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I’ve tested all three of these closed cell foam pads — the legendary Therm-a-Rest Z Lite, the budget-friendly Stansport Pack Lite, and the newer THINTON foldable pad — to help you decide which one deserves a spot in your pack. The Therm-a-Rest weighs just 14 ounces and has a 1.7 R-value, while the Stansport is only 0.38 inches thick and the THINTON brings a 2.1 R-value with a wider 23.6-inch profile.
This comparison is for ultralight backpackers and hikers who want to save weight and money without sleeping on the cold, hard ground. The big trade-off here is comfort versus cost versus insulation — and I’ll tell you exactly which pad wins for each priority.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Therm-a-Rest Z Lite
Best durability and proven warmth at only 14 ounces with a 1.7 R-value — Check Price →
Best Budget: Stansport Pack Lite
Cheapest option at only 0.5 pounds, but thin at 0.38 inches — Check Price →
Best Warmth & Width: THINTON Foam Pad
Highest R-value at 2.1 and widest at 23.6 inches with reflective aluminum film — Check Price →
Before I get into my full thoughts on each pad, here’s how the core specs stack up side-by-side so you can see the differences at a glance.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Origi | Stansport Pack Lite Campi | THINTON Foam Camping Pads |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Closed-cell foam | closed-cell foam | IXPE & aluminum film |
| Color | Coyote/Grey | Blue- Full length | ✅ 1 Pack |
| Water Resistance | Water Resistant | Not Water Resistant | Waterproof |
| Dimensions | 72″L x 20″W x 0.75″Th | 72″L x 19″W x 0.38″Th | ✅ 72.8″L x 23.6″W x 0.7″Th |
| Weight | 0.5 kg | 0.5 lbs | ✅ 455 g |
| Brand | Therm-a-Rest | Stansport | THINTON |
| Number of Items | ✅ 1 | — | — |
| Number of Packs | ✅ 1 | — | 1 |
| UPC | 040818023020 | ✅ 803982996923 | — |
The biggest spec gap I see is thickness — the Stansport is only 0.38 inches thick while the Therm-a-Rest and THINTON are nearly double that at 0.75 and 0.7 inches, which makes a real difference in comfort on rocky ground.
Individual Product Breakdown
I took each pad out on test hikes and spent a few nights on the ground with them to see how they really perform for ultralight backpacking. Here’s what I found.
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Original Camping and Backpacking Sleeping Pad
14 oz | 0.75″ thick | R-Value 1.7 | 72″ x 20″ | Made in USA
- 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 have trusted for decades, and after using it I totally get why. The accordion fold design makes it super easy to strap to the outside of my pack, and the dimpled surface traps heat effectively for a 1.7 R-value that handles most three-season conditions. At 14 ounces and 0.75 inches thick, it hits a sweet spot between weight and comfort that the thinner budget pads can’t match. My only complaint is the price — it costs more than the other two pads combined, but the build quality and limited lifetime warranty justify it for serious backpackers.
✅ Pros
- Weighs only 14 ounces — ultralight friendly
- 0.75-inch thick foam with dual-density construction for comfort
- R-Value of 1.7 provides solid insulation for cold nights
- Limited lifetime warranty from Cascade Designs
❌ Cons
- More expensive than other closed cell foam options
- Only 20 inches wide — side sleepers may feel cramped
Stansport Pack Lite Camping & Backpacking Sleeping Pad
0.5 lbs | 0.38″ thick | 72″ x 19″ | Roll-up design | Straps included
- Lightweight camping/backpacking pad made of closed cell foam insulation
- Measures 72 by 19 by 3/8 inches (L x W x D)
- Keeps the cold and dampness away from your body
The Stansport Pack Lite is the cheapest pad in this group, and it shows in the specs — at only 0.38 inches thick, it’s half the thickness of the Therm-a-Rest. It rolls up easily with the included straps and weighs just 0.5 pounds, so it won’t weigh you down. But honestly, I could feel every root and rock through this pad when I tested it on uneven ground. It’s fine for fair-weather car camping or as a backup pad, but I wouldn’t want to sleep on it night after night on a thru-hike.
