Hiking_Gear_Ultralite

Therm-a-Rest UltraLite (3/4 length)

Christopher:

The principal driving force in purchasing the UltraLite ¾ length was trying to get all my gear in my Kelty Redwing pack. Having to strap my tent and sleeping bag to the outside of the pack left me no room for my closed-cell sleeping pad. But because the UltraLite rolls up to a size slightly larger than my fuel bottle, it was the perfect fit. Of course it fits just as well in my larger pack and I no longer have this huge bedroll getting caught on trees and bushes as I hike.

Upside:

Small size; very comfortable to sleep on; masks any uneven bumps or small rocks.

Downside:

Like all inflatable mattresses, it runs the risk of developing a leak; takes time to roll up.

Dana:

I mentioned earlier that the foam "eggcrate" sleeping pads my wife and I had were in need of replacing. One visit to the REI store in Seattle led to me purchasing two Therm-a-Rest ¾ length UltraLite pads for Kelli and me. I laid around on them on REI's concrete floor and found them to be quite comfortable. When I proudly presented Kelli with her gift, she was polite, but less than enthusiastic. Their appearance looked less than adequate to her. After a successful testing in Zion National Park, Kelli let me know that she initially thought the Therm-a-Rests were too short and not any different than her foam pad - later, our two nights in Zion National Park with them impressed her. During my first weekend of use, I gradually noticed that my back or hips didn't ache in the morning like they used to. I'm a side-sleeper who consistently in the past has in the past had suffered from sore hips sleeping on my eggcrate. I thought it was just part of the "outdoor experience". Man-o-man was I wrong! This pad not only does a good job of keeping you warm, but also provides a very comfortable sleeping area. No more morning "sore spots"! My wife and I are officially happy converts.

Upside:

Packs tiny (about the size of a Nalgene 36oz. water bottle), weighs only a little over a pound and provides warmth and comfort. You won't even miss the ¼ length that's not below your knees. The ability to over-inflate or under-inflate it provides a range of comfort settings.

Downside:

Can be punctured. Its narrow width can caused me to wake in the middle of the night with cold forearms, after they had strayed off of the sides of the pad. Thermarest wants $8 for a stuff sack that should be included.