I purchased the Thermarest Prolite regular size after testing a few brands and styles in-store with a quick "lay-down" test on the cement floors. I ended up purchasing this product because it had everything I was looking for at a great price. It is lightweight, weighing in at 16 oz for the regular size, self-inflating with a nozzle for easy manual inflation for additional cushion, comfortable with a foam liner for added softness, compact and packable, and a good R-value of 2.4 so all my heat is not lost to the cold ground beneath me. I have used this pad both for car-camping and backpacking trips, and purchased this product with the primary intention of backpacking. I live in Colorado, so all of my backpacking trips have been high alpine with at least a thousand ... MoreI purchased the Thermarest Prolite regular size after testing a few brands and styles in-store with a quick "lay-down" test on the cement floors. I ended up purchasing this product because it had everything I was looking for at a great price. It is lightweight, weighing in at 16 oz for the regular size, self-inflating with a nozzle for easy manual inflation for additional cushion, comfortable with a foam liner for added softness, compact and packable, and a good R-value of 2.4 so all my heat is not lost to the cold ground beneath me. I have used this pad both for car-camping and backpacking trips, and purchased this product with the primary intention of backpacking. I live in Colorado, so all of my backpacking trips have been high alpine with at least a thousand feet elevation gain and cool evening temperatures at my camp sites. I can't recommend this product enough! After sleeping on this pad at least 12 times this year, I am certain that the mattress industry is scamming us all because I have found comfort and warmth in a mere 1 inch thick pad!

A classic that still has a place

This is an evolution of an old design that was actually revolutionary in the 1970's when Thermarest first released self-inflating pads. Before that it was closed cell foam, and before that beds of leaves and/or animal skins.In terms of weight/pack size/comfort the new inflatable pads (e.g. NeoAir) are superior. Here are some reasons you might still want to consider a good old self-inflatable Prolite:1) budget - about half the cost2) self-inflatable - OK so most of the time this isn't a big deal but if you're completely roasted climbing at altitude you just want to collapse in your tent and the last thing you want to do is blow several big breaths into a NeoAir. The Prolites just need a little bit of air to top them off.3) durability/reliability - this is the ... MoreThis is an evolution of an old design that was actually revolutionary in the 1970's when Thermarest first released self-inflating pads. Before that it was closed cell foam, and before that beds of leaves and/or animal skins.In terms of weight/pack size/comfort the new inflatable pads (e.g. NeoAir) are superior. Here are some reasons you might still want to consider a good old self-inflatable Prolite:1) budget - about half the cost2) self-inflatable - OK so most of the time this isn't a big deal but if you're completely roasted climbing at altitude you just want to collapse in your tent and the last thing you want to do is blow several big breaths into a NeoAir. The Prolites just need a little bit of air to top them off.3) durability/reliability - this is the principal advantage in my opinion and why I own and continue to use a Prolite even though I also have an XLite and XTherm. The fabric is more durable than the NeoAirs which seem like pool toys by comparison, punctures are easier to patch successfully in the field if they do happen (flat surface vs baffles), and even if you can't repair it the open cell foam inside the Prolite will still provide some minimal insulation (unlike an inflatable mattress).While this 1in pad won't provide the cushion that a 2.5in NeoAir will, it's still way, WAY more comfy than a closed cell foam pad. It's a good middle ground of comfort and durability.For casual backpacking or base camping I like the light weight/packability and comfort of the NeoAirs. But for longer, more committing trips or climbing I tend to place more value on reliability. In my opinion carrying a closed cell foam mat + a torso length Prolite for comfort is an optimal system: pretty comfy, pretty warm, durable/reliable, still reasonably light. A bit of extra weight and bulk is an acceptable compromise in some situations.FYI you can shorten these and reseal them with a household iron like the NeoAirs (ie if you want a 25in wide pad but torso length, which Thermarest doesn't offer). It's just more of a pain because you have to painstakingly clean off the foam/glue from the edges before sealing. Obviously you could mess it up and end up with an expensive paperweight that doesn't hold air; neither Thermarest nor Moosejaw recommend modifying your pad this way. Video tutorials are available on YouTube for the bold.

