturer’s limited lifetime warranty. Made in the USA.
Lightweight and compact closed-cell foam camping mattress is a durable, dependable, and economical option for sleeping on the ground
Trusted by mountaineers and backpackers for generations, the classic pad features folding accordion-style construction that is compact and easily packable
Reflective ThermaCapture coating and heat-trapping dimples capture radiant heat, increasing overall warmth by 20 percent for an extra cozy night’s sleep (R-Value 2.0)
Sleeping pad foam is softer on the top for comfort, and denser on the bottom for extra insulation, durability, and protection from the ground
Molded foam mattress measures 51 x 20 inches (20 x 4 x 5.5 inches, folded) and weighs 10 ounces; manufacturer’s limited lifetime warranty; made in the USA
Customers say
Customers find the sleeping pad lightweight and easy to carry, with good insulation that keeps them warm, especially in cold weather. They appreciate its durability, noting it looks like it will last for years, and consider it well worth the price. The comfort level receives positive feedback, with one customer mentioning it provides just enough cushion to stretch on, while another notes it’s easy to sleep in. The size receives mixed reviews – while some find it a great fit for their packs, others say it takes up too much space.
Shelly –
Classic piece of gear
Everyone needs this. I don’t care if you only sleep outside once a year, you sleep in your car, or if you nap on your workplace floor… you NEED this if you are a hardcore sleeper like me. It’s incredibly light, and can be made lighter if you choose to cut it to cut base weight. It can’t be popped, and there’s no blowing involved. It holds warmth well. It’s not flimsy. AND the grooves on the device capture the straps on the bottom of your backpacking pack to prevent sliding. This is ESSENTIAL if you partake in any outdoor activity or sleep in questionable places. Camping, climbing, backpacking, beaching, picnicking, you name it.
Russ –
Best ultralight foam pad on market
Very comfortable and warm. Could be used for ultralight backpacking. I use it as a camp seat and to put under my sleeping pad for extra warmth. A little bulky to pack, but it doesn’t weigh anything so totally worth it.
JD –
its high quality and will last
It actually works. Radiates the heat back up tp your body. Paired with a nice sleeping pad, sleeping bag (liner optional) with 5+R value. I’ll have no problems keeping warm.
Stackâ Overflow –
it’s easy to fold and compact
If you’re thinking about getting this for early Spring or late Fall or Winter backpacking, don’t. This will NOT work to help provide sufficient insulation from the cold ground or snow. I had this out in snow country for two nights and I definitely felt the chill from the ground snow emanating through this pad.The problem, I think, is the thinner fold lines have little barrier to the cold. Sure, it’s easy to fold and compact, but this comes at a price. Those thinner areas really affect the insulation properties. I also own a Therm-A-Rest RidgeRest, which provides EXCELLENT insulation, but it doesn’t fold (it rolls up) and a fair bit denser and heavier. The lighter weight and compact size of the Z Lite definitely has a trade-off.Another complaint is it’s too narrow for a medium to large build man. The sides of my sleeping bag drape over the edge and catch the condensation from the tent floor (which incidentally has a tent floor protector and an additional layer of tarp!).This pad will work if you use it as an auxiliary sleeping pad to accompany another warmer sleeping pad, such as a Klymit Insulated Static V Sleeping Pad.They don’t even carry this at REI (but they do carry the Ridgerest). Does that tell you something?With so much criticism, why 4 stars? Because this is a perfect lightweight sleeping pad solution for Summer, late Spring, or early Fall. It is one of the lightest, if not THE lightest, sleeping pad you can find.I like this pad for milder temps, not for colder temps. It might or might not work for you depending on the temps you use it in and on whether you’re a warm sleeper. My advice to the warm sleeper (like myself): use this pad with an additional auxiliary air sleeping pad placed on top of it.
G.S.F. –
Happy, $$$ well spent!!
