If you can comfortably rock the switchback, CCF is the true based of ultralight.
I have another longer comment here, but my trimmed Zlite is 224.94g/7.935oz. It is a 3/4 mummy-ish shape. XS Prolite is 260g/9.171oz.
The combined setup is 17.106oz. Sub-8oz if I only take the CCF.
I will always carry a trimmed CCF. It is very comfortable paired with an XS Prolite (RIP, thanks Cascade Designs). Outside of the essential 3, it is the number 1 item in my pack.
I keep it strapped and accessible:
\- Need to sit; I’m comfortable. And my ass isn’t getting cold, dirty, wet.
\- Need to clean my feet; no awkward 1-wet-foot, avoid the sand & detritus routine on gassed legs. I can comfortably drop my gear, get my socks right, back on trail fast.
\- Need to cook; I have a place to sit, cook, sort gear, regardless of environment underfoot.
\- Need to first aid; you’ve got an instant, debris-free place to work.
\- Need to tarp; it’s my ground sheet.
\- Need to stretch; I’m doing alpine yoga.
\- Stuck in airport; I’m sleeping.
\- It can help shield light drizzle.
\- It can aid in floatation, for fun or emergency.
\- I’ve used it on its long edge, sandwiched between rocks and packs, to seal gaps in a wind break.
\- It makes uneven camp sites more comfortable. Like pesky, tiny rocks.
\- I sleep better. I don’t like full air. Especially when you extend a limb off the pad. Or move.
\- My setup is faster than a Neoair. Breaking camp in the morning is quick when speed is essential.
\- And if your inflatable fails, it’s always got your back.
Hike your own hike. I’ve been at this a long time. There are no rules. Except for me, I have 1 rule, I never leave home without my Zlite.
That's a self-inflating version 4.5 really. Version 5 (2017) is what I prefer and after that was 6 which is Prolite Plus types (1.5" thick). The diamond cuts in the foam indicate is was just after the orange cordura squarish shape was retired. It's probably a Women's by the look. I like version 5 because it has the round foam cuts and a slightly better warmth / quality in my opinion.
All the ones I'm refering to are 1" thick, except the Plus varients which are 1.5". I have in my possession v4.0, v4.5, v5.0, and v6.0. I find like the v5 the best for the reasons which make it such a highly sought after pad by others.
Old product page for v5.0 1"x36" Model #2026886, round foam cuts (web archive):
[https://web.archive.org/web/20171019030308/https://www.thermarest.com/catalog/product/view/id/16524/s/prolite/category/13/](https://web.archive.org/web/20171019030308/https://www.thermarest.com/catalog/product/view/id/16524/s/prolite/category/13/)
Product Specs and older 4.0 version
[https://imgur.com/a/ooFhEU3](https://imgur.com/a/ooFhEU3)
The version 4.0 is official, and 4.5, 5.0, 6.0 are my own just to give continuity and chronology.
Ya, the women's usually are made to sleep a touch warmer too, which is nice. There's a similar one for sale on ebay right now (not mine, no affiliation): [https://www.ebay.com/itm/358340530736](https://www.ebay.com/itm/358340530736)
The younger me did and I still find it comfortable enough for a few days. It's what I used for years after changing from Z lite and flat CCF in the 2000s
It's actually my second as the first one was replaced under warranty in 2010.
Longest I've used it in recent years was for 6 days. But mainly I just use it for some summer overnighters these days.
Although it isn't near as comfortable as the neoair Xlite SV regular max I have mainly used since 2018.
For me self inflating pads are the most comfortable. I like being closer to the ground but some people like more cushioning. If you like a firm mattress you'll probably like it. I like these old prolites so much that when they became discontinued I bought back ups of the same versions I already own from Ebay.
My thermarest Prolite 4 is almost 20 years old. Has hundreds of nights on it at least 50 nights a year for 10 years but maybe a dozen a year (Avg)the last 10. It has only been loaned out for the last 5. So probably 600 nights or so.
Self inflating are pretty durable if you take care of them. My Prolite has even survived 3 generations of dogs. Which isn't saying much, people assume dogs nails are like razors. I've never lost a tent, bag, inflatable boat or anything from a dog nail. We finally after 30 years of dog ownership got a rip in a couch cushion. That's it.
Ah, sorry i missed that. Yes, that's the 20" x 72" x 1" pad. I like the self inflating 1" pads, and think the race upward with increasingly thick pads is going the wrong direction. I recently acquired a couple Prolite's after some years absence using thicker pads. I'm not sure where I'll end up at this point - I'm going to use them all (including the nemo Switchpack ccf) and make my decision. I do know I dislike the thick pads that are all the rage now.
I agree on the idea there must be a way to make a light, 1" self-inflator. But the trend is vertical, since this is what people are told is comfortable.
"And remember that the R values ONLY stack if the CCF is on top of the inflatable.If you put the inflatable on top, you might as well leave it at home."
100% correct. It always amazes me to see the vast majority recommend the ccf under the inflatable for warmth. Completely wrong.
As to the OP, crazy overkill. Pick one or the other. I'll be 65 yo next month and I can sleep on just a Switchback no problem. You truly can train your body. In many ways I really dislike how tall inflatables have gotten. They're also ALL colder than their claimed R values, whereas the thinner Switchback is definitely warmer than its claimed R value. Side intrusion of cold isn't considered in R ratings... and it means a whole heck of a lot. One more reason to dislike overly tall pads.
I truly don't think an inflatable needs to be over 1-2" (2.5" max) to be comfortable. I really wish the various Co's would devote time and development into thinner, warmer pads like the old 1" Prolite - which also punches well above its R value rating.
Top Sleeping Pads on Reddit
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Exped
MegaMat Series
92% positive of 454 users
Car camping comfort champ, but some side sleepers find it thin.
gzprime
