THERM-A-REST Prolite Apex - Heat Wave
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 - Heat Wave right now is $289.35 at 68travel.ee, compared across 4 retailers.
The all-time low was $175.00 on 17 Mar 2025 — today's price is 65% above the lowest ever. It has been notably cheaper before — worth setting a price alert.
Prices last updated 9 May 2026.
Last updated at 09/05/2026 16:01:18
Therm-A-Rest ProLite Apex madrats Tavaline lai
Ležišče Therm-A-Rest ProLite Apex Običajno širok
Therm-A-Rest ProLite Apex Mattress Regular wide
Delivery between 14–18 May $31
THERM-A-REST - ProLite Apex RW / Heat Wave
Free delivery between 14–22 May
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 madrats Tavaline lai
Ležišče Therm-A-Rest ProLite Apex Običajno širok
Therm-A-Rest ProLite Apex Mattress Regular wide
Delivery between 14–18 May $31
THERM-A-REST - ProLite Apex RW / Heat Wave
Free delivery between 14–22 May
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.
I went on a camping trip last fall. It was the first time I used the pad. I filled the pad properly and made sure the vent was in locking position to not let air escape. At first it was great, until I woke up in the middle of the first night with the pad deflated. I had to turn the valve to blow more air into it. It should not have deflated after the first use. I wish I would've purchased the NeoAir Top Luxe pad instead. I'm just extremely disappointed in the product. I have not used it since that night.
I have reason to trust that Thermarest produces a quality product; and I am still learning how to make best use of this pad to my liking.Weight - 5/5Pretty great pack-ability! Compresses well; lightweightComfort - 4/5Like I said, I am still learning how to best use this inflatable pad and special valve system. It has been easy to over-inflate by blowing in extra air. However, it held tight for two days with no refilling...sooo maybe it deserves a 5 star here had it not been for my lack of expertise?Size - 5/5I'm 5'10 and 165lbs - I got a smaller width hoping to save on weight, but it is rather small and I'd like a bigger space to toss and turn. Because it compresses so well, I really think this is an easy decision for a wider pad to any potential ... MoreI have reason to trust that Thermarest produces a quality product; and I am still learning how to make best use of this pad to my liking.Weight - 5/5Pretty great pack-ability! Compresses well; lightweightComfort - 4/5Like I said, I am still learning how to best use this inflatable pad and special valve system. It has been easy to over-inflate by blowing in extra air. However, it held tight for two days with no refilling...sooo maybe it deserves a 5 star here had it not been for my lack of expertise?Size - 5/5I'm 5'10 and 165lbs - I got a smaller width hoping to save on weight, but it is rather small and I'd like a bigger space to toss and turn. Because it compresses so well, I really think this is an easy decision for a wider pad to any potential buyers.Material - 4/5I was testing in my backyard - flatter than most mountains - and felt like I was sliding around in my bag. So, I opted to fit the pad inside of my bag. It fit perfect with extra room for the hood and I felt very secure. This may make more sense anyways?Like I said, I'm still learning and trying to find favorable equipment along the way.
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.
I really wanted to like this pad. Now that I tried it out, I feel like it is neither here nor there. It is a little more comfortable than other prolite models. It achieves this, however, by being a hybrid with an ultralight air pad. I do not consider air pads to be reliable enough and frankly a safety issue. Who would go on a thru hike with a rain jacket, sleeping bag, or hiking boots that may only work for the first few days and than fail (like too many air pads do)?
Fresh off a week in Algonquin park, this sleeping pad (Large size) was the perfect length for my 6'5" frame. Width was also perfect. I weigh 250lbs+, and inflation held perfectly. Was able to comfortably sleep on my back and side without touching the ground. Great insulation in temperatures reaching near zero.Self-inflation left something to be desired, but after inflating by breath, the foam did expand. Wish it expanded on its own better, but honestly I am nit-picking. This is a great pad.
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!
Perfect pad for me .. I was looking for max durability and good comfort .. Durability is key because I have 240 lbs and 6'5" and as a landscape photographer I am tempted mostly by raw wilderness far from civilization. I've read multiple reviews down here that pad could turn into the one big bubble, but this phenomenon is mostly caused by inflating the pad with breath that puts a lot of moisture into the foam and cells and they then could disintegrate .. I know this for years so I inflate all self-inflating pads with small device or bag and this never happened to me. My previous TaR self-inflating pad survived 15 years .. I have this pad only two years and was sleeping on that maybe 30-50 times and that it works now doesn't mean that it's not going to break tomorrow, ... MorePerfect pad for me .. I was looking for max durability and good comfort .. Durability is key because I have 240 lbs and 6'5" and as a landscape photographer I am tempted mostly by raw wilderness far from civilization. I've read multiple reviews down here that pad could turn into the one big bubble, but this phenomenon is mostly caused by inflating the pad with breath that puts a lot of moisture into the foam and cells and they then could disintegrate .. I know this for years so I inflate all self-inflating pads with small device or bag and this never happened to me. My previous TaR self-inflating pad survived 15 years .. I have this pad only two years and was sleeping on that maybe 30-50 times and that it works now doesn't mean that it's not going to break tomorrow, but based on my experience I have utmost trust and confidence into this pad. Not the smallest one, not the lightest one but chosen for a big and heavy guy as very comfortable and durable pad that one can rely on ..
| 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 |
