The original Z lite SOL sleeping mat is high on my list of ALL TIME favourite bits of outdoor gear. It’s a very simple, foam mat which offers a decent amount of protection from the ground for little weight, and it’s almost indestructible. Air mats, especially the lightweight ones, are prone to punctures and longer term, will inevitably delaminate through internal condensation, causing slow leaks that cannot be isolated and repaired. Foam mats are not prone to the same failures.
David Lintern Highly Recommends
My original lasted over a decade and still works, although it has lost a little volume – that’s hundreds of nights out.- Durability
- Warmth for weight
- Value for money
- None
| Quick specs | |
|---|---|
| Price: £60 Weight: 390cm (regular) Type: Foam, non-inflating Materials: Polyethylene foam Dimensions: 51cm x 183cm (size Regular) Thickness: 2cm Rating: 2.0 Sizes: Regular, small Women’s version: unisex www.thermarest.com |
The Z lite Sol has a slivered surface, which adds 0.3 to the R value over the original Z lite for no weight penalty. Both Z lites have an eggbox like construction, which gives them more ‘cush’ than a flat surfaced closed cell foam mat. It’s not as thick or comfortable as most air mats, but for summer use, it’s thick enough to use on its own without feeling any cold at night. It concertinas together to form a long ‘brick’, which can be packed on the side or top of a pack. When packed, it is bulky compared to an air mat, but more compact than other CCF mats.
My Z lite SOL comes on every single backpacking trip because it is so practical. It can be deployed rapidly for rest stops and will easily stack with an air mat for colder weather and puncture protection. The foam absorbs very little water – if it gets wet, I just shake it out. I cut mine in half to reduce bulk, because the torso area is where we need most protection. They are especially great for family camps, as kids are tough on kit. My original lasted over a decade and still works, although it has lost a little volume – that’s hundreds of nights out. I can’t think of any other camp item which offers better value for money.