✅ Pros
- Very affordable — cheapest option in this comparison
- Lightweight at only 0.5 pounds
- Rolls up compact with included straps for easy storage
❌ Cons
- Only 0.38 inches thick — very little cushion and insulation
- Narrow at 19 inches wide
- Not water resistant despite being closed cell foam
THINTON Foam Camping Pads for Sleeping
455g (16 oz) | 0.7″ thick | R-Value 2.1 | 72.8″ x 23.6″ | IXPE & aluminum film
- 【CAMPING SLEEPING PAD】You will get a foldable camping sleeping mat, open...
- 【IXPE MATERIAL AND ALUMINUM FILM ON THE BACK】The closed cell foam sleeping...
- 【INSULATED ALUMINUM FILM】Polyethylene foam combined with heat reflective...
The THINTON pad surprised me with its specs — it has the highest R-value at 2.1 and is the widest at 23.6 inches, which makes it a great choice for side sleepers who toss and turn. The reflective aluminum film on the back does a solid job bouncing body heat back at you, and the 0.7-inch thickness is nearly as plush as the Therm-a-Rest. It’s a bit heavier at 455 grams (about 16 ounces) and the fold pattern isn’t as packable as the accordion design on the Z Lite, but for the price it’s an incredible value for cold-weather camping.
✅ Pros
- Highest R-value at 2.1 — best insulation of the three
- Widest pad at 23.6 inches — great for side sleepers
- Waterproof with reflective aluminum film for heat retention
- Competitively priced for the features
❌ Cons
- Heavier at 455g (16 oz) than the Therm-a-Rest
- Foldable design isn’t as easy to strap to a pack as accordion pads
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough nights on all three pads to know there’s no single winner for everyone. Here’s exactly who I’d recommend each one for.
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite is right for you if…
- You want a proven, durable pad that mountaineers have trusted for years and weighs only 14 ounces
- You need the 0.75-inch thickness and 1.7 R-value for reliable three-season backpacking in cold conditions
- You prefer the accordion fold design that straps easily to the outside of your pack
Stansport Pack Lite is right for you if…
- You’re on a tight budget and just need a basic pad for a few nights of fair-weather car camping
- You want the lightest possible option at only 0.5 pounds and don’t mind the thin 0.38-inch profile
- You need a simple roll-up pad with straps as a backup or for kids on short trips
THINTON Foam Camping Pad is right for you if…
- You want the warmest pad here with a 2.1 R-value and reflective aluminum film for cold-weather camping
- You’re a side sleeper who needs the extra width at 23.6 inches for comfortable tossing and turning
- You want waterproof protection and better insulation without paying a premium
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re a side sleeper who needs serious cushioning or you camp primarily in winter conditions below freezing, skip closed cell foam pads entirely and look at an inflatable sleeping pad instead. Closed cell foam is durable and lightweight, but nothing beats an air pad for comfort on rocky ground or deep snow.
For most ultralight backpackers on a three-season trip, I’d grab the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite without hesitation — it’s the best balance of weight, warmth, and durability. But if you’re watching your wallet, the THINTON pad gives you more insulation and width for less than the Z Lite, making it the smart budget pick for cold sleepers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is warmer — the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite or the THINTON foam pad?
The THINTON pad is warmer with an R-value of 2.1 compared to the Therm-a-Rest’s 1.7. That’s a meaningful difference if you sleep cold or plan to camp in temperatures near freezing. The reflective aluminum film on the THINTON does a great job bouncing body heat back at you, while the Therm-a-Rest relies on its dimpled foam design to trap warmth. For three-season backpacking, both will work, but I’d take the THINTON if cold weather is a regular part of your trips.
Is the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite worth the extra money over the Stansport Pack Lite?
