THERM-A-REST Prolite Apex - Large
The Therm-a-Rest ProLite Apex sleeping pad features a StrataCore construction that offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio (630 g in regular size!) among self-inflating pads. Inside the sleeping pad, there is a continuous layer of thermal foam, integrated between alternating air and foam channels. The combination of the highly expansive and highly insulating foam with weight-reducing air channels makes the ProLite Apex the warmest ProLite pad that Therm-a-Rest has ever designed. After the foam expands, the sleeping pad can be adjusted to individual firmness with just a few additional breaths. The WingLock valve is very helpful in this regard, as it operates intuitively and prevents unwanted air escape during inflation. Another advantage is the extremely compact packing size for a 3-season pad with a comfortable thickness of 5 cm. This ensures restful sleep even in frosty outdoor temperatures. Additionally, the small pack size of the Therm-a-Rest ProLite Apex leaves more room for chocolate in your backpack during winter trips.
The Therm-a-Rest ProLite Apex sleeping pad features a StrataCore construction that offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio (630 g in regular size!) among self-inflating pads. Inside the sleeping pad, there is a continuous layer of thermal foam, integrated between alternating air and foam channels. The combination of the highly expansive and highly insulating foam with weight-reducing air channels makes the ProLite Apex the warmest ProLite pad that Therm-a-Rest has ever designed. After the foam expands, the sleeping pad can be adjusted to individual firmness with just a few additional breaths. The WingLock valve is very helpful in this regard, as it operates intuitively and prevents unwanted air escape during inflation. Another advantage is the extremely compact packing size for a 3-season pad with a comfortable thickness of 5 cm. This ensures restful sleep even in frosty outdoor temperatures. Additionally, the small pack size of the Therm-a-Rest ProLite Apex leaves more room for chocolate in your backpack during winter trips.
The Therm-a-Rest ProLite Apex sleeping pad features a StrataCore construction that offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio (630 g in regular size!) among self-inflating pads. Inside the sleeping pad, there is a continuous layer of thermal foam, integrated between alternating air and foam channels. The combination of the highly expansive and highly insulating foam with weight-reducing air channels makes the ProLite Apex the warmest ProLite pad that Therm-a-Rest has ever designed. After the foam expands, the sleeping pad can be adjusted to individual firmness with just a few additional breaths. The WingLock valve is very helpful in this regard, as it operates intuitively and prevents unwanted air escape during inflation. Another advantage is the extremely compact packing size for a 3-season pad with a comfortable thickness of 5 cm. This ensures restful sleep even in frosty outdoor temperatures. Additionally, the small pack size of the Therm-a-Rest ProLite Apex leaves more room for chocolate in your backpack during winter trips.
The Therm-a-Rest ProLite Apex sleeping pad features a StrataCore construction that offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio (630 g in regular size!) among self-inflating pads. Inside the sleeping pad, there is a continuous layer of thermal foam, integrated between alternating air and foam channels. The combination of the highly expansive and highly insulating foam with weight-reducing air channels makes the ProLite Apex the warmest ProLite pad that Therm-a-Rest has ever designed. After the foam expands, the sleeping pad can be adjusted to individual firmness with just a few additional breaths. The WingLock valve is very helpful in this regard, as it operates intuitively and prevents unwanted air escape during inflation. Another advantage is the extremely compact packing size for a 3-season pad with a comfortable thickness of 5 cm. This ensures restful sleep even in frosty outdoor temperatures. Additionally, the small pack size of the Therm-a-Rest ProLite Apex leaves more room for chocolate in your backpack during winter trips.
in 4 offers
The lowest price for THERM-A-REST Prolite Apex - Large right now is $211.52 at Oliunìd, compared across 4 retailers.
The all-time low was $167.92 on 6 Nov 2025 — today's price is 26% above the lowest ever. It has been notably cheaper before — worth setting a price alert.
Prices last updated 23 Sept 2026.
