Therm-a-Rest Ultralite

Pee Wiglet
Reviewed: 09 October 2004

NOT QUITE COMFY ENOUGH

Small and light, it's ideal for backpacking.

For me (a fairly slim woman) it's not thick enough. My hips stick into the ground and I can't sleep comfortably.

For many people these work really well, but it's not thick enough for me to get a proper sleep. I've always found it warm, though: I have the long one so that my feet don't get cold.

Dave Field
Reviewed: 20 July 2004

PERFECT BALANCE BETWEEN WEIGHT, BULK AND COMFORT

Packs small
Light
Comfy
Tough (mine's had lots of use - no punctures)
Comes with a repair kit and warranty
Warm

None.

The ultimate comfort mat for the weight-concious backpacker. I'd always go for the full-length version - the weight and bulk saving isn't worth the cold feet. There're a few of these hanging around as bargains now that Therma have updated the range, so it's worth pounding the pavements and trying EVERY outdoors shop you can find, and be prepared to haggle or be cheeky and make an offer ("Yeah, but it's old stock, mate - I'll give you thirty quid!"). Combine it with a therm-a-rest chair for TRUE outdoors luxury.

Darren Moseley
Reviewed: 05 November 2003

YOU'LL NEVER WANT TO USE A FOAM MAT AGAIN

The full length ultralite gives a warm and comfortable nights sleep. Although many people advocate using the 3/4 length and substituting the shorter length with clothing, I don't usually carry enough clothes to do that. This may be an option if you are 6 feet tall or less, but for anyone over that, I'd suggest the full length version.
The anti-slip treatment keeps all but the very restless sleeper in place and the firmness of the mat can be adjusted by adding a couple of extra breaths of air.
Good company who back up their guarantee if any faults arise.

Although lighter than the standard version, it is considerably heavier than a foam mat. A lighter 3/4 length version is available, or if you're very weight conscious, use a z-rest.
Rolling the mat into it's stuff sack is quite a technique. I start by folding the mat over, squeezing out the air and then closing the valve. Next, I unfold the mat, fold along it's length and start rolling as tight as I can. Let out trapped air towards the end. You may have to repeat the second process, but it should fit into the stuff sack ok, especially if you rotate the mat as you insert it.
Apparently it can puncture easily, but I've used one for 4 years without incident.

Ditch that old foam mat and get a good nights sleep! The penalty of carrying extra weigh is more than offset by getting a proper rest which will send you off with a little extra zip the next day.
The mats are fairly expensive, but pay for themselves very quickly. Use the full length if you are very tall, the 3/4 length to save weight.

Andy McKenzie
Reviewed: 06 May 2003

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT!!

They are comfy and insulate well when they work. Packs down well. Very light.

The sac it comes with....TIGHT! I still haven't got it in yet! I have bought two now and they have both had leaks, therefore not as puncture proof as they say.

They are really comfy, but they are prone to tears etc. which I think is poor considering the rough life they are supposed to lead. But the best their is so far..

chris r
Reviewed: 04 May 2003

A GREAT QUALITY PRODUCT

Very good quality product, light enougth to carry backpacking, gives a great nights sleep

A pain in the backside to roll in to its sack

A good quality product that would last for ages, however its bag lets it down a bit.