ProLite Apex Sleeping Pad

Used mine in Iceland last month on laugavagur trail with no issues, it’s very warm and I prefer it over all my other pads. Xlite, Prolite apex & a cheap nature hike one. That and my Neve gear quilt work perfect

I suppose that's how one defines ultralight. [Here is a link to a database](http://pads.parametrek.com/index.html?weight=_,_,inc) that has what I think has a fair amount of dated info, but several of these pads may be found online or used. If you're looking for the most UL, search for "small" or "xs" or maybe short or women's sizes. Granted, they will be like 60-66 inches, and ignore R ratings. Not the best, but you did say UL. The lightest I know of that you can find in numerous places today, that is practical is maybe a [Thermarest Trail Pro Lite,](https://www.rei.com/product/246291/therm-a-rest-trail-prolite-sleeping-pad?sku=2462910001&store=&CAWELAID=120217890019568209&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=147758268239&CATCI=aud-830183485327:pla-2025206723438&cm_mmc=PLA_Google%7C21700000001700551_2462910001%7C2025206723438%7Cbrand_flag%7C9920629669&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=9920629669&gbraid=0AAAAAD_DTlybYNrLgOHdzUcqJfJrQrWwa&gclid=Cj0KCQjwzaXFBhDlARIsAFPv-u_YupbUB22i1pq14Oi0XjQcvId288DBU3uPq-FZhaA0Uw7-Z7c4D1AaAjYeEALw_wcB) which is 1lb 8oz. If Thermarest brings back the ProLite you may want to look. Not that warm, but better than their Scout, and light. But the better one is the [ProLite Apex](https://www.rei.com/product/175625/therm-a-rest-prolite-apex-sleeping-pad), it was 1lb 6oz with a R 3.8 rating. Those were very popular just a couple years ago, so...

Thermarest pro lite short with six panels of a foam pad. Perfect balance between inflatable and durability. I’ve used this set up for the cdt, azt, and at. Used the full length version of the prolite for the pct. Only leak I ever had was on the azt when I accidentally set up on a prickly plant so no pad would survive that.

I used just a foam pad on my fist thru and it was perfectly fine warmth wise. I switched because I was getting a lot of hip pain. But I do really dislike the thicker inflatable pads like the Neo air so I use the thermarest pro lite. As a side sleeper I love it and have used that pad for the whole triple crown and then some. I also use the short version as you were thinking. Works great imo. I still carry six panels of a foam pad to sit on during the day and such as well. I think they maybe don’t make the pro lite anymore but recently saw this cheap version, seems like it’s basically the same thing. [https://ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/superlite-25-short-self-inflating-mat/](https://ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/superlite-25-short-self-inflating-mat/)

With everyone recommending an Xped or Thermarest, I think you should check into renting one. Personally, I use a 2” thick Thermarest and can confirm it’s comfortable and very insulating. It has also lasted us 15+ years so far. As for sleeping bags versus blankets — hands down, I think a bag is warmer than blankets. Women’s bags are shaped to have lower volumes and more insulation where it’s needed. You can get polyester fill or down, with the latter being a longer term investment when stored properly between uses. My wife and I have 40F bags that zip together, and can be supplemented with a fleece liner when temps require it. We also have 20F mummy bags for when it’s cooler. At night, change into sleep specific wear. My wife and I use our Smartwool base layers used for skiing for this. A fresh layer of clothes have no moisture in them from daytime activities and will keep everyone warmer. Finally, the larger the tent, the more air that needs to be warmed. While we enjoy the space of our 6P tent, we also have smaller tents (one of my vices is buying tents) and one 4-season tent we use in the spring and fall cooler temps. Have fun. Bring layers. Plan for hats/gloves in the early morning while enjoying a hot cup of coffee.

I have functioning thermarests that date back to the mid 80s. Later ones are still good.

They’re fine. I owned one. It’s self inflating but you usually need a couple puffs of air to fully inflate it. A neoair xlite is lighter; more comfortable; and packs smaller. Definitely worth saving your money for one of those, instead.