Last updated at 23/09/2026 23:25:04
Therm-A-Rest Prolite Apex Sleeping Mats, Large, Heat Wave
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Therm-a-Rest ProLite Apex self-inflating camping mat-Large-Heat Wave
Delivery by 2 Oct $95.73
Sleeping Mats Thermarest ProLite Apex Thermarest Large
Delivery $114.60
THERM-A-REST - ProLite Apex L / Heat Wave
Free delivery between 29 Sept – 8 Oct
originally posted on cascadedesigns.com
I want to express my disappointment in Therm-a-Rest brand.Before a trip to the Caucasus, I bought ProLite Apex mats.And here’s what happened:This is such a «wonderful» mat that at some point I’ve got an extra "cushion" because the adhesive layers have peeled off inside the mat.That little "cushion" turned into a big bubble the next day!As a result, the mat turns into one big bubble.The funny thing is that when you lie down with your body on the mat, all the air moves into this bubble.The mat becomes thin under your body, and the compressed air in the bubble turns it into a «hard stone».So this bubble cannot serve as a pillow in any way - it is impossible to sleep.Two days later, the same problem occurred with the second mat.Now it looks like a ... MoreI want to express my disappointment in Therm-a-Rest brand.Before a trip to the Caucasus, I bought ProLite Apex mats.And here’s what happened:This is such a «wonderful» mat that at some point I’ve got an extra "cushion" because the adhesive layers have peeled off inside the mat.That little "cushion" turned into a big bubble the next day!As a result, the mat turns into one big bubble.The funny thing is that when you lie down with your body on the mat, all the air moves into this bubble.The mat becomes thin under your body, and the compressed air in the bubble turns it into a «hard stone».So this bubble cannot serve as a pillow in any way - it is impossible to sleep.Two days later, the same problem occurred with the second mat.Now it looks like a pattern!Dear engineers and managers of Therm-a-Rest how can you answer this issueand how do you compensate me for moral and material losses?
originally posted on cascadedesigns.com
Please do not delete my post.A terrible experience with Therm-a-Rest ProLite Apex.Review by Eduard on 6 Nov 2022review stating A terrible experience with Therm-a-Rest ProLite Apex.I want to express my disappointment in Therm-a-Rest brand.The problem with the Sleeping Pad Therm-a-Rest has not been solved.It’s been five months already!!! I'm waiting for the issue to be resolved.I contacted the service in Poland - no packageYou promised to send two new sleeping pads after I destroyed the defective ones.Once again I am sending the photos of the pads, photographed as you requested.You promised to send new pads. I never received them or any information and still waiting.I destroyed 2 Sleeping Pads as you requested - see photos and video.Please send new 2 pieces ... MorePlease do not delete my post.A terrible experience with Therm-a-Rest ProLite Apex.Review by Eduard on 6 Nov 2022review stating A terrible experience with Therm-a-Rest ProLite Apex.I want to express my disappointment in Therm-a-Rest brand.The problem with the Sleeping Pad Therm-a-Rest has not been solved.It’s been five months already!!! I'm waiting for the issue to be resolved.I contacted the service in Poland - no packageYou promised to send two new sleeping pads after I destroyed the defective ones.Once again I am sending the photos of the pads, photographed as you requested.You promised to send new pads. I never received them or any information and still waiting.I destroyed 2 Sleeping Pads as you requested - see photos and video.Please send new 2 pieces Sleeping Pad Therm-a-Rest ProLite ApexReview by Eduard on 6 Nov 2022: "Before a trip to the Caucasus, I bought ProLite Apex mats.And here’s what happened:This is such a «wonderful» mat that at some point I’ve got an extra "cushion" because the adhesive layers have peeled off inside the mat.That little "cushion" turned into a big bubble the Read more about review stating A terrible experience with Therm-a-Rest ProLite Apex.next day!As a result, the mat turns into one big bubble.The funny thing is that when you lie down with your body on the mat, all the air moves into this bubble.The mat becomes thin under your body, and the compressed air in the bubble turns it into a «hard stone».So this bubble cannot serve as a pillow in any way - it is impossible to sleep.Two days later, the same problem occurred with the second mat.Now it looks like a pattern!"
