The ProLite plus sleeping mats from Thermarest are some of the lightest self inflating mats around. This Women’s model is shorter and warmer than the standard model, which suits smaller and cooler sleepers. The R-value of this mat is 3.9 with the standard model only coming in at 3.2, which definitely makes a difference in those shoulder season nights where there’s maybe still a bit of frost hanging around.
Kirsty Pallas Recommends
Overall, this is a good model if you’re happy to carry something a bit bigger and are looking for a lower price tag. It’s a great compromise between the full air mats and the only foam mats.- Warmth
- Price
- Packed size
- Thickness
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price: £130 Weight: 695g Type: Self inflating foam Materials: 50D mini hex rip polyester, urethane foam Dimensions: 168cm x 51cm Thickness: 3.8cm Rating: 3.9 R-value Sizes: Regular Men’s version: Yes URL: https://www.thermarest.com/ie |
Self inflating means you can open the valve and leave it while you do other jobs, then top it up with a few blows to get it to the full 3.8cm thickness. The winglock valve is large to maximise airflow, and is also a one way valve for inflating, then a twist of the wings to deflate. The valve is right on the end of the mat, which makes deflating and getting all of the air out an easy task.
It’s slightly mummy shaped, but it doesn’t taper too much on the lower half, so it doesn’t feel like you’re going to slip off it. It gives a comfortable enough night’s sleep, but as a side sleeper, if I’m on a hard surface, I can feel that on my shoulder and hips. It’s much less noticeable on softer ground, or with some additional padding. For back or front sleepers, this wouldn’t be noticeable.
Where self inflating mats struggle to stack up is the pack size due to that layer of foam. This mat has a packed size of 28cmx17cm, which is the largest in this test. But that foam does mean that the mat still provides some insulation if it ends up with a puncture, where just air mats wouldn’t.
Overall, the ProLite Plus is a good model if you’re happy to carry something a bit bigger and are looking for a lower price tag. It’s a great compromise between the full air mats and the only foam mats, both in packed size and comfort.
