Trail ProLite

Thermarest Trail ProLite. Was not difficult. Just cut it about two foam cells longer than you ultimately want it to be. Then you have to get the foam out and any residual foam bits with alcohol or something. Lay it flat with no wrinkles and iron it shut and then you can cut the residual down to the desired length being careful to not cut through the part that is ironed flat and creating the seal.

I’ve done multiple thru hikes with the pro lite short. Absolutely love it.

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/)

I would strongly recommend not getting a shorter mummy style. You will absolutely regret it if it gets cold at night. I have a Thermarest trail pro light in a petite size and can’t even describe my hate for it. It was super slippery and I just kept rolling off of it. It was also so narrow at the bottom that my feet ended up freezing. To make matters worse, the stuff sack is so tight that it was impossible to get back in. It also never really inflated on its own. I switched to a 4-season Tensor this year and I can safely say it was a game changer. It is pretty easy to inflate with the sack, very lightweight, and actually fits into the sack with little problem. It is also very comfortable. Saving a few grams isn’t going to be worth it if you can’t sleep and are miserable at night.

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've comfortably slept down to -20f with that pad and an closed cell. Lol...I almost froze to death on this pad at 15-20F (that's plus 20F) and I'm warm natured. Granted even with a good pad my sleep system that trip was inadequate. On future trips with a foamy under it and a proper 20F bag and extra clothing I was still bleeding heat. Before this pad I used a thermarest Pro-lite 4 and a ridge rest for about R6 (give or take) in winter. And was always generally comfortable down to negative temps. I assumed R4 was the same as my pro-lite. This pad is sub R2. Anyway, I would absolutely Not use this pad with or without a foamy below 40F...it's just not warm. Having since bought a true R7.5 pad (and using it with a foamy making it around R9) I can actually feel heat radiating back to me on it. It's insane how warm it is. My advice... If camping below 40F and certainly below freezing, get a real winter pad. And bring a foamy under it when you can.

Sounds like you had a phenomenal system. My no sleep night was definitely with the impression I was using a 4 season pad. It hit home hard I wasn't. At the time I assumed it was my UL setup but as I used it mode I realized it wasnt the only reason. I've got a ton of winter experience, even back to the days I was just stacking foamies and I've never been that cold. Coldest I've camped was -30F and I was absolutely fine on 2 foam pads back in 2004 (2 foamies is roughly the R4 Klymit claims) . It wasn't until like 2007 I owned my first thermarest. On that trip, I only had a 0F bag, but I used a vapor barrier and a bivy sack. Plus I used hot water bottles in insulated sleeves slow burn heat all night. But... I was never cold. Anyway, I was just pointing out while I think the klymit pad is fairly durable and a decent extra pad or summer pad (noise,bulk, weight aside). It shouldn't be bought with the idea it's a 4 or even extended 3 season pad. For me it's strictly summer and I'll eventually upgrade it with something lighter for that use.

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 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.