Therm-a-Rest RidgeRest

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Therm-a-Rest RidgeRest Review Facts

The Therm-a-Rest RidgeRest Classic Foam Camping Sleeping Pad is comfortable and well-insulated with valleys that trap heat and supportive peaks in the design of the padding. More comfortable to use than those pads with closed cells, it is easier to use than inflatables. The tough polyethylene material is cross-linked to be durable and protective to the user against uneven, sharp surfaces and rocks. Made in the US, this long-lasting classic mattress for camping is great for backpacking too as it will strap onto the outside or fit inside the pack. Don’t worry about the RidgeRest getting wet as it is waterproof and will not absorb water. You just simply shake it dry before using.

The Therm-a-Rest RidgeRest is also so lightweight at only 14 ounces that you will hardly feel it on the pack. Ideal for both men and women, this sleeping pad also has insulating properties to help you retain body heat. the R-value is 2.6, making it perfect for sleeping outdoors in fall, summer, and spring without added insulation. With a good rating from buyers, the Therm-a-Rest is an excellent product worthy of your buying consideration.

Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Comfortable, lightweight, and well-insulated
  • More comfortable than pads with closed cells
  • Protects from uneven, sharp surfaces and rocks
  • Durable, waterproof, and convenient to use
  • Good for both men and women
  • Good for the fall, summer, and spring outdoors
  • Will strap onto or fit in a backpack
  • Easier to use than inflatables
Cons
  • Too thin and firm; too bulky for a backpack; not wide enough
  • Some buyers claim that pebbles, rocks, and sticks can be felt
  • Ridges in the pad were uncomfortable for a few

Key Features

-Valleys trap heat for insulation
-Supportive are the peaks in the pad
-Almost indestructible material is cross-linked
-Can get wet and be put on the outside of the pack
-Made of Cross Link Polyethylene
-Regular and large size
-R-value is 2.6; weight is 14 ounces

Comfort

The main focus of a sleeping pad is the comfort level. After all, it is the comfort of sleeping on the ground that you are wanting to purchase this item for anyway. So, it should provide you with a certain level of comfort to warrant buying it. The reviews are somewhat mixed for this aspect of the RidgeRest Classic Foam Pad because some buyers unfairly compare it to an inflatable pad. It should be understood that you are not going to be as comfortable with this sleeping pad as you would something with air in it or your thick, soft mattress at home.

Sleeping on the ground with an easy to use, durable, and the economical pad is just not going to measure up to those choices no matter how great it is. However, plenty of people that realized they were grateful to have the Therm-a-Rest Foam Pad. It is comfortable and well-insulated with valleys that trap heat and supportive peaks in the design of the padding. Those with back issues think it is a great item and comfortable, but older folks may need more cushioning to sleep on these on the ground.

Younger people will do just fine with it alone. Kids love the simplicity of this product and the comfort. It is more comfortable than pads with closed cells, but firmer than an inflatable pad.

Durability

You may not believe this until you own one of these incredible camping pads, but if this item is well taken care of, it can last for more than thirty years. Yes, thirty! There are people that are buying them for other family members now that have had their own for that many years and are still using them. It will last for decades of comfortable camping and sleeping on the ground if you care for it.

The almost indestructible polyethylene material is cross-linked for durability and to protect the user from uneven sharp sleeping surfaces and rocks. You can place a liner or layer of plastic underneath the pad to help it stay in the best of shape. It will protect you from the things that would poke you in the night, so you would do well to help it too.

Ground Feel

As this pad is to be used on the ground or surface area where the user is to sleep, we wanted to share with you some of the negative comments and complaints that customers had concerning the ground feel when they tried to use this item for sleeping. Some people used the Therm-a-Rest for concrete flooring indoors, which did not go well for them, as they were very uncomfortable all night long. They complained that it was too thin and firm.

A few buyers said that pebbles, rocks, and sticks can be felt from underneath. Even the ridges in the pad were uncomfortable for several people, while others felt that the pad was not wide enough. If you want more comfortable accommodations than a sleeping pad can offer, then you will have to purchase something thicker or an option with air.

If the item is thicker, it will be much harder to roll up or compact for portability. If it has air in it, even self-inflating, you are in for some extra work to inflate and deflate, plus patching when the product springs a leak. For the most economical, durable, and easy to handle choice for sleeping comfort, the RidgeRest is an excellent solution for good ground feel.

Stability

Backpackers will love the fact that this camping pad can get wet in the rain and not damaged or wet when they want to use it. You just shake it dry when needed, so it can be put on the outside of the pack. Durable and convenient to use, the RidgeRest can stay clean by putting a tarp for sleeping bags underneath.

