Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL review

The Z Lite SOL is the cheapest way onto this list at $49.95 and the only pad here that cannot leak. It is a folding closed-cell foam pad with heat-trapping dimples and a reflective ThermaCapture coating that Therm-a-Rest says adds about 15% warmth, for a total R-value of 2.0. The foam is softer on top and denser below for durability. On its own, 2.0 R suits warm-weather camping only, but its best use for cold trips is as a second layer: Therm-a-Rest notes it adds 2.0 R and puncture protection under another pad, so a Z Lite SOL under a 4.2 R Klymit lands near 6 R combined. Expect a firm surface, and the folded pad is bulky enough that most hikers strap it outside the pack. It ranks seventh because warmth and comfort lag every inflatable pad here. We compared documented features and published prices and did not test the pad.

Who it is for

budget campers and anyone adding a puncture-proof layer under an air pad

Price

$49.95 on Therm-a-Rest's US store as of November 2026.

Z Lite™ SOL Sleeping Pad Regular price $49.95
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 13, 2026.

Key features

• R-value of 2.0
• ThermaCapture surface adds about 15% warmth
• Folding closed-cell foam, nothing to inflate
• Softer foam on top, denser foam on the bottom
• Small and Regular sizes

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Cheapest pad on the list at $49.95
• Strength: Cannot puncture or deflate
• Strength: Adds 2.0 R when layered under another pad
• Weakness: 2.0 R is too low on its own for cold ground
• Weakness: Thin foam is firmer than any air or self-inflating pad here
• Weakness: Folded pad is bulky and usually rides outside the pack

Key facts

• Price: $49.95
• R-value: 2.0
• Type: Closed-cell foam
• Sizes: Small, Regular
• Inflation: None needed

Where it ranks

Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL is No. 7 in our Best Sleeping Pads verdict.