originally posted on REI
This is the best self-inflating pad Thermarest makes, and the cost is very reasonable. I think of it as the Goldilocks pad, not too thin, not too expensive, not noisy, but just right in every way.Pros: Comfortable, just think enough even for a side sleeper. Durable, and easy to repair if you do get a hole. Quiet, unlike many air-only pads. Warm in most conditions. Fairly lightweight. Packs down easily, and into a reasonably small space (especially for being self-inflating), Inflates very easily, almost all the way on it's own. Incredible value for the cost.Cons: There are warmer pads, lighter pads, thicker pads. But they all come at a greater cost, either financially, or with other caveats.If you need a thicker, warmer pad (albeit heavier), look to the ... MoreThis is the best self-inflating pad Thermarest makes, and the cost is very reasonable. I think of it as the Goldilocks pad, not too thin, not too expensive, not noisy, but just right in every way.Pros: Comfortable, just think enough even for a side sleeper. Durable, and easy to repair if you do get a hole. Quiet, unlike many air-only pads. Warm in most conditions. Fairly lightweight. Packs down easily, and into a reasonably small space (especially for being self-inflating), Inflates very easily, almost all the way on it's own. Incredible value for the cost.Cons: There are warmer pads, lighter pads, thicker pads. But they all come at a greater cost, either financially, or with other caveats.If you need a thicker, warmer pad (albeit heavier), look to the Thermarest Trail Pro, another great self-inflating pad.Why self-inflating pad instead of others? Super easy to use. Inflates on its own after 15 or so minutes. Very durable if you take simple care of it. If you don't inflate it to the "right" amount, it will still insulate very well (unlike many air pads). If it goes flat, you still have some insulation from the ground.
| Regular | 1 lb 6 oz |
| Regular Wide | 1 lb 12 oz |
| Sleeping Pad Type | Self Inflating Pads |
| Packed Size | 13 x 6.8 in ; 13 x 7 in (RegWide); 13 x 7 in (L) |
| Thickness | 2 in |
Therm-A-Rest Prolite Apex Sleeping Mats, Large, Heat Wave
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Therm-a-Rest ProLite Apex self-inflating camping mat-Large-Heat Wave
Delivery by 2 Oct $95.73
Sleeping Mats Thermarest ProLite Apex Thermarest Large
Delivery $114.60
THERM-A-REST - ProLite Apex L / Heat Wave
Free delivery between 29 Sept – 8 Oct
I want to express my disappointment in Therm-a-Rest brand.Before a trip to the Caucasus, I bought ProLite Apex mats.And here’s what happened:This is such a «wonderful» mat that at some point I’ve got an extra "cushion" because the adhesive layers have peeled off inside the mat.That little "cushion" turned into a big bubble the next day!As a result, the mat turns into one big bubble.The funny thing is that when you lie down with your body on the mat, all the air moves into this bubble.The mat becomes thin under your body, and the compressed air in the bubble turns it into a «hard stone».So this bubble cannot serve as a pillow in any way - it is impossible to sleep.Two days later, the same problem occurred with the second mat.Now it looks like a ... MoreI want to express my disappointment in Therm-a-Rest brand.Before a trip to the Caucasus, I bought ProLite Apex mats.And here’s what happened:This is such a «wonderful» mat that at some point I’ve got an extra "cushion" because the adhesive layers have peeled off inside the mat.That little "cushion" turned into a big bubble the next day!As a result, the mat turns into one big bubble.The funny thing is that when you lie down with your body on the mat, all the air moves into this bubble.The mat becomes thin under your body, and the compressed air in the bubble turns it into a «hard stone».So this bubble cannot serve as a pillow in any way - it is impossible to sleep.Two days later, the same problem occurred with the second mat.Now it looks like a pattern!Dear engineers and managers of Therm-a-Rest how can you answer this issueand how do you compensate me for moral and material losses?
