Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus Sleeping Pad

We’ve read the reviews across the web for the Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus Sleeping Pad and summarize the results below:

Universal Ranking

PeakScore: 89 (out of 100)
User Rating: 4.5 stars 
Expert Rating: 4.4 stars

Number of Ratings Reviewed: 298

Pros & Cons

Reasons to buy:

User Reviews

  • Very comfortable, particularly for most side-sleepers.
  • Insulates well from the ground, even on cold days.
  • Not noisy to sleep on.
  • Most comfortable after being stored inflated.

Expert Reviews

  • All-purpose.
  • Diagonal-cut foam inner maximizes warmth.
  • Contoured shape allows for plenty of sleeping room but limits excess weight.
  • The surface is non-sliding.
  • More comfortable than comparable sleeping pads.
  • Made of durable materials, although it still requires some caution around rocks and other sharps.
  • The flat surface is comfortable to sleep on.

Reasons NOT to buy:

User Reviews

  • More effort required to pack up this pad well.
  • Heavier than many other inflatable models.
  • “Self-inflation” is not very effective.

Expert Reviews

  • Too heavy and bulky for “fast and light” adventures but it is suitable for most casual pursuits.
  • Hard to compress into the provided stuff sack.
  • Not very thick, which can allow hips to sink through.

Summary:

The Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus Sleeping Pad is a revelation for campers who have never used a foam-based inflatable pad, as it offers more comfort and warmth than more simple air mattresses. Although the insulation sacrifices some packability and makes the pad heavier, most reviewers are happy to take on the extra weight for the increased comfort. Although there are mixed reviews about the comfort of this pad for side-sleepers, it is certainly more quiet, comfortable, and durable than ultra-light camping pad models.

Multimedia:

Note: User and expert rankings were reviewed across the web, including here: 1, 2, 3.