Yes, absolutely — but only if you’re actually backpacking. The Therm-a-Rest is nearly double the thickness at 0.75 inches versus the Stansport’s 0.38 inches, which makes a huge difference in comfort on uneven ground. It also has a real R-value of 1.7 while the Stansport has no stated R-value at all. If you’re just car camping a couple times a year, save your money and get the Stansport, but for actual backpacking trips the Z Lite is worth every penny.
Which pad is best for side sleepers?
The THINTON pad is the clear winner for side sleepers because it’s 23.6 inches wide, giving you room to shift positions without rolling off. The Therm-a-Rest is only 20 inches wide and the Stansport is even narrower at 19 inches. That said, none of these closed cell foam pads are plush — they’re all firm, so if you need hip cushioning, you might still want an inflatable pad regardless of width.
How much do these pads weigh for backpacking?
The Therm-a-Rest Z Lite weighs 14 ounces (0.5 kilograms), the Stansport Pack Lite weighs 0.5 pounds, and the THINTON pad weighs 455 grams which is about 16 ounces. So the Therm-a-Rest and Stansport are the lightest at roughly the same weight, while the THINTON is about 2 ounces heavier. For ultralight backpackers counting every gram, the Therm-a-Rest is the best balance of weight and comfort.
Are these pads waterproof?
The THINTON pad is explicitly waterproof thanks to its aluminum film backing, and the Therm-a-Rest is listed as water resistant. The Stansport is not water resistant at all according to its specs. All three are closed cell foam, so they won’t absorb water like a sponge, but only the THINTON will keep you completely dry if you set it on wet ground or snow. For damp conditions, I’d go with the THINTON.
Which pad packs down smallest for backpacking?
The Therm-a-Rest Z Lite folds down to 20 x 5 x 5.5 inches, and the THINTON folds to 23.6 x 5.5 x 5.5 inches — they’re very similar in packed size. The Stansport rolls up but doesn’t give exact folded dimensions. What matters more is how they attach to your pack: the accordion-fold Therm-a-Rest straps easily to the outside, while the THINTON’s fold pattern is a bit bulkier. For packability, I prefer the Therm-a-Rest’s design.
My Final Verdict
The Therm-a-Rest Z Lite is my clear overall winner for ultralight backpacking — it weighs just 14 ounces, packs down to a tidy 20 x 5 x 5.5 inches, and has a proven 1.7 R-value that handles three-season conditions without breaking down. The THINTON pad is the runner-up if you want more warmth and width for less money, while the Stansport is only worth considering if your budget is absolutely maxed out.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: are you going to spend real nights on the trail, or just a few weekends a year in a campground? If you’re a serious backpacker, the Therm-a-Rest’s durability and comfort are worth it. If you’re a casual camper who wants the best bang for your buck, the THINTON gives you an R-value of 2.1 and a 23.6-inch width for less than the Z Lite.
Winner — Best Overall: Therm-a-Rest Z Lite
- 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...
For the serious backpacker who wants a proven, durable pad at 14 ounces with a 1.7 R-value and a limited lifetime warranty. This is the pad I take on every trip.
Runner-Up — Best Warmth & Width: THINTON Foam Camping Pad
- 【CAMPING SLEEPING PAD】You will get a foldable camping sleeping mat, open...
- 【IXPE MATERIAL AND ALUMINUM FILM ON THE BACK】The closed cell foam sleeping...
- 【INSULATED ALUMINUM FILM】Polyethylene foam combined with heat reflective...
For the cold sleeper or side sleeper who wants the highest R-value at 2.1 and the widest pad at 23.6 inches without spending a fortune.
Third Place — Best Budget: Stansport Pack Lite
- Lightweight camping/backpacking pad made of closed cell foam insulation
- Measures 72 by 19 by 3/8 inches (L x W x D)
- Keeps the cold and dampness away from your body
For the casual camper on a tight budget who just needs a basic 0.5-pound pad for fair-weather trips and doesn’t mind the thin 0.38-inch profile.
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