Durable, Stable, Warm, better than neoair for me

I have extensive experience using this pad and have a lot of positive things to say about it. I have thru-hiked the Ozark Highlands Trail with it and have done a multitude of other big hikes using it over the past 2 years. I chose this pad because after trying out inflatable pads (ie: mostly the neoair xlite), I preferred the stability of self inflating pads. In other words, I like their firmness and being low to the ground. I chose the prolite in short length to save weight. I was concerned that being a 1" pad would be too thin for side sleeping but i was wrong. I sleep soundly on this pad almost every night and am always happy to lay down on it at the end of a long day of hiking. I dont mind the feel of the material on my skin like I do with the more plasticy ... MoreI have extensive experience using this pad and have a lot of positive things to say about it. I have thru-hiked the Ozark Highlands Trail with it and have done a multitude of other big hikes using it over the past 2 years. I chose this pad because after trying out inflatable pads (ie: mostly the neoair xlite), I preferred the stability of self inflating pads. In other words, I like their firmness and being low to the ground. I chose the prolite in short length to save weight. I was concerned that being a 1" pad would be too thin for side sleeping but i was wrong. I sleep soundly on this pad almost every night and am always happy to lay down on it at the end of a long day of hiking. I dont mind the feel of the material on my skin like I do with the more plasticy inflatables. My pit bull loves to stomp on it and curl up with me and his big claws dont seem to even leave a mark. This thing feels indestructible. At only 11oz, and a great packable size, the short length is a winner for me.

Good Pad, But Possible Questionable Durability

I like this pad, but do not rely on it for anything serious or lasting over a few nights. I used a 2019 ProLite maybe four times before it developed a hole. I know they aren't bullet-proof, but I keep my tent clean and I'm very careful with my sleeping pads because they are expensive, not easy to clean once soiled, and I know they can get punctured. It was not dropped, dragged, or placed on bare ground. It was not stored on the outside of my backpack. Very surprising.Added to this disappointment is the fact that I've used Thermarest products for over two decades and own five different pads. I've used them on trips ranging from a simple overnight to month long excursions. They have never failed me until a ProLite from 2019, which I mentioned failed after only four ... MoreI like this pad, but do not rely on it for anything serious or lasting over a few nights. I used a 2019 ProLite maybe four times before it developed a hole. I know they aren't bullet-proof, but I keep my tent clean and I'm very careful with my sleeping pads because they are expensive, not easy to clean once soiled, and I know they can get punctured. It was not dropped, dragged, or placed on bare ground. It was not stored on the outside of my backpack. Very surprising.Added to this disappointment is the fact that I've used Thermarest products for over two decades and own five different pads. I've used them on trips ranging from a simple overnight to month long excursions. They have never failed me until a ProLite from 2019, which I mentioned failed after only four uses. Thermarest charged me to ship to them, and charged me to patch it. Maybe it's just a one off, but a $100 pad failing me after four careful uses in mild conditions doesn't inspire confidence, especially when Thermarest would not cover the damage.

Great Compromise for comfort, weight & durability

I have both the regular and the short version of this pad. At 1" thick when inflated, there's enough pad there for a comfortable sleep. Best if you prefer a firm mattress though. It inflates easily (open the valve and unroll after setting up the tent and then when headed to bed, only a handfull of puffs are needed). The short version is 5 years old, the regular is 4. I've had no punctures or leaks in either one and have used each an average of 30 nights. The regular length is better for cold temps - 20 degrees in the Winds was comfortable. The short version is good for summer however in cooler temps (40 and below), my feet and lower legs would get chilled - the regular length solves that problem and is a good example of the benefit the insulation value of this ... MoreI have both the regular and the short version of this pad. At 1" thick when inflated, there's enough pad there for a comfortable sleep. Best if you prefer a firm mattress though. It inflates easily (open the valve and unroll after setting up the tent and then when headed to bed, only a handfull of puffs are needed). The short version is 5 years old, the regular is 4. I've had no punctures or leaks in either one and have used each an average of 30 nights. The regular length is better for cold temps - 20 degrees in the Winds was comfortable. The short version is good for summer however in cooler temps (40 and below), my feet and lower legs would get chilled - the regular length solves that problem and is a good example of the benefit the insulation value of this provides. Also, this pad is quiet. I've slept next to people with the fancy ultra-light full inflatables and the crinkle is 'loud'. These pads are a couple ounces heavier than the full inflatables but overall, I get a good nights sleep, the insulation is sufficient, the weight and size are OK, and the price is reasonable. Everytime I think about buying a full inflatable, I read the reviews on the number of people with air leaks, then look at the price and remember the 'crinkle noise', and its an easy decision to stick with these. I've also slept on the ProLite Plus my daughter has - the extra 1/2" is nice but if you're cutting ounces, the regular ProLite is sufficient.

