A Sleeping Mat That Cannot Puncture or Deflate
Inflatable mats are comfortable, but a puncture can end a night's sleep. The Z Lite SOL is made from crosslinked polyethylene foam with a molded closed-cell structure, which Therm-a-Rest describes as virtually indestructible. There is no pump, no valve and no setup: unfold it and lie down. When you break camp, it folds back into a flat stack that packs alongside your dry bags and other trip kit.
How Warm Is the Z Lite SOL?
The Z Lite SOL has an R-Value of 2.0. Therm-a-Rest describes that as right for use on its own in warmer weather, or layered under another pad for extra warmth in the cold, so it is not a standalone winter mat. The SOL in the name is the ThermaCapture surface: a heat-reflective coating that Therm-a-Rest says adds nearly 15% more warmth, and which should face up towards you.
Layering It Under an Inflatable Mat
Therm-a-Rest designed the Z Lite SOL to double up as a base layer. Placed under another pad, it adds its own R-Value of 2.0 and, per Therm-a-Rest, protection from punctures. If you want a self-inflating option to pair it with, the Trail Pro Sleeping Pad is the other mat in our Therm-a-Rest range. The foam also works as a sitting pad around camp.
Size, Weight and Construction
The Regular length listed here measures 183 x 51 x 2 cm, weighs 410 g and folds down to 51 x 13 x 14 cm. It is crosslinked polyethylene foam, 2 cm thick, with a softer top layer for comfort and a denser base for durability.
Who It Suits, and Who Should Think Twice
It suits canoe and kayak campers who want a mat that survives rough landings, backpackers comparing foam pads with a stated R-Value, and anyone who wants a puncture-proof backup or a warmer base under an inflatable. It is a 2 cm foam mat, so side sleepers who want a plush feel may prefer a thicker inflatable. At 183 cm it may be short for taller sleepers, and on its own it is not intended for winter camping.
Ordering
Check our delivery information and returns pages for how ordering works, or contact the team if you would like help matching a mat to your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the R-Value of the Z Lite SOL, and is it warm enough for camping?
The Z Lite SOL has an R-Value of 2.0. Therm-a-Rest describes that as right on its own in warmer weather, or layered under another pad for extra warmth in the cold, so it is not a standalone winter mat.
Which way up do you use a Z Lite SOL?
Use it with the reflective ThermaCapture side facing up, towards you. The coating reflects radiant heat back to your body.
Can I put a Z Lite SOL under an inflatable sleeping mat?
Yes, Therm-a-Rest designed it to be layered under another pad. It adds its own R-Value of 2.0 and, per Therm-a-Rest, protection from punctures.
How big is the Z Lite SOL, and how small does it fold?
The Regular length listed here is 183 x 51 x 2 cm and weighs 410 g. It folds into a stack measuring 51 x 13 x 14 cm.
What is the difference between the Z Lite SOL and the original Z Lite?
The SOL adds the ThermaCapture reflective surface to the original fold-flat foam design. Therm-a-Rest says this adds nearly 15% more warmth.
Is a foam mat or an inflatable better for canoe camping?
It depends on what you value most. A closed-cell foam mat such as the Z Lite SOL cannot puncture and needs no inflating, but it is firmer and bulkier than an inflatable, which usually trades toughness for comfort and packed size.
Specifications
| Colour | Blue |