Ever since I started getting in them there hills (about 4 years ago), I've been using a cheapo roll mat. About 4 quid and 250 grams. Light for sure, but but no means luxury. I've been to my favourite shop today, The Kentdale Rambler in Kendal. I felt the weight of a regular new pro-lite thermarest and even had a lie down on it. I have to say I'm very impressed. Very comfy for the thickness. However, having spent £250 on a Hilleberg Akto, and the same on a Rab Quantum Bag for minimum weight and maximum comfort, I still need a little persuading on carrying an extra 250gms on a pro-lite.
Can anyone tell me of a fantastic super comfy, super lightweight mat in existence, or should I just buy this pro-lite thermarest. I must say again, it felt very comfy. Mmmmmmm.

Therma-a-rest Prolite 4 short is the best weight for warmth ratio available, and is what I chose along with a Terran Nova Jupite Bivi bag and Mountain Equipmet Snowline for a lightweight kit.

Hi Bainsy

I have just began testing a Therm-a-Rest Prolite 4 Short for BackpackGearTest.org. Only used it once, but happy with it on that trip.

There are numerous options beside Therm-a-Rest, e.g., the Insul-Mat range.

I suggest you take a look at the test reports and Owner Reviews at BackpackGearTest.org for further comment on a range of mattresses available. You can find them at http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Sleep%20Gear/Pads%20and%20Air%20Mattresses.

Regards
Andrew

I've had an original thermarest for years now and I think it's hard to beat , however , I am considering the new z rest alternative (z-lite) which is 1/3 of the weight of my original which weighs in at 678 g .
My only reason for swapping is based purely on weight saving for backpacking . Any thoughts ???

Rock + Run are knocking out the TAR Guidelite and Standard for £30 and £25 respectivly

I have a 3/4 length lite one from a few years ago and to be honest the comfort by far makes up for the extra weight. I would definetly go for the 3/4 one to save weight. I have noticed that the new ones are seriously light (410g for the 3/4 Prolite 3!)

I may just have to go for the pro lite 3 3/4. How does the 3/4 thing work? Which end does without the mat, and what do you do about it?

I just took delivery of my lovely new Prolite 4 Short today. At 482gm it's nice and light, especially for a 4 season mat. Not only is the new material lighter than old models but it also deflates and rolls away better.

In terms of length it reaches from just below my knee to the top of my shoulders, which is ideal.

The length thing is as Dave says, head to knees. I just put my rucksack under my feet or if i have my down jacket with me i'll use it. And at that weight its not much heavier than your roll mat.

Hi Simon,

I'm curious - what do you do if its been raining?

By that I mean, you cant use your rucksack, waterproofs etc to rest on because they're wet. Obviously if you have your down jacket then your sorted. I assume you just make do with the rest of your kit?

I'm asking because I've got a full length TAR, and have always been a bit sceptical of the short ones.

Si

Si,

Haven't really had a problem there as i usually make do with my fleece or down jacket.

Haven't been out when its been cold enough and wet enough that wasn't able to sort something. I have a foam mat cut into a small piece which does the job and weighs nothing anyway. This also doubles as a seat!

Cheers.

I tend to carry a sitmat around too, so I guess I could use that (unless I let it get soaked too!!)

Si

A sit mat, thats a bloody good idea.

Because I'm 6'3" I have always been put off a 3/4 length mat but the idea of using a cut down foam mat at the feet is simple , obvious and superb , never thought of it !
As to getting either the thermarest or sleeping mat wet I always keep both well wrapped in plastic bags .

I carry my T-A_R, sleeping bag and tent/bivi in Ortleib bags so they don't get wet. I use clothes as a pillow and if necessary put clothes in the ortleib under my legs.

But not any more, I'm going to get me a sit mat :)

Sit mats are great. Make lunch stops SO much more comfortable.

You might want to sort out a tether for it if its windy - nothings funnier than watching someone else chasing after theirs afters its blown away.

Oh, and I always seem to pack my rucksack, get everything sorted out, stand up, put my pack on.... and then see the bloody thing still on the ground. <mutter, grumble, swear>.

Si

Why don't you put it on your head in that case?
Oh, you did, just seen your photo...





<ducks and runs away>

Have you people never seena baseball cap before?

Right! I've had enough! I'm changing my profile pic.

As soon as I can be bothered.

So, thats next year then.

Si

I still use a old Karrimat, and have yet to splash out on one of the foam mattresses. Theough no doubt more bulky to carry, even the plushish is lighter than a thermarest equivalent.
No worries on length either.

as far as i know, the plushiest karrimor roll mats are the same weight if not actually slightly heavier than the new thermarests.

Correct me if i'm wrong