reduce the bulk, you have an int

To reduce the bulk, you have an interesting modification option: You can buy the Regular and cut it in half, giving you two separate pads. Women need higher R-values pads because they have lower body mass than men. 15 Best Camping Stoves Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. We were curious to see how the two matched up, so we tested them side by side to determine a winner. It's a no-frills, lightweight, easy to deploy sleeping pad that can be used alone in warmer climates or in conjunction with an inflatable pad as a four-season solution. It stores information such as currency, language, customer ID, among other data necessary for the proper functioning of the shop. Occasionally Ill double-up on cushion and insulation by placing my air pad over the top of the Z Lite, but I mostly take the Z Lite SOL as a seat cushion. The ZLite placed on top of the FlexMat is unbelievably cushy! It has the same 2.0 R-Value and the same 14 oz weight. All Rights Reserved. On the website it is used to establish a user session and to pass state data through a temporary cookie, which is commonly known as a session cookie. It is lightweight, versatile, and while it can be damaged, it will still function perfectly. 10 Best Wading Boots 2022 We've started to refer to the Z Lite SOL as Ol' Reliable. Here are some popular resources to check out: Best Stoves, Food, Water Filters, Jackets & More: CleverHiker Gear Guide. He still regards this night as the lowest point in his life. It is reliable in all situations. Compared to the inflatable sleeping pads of today, it's much larger than even the burliest sleeping pads. 55 Best Gifts for Hunters The Switchback wins the comfort category and is the only non-air pad that made it on to our list of the 10 Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Having such a high R-Value of warmth at your fingertips is a powerful thing. No matter what your budget or backpacking style is, we can We help you find the perfect pad for your next backcountry the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Lightweight, warm for the weight, packs small, comfortable, versatile, Inexpensive, lightweight, great insulation adjunct, Lightweight, extremely affordable, small packed size, Expensive, edges not as stable as other pad designs, This model boasts a big weight savings, is comfortable, and provides great all around performance, This pad boasts an excellent value in a light and compact package, If sleeping on ultra-firm surfaces doesn't keep you up at night this is a solid option that won't pop, An ultra light and ultra cheap option for your next backpacking trip. Very highly recommended. This could make a difference over time as the nodes start to lose their ability to rebound after repeated compression. With the FlexMat Plus, Exped has created a comfier, warmer foam mat without compromising the durability and price point that make them a favorite of budget-conscious hikers. Your email address will not be published. The FlexMat Plus is not covered with a silvered reflective coating like the Switchback and ZLite Sol, so it doesnt matter which side you sleep on. "Nothing but the best between you and the elements". Hes written thousands of articles and gear reviews, but what he enjoys most is testing and reviewing outdoor gear where it belongs outside. Plus, because its usually strapped to the outside of a backpack, its super easy to use while take short breaks on the backpacking trail. If you enjoyed this article, you'll probably like the CleverHiker Gear Guide as well. Late to this conversation I know but touched on something Ive found. The ingeniously interlocking bumps and recesses create a fairly comfortable mattress that softens the feeling of hard ground. It doesn't matter if you're a beginner backpacker who doesn't want to spend a ton of money on an inflatable pad or an experienced backpacker who wants one of the lightest foam pads on offer. First off, if you're looking for extreme comfort from a sleeping pad, the Z Lite SOL shouldn't be on your list of potential candidates. Follow CleverHiker on Facebook to catch our latest updates & shares. The Weight: The Exped FlexMat is arguably the lightest full-sized foam sleeping pad available. CleverHiker.com 2022 - Privacy Policy - Terms of Use, We stand in solidarity against systemic racism, discrimination, and violence. You wouldn't want to put it inside your pack, but if you were using a frameless backpack and didn't have a ton of gear, I suppose you could use it folded open, inside, against your back to provide structure and support to your backpack. This obvious fact took a big chunk out of the otherwise great score for weight and packed size. Its great for napping. During warm summer months, it would be wise to flip the pad and have the non-reflective side towards your body to reduce night sweats. New backpacking videos,trip reports,gear reviews,inspiring stories and more. The result is a pad that doesnt tack on too much weight, and feels great. