Therm-a-Rest RidgeRest Classic Foam Camping Sleeping Pad

Absolute best backpacking mattress for us *ahem* wider folks.- This is the large version specifically anyway. No putting a hole in this thing or dealing with leaky valves mid trip. Can be used as a shelter during pop up storms and as a float in your favorite back country swimming hole as well.

The media could not be loaded. It is meant for sleeping on the ground while you are camping or hiking, or exploring in the outdoors or in the wilds, but I find that it is good to just put on my small camp cot as a "mattress." I live in a small apartment and I prefer to sleep on a small folding camp cot. This Thermarest mat just fits the cot as perfect as possible.This style of Thermarest is different from another I ordered ( from a different company) which had one side colored green and the other side was silver like aluminum foil supposedly to keep you warmer. This one the "Classic" has both sides colored gray. I like both styles but I have no if one would keep you warmer. I have not tried either for that purpose. I just used them to put on my camp cot. These mats have indentations in them and if you put them on the ground it might not do much to provide padding from the hard ground especially if you are a side sleeper, but again I have not used them for that purpose. The indentations might feel uncomfortable to certain people since the surface of the mat is not completely smooth. But I find that I am able to lie comfortably enough on the mat without putting a sheet or blanket on top of it .I don't know yet about the long term durability. It does seem it would last long if treated properly. If anyone pokes the material with a sharp object, of course it would get damaged.The material reminds me very much of the "Poly pad" that I used to have when I was in the military and which I had to use as an exercise mat. However the Thermarest is significantly better. It is a closed cell type of mat so naturally it is not like an inflatable sleeping mat. I have not gone camping with it , or not yet, but I have heard that it may be better to get a closed-cell camp mat like this Thermarest than an inflatable sleep mat because it is overall more practical. An inflatable can become completely useless once it is punctured. The Thermarest mat may not fold up compactly enough but it is lightweight and if you tie it properly with rope it should not be very hard to take it along with you tied to your rucksack. It also will not self-inflate like certain inflatable mattresses would because the valve just does not prevent accidental self-inflating. So I guess I would prefer the Thermarest foam sleeping pad to an inflatable mattress if I were to go camping but it can depend on anyone's preference or needs.Anyway , I think this mat is good.

I bought this to potentially use in colder weather under my r-value 4 sleeping pad, as I sleep cold and I use a wider pad. However, it's just too big rolled up to attach to my backpack. Seems like a lot of people use this as a stand-along sleeping pad and I can see it absolutely working if one can tolerate a very firm, minimalistic sleeping surface. And it would work if you're car camping, have extra room and like some additional cushioning under another pad. It just doesn't work for my specific needs, but I would recommend the mat nonetheless.

The Therma-a-Rest RidgeRest has been a staple for backpackers and campers for decades. There are no moving parts, no inflation needed. It is very durable, very lightweight, easy to roll up and I just tie it up with a bit of twine or paracord, and usually attach it to the bottom of my backpack. I had one for years and years, and the material never wears out. I happened to lose it eventually, so I replaced it with the exact same model. It provides just enough padding and insulation to make for a more comfortable night's sleep against the little bumps of rocks and twigs and bumpy cool earth under your sleeping bag. Granted it's not rated for sub-zero Mount Everest type of snow camping, but for that type of camping, you know what you need. I've used the self-inflating type of sleeping pads, but they are cumbersome to pack, and I prefer the simplicity of this firm corrugated foam style that I can just roll up, tie up, and which is essentially indestructible, and lower cost than anything else.

I've used Therm-a-Rest RidgeRest pads for camping for almost 30 years now. First as a boy scout, and now that I'm older with my kids. I ordered a new one of these for my youngest now that he's joining us on trips. The new pad is exactly the same as the ~30 year old mat I still have. They hold up well and as long as you don't attempt to tear them should last forever.Are they comfortable though? That's the big question. If you'd asked me when I was 15 I'd have told you the pad is all I need. Approaching 40 though, I'm no longer able to get away with just the pad, there's not enough back support for me. That said, both my kids do just fine with the pad by itself. I use my old pad under a Therm-a-Rest inflatable pad for a little extra insulation and to help prevent punctures. It's perfect for that.A couple of other points about these. Over the years I've used it for more than just camping. This pad is my go to for any activity around the house (plumbing, irrigation work, etc.) that has me spending long periods laying/kneeling. The RidgeRest always makes these activities much more comfortable. Finally, keep the plastic sleeve this ships in. It's great to use to store the pad when not in use.

I bought this for padding my kayak seat, at the recommendation of a friend who uses it. This foam is too hard for my seat, and I couldn't imagine using it as a sleeping pad. It is very lightweight. Maybe manufacturing control varies and the pad I got is firmer than usual. Now I use the piece I cut off for my seat to reshape my kayak's seat back, and it works well for that.