The Therm-a-Rest name on this sleeping pad ensured loyal customers of the high-quality of this product and their satisfaction with it. We saw that some even blindly bought the pad just because it has this manufacturer’s name on it. They love the products and knew it would be great too.

We also ran into several people who thought that it is wrong for others to complain about the comfort of this foam pad and compare it to inflatable pads. We agree. It is like the old saying of comparing apples to oranges.

Style

Made of Cross Link Polyethylene, this basic foam closed-cell pad for sleeping is economical, durable, and lightweight for backpacking and camping. Generations of outdoor enthusiasts trust the classic pad that is used for sleeping on the ground. It provides a good comfort level for basic camping to allow the person a lightweight pack that is trouble-free and sturdy.

Made in the USA, the Therm-a-Rest gives a level of comfort for backpacking that is basic for both men and women. Children love this pad too, so it is ideal for girl scouts, boy scouts, and family camping trips.

Size

The RidgeRest Classic Foam Pad is sold in a regular and large size with the large one being just five inches wider than the regular. The dimensions for the regular one are 72 x 20 x 0.5 inches. So, it is 0.63 inches thick with a packed size of 8 x 20 inches and a weight of only 14 ounces. As you will see in the next section, we found several complaints that this item is too bulky for a backpack.

The bulk is from the ridges that give you the added support that a flat pad would not have. a flat pad would please no one, but one with ridges for cushioning will, except those that want a thin flat pad to carry.

Support

Part of the benefits of this wonderful foam camping pad is that it will help you retain your own body heat. The R-value is 2.6, which is the product’s insulation ability stated in numerical form. This is a good rating for such an item as it will keep you warm and supportive all night. Some customers said that you can feel the insulating properties of this item when using it. it should provide you with a good sleep in most type of outdoor environments. Here we will mention again the naysayers that think this pad is too bulky for the backpack since it takes up too much space when rolled up. Again, this is a matter of choice and how much work you want to do when trying to get by with as little as possible.

We came across a good suggestion to keep the plastic sleeve that the product comes in for a wonderful storage bag when you are not camping or backpacking. Velcro straps can be used to hold it in a rolled-up form when it is completely dry.

Use

Created to be used for camping and backpacking purposes, many people have found other instances in their daily lives that this RidgeRest Sleeping Pad could help them with. Use it around the home for kneeling and being on the back for home repairs to be more comfortable. Electricians and plumbers are using this terrific item for their work, as they often must lie down or kneel for long periods of time on the job. It is ideal as a device for floating in the water by rolling it up and tying it securely.

Shake off the water when you are done. When used for camping purposes, it is fabulous outdoors for fall, summer, and spring. For snow camping and winter conditions, use it with another sleeping pad for insulation protection.

Ease of Use

You will be hard pressed to find an easier sleeping accommodation that will give you some cushioning, insulation, and protection from the ground when sleeping outdoors. Yes, there are plenty of options that are more expensive and more comfortable, but this sleeping pad is for those that want an economical choice that is quick and easy to use. It is lightweight and compact enough to be toted anywhere when rolled up and will strap onto or fit in a backpack, as a matter of fact, the RidgeRest is so lightweight that you will not feel it on the backpack as you travel.

It is bulky when rolled because it is closed cell in form. This is what prevents it from absorbing rainwater or any moisture along the way. put your tent poles in the middle of the roll to save on space. It is certainly less time consuming and much easier to use than inflatable pads, but if you want to be extra comfortable, try putting this under a Therm-a-Rest inflatable pad for luxurious outdoor sleeping.

Bottom Line

The Therm-a-Rest RidgeRest Sleeping Pad would most likely have a much higher rating if it were not for the negative comments concerning the comfort level of the product. The dimensions and thickness of the pad are given in the product description by the manufacturer, so there is no deception or misleading data given. Buyers that have examined this information should not be surprised about the thickness or level of comfort that such a sleeping pad could provide.

There are many remarks about it being too thin, too bulky, and too narrow. The ridges were a problem for some, while others said they could feel the rocks and sticks they were sleeping on through the pad. Sleeping pads are not for everyone, just like the more cushioned inflatable pads are too cumbersome and hard to deal with for others. It comes down to basics as to which sleeping item is best for you. If you want a basic pad to get you off the damp, wet ground that is durable, long-lasting, economical, easy to use, insulating, and cushioned, then go for this RidgeRest product.

If you want something that has a good deal of cushion, needs to be inflated, is prone to punctures (and patching), is not durable, and takes some work to lay out and fold up, then one of the inflatable items is your best choice. We think for the cost, the Therm-a-Rest Sleeping Pad is terrific and highly recommendable.