Therm-a-Rest - Trail ProLite

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...

I have a Thermarest Pro trail Lite that seems to work well. I have probably 2000 miles on it. I use a close foam mat under it too. I have a Nemo Tensor that I am going to try this season. I got it out of the discount / return bin at REI for like half price.

I have a thermarest trail pro (or maybe a pro lite?) in the regular wide width and honestly it's pretty comfortable? I slept on it for two weeks at a prescribed fire training camp (when good sleep is necessary) and slept pretty well (although admittedly i was exhausted every day). It's foam + inflatable so it's heavy and pretty big, even when i pack it down pretty tightly. It lives on the outside of my pack when I'm backpacking. I've slept on a bunch of thickness mats, from the basic foam folding ones to the trail pro and the trail pro is a marked difference in my sleep. FWIW.

If you want more comfort than ccf but more durability than an inflatable, a self inflating is the way to go. Something like the thermarest prolight or similar. They aren’t the lightest, but if you avoid the super huge car camping style ones they aren’t too bad. They can still technically be popped but the outer material is much beefier than an inflatable. Often they’ll feel more like vinyl. I still have my original thermarest trail. It’s not as cushy as modern ones but it’s a tank and still hasn’t gotten a leak after 17 or 18 years. Got it sometime as a teenager. I think it was my first mat I had when I upgraded from a crappy blue Walmart ccf.

If you want more comfort than ccf but more durability than an inflatable, a self inflating is the way to go. Something like the thermarest prolight or similar. They aren’t the lightest, but if you avoid the super huge car camping style ones they aren’t too bad. They can still technically be popped but the outer material is much beefier than an inflatable. Often they’ll feel more like vinyl. I still have my original thermarest trail. It’s not as cushy as modern ones but it’s a tank and still hasn’t gotten a leak after 17 or 18 years. Got it sometime as a teenager. I think it was my first mat I had when I upgraded from a crappy blue Walmart ccf.

Thermarest trail is a great option. Has lasted me over 10 years now, no leaks. Only thing I’d change now is getting one slightly thicker.

Not foam but the Thermarest prolite + self inflating is tougher than the blow up kind and warm enough for our winters.

This is subjective. For me, yes, an inflatable pad is worth it for better sleep quality. Foam pads just don't work for me. In your case, you report that you already sleep fine on a foam pad so why not just stick with it? Regarding durability of an inflatable, yes it's likely lower but you may be able to patch it and still worth it for sleep quality. I did get a leak in my NeoAir but I set up camp in a reasonable spot and was able to put my pack under it and it was ok. Patched it when I got home. The hot ticket item for me is actually the short Prolite. Very similar weight to my old NeoAir, bit more durable, adequate ground insulation, and still has a bit of foam. Takes up more space but still fits in my packs with usual loadouts.

I went with the S2S ether light XT wide. I think it is 4" / 10 cm thick whereas my previous thermarest prolite was 5cm... My hip needs 10cm. At the minimum.

But it’s logical and functional. I can’t recall exactly if I had a foam pad on the pct, but I’ve done the cdt, azt, and at all with a thermarest prolite(far more durable) and six panels of an accordion pad.

I’ve had a ton of success with the thermarest prolite. I used the regular length for the pct, short version for the cdt, azt, and at. No issues on the pct or cdt, did get a hole on the azt. But I set up in the dark right on a pokey plant so my bad on that one. On the at a baffle popped but it didn’t make the pad unusable, just a little annoying. Slept with it like that for the last few weeks of trail.

Was bulk and weight that chased me away from self inflators years ago. The Prolite does make an excellent car camping mat or for out & back ~20m. (my backpacking pack is the size school bag, but I also own a ‘64 Kelty ex frame and it still gets occasional use.