This review is based on my purchased item. I did not receive a free review sample or discount for reviewing.Since there’s really not much more that can be said for this pad, my review is essentially a Rain and WET condition review. Imagine the worst case scenario and your tent fails in a heavy all night downpour and your tent floor tub fills with water. That was my situation on a recent 2 night camp, where we got 7 inches of heavy rain over 3 days. National weather service issued flash flood warnings in the creek and river gorge areas, which I fortunately was not in. I have never experienced rain this heavy before.. all night, all day, non stop.I had set up my tent in wet sloshy, leafy slush and my tent floor just could not keep it out, even with a blue ground tarp. I had water percolating up through my tent floor, and at the deepest it was about 1/4″. I was up all night soaking up water puddles, and wringing them out with my camp towel. I could not sleep a wink, worried all night about waking up in a swimming pool.Despite all that, the Z-lite performed like a champ. I use it in conjunction with a Thermarest Neo-Air Venture, and I deflate the Neo-air so my hips and shoulders just barely avoid bottom-ing out. The Z-lite was just enough elevation up off the soaked floor to keep me completely dry. I have the small Z-lite since I only need to have coverage down to my thighs with the Neo-air giving me sufficient comfort. The Z-lite did absorb water kind of like a sponge though, that would be a little concerning on an extended tent-fail trip. Despite that, my sleeping bag was completely dry, warm and comfy all night. I felt like I was on a raft dingy, floating in a pool of water. I was previously using a Reflect-ix sheet beneath my Neo-air, no doubt that would not have been enough thickness or elevation in this scenario. I am not exactly sure which has a higher “R” value between the reflect-ix and Z-lite, but I felt just as warm.One thing I like about the Z-lite is the increased friction I get with the neo-air. I always had a problem with reflectix sheet being too slick and slippery. My Neo-air would slide off in the middle of the night. The Z-lite is a little more grippy. I still get some slipping and sliding but its manageable. I will probably add some velcro straps though on my next camp out just to make sure the two remain stacked up. The added padding, cushion and comfort is noticeable. If you are contemplating a Z-lite to replace reflect-ix sheet beneath your air pad, go for it. Its added features, comfort and functionality is worth the $$. Its also added redundancy in the event my Neo-air leaks and my patch kit doesn’t work.
Mac Catrambone –
Great for backpacking
This product really grew on me. When I first strapped it to my backpack I didnât really like the look of it, but by the first use I can say that it is a great addition to a sleep system. It is comfortable enough that you could potentially sleep on it by itself, and sometimes I do take short naps at on it. But personally, to get the best sleep, I like use an inflatable sleeping pad on top of this. It is great for cowboy camping and greatly improves comfort when camping on gravel/sticks/rocky terrain. Makes a nice yoga mat, beach towel, and sit pad.
Alessio –
Un materassino pratico e leggero che mi permetto di accoppiarlo al Thermarest XLight per dormire in tenda in ogni condizione!
Ãri –
Plan war es, über der Z Liste Sol noch eine luftisolierende Matte zu haben welche aber am Berg bei -10°C den Geist aufgegeben hat (finden/stopfen des Lochs unmöglich). Daher war mein Kumpel als Iso-Schicht mehr oder weniger nur auf die Z Liste Sol (+ eine 0,5mm dicke Elefantenhaut + die kaputte luftisolierende Schicht + einen Schlafsack) angewiesen und wir hatten wärmetechnisch überhaupt kein Problem. Tolles Produkt mit ganz wenig Gewicht, vertretbaren Backmaà und einer tollen Isolationswirkung!
Lavande –
Vraiment étonnée de ce tapis qui protège bien du sol, je suis juste déçue de ce bleu qui est beaucoup plus vif que sur la photo, moi qui aime les couleurs sobres, mais bon je mettrai une serviette non voyante dessus.J’aurais dû choisir le marron clair …
JEONGHO MOON –
Good item, Good service
An Amazon Customer –
Excellent product. The only thing no one mentions is that it is full of chemicals – but these days everything seems to be.i imagine if it is used for short periods it is probably ok.