Therm a Rest Ridge Rest

 

Page Type Gear Review
Object Title Therm a Rest Ridge Rest
Manufacturer Cascade Designs
Page By Rahel Maria Liu
Page Type Aug 14, 2002 / Aug 14, 2002
Object ID 452
Hits 10016
Vote
Named for its pattern of ridges and valleys, Ridge Rest has been recognized by Backpacker Magazine as one of the best designs in backpacking equipment. Heat molded from laminated EVA closed-cell foam, it is warmer, softer, and more comfortable than any conventional flat foam pad. Economical and worry-free, the Ridge Rest pad is perfect for beginning backpackers and high-altitude mountaineers alike. The standard Ridge Rest is available in full-length and 3/4 sizes as well as a new 25-inch-wide (63 cm) model. The Ridge Rest Deluxe pad, made with a thicker foam laminate, is even warmer and cushier and comes in full-length size only.



Variations:



Ridge Rest® Deluxe: $35.00*

Weight: 18oz/520g

Size: 20x72x.75in/51x183x2cm

Packed Size: 8.5x20in/22x51cm

Color: black/green

R-Value: 3.1



Ridge Rest® 25: $35.00*

Weight: 19oz/540g

Size: 25x77x5/.625in/63x196x1.5cm

Packed Size: 8x25in/20x63cm

Color: black/silver

R-Value: 2.6



Ridge Rest®: $23.00*

Weight: 14oz/400g

Size: 20x72x5/8in/51x183x1.5cm

Packed Size: 7.5x20in/19x51cm

Color: black/silver

R-Value: 2.6



Ridge Rest® 3/4: $18.00*

Weight: 9oz/260g

Size: 20x48x5/8in/51x119x1.5cm

Packed Size: 6.5x20in/16x51cm

Color: black/silver

R-Value: 2.6



(Description copied from Cascade Designs)

Reviews


Viewing: 1-4 of 4

Rahel Maria Liu - Aug 14, 2002 2:44 pm - Voted 5/5

Untitled Review
This is an optimal sleeping pad for mountaineering. I used it during a bivouac on Col de la Brenva (4303 m/14'117feet) on a glacier. It was very warm, that means the insulation was optimal. During night it was a little bit below 0°C/32 F, I guess. I have not tested it in winter yet. But I would prefer to use this instead of my self inflating Therm a Rests. The sleeping pad is robust. I put, for example, my Koflach plastic boots as pillow below the pad. And in any case, I did not use it carefully as I did it in the past with my Therm a Rests standard/ultralight. I was lying very comfortably on it. The weight is also optimal. It's lighter than the self inflating Therm a Rests and much more robust than those. (I destroyed my self-inflating Therm A Rests very quickly ...) The price is also very good.
So in summary: I can really recommend this sleeping pad and prefer it instead of the self inflating Therm A Rest Ultra light because of the very good insulation, because of better sleeping comfort, because of less weight, because it's more robust, because it does not take any place away in my backpack (since I carry it on it's top), and because of the better price (if I destroy it one day in the future ...).

marcminish - Aug 30, 2002 1:45 pm - Voted 3/5

Untitled Review
Super lightweight. This is as basic no frills as it gets, but still very effective. If you are going to be in super cold weather, you'll need two of them. It is virtually indestructable and can be repaired with just a little duct tape. If you are near a creek or lake, it can double as a floatie.

This is the best bang for your buck although not as comfortable as a self inflating pad. It's also what you need for treks when pack weight is at a premium.

pjc30943 - Aug 2, 2004 1:56 pm - Voted 4/5

Untitled Review
This review is for the short Ridge Rest.



This pad's strength is its lightweight nature. I've slept on snow with it before, however it is not designed for 4-season use. For all other conditions, it seems to be reasonably comfortable considering its micro 9oz weight.



It is not as comfortable as an inflatable, and if you have the money for a Thermarest Prolite 3 or 4, for example, that's a much better option in my opinion. However, if not, then $15 for such a lightweight pad is a pretty good deal.

Since this is completely non-compressable, it takes up quite a bit of volume. But because of its low weight it can be strapped anywhere, effectively making this volume not an issue.



I have not been cold on this pad yet, if I add clothes or a pack under the lower legs where the pad does not reach.

Dottie Little Tent - Mar 3, 2007 11:04 pm - Voted 5/5

Good all around
No frills, but super light and durable. Comes so long most folks can double it up for upper body and leave your knees on your pack or something. Best feature= insulating quality. I've bivyed many times on snow with it and as long as you don't roll off you will be warm.

Viewing: 1-4 of 4


Gear Review
Contribute
Parents