Happy after nearly 3 years of use

I’ve used my Pro Lite since Oct 2019 and am very happy with the purchase. I use it primarily for car camping but will carry it with me for an upcoming wilderness hike.It is reasonably small and lightweight and provides a decent amount of cushioning and warmth. I don’t know that it would be sufficient for serious winter camping but it works great for 3 seasons. I have the regular size and it is a bit thin width-wise but it works just fine for me and I appreciate the lighter weight due to the thin, mummy bag design.Another big plus is the storage bag, it is wide enough to be able to easily fit the pad back into the bag. It always annoys me when you have to struggle to fit a piece of kit into a bag that is far too tight and was probably packaged that way to make it ... MoreI’ve used my Pro Lite since Oct 2019 and am very happy with the purchase. I use it primarily for car camping but will carry it with me for an upcoming wilderness hike.It is reasonably small and lightweight and provides a decent amount of cushioning and warmth. I don’t know that it would be sufficient for serious winter camping but it works great for 3 seasons. I have the regular size and it is a bit thin width-wise but it works just fine for me and I appreciate the lighter weight due to the thin, mummy bag design.Another big plus is the storage bag, it is wide enough to be able to easily fit the pad back into the bag. It always annoys me when you have to struggle to fit a piece of kit into a bag that is far too tight and was probably packaged that way to make it look thinner and more lightweight.

Leaks Despite Repairs

This is the third inflatable Therm-a-rest sleeping pad I've owned. I've had this one now for about a year and unfortunately have had a few small holes in it through my use. Unfortunately even with a big smear of seam grip and some tenacious tape patched over the little pin-sized holes I've managed to get, I am still experiencing leaking. Perhaps there is some micro puncture I can't see, despite many attempts to find any more leakage. I'll have to submerge this in some water and see if I can see any bubbles coming out to patch it further. This being said, it's not fun chasing around leaks, and after the third night this summer waking up to a deflated pad, I'm not sure I'm crazy about the inflatable pads anymore. I'm actually reverting back to foam just simply because ... MoreThis is the third inflatable Therm-a-rest sleeping pad I've owned. I've had this one now for about a year and unfortunately have had a few small holes in it through my use. Unfortunately even with a big smear of seam grip and some tenacious tape patched over the little pin-sized holes I've managed to get, I am still experiencing leaking. Perhaps there is some micro puncture I can't see, despite many attempts to find any more leakage. I'll have to submerge this in some water and see if I can see any bubbles coming out to patch it further. This being said, it's not fun chasing around leaks, and after the third night this summer waking up to a deflated pad, I'm not sure I'm crazy about the inflatable pads anymore. I'm actually reverting back to foam just simply because of durability and looking at the Therm-a-rest Z-lite sol to go more for an ultralight technique, and use the pad to help frame out my pack. I understand the appeal of these inflatables -- better R factor and more cushion -- but be warned that a few holes might send you into a spiral of leak-chasing, and it may or may not end successfully. I've patched numerous things in my day and can't for the life of my understand why I keep getting leaks in this product. Unfortunately the time has passed for the 1 year REI warranty so I'm stuck with this pad now, and does not hold up to my needs.

Perfect combination of size, weight and warmth.