Please do not delete my post.A terrible experience with Therm-a-Rest ProLite Apex.Review by Eduard on 6 Nov 2022review stating A terrible experience with Therm-a-Rest ProLite Apex.I want to express my disappointment in Therm-a-Rest brand.The problem with the Sleeping Pad Therm-a-Rest has not been solved.It’s been five months already!!! I'm waiting for the issue to be resolved.I contacted the service in Poland - no packageYou promised to send two new sleeping pads after I destroyed the defective ones.Once again I am sending the photos of the pads, photographed as you requested.You promised to send new pads. I never received them or any information and still waiting.I destroyed 2 Sleeping Pads as you requested - see photos and video.Please send new 2 pieces ... MorePlease do not delete my post.A terrible experience with Therm-a-Rest ProLite Apex.Review by Eduard on 6 Nov 2022review stating A terrible experience with Therm-a-Rest ProLite Apex.I want to express my disappointment in Therm-a-Rest brand.The problem with the Sleeping Pad Therm-a-Rest has not been solved.It’s been five months already!!! I'm waiting for the issue to be resolved.I contacted the service in Poland - no packageYou promised to send two new sleeping pads after I destroyed the defective ones.Once again I am sending the photos of the pads, photographed as you requested.You promised to send new pads. I never received them or any information and still waiting.I destroyed 2 Sleeping Pads as you requested - see photos and video.Please send new 2 pieces Sleeping Pad Therm-a-Rest ProLite ApexReview by Eduard on 6 Nov 2022: "Before a trip to the Caucasus, I bought ProLite Apex mats.And here’s what happened:This is such a «wonderful» mat that at some point I’ve got an extra "cushion" because the adhesive layers have peeled off inside the mat.That little "cushion" turned into a big bubble the Read more about review stating A terrible experience with Therm-a-Rest ProLite Apex.next day!As a result, the mat turns into one big bubble.The funny thing is that when you lie down with your body on the mat, all the air moves into this bubble.The mat becomes thin under your body, and the compressed air in the bubble turns it into a «hard stone».So this bubble cannot serve as a pillow in any way - it is impossible to sleep.Two days later, the same problem occurred with the second mat.Now it looks like a pattern!"
This is the best self-inflating pad Thermarest makes, and the cost is very reasonable. I think of it as the Goldilocks pad, not too thin, not too expensive, not noisy, but just right in every way.Pros: Comfortable, just think enough even for a side sleeper. Durable, and easy to repair if you do get a hole. Quiet, unlike many air-only pads. Warm in most conditions. Fairly lightweight. Packs down easily, and into a reasonably small space (especially for being self-inflating), Inflates very easily, almost all the way on it's own. Incredible value for the cost.Cons: There are warmer pads, lighter pads, thicker pads. But they all come at a greater cost, either financially, or with other caveats.If you need a thicker, warmer pad (albeit heavier), look to the ... MoreThis is the best self-inflating pad Thermarest makes, and the cost is very reasonable. I think of it as the Goldilocks pad, not too thin, not too expensive, not noisy, but just right in every way.Pros: Comfortable, just think enough even for a side sleeper. Durable, and easy to repair if you do get a hole. Quiet, unlike many air-only pads. Warm in most conditions. Fairly lightweight. Packs down easily, and into a reasonably small space (especially for being self-inflating), Inflates very easily, almost all the way on it's own. Incredible value for the cost.Cons: There are warmer pads, lighter pads, thicker pads. But they all come at a greater cost, either financially, or with other caveats.If you need a thicker, warmer pad (albeit heavier), look to the Thermarest Trail Pro, another great self-inflating pad.Why self-inflating pad instead of others? Super easy to use. Inflates on its own after 15 or so minutes. Very durable if you take simple care of it. If you don't inflate it to the "right" amount, it will still insulate very well (unlike many air pads). If it goes flat, you still have some insulation from the ground.
