Therm-a-Rest LE

Comfy! The original Therm-A-Rest was a revolution in comfort compared to the old blue Insulite pads. The LE pad is at least as great a leap in comfort over the original. An LE weighs the same as my orignial pad. I sleep wonderfully when I take the LE, almost as good as at home.

Sleeping comfort is a very individual thing. I have one friend who could sleep on the rocks if it wasn't for the loss of body heat. Personally, I need a pretty thick pad to sleep well. I also have a GuideLite 3/4 which is tolerable comfort wise and weighs almost a pound less. If I'm planning to cover a lot of miles every day, I take the GuideLite. For shorter distances, basecamping, or if I expect to sleep on snow, I take the LE.

Now that I am older I have moved up to one of these from the standard pad. I now sleep much better. Worth the extra weight for the sleeping comfort. When walking I always keep this pad on the inside of my pack up against my back. This while adding comfort eliminates the possibility of exterior scratches or punctures from thorns ect. Infates pretty well on its own with a minor top up which is always a joy at altitude.

I've only been on one trip in the last 4 years without the LE. I won't make that mistake again. The extra sleep more than makes up for the extra weight. (The 3/4 LE weighs 25 oz, 11oz more than a full length RidgeRest.)

I use a 3/4 length LE for all trips and then add a full length ridge rest for some winter trips. The LE insulates extremely well but I like the ridge rest to keep my feet off the snow and to use as an insulator when sitting outside. As with all inflatables, the LE will last a long time if you take care of your gear. If you're not careful with your gear, get a closed cell pad since a thermarest can become a lot of dead weight if it tears.

Great pad. I have the full length one and have used it from backpacking trips to glacier camps. Very comfy. Only one problem with after about 5 years of use it now doesn't fully self-inflate. So, I have to let it sit for a few minutes and then blow air into it manually to get it to fully inflate. Small price to pay after alot of nights outdoors this has made me comfortable.

This year will contain my 52nd summer. The passing years have contained an evolution from sleeping on the ground, to sleeping on Insulite, to the Ultra-lite 3/4 Thermarest, to the full length thicker Thermarest, etc. The LE series of this product line arrived just in time to save my weary bones, bulging discs and inflamed joints. This is a Wonderful Product that I indulge in full-length. While most of its use comes in camping while sea kayaking, those rocky beaches can compete successfully with any rocky campsite that I've ever encountered while mountaineering or backpacking. I've been pleased to test nearly the entire line of Thermarest products, as the years have progressed. I have Never worn a hole in any of them. While I Whole-Heartedly endorse the LE series, I can only Pray that the next addition to the product line will come to my rescue as "Time Takes its Toll" on my skeletal system.

Great pad, if you don't mind the space and weight. We used to use full length LE's when we'd use pulks snowshoeing across lakes. I'd be hesitent to pack it on long trips on a backpack. But it sure is comfy!

This is the sleeping pad I own. It's great. Offers an excellent layer of warmth and comfort. Have always slept well when I use it. Easy to inflate/deflate.