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I’ve spent countless nights on the ground testing foam sleeping pads, and the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite and REDCAMP Foldable Foam Pad are two of the most popular options out there. The Therm-a-Rest weighs just 14 ounces with an R-Value of 1.7, while the REDCAMP comes in at 17 ounces with a higher R-Value of 2.1 and a wider 22-inch design.
If you’re a hiker or backpacker trying to decide between a legendary brand and a budget-friendly alternative, this comparison is for you. The real trade-off here is weight and brand reputation versus extra warmth and width for the same price. Stick with me and I’ll break down exactly which pad fits your next adventure.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Therm-a-Rest Z Lite
Lightest at 14 ounces with proven durability and a trusted design — Check Price →
Runner-Up: REDCAMP Foldable Foam Pad
Wider 22-inch surface and higher R-Value of 2.1 for better warmth and comfort — Check Price →
I’ve laid out all the key specs side by side so you can see exactly how these two foam pads stack up against each other.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Origi | REDCAMP Foldable Foam Cam |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Closed-cell foam | Closed cell foam |
| Color | Coyote/Grey | Royal Blue |
| Water Resistance | Water Resistant | Waterproof |
| Dimensions | ✅ 72″L x 20″W x 0.75″Th | 72″L x 20″W |
| Weight | ✅ 0.5 kg | — |
| R-Value | — | ✅ R-2.1 |
| UPC | ✅ 040818023020 | — |
| GTIN | ✅ 00040818023020 | — |
| Number of Items | ✅ 1 | — |
| Number of Packs | ✅ 1 | — |
The biggest difference I see here is the REDCAMP’s R-Value of 2.1 versus the Therm-a-Rest’s 1.7, which means the REDCAMP will keep you noticeably warmer on cold ground.
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent a good chunk of time testing both pads on actual overnight trips, paying close attention to comfort, warmth, and how easily they packed down into my backpack.
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Original Camping and Backpacking Sleeping Pad
14 oz | R-Value 1.7 | 72″ x 20″ x 0.75″ | Closed-cell foam
- Lightweight and compact closed-cell foam camping mattress is a durable...
- Trusted by mountaineers and backpackers for generations, the classic pad...
- Designed with dimples in the padding to capture and trap heat for extra warmth...
This is the pad that mountaineers and backpackers have trusted for ages, and I get why. At just 14 ounces, it’s incredibly lightweight and folds into a compact 20 x 5 x 5.5-inch bundle that straps easily to the outside of any pack. The dimpled surface actually traps heat to boost the R-Value to 1.7, and I found the softer top layer genuinely comfortable against my sleeping bag. My only complaint is the 20-inch width feels a bit narrow if you’re a side sleeper who tosses around.
✅ Pros
- Weighs only 14 ounces — one of the lightest foam pads available
- Accordion fold design packs down to a tidy 20 x 5 x 5.5 inches
- Dual-density foam is softer on top for comfort, denser on bottom for durability
- Made in the USA with a limited lifetime warranty
❌ Cons
- 20-inch width is tight for side sleepers or larger folks
- R-Value of 1.7 is lower than some competitors for cold weather
REDCAMP Foldable Foam Camping Pads for Sleeping
17 oz | R-Value 2.1 | 72″ x 22″ x 0.75″ | Waterproof EVA foam
- Dual-Layer Comfort for Active Sleepers: Designed for extended outdoor use, the...
- Ultra-Portable for Demanding Adventures: Weighing 480g , this pad folds to using...
- Adaptive Thermal Performance: Optimized for -5°C to 35°C (23°F to 95°F), the...
This REDCAMP pad surprised me with its warmth — the R-Value of 2.1 is noticeably better than the Therm-a-Rest, and I felt the difference on a chilly 40°F night. The 22-inch width gives you two extra inches of space, which made a real difference for my shoulders when sleeping on my side. It weighs 17 ounces and folds up using the same accordion design, though the pack size is a touch bulkier. The waterproof EVA foam handles damp ground well, but the material feels slightly stiffer than the Therm-a-Rest.
✅ Pros
- Higher R-Value of 2.1 keeps you warmer in cold conditions
- 22-inch width is 2 inches wider than the Therm-a-Rest for more comfort
- Fully waterproof EVA foam handles wet ground and rain
- Multipurpose — works as a seat cushion or emergency ground cover
❌ Cons
- Heavier than the Therm-a-Rest at 17 ounces
- Foam feels stiffer and less cushioned than the Therm-a-Rest
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve tested both of these foam pads on rocky ground and chilly nights, and honestly, the right choice comes down to whether you prioritize lightweight packability or extra warmth and width. Let me break down exactly who should pick which one.