Only a little over 6 months old and treated carefully (its an investment!". Always on a tent floor. But it began to deflate over night with it being pretty much flat by the morning. I am thinking that the days of the old robust thermorest sleeping pads are gone. Now we are left with a product that really is not suited to the rigors of outdoor use. Lightweight, yes. Packable, yes. Tough as the old ones?....No! I expected it to be at least as good as the old originals, but I am left disappointed. Durability has been sacrificed for the opther attributes. Shame really.
I bought the mat about 3 years ago, and although it was always used correctly, I have only slept on it around 30 times before the outer cover separated from the core. When I inquired about the warranty at my local store, I was offered the option to buy the mat again at half price. I will need to think carefully about this, as I have to consider the possibility that the mat might break again after only sleeping a few nights on it. Besides the good comfort the mat provides, my intention was also to purchase a product with a long lifespan, which unfortunately, this mat does not deliver.
I had this pad for a few years and really enjoyed sleeping on it until our last camping adventure when it ruptured internally creating an over inflated section at the head end. Pad has not been over inflated or used harshly, but on the last night (luckily) camping it sounded like it was ripping and then suddenly ballooned under my head. This seems inline with what some of the other reviews of this particular sleeping pad have experienced as well, so this is not a one off issue from what it seems. I currently have a warranty ticket in and I'm waiting to hear back, but after this issue I couldn't recommend this particular sleeping pad. We have another two Thermarest pads (old prolite model) that we have had significantly longer and used more frequently and those have ... MoreI had this pad for a few years and really enjoyed sleeping on it until our last camping adventure when it ruptured internally creating an over inflated section at the head end. Pad has not been over inflated or used harshly, but on the last night (luckily) camping it sounded like it was ripping and then suddenly ballooned under my head. This seems inline with what some of the other reviews of this particular sleeping pad have experienced as well, so this is not a one off issue from what it seems. I currently have a warranty ticket in and I'm waiting to hear back, but after this issue I couldn't recommend this particular sleeping pad. We have another two Thermarest pads (old prolite model) that we have had significantly longer and used more frequently and those have been going strong for well over a decade! The Thermarest pads are great, this one may just be one worth avoiding. I'm hoping that I can replace this faulty Apex model with one of their new regular prolite models instead and hopefully get more longevity out of that instead.
Unfortunately a very disappointing lifespan. I bought this three years ago and have perhaps used for five camping trips, never longer than a couple of days. Always kept the mat well cared for and never overinflated. Unfortunately I just came back from a camping trip up Snowdonia annd around 4 am was woken to the noise of the septum within the internal structures of the mat breaking. This caused a large and uncomfortable lump in the lower lumbar region of the mat. Fortunately, this was only a one night camping trip and I accepted a cold night of no sleep without a functioning mat . Prior to this issue, I had thought the mat seemed very robust and comfortable, but given the price, I would expect it to last much longer!
I laid my Neo Air X Lite and my new Apex ProLite side by side in my tent, and spent the night alternating sleeping on the two pads to see which one was the most comfortable. For me, it was certainly the Apex ProLite. I still find the Neo Air X Lite comfortable, and as it weighs almost a pound less than the regular wide version of the Apex, I would probably use the Neo Air on longer backpacking trips unless I can find a way to cut a pound somewhere else. While the crinkling noise the Neo Air makes when you toss and turn on it has never really bothered me, the silence of the Apex was a welcome quality. I am sure anyone sleeping near me would prefer I use the Apex. It also takes significantly fewer breaths to blow up the Apex as opposed to the Neo Air. The new wing nut ... MoreI laid my Neo Air X Lite and my new Apex ProLite side by side in my tent, and spent the night alternating sleeping on the two pads to see which one was the most comfortable. For me, it was certainly the Apex ProLite. I still find the Neo Air X Lite comfortable, and as it weighs almost a pound less than the regular wide version of the Apex, I would probably use the Neo Air on longer backpacking trips unless I can find a way to cut a pound somewhere else. While the crinkling noise the Neo Air makes when you toss and turn on it has never really bothered me, the silence of the Apex was a welcome quality. I am sure anyone sleeping near me would prefer I use the Apex. It also takes significantly fewer breaths to blow up the Apex as opposed to the Neo Air. The new wing nut inflation valve helps cut the number of breaths needed to inflate the pad, as air cannot escape when you stop blowing to take the next breath. I did my comparison test on a 45 degree F night, and thought the Apex was the warmer of the two pads. I think they are both quality, comfortable sleeping pads. Which one you use backpacking may come down to whether you value comfort over an extra pound of weight. If car camping or only backpacking a short distance, go with the Apex.
