Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol.
14 oz, accordion-fold, reflective coating for warmth. The budget UL pad that has been the default foam option for over a decade.
The Verdict.
Gavler Meta-Score
“The original and still-relevant closed-cell foam pad. 14 oz, $45, and impossible to break. Best for warm-weather primary use, winter booster layer, or as the bombproof backup you carry everywhere.”
The Gavler Verdict
Precision Engineering
Sol Reflective Coating
Aluminum layer reflects radiant heat — adds ~0.3 R-value over uncoated foam.
Accordion Fold
Folds flat for external carry, doubles as camp chair.
14 oz / $45
Lightest and most affordable closed-cell foam pad.
Technical Specifications
The Scoreboard
Community consensus pick for foam pads. The Switchback is the comfort upgrade; the Z Lite Sol is the weight-and-value pick.
Cast Your Vote
Do you think Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol deserves the #10 spot in Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads?
Best Price Availability.
Prices checked April 2026
Price History
Lowest price in 30 days30-Day Low
$44.95
30-Day High
$44.95
Current
$44.95
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Global Critique
“The foam pad that defined the category. A decade of trail-tested reliability.”
“The default recommendation on every backpacking forum for a reason.”
“Cut to torso-length, the Z Lite Sol is the lightest credible sleeping pad.”
“The closed-cell foam pad we still rank for budget thru-hikers and as a winter booster layer.”
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