In a previous post, we talked about the choice of foam or inflatable pads.  Since I concluded foam was the way to go, let’s get into the details.

Here are our contenders for best foam pad.  Yes, these are all non-inflatable foam pads (and I didn’t even consider the large pads!):

ALPS Mountaineering Foam Mat 375 Regular

ALPS Mountaineering Foldable Foam Mat Regular

ALPS Mountaineering Foam Mat 625 Regular

ALPS Mountaineering Foam Mat 750 Regular

Exped MultiMat Regular

Exped HyperSleep Regular

Exped HyperSleep Winter Regular

Mammut Alpine Mat UL Regular

Thermarest SOLite Small and Regular

Thermarest Ridgerest Classic Small and Regular

Thermarest Z Lite SOL Small and Regular

Thermarest Z-Shield Regular

Thermarest RidgeRest Solar Regular

In the previous post on this topic, I placed durability at the top of the priority list.  But given that each of these are foam pads, I consider them equal on this factor.  I’m sure there is some variation, but as far as I am aware, they all have approximately the same expected life.  Let’s move on.

Feature Review

Thickness: these pads vary from 0.1 inches thick (Exped MultiMat) to 0.75 inches thick (3-way tie).  If the foam was exactly the same type and density, you would expect a thicker pad to be more comfortable.  But these are not the same, so it isn’t that easy. Trial is really the best way to determine comfort here.  Thickness does affect packed volume, however, and that is covered below.  Note: while the Exped MultiMat is only 0.1 inches thick, it is twice as wide as any other pad.  If my very complex math is correct, that means we could double the thickness specified and still end up with a standard length and width pad.

Length: generally, pads are available in either small or regular sizes.  Small is typically 48 inches long, while regular pads are 72 inches long.  However, some variation exists (Mammut Alpine Mat UL is 74 and the Exped MultiMat is 78).  Many adults use short pads, relying on their packs to make up for that extra length.  These people find the weight savings to be more valuable.  I personally use a regular length pad, but for my kids, 48 inches is a great length.  Keep in mind, however, that you can always trim a regular length pad to a shorter length to save ounces.  (going the other way is considerably more difficult and/or ugly)

Width: all pads shown here are either 20 or 22 inches wide, except the Exped MutliMat which clocks in at 39.4 inches wide.  I don’t find a relevant difference in any desired metric to consider width.   So I won’t.

R-value:  I’m a cold sleeper, so R-value is important to me.  My kids…not so much.  I’ll save this feature as a tie-breaker in the event I need to borrow their pad for an epic trip that requires some gram-counting.  Here’s the distribution in our complete set:

Packed volume: with foam pads, I generally pack them on the outside of the pack.  This means packed volume is not really that important, as long as I can get them inside the pad straps at the bottom of the pack.  I don’t expect any challenge there on these pads, so packed volume is not considered.  But in case you’re curious, here’s the distribution:

Price:  These pads vary from $15 to a lot more than $15.  Since I believe they are all equally durable, I recommend to stay on the cheap end of the spectrum.  Here’s the distribution by pad:

Downselection #1: Weight

The bar chart below shows the pads ordered by increasing weight.  The range is significant, with the heaviest pad being over 4 times the weight of the lightest pad.  But due to the number of options, there isn’t a clear inflection point that makes sense to use as a cutoff.  I could see the 2-oz jump at 12 or the 2-oz jump at 14, but neither are convincing enough for me.

Let’s add the average value to the chart and see if that makes sense to use.  I like being above average…or below average in this case.  The complete set has an average of just under 13 ounces, which aligns with the first jump between 12 and 14 ounces.  Let’s eliminate the above average weight pads from considerations, leaving us with 8 pads to choose from:

Downselection #2: Thickness

In the feature review section, I mentioned that characteristics of each type of foam impact comfort, so thickness isn’t the only factor involved in comfort.  But of the remaining 8 pads, there is a clear distinction:

Frankly, I don’t think a pad that is less than a half inch thick can be comfortable for me as a side sleeper, so I’m going to narrow this list to three candidates: all Thermarest brand over 0.4 inches thick.  Yes, this cutoff eliminates the lightest options out there.  But I think comfort is vitally important on pad selection.  Our remaining models are the SOLite S, Ridgerest Classic S, and Z Lite SOL S.

The Conclusion

Wait, there are 3 left!  How can we have a conclusion?

I think these 3 are similar enough that we don’t need to be picky about the extremely minor differences between them.  To find the best fit for you, consider these situations:

• if you like the idea of folding your pad, go with the Thermarest Z Lite SOL Small
• if you find one cheaper than the others, go with that one (Thermarest Ridgerest Classic Small can be found for only $15)
• if R-value is supreme, the Thermarest RidgeRest SOLite Small beats the other two by 0.2
• if you plan on putting the pad inside your pack, the Z Lite SOL Small is considerably smaller in volume (just make sure you can accommodate that rectangular shape)

Sleep tight!

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