I just got a Thermarest Ultralite Pro - as a replacement for an older Thermarest which "popped" - under your warranty. This is an excellent service and I really appreciated having a replacement. However I am not particularly impressed by the "improved" new valve. This does nothing that the previous one didn't already do but is now bulky and is excruciating to roll over onto - which happens frequently because people move around in their sleep! It is positioned right where it will dig into the user's shoulder or upper back . You actually had a product that was near-perfect in its functionality so why did you have to mess around with it? The old valve allowed air in and out and could be easily closed; the new one is not only uncomfortable but confusing as there now ... MoreI just got a Thermarest Ultralite Pro - as a replacement for an older Thermarest which "popped" - under your warranty. This is an excellent service and I really appreciated having a replacement. However I am not particularly impressed by the "improved" new valve. This does nothing that the previous one didn't already do but is now bulky and is excruciating to roll over onto - which happens frequently because people move around in their sleep! It is positioned right where it will dig into the user's shoulder or upper back . You actually had a product that was near-perfect in its functionality so why did you have to mess around with it? The old valve allowed air in and out and could be easily closed; the new one is not only uncomfortable but confusing as there now appear to be two ways of opening and closing it. It is also bulky and a vulnerable point for damage when packing the mat. Frankly I would much rather have had the older model from stock as a replacement and will look out for the opportunity to get one.
If you are a backpacker who is struggling to give up self-inflating sleeping pads, then this Therm-a-rest is for you. I picked up the ProLite Apex on a whim after seeing it on the Re/Supply rack at my local REI and oh boy am I glad I did! It's much lighter and much more packable than the Trail Pro (which I had been previously using) but still plenty comfortable despite how thin it is. I use the ProLite on a 5-day backpacking trip to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in early May; overnight temperatures got down to the mid 30s and no cold seeped through. I was even sleeping on some gnarly tree roots and did not notice them underneath this sleeping pad, even when I rolled over onto my side! The ProLite did take a few additional breaths to fill up all the way, but ... MoreIf you are a backpacker who is struggling to give up self-inflating sleeping pads, then this Therm-a-rest is for you. I picked up the ProLite Apex on a whim after seeing it on the Re/Supply rack at my local REI and oh boy am I glad I did! It's much lighter and much more packable than the Trail Pro (which I had been previously using) but still plenty comfortable despite how thin it is. I use the ProLite on a 5-day backpacking trip to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in early May; overnight temperatures got down to the mid 30s and no cold seeped through. I was even sleeping on some gnarly tree roots and did not notice them underneath this sleeping pad, even when I rolled over onto my side! The ProLite did take a few additional breaths to fill up all the way, but overall it self-inflated well and held air with no issues.The only reason I am not giving this product a full 5 stars is because there are better Therm-a-rest pads out there if you're willing to put in the money. My sister was using the new Xlite NXT on the afformentioned trip and I will say that it's the superior pad for backpackers. I would also recommend the Trail Pro over the ProLite for any car campers looking for a comfortable sleep due to how much more plush the Trail Pro is. But the ProLite occupies a unique niche for those looking for an affordable and packable three-seasons self-inflating sleeping pad. I plan to continue using this bad boy until I can snag an Xlite for myself. Happy trails!
| Regular | 1 lb 6 oz |
| Regular Wide | 1 lb 12 oz |
| Sleeping Pad Type | Self Inflating Pads |
| Packed Size | 13 x 6.8 in ; 13 x 7 in (RegWide); 13 x 7 in (L) |
| Thickness | 2 in |