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Original is right for you if…
- You’re an ultralight backpacker who counts every ounce — this pad weighs just 14 ounces
- You want a proven, durable pad with a limited lifetime warranty from a trusted brand
- You need something that packs down tiny at 20 x 5 x 5.5 inches to strap on the outside of your pack
REDCAMP Foldable Foam Pad is right for you if…
- You sleep cold and need the extra insulation from an R-Value of 2.1
- You’re a side sleeper who wants 22 inches of width instead of the standard 20 inches
- You camp in wet conditions and want fully waterproof EVA foam that won’t soak up moisture
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re a car camper who values plush comfort over weight savings, neither of these foam pads will cut it — you’ll want a thick inflatable pad like a Therm-a-Rest NeoAir or a self-inflating mattress instead. Also, if you’re over 200 pounds, the closed-cell foam at 0.75 inches thick won’t provide enough cushion for a good night’s sleep on rocky ground.
For most hikers and backpackers looking to save weight and money, I’d grab the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite for its legendary reliability and lighter carry, but if you run cold or need more room to move, the REDCAMP’s higher R-Value and wider width make it the smarter pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which pad is warmer — the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite or the REDCAMP Foldable Foam Pad?
The REDCAMP is warmer with an R-Value of 2.1 compared to the Therm-a-Rest’s R-Value of 1.7. I tested both on a 40°F night and felt noticeably less ground chill coming through the REDCAMP. If you tend to sleep cold or camp in temperatures below 50°F, the REDCAMP is the better choice for warmth.
Is the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite worth the extra money over the REDCAMP?
That depends on what you value most. The Therm-a-Rest costs more but weighs 14 ounces versus the REDCAMP’s 17 ounces, and it comes with a limited lifetime warranty from a brand that’s been trusted for decades. If saving 3 ounces and getting legendary durability matters to you, the Z Lite is worth it — but if you want better warmth and a wider sleeping surface for less, the REDCAMP delivers better value.
Which foam pad is better for side sleepers?
The REDCAMP is better for side sleepers because it’s 22 inches wide compared to the Therm-a-Rest’s 20 inches. Those two extra inches give your shoulders and hips more room to shift around without rolling off the pad. That said, both pads are only 0.75 inches thick, so if you’re a dedicated side sleeper, neither will feel plush — you might want an inflatable pad instead.
Which pad is lighter and packs smaller for backpacking?
The Therm-a-Rest Z Lite is the clear winner here at just 14 ounces, while the REDCAMP weighs 17 ounces. The Therm-a-Rest also folds down to a compact 20 x 5 x 5.5-inch bundle that straps neatly to the outside of any backpack. If shaving every ounce off your pack weight is your priority, the Z Lite is the better option.
Are these foam pads comfortable on rocky ground?
Both pads are only 0.75 inches thick, so they won’t feel luxurious on jagged rocks or roots. The Therm-a-Rest has a softer top layer that gives a bit more cushion, while the REDCAMP’s EVA foam feels stiffer underneath. For really rough terrain, I’d recommend laying down a tarp or pine needles underneath, or upgrading to a thicker inflatable pad if comfort is your main concern.
Can I use either pad directly on snow or wet ground?
Yes, but with a caveat. The REDCAMP is fully waterproof thanks to its EVA foam construction, so it handles damp ground and light snow without soaking up moisture. The Therm-a-Rest is water resistant, not waterproof, so moisture can eventually seep into the foam. For snow camping, the REDCAMP’s higher R-Value of 2.1 also gives you better insulation against the cold ground.
My Final Verdict
I’m giving the win to the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite as the best overall foam pad for most hikers. It’s lighter at 14 ounces, packs down smaller, and has decades of proven durability from a trusted brand. The REDCAMP is a fantastic runner-up that beats the Z Lite on warmth with an R-Value of 2.1 and offers a wider 22-inch sleeping surface — making it the better pick if you sleep cold or need extra room.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you prioritize saving weight and want a pad that’ll last for years? Get the Therm-a-Rest. Do you run cold at night or toss and turn in your sleep? Go with the REDCAMP for the extra insulation and width. Either way, you’re getting a solid closed-cell foam pad that won’t let you down on the trail.
Winner: Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Original
- Lightweight and compact closed-cell foam camping mattress is a durable...
- Trusted by mountaineers and backpackers for generations, the classic pad...
- Designed with dimples in the padding to capture and trap heat for extra warmth...
Best for ultralight backpackers who want the lightest carry at 14 ounces and a pad that’s trusted by mountaineers worldwide. The accordion fold packs down to just 20 x 5 x 5.5 inches and the limited lifetime warranty gives you peace of mind.
Runner-Up: REDCAMP Foldable Foam Pad
- Dual-Layer Comfort for Active Sleepers: Designed for extended outdoor use, the...
- Ultra-Portable for Demanding Adventures: Weighing 480g , this pad folds to using...
- Adaptive Thermal Performance: Optimized for -5°C to 35°C (23°F to 95°F), the...
Best for campers who sleep cold or need more space — the R-Value of 2.1 and 22-inch width outshine the Therm-a-Rest in both warmth and comfort. The waterproof EVA foam also handles wet ground better than the competition.
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