I have been using thermarest pads for over 30 years now and have owned over a dozen in that time from the 3/4 pads for hiking to the luxury pads for tent camping and they have never let me down. They have always been the go to pad here in the PNW and are ubiquitous both on the trails and in camp sites. I've never had one fail that wasn't directly my fault from puncture and the occasional rogue ember. I still own a few that I've had for over 20 years that still work great. I recently started doing more hammock camping and found my trusty old rectangular pads to be a little bulky for the hammock, so I started looking around for something else. I haven't had to buy a new pad for so long that I didn't even know they made tapered pads, so as soon as I saw that Cascade ... MoreI have been using thermarest pads for over 30 years now and have owned over a dozen in that time from the 3/4 pads for hiking to the luxury pads for tent camping and they have never let me down. They have always been the go to pad here in the PNW and are ubiquitous both on the trails and in camp sites. I've never had one fail that wasn't directly my fault from puncture and the occasional rogue ember. I still own a few that I've had for over 20 years that still work great. I recently started doing more hammock camping and found my trusty old rectangular pads to be a little bulky for the hammock, so I started looking around for something else. I haven't had to buy a new pad for so long that I didn't even know they made tapered pads, so as soon as I saw that Cascade Designs was now making tapered pads I didn't hesitate to pull the trigger on it. I picked up a prolite at REI and it has fit my needs perfectly. It fits great in my hammock giving me padding right where I need it without any unnecessary bulk, my old rectangular pads were too bulky at the footbox and the squared corners tend to fold up and be in my way, especially up by my face, not a problem with the contoured prolite. Staying warm in a hammock where I camp in the Olympic mountains of Washington state can be a challenge even in summer but the prolite keeps me nice and warm and gives just the right amount of support to reduce pressure points. I really can't make any comparisons to other pads as the thermarest pads have always just worked for me so I've not felt a need to try anything else. I also don't hammock camp in the winter so if you're a masochist you would probably need an under hammock quilt to go along with it for winter camping if your climate is anything like the PNW winters in the mountains. Overall an excellent pad that I'm sure I'll get many years of use out of if I don't get careless packing it with my gear.

The new two-way valve is disappointing

I am a side sleeper and find this pad comfortable on the ground and ok in shelters (hard floor) if it is fully inflated. However, I find it harder to add air to this pad with the new valve than with the old one, and sometimes could not do it at all. The only reason I replaced the old pad is that it developed a tiny leak which deflates the pad only partly overnight and which I have not been able to find even by submerging the pad in water. O/w I would have stayed with my old ProLite pad with its standard valve.

These are very good pads for the price

MS has requested reviews a couple of times, but there's no indication of which item that I ordered that the review is for, and no response to my query... so I might wonder about customer support there. But anyway, the 2 items are similar enough. I got a ProLite regular and a ProLite Plus large, both irregular but no visible issues. Both needed some time to decompress fully as they were shipped, and stored for some time, under compression in the sack. The sacks are just big enough not to be a huge hassle and have 2 compression straps that I don't see as helpful at all given that you want to close the valves fully and leave them closed as you put them in the sack, so the sacks will go into my vast collection of semi-useful stuff sacks that came with gear from various ... MoreMS has requested reviews a couple of times, but there's no indication of which item that I ordered that the review is for, and no response to my query... so I might wonder about customer support there. But anyway, the 2 items are similar enough. I got a ProLite regular and a ProLite Plus large, both irregular but no visible issues. Both needed some time to decompress fully as they were shipped, and stored for some time, under compression in the sack. The sacks are just big enough not to be a huge hassle and have 2 compression straps that I don't see as helpful at all given that you want to close the valves fully and leave them closed as you put them in the sack, so the sacks will go into my vast collection of semi-useful stuff sacks that came with gear from various mfrs. It seems like you can only inflate these to a point and then your breath will blow past the gasket due to the pressure in the pad pushing against you. The 1" ProLite is quite surprisingly comfortable on relatively untrodden ground with a layer of duff, I wouldn't care to use it on top of bigger roots, rocks, or impacted bare earth. Fairly warm but don't expect these to work with a 30 degree rated bag at an actual 30 degrees, you might blame the bag when it's the pad's performance that's the issue. As good as the ProLite is on a decent site, the large ProLite plus may actually feel somewhat luxurious, at a weight and volume penalty. But we know what we're getting into with those issues and we won't be complaining in the reviews about that stuff, but I recommend double-checking the specs at the mfr's website as I believe I caught an error on one of these pads at MS.C. These seem plenty sturdy. The new valve is easy to use but if this is your first encounter read the supplied instructions or check TR's site, as these are multi-purpose with unique features and it's possible to do it wrong. There's 2 sections that you turn CW or CCW or one CW and the other CCW, depending on what you wish to accomplish.