Tried a cheap foam pad vs my old Therm-a-Rest Z Lite for a week in the White Mountains

Honestly, the difference in warmth was huge. The cheap pad from the big box store said it had an R-value of 2, but I was cold every night below 50 degrees. My Z Lite, which is rated at 2.6, actually kept me warm and packed down way smaller. Anyone have a good budget pad that actually works for cooler temps?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_charles3mo ago

Yeah, I learned that lesson the hard way too. Spent a miserable night on a cheap pad that claimed it was warm enough. The real ratings make all the difference.

beth_hart683mo ago

Ugh, totally feel that (and you too, @the_charles)!

calebw502mo agoTop Commenter

Forget the temp rating, check the R-value number on the tag. A 20-degree bag from one brand can feel totally different from another. That rating just means you won't die of hypothermia, not that you'll sleep well. Found out the hard way on a spring trip that left me shivering all night. Now I look for a high R-value first and treat the temp rating as a rough guide.