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, An effective pad that offers decent three season warmth in a very lightweight package. The Switchbacks nodes are taller and wider and have more room to compress. Copyright 2007-2022, SectionHiker.com and Fells Press LLC. 2022 Man Makes Fire by Wicked Cool Words LLC. If given a little bit of extra structure and the right amount of medical tape, the Z Lite SOL can be an effective way to immobilize a broken bone or joint. But as someone who loved the Nemo Switchback but wanted to try the extra thickness for side sleeping, I was pleasantly surprised to find it weighed almost the same. We awarded the Z Lite SOL with the Best Buy Award for closed-cell foam pads once again because it still holds up as the most packable and functional pad at a reasonable price. No matter the size or style, the Z Lite SOL is affordable. Theyre usually strapped in under the top lid or in the side/bottom compression straps, which means they have to be moved every time you want to access your main compartment or they are blocking access to side pockets. NEMO doesnt list R-values - they give an estimated temperature range instead. The closed-cell foam blocks water and wont absorb it. The Exped FlexMat is a full-size, lightweight, closed-cell foam sleeping pad for outdoor adventures. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Act Blue - Bail Funds The 3/4-inch foam pad is insufficient to absorb most ground debris and demands that you spend time searching for a suitable campsite. It folds down to 5 x 20.5 x 6 in / 13 x 52 x 15 cm and can be easily strapped to the top, bottom, or side of a backpack. We have even seen a Z Lite SOL used as a splint for first aid applications in the backcountry. Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol vs. NEMO Switchback Review. ): 72 x 20 x .75 in. It is available in three sizes, XS (51 x 20.5 in / 130 x 52 cm), M (72 x 20.5 in / 183 x 52 cm), and LW (77.6 x 25.6 in / 197 x 65 cm); all three are 0.7 in / 2 cm thick. The Price: In addition to being one of the lightest and most compact, full-sized sleeping pads out there, the FlexMat is also one of the most affordable at just $35. Whether the Exped FlexMat is for you depends on where your priorities lie. Theres no getting around it. The Exped FlexMat Plus is a folding accordion-style closed-cell foam sleeping pad with an R-Value of 2.2 (using the new sleeping pad R-value standard). Functional cookies are strictly necessary to provide the services of the shop, as well as for its proper functioning, so it is not possible to refuse their use. There is also a long/wide version available. Because its a long rectangular pad, more than one person can sit on it at the same time. Both the Switchback and the Z Lite are great options for thru-hikers, backpackers on a budget, and people who like sleeping on firm surfaces. Ignore what I said about purchasing the Flexmat, read multiple comments on several websites of the mat dimples flattening after a short amount of uses. You simply dont have to worry about popping the Z Lite SOL because theres nothing to pop. For the moment I just tried the mat for one night and it is comfortable, but it seems to break in quickly. Rim to Rim to Rim in a Day Guide Grand Canyon, New Bear Canister Regulations in Desolation Wilderness. Best First-Aid Kits for Camping Whats worse is that, if there is a slight depression somewhere under the pad, the Z Lite will mold to the depression, which may be uncomfortable during the night. While it might not be the ultimate pad for comfort, the versatility and ability to stack with other sleeping pads for added winter comfort make this pad a great value. 75 Best Camping Gifts for Campers & Outdoor Fanatics, 45 Best Gift Ideas for Fly Fishing Fanatics. The NEMO Switchback is new for 2019 (see our full review here) and has brought some long overdue updates to the closed-cell foam pad market with its superior comfort and packability. The 10 Best Sleeping Pads for Backpackers. A tough climb up to Indian Pass on the Continental Divide provided some pretty spectacular views. At just .75 thick, though, theres only so much cushion the Z Lite can give you over a full night. When folded up (we had to hold the Z Lite down, because it has a habit of springing back up if you dont), the Z Lite measured 6.5 inches high and the Switchback measured 5.5 inches high (measured from the top of the tallest node to the ground). The Exped FlexMat Plus is a very thick closed-cell foam sleeping pad with much larger dimples than those on the other two leading foam mattresses used by backpackers, the NEMO Switchback and the Therm-a-Rest Zlite Sol. Therm-a-Rest lists an R-value of 2.6 for the Z Lite, which we think is a little more realistic. We trust it. The Switchback also features a durable film layer over the metalized side for protection from abrasive objects like sticks and rocks. With