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THERM-A-REST - MODEL: Z-REST SLEEPING
PAD
OWNERS REVIEW
Date: October 12, 2002
Personal
information:
Owner/Reviewer: Marge Prothman
Age:
75
Female
Height: 5’8”
Weight: 152 lbs
Hailey, Idaho
email:
margeATprothmanDOTcom
I live in the Sun Valley area in Idaho and have
marvelous multi-day backpacking in the Sawtooth Forest and Wilderness areas. I
am also a section hiker on the Pacific Crest Trail and hope to complete this in
my lifetime; I am halfway there. I spend a lot of time
backpacking, not only here in Idaho but also on the Colorado Trail, the
Canyons of Utah and Arizona as well as the West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island,
B.C. just to name a few.
Product information:
Product:
Therm-A-Rest, Model: Z-Rest
Website: http://www.cascadedesigns.com/
Purchased:
Green
Z-Rest, 1996 Weight-cut down: 11.5 ounces
Green Z-Rest, 1999 Weight-as
purchased: 10.4 ounces
Black/Blue Z-Rest, May 2002 Weight-as purchased: 9.8
ounces
I started using the Z-Rest six years ago. I purchased a
green model, full length and promptly cut it down to ten folds in order to
save weight. I slept on this for approximately 100 nights and I slept very well.
I thought maybe it was getting a little thin after three years so I went out and
purchased another one exactly the same, except this time I had a choice of short
or long. I purchased the short one and there was no need to cut off any of the
folds. I gave the old one to a hiking friend and he is still using it to-day. He
says it is just fine to sleep on.
The new one I purchased in November
1999 was again the green model and the same thickness and again I slept well on
it. Also in 1999 a friend and I did 200 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail. We did
this in late November and early December and hiked from Aqua Dulcie over the
Mohave Desert up to Walker Pass California. During part of that time it
was really cold with cold winds. We used a Tarp as our shelter and I used the
new Green Z-Rest and she used my old Green Z-Rest. We commented at that
time the pads were sufficient and were not allowing any cold from the
ground.
In April 2002, I was at Lake Morena California for the Kickoff
Party held for all through hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail. Here is where I
noticed the new Z-Rest sleeping pad which had been improved for 2002. My first
reaction was WOW, that really looks cushy and I should have one.
The pad I saw had been cut down to six folds, and I bet it would have
weighed in at about six ounces or less but I really wanted the ten fold
model.
The new for 2002 models have dual-density laminated foams, which
are softer on top. The information on the new Z-Rest claims they are more
durable on the bottom, and lighter in weight than before. It is a hinged,
accordion-style design and is the most compact closed-cell foam pad available.
It folds up quickly and easily for compact storage.
The folding of the
Z-Rest is what I really like. It fits in my pack either as a back frame, or
stand alone in the pack. I have never been fond of things tied on the
outside of my backpack. I like everything inside the pack. The Z-Rest does this
and I am not bothered with a rolled up pad that does not lie flat when unrolled.
The Z-Rest pad instantly lies flat and won’t curl up. However, if it is on the
outside of the pack, it is really easy to take it off and use it for a sit down
at lunch or for a quick nap.
My new Z-Rest comes in new colors,
one side blue the other side black and it appears to look
much thicker than
the older green ones. It feels softer also and it comes in long and 3/4
sizes.
When put side by side with the old green model it is nearly an inch
higher in volume and is six ounces lighter than the old one in
weight.
Information from the Cascade Designs website show the 3/4
length Z-Rest weighs eleven ounces.. I weighed mine at the Post
Office to-day and it weighed 9.8 ounces. It also has a R-Value of 2.2
Other Pads I use:
Mt. Washington Pad - I use this pad occasionally in the Hammock set-up
for cold weather.
Therm-A-Rest - Model: Ridgerest. - I have only used this pad
once. I did not feel the softness that I feel in the Z-Rest pad.
Therm-A-Rest - Model: CampRest LE - This self inflating pad was
used for several years in Nepal when a porter was carrying my gear. It is
about ten years old. It has never had a leak. I also use it when car
camping. It weighs 3 lbs. 7 oz. and has a R value of 5.1.
Therm-A-Rest - Model: Camplite 3/4 self inflating pad. I have used this
pad numerous times over the past years. It is about eight years old and
weighs 1 lb. 15 oz. which to-day is too heavy for me as a
lightweight backpacker. It has a R value of 4.1.
I have mentioned these pads to show their longevity. The self
inflating pads have never had a leak. They are still inflated (with the stem
valve open) and are stored underneath my bed. The Green Model Z-Rest
sleeping pads are both being used to-day and the users feel they probably have a
number of years of life left. I do not think they actually wear out, they
just look a little thinner.
Cheers,
Marge (the old gal)
:
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