Reviews > Sleep Gear > Pads and Air Mattresses > Therm-a-Rest Guidelite > Guidelite review

Owner review- ThermaRest Guidelite long.

Advertised weight - 2lbs
Actual weight- 1lb 15 oz

 I've been using a Z-rest foam pad for some time, leery of what a 
puncture could do to an air mattress. After my girl insisted she 
needed a Thermarest, I reluctantly bought her one. Of course, after 
sneaking it out on a solo trip, I had to buy one for myself :)

 Looking at the weight to comfort stats, and soaking information from 
BPL,  I realized the Guidelite seemed the best bet. (Standard rests 
are full cut foam, ultralites have less height, 1" vs. 1.5")

I've since used the guidelite in a variety of terrains, from sand
keys to granite ridges. When setting up on unavoidable rocks and/or 
roots, the guidelite smothered them with ease. The only bump I've
felt while using the pad was in Yosemite, where a rock was located 
right below my hip. A morning inspection revealed the rock to be 
about an inch high and sharp. I'm amazed I was able to sleep on it. 

Comparison wise, I consider the guidelite to be more comfortable than 
the original standard. It does, of course, blow the Z-rest away.

As for durability, the guidelite gets an A+. I generally carry the
pad on the outside of my pack, lashed to the side or bottom depending 
on load. I've pushed through several thorn thickets with no
punctures, even when my skin hasn't been so lucky. I've also used the
pad, in conjunction with the chair kit, to sit in a rock minefield for
several hours without fear of a puncture.

I can't at this point speak to R value, as this is my first season 
with the pad. That test will be this Fall.

Overall, I consider the Guidelite an excellent choice for a self 
inflating pad. lighter than the standard, more comfortable than the 
ultralite or a foam pad.

Submitted 8/7/01

Rob Skiff
Dekkerd@rocketmail.com

Reviews > Sleep Gear > Pads and Air Mattresses > Therm-a-Rest Guidelite > Guidelite review