an R-value of 1.5, it's a three-season sleeping pad, but can be used in conjunction with an air mattress as part of a four-season setup. This is one reason we recommend this pad so heavily for individuals undertaking extremely long treks or adventures where durability is critical. You can really feel the difference in comfort that a thicker sleeping pad makes, particularly since your hips and shoulders dont bottom out when you roll onto your side to sleep. Disclosure: Exped provided the author with a pad for this review. Caveat: Its pretty good for soft forest soils or spots loaded with pine needles (but less great on high-country packed dirt/stone tent spots. Is it a good buy? We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. The only potential downside to switching to the FlexMat Plus is that it may be too thick for use as a backpack frame in the pad pockets of frameless backpacks where the use of a thinner pad is still necessary. Shop Cabela's and get free 2-day shipping on most orders over $50! 35 Best Gifts for Outdoor Lovers Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. Want the Man Makes Fire email newsletter with 17 tips to supercharge your outdoor adventures? Im 6.2 and 16.5 stone. Ill try out any new alternative to an air mattress, so I happen to own both a FlexMat Plus and a Therm-a-Rest ZLite Sol. UPDATED: Two New BearVault Bear Canisters. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. No problem. . Id still recommend using a pillow or a stuff sack filled with clothes to raise your head if you use one at home because youll sleep more comfortably. For instance, the FlexMat Plus is 66% thicker than NEMO Switchback and twice as thick (100% thicker) than a Therm-a-rest Zlite Sol. How to Stop Your Superfeet Insoles from Squeaking, BearVault New Canister Sizes: BV425 & BV475, Gossamer Gear Silverback 65 Backpack Review, 10 Most Durable Lightweight Backpacks of 2022, Outdoor Research Ferrosi Thru-Gaiter Review, Hiking Mt Lincoln and Mt Lafayette in July, Nitecore 10000 mAh USB Power Bank (5.9 oz), Feathered Friends Flicker 40 Quilt Sleeping Bag. About six months of use versus a brand new Z Lite. These Cookies will only remain on your computer until you close your browser. Yesterday I wanted to take a quick nap in the living room without leaving the dog alone to pull out his recent stitches, so I just grabbed two pads. In our opinion, the biggest advantage to a closed-cell foam pad is that itll never pop or have valve issues. Philip Werner March 3, 2020 Sleeping Pad Reviews. In fact, I sometimes bring the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL Sleeping Pad when I go backpacking . Weve got you covered from stocking stuffers to big-ticket items. Getting outside changes how you see the world, changes how you appreciate pretty much everything.. Get L.L.Bean's legendary customer guarantee and free shipping on $50+ orders! 75 Camping Gifts for Campers & Outdoor Fanatics. The foam mattress is light and foldable. Side sleeping, unless on ultra-soft ground, is a no-go with the Z Lite SOL. Orders placed after 3 p.m. on Friday August 5th will be shipped from Monday August 29th. Start typing to see results or hit ESC to close, 25 Gifts for Backpackers Who Have Everything, SEVENTY2 Survival System Emergency Kit Review, KUIU Waypoint 2800 Duffel Review: So Legit, Coleman Cascade 2-Burner Camping Stove Review, ALPS Mountaineering Adventure Chair Review, Must-Watch Video: Danny MacAskill: The Ridge, Obsession Fly Fishing for Big Brown Trout in Oregon, Flying Cowboy Marshall Miller Shoots Through a Narrow Canyon, How to Cook Pizza on a Pellet Grill the Easy Way, 5 Deer Rattling Tips: How to Call in Big Bucks During the Rut, 10 Best Fly Fishing Waders for the Money 2022. guide to the best fly fishing combos for 2022. Our reputation is our most important asset, which is why we only provide completely honest and unbiased recommendations. Many people wont find closed-cell foam pads comfy enough on their own - we certainly prefer air pads. This page contains affiliate links which means at no additional cost to you, I may receive small commissions for purchases made via these links. Either way, we didnt notice any difference in warmth while testing both the pads, but we will give the warmth win to the Z Lite for listing an R-value. Review: Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL Sleeping Pad: Best Cushion Ever? That said, the Z Lite is still a great option if youre a gram counter or if youre looking to save a few bucks. We like both pads for adding warmth to an air pad on frigid trips or for doing double duty as a sleep system and a camp chair. The secret is in its texture: The accordion-fold pads egg-crate-like dimples are each about an inch wide, twice as big as its competitors; when folded up, they nestle inside each other like stacked cups. It allows to be isolated from the ground for more comfortable nights.

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