REASONS TO BUY
Lightweight
Compact
Versatile
Non-slip surface
Self-inflating
REASONS TO AVOID
Low R-value
Not as comfortable as other thicker pads
Bulkier and heavier than others
Therm-a-Rest ProLite - Women's Review
A lightweight and somewhat compact mattress that doesn't seem to have a particular niche these days
Credit: Therm-a-Rest
RELATED: Best Sleeping Pad For Women of 2023
Our Verdict
The women's ProLite is Therm-A-Rest's tried and true sleeping pad. Its time-tested self-inflation system and durable materials make it a decent choice for summer backpacking trips. It has a relatively low weight and packs down to one of the smallest of all the self-inflating pads we tested. However, it is much thinner than the other models in this review and is less comfortable. Therm-a-Rest has upgraded its valve system to a more efficient one-way valve, but its R-value got knocked down. If you're looking for the best lightweight, comfortable sleeping pad for backpacking, you might as well splurge and go for a higher rated sleeping pad than this one.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Therm-a-Rest ProLite - Women's | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  |  | |||
| Price | $110 List $69.99 at Amazon | $139.95 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers | $135.16 at Backcountry Compare at 4 sellers | $115 List $114.95 at Amazon | $93.69 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Lightweight, compact, versatile, non-slip surface, self-inflating | Very light, super compact, comfortable, versatile, warmer than normal XLite | Lightweight, small packed size, included pump sack | Inexpensive, comfortable, durable | Comfortable, warm, non-slip surface |
| Cons | Low R-value, not as comfortable as other thicker pads, bulkier and heavier than others | Noisy, expensive, delicate materials | Not as comfortable as Ether Light and same weight, thin | Bulky and heavy | Heavier and bulkier than the Therm-a-Rest ProLite |
| Bottom Line | A lightweight and somewhat compact mattress that doesn't seem to have a particular niche these days | This super light and compact sleeping pad is a great choice for someone looking to go fast, light, and warm | This lightweight sleeping pad is relatively comfortable, but a Jack-of-all-trades and master-of-none | Notable for its price and performance | This warm and comfortable sleeping pad is a great choice for 4-season camping, but it is on the heavy and bulky side |
| Rating Categories | Therm-a-Rest ProLite | Therm-a-Rest NeoAir... | Sea to Summit Ultra... | Therm-a-Rest Trail... | Therm-a-Rest ProLit... |
| Warmth (25%) | |||||
| Comfort (25%) | |||||
| Weight (25%) | |||||
| Packed Size (15%) | |||||
| Durability (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Therm-a-Rest ProLite | Therm-a-Rest NeoAir... | Sea to Summit Ultra... | Therm-a-Rest Trail... | Therm-a-Rest ProLit... |
| Measured Weight | 18 oz | 12 oz | 14.6 | 25.6 oz | 22 oz |
| ASTM R Value | 2.7 | 5.4 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 3.9 |
| Thickness | 1 in | 2.5 in | 2 in | 1.5 in | 1.5 in |
| Width | 20 in | 20 in | 21.5 in | 20 in | 20 in |
| Packed Size | 11 in x 5.8 in | 9 in x 4.1 in | 9 x 4 in | 10.5 x 6 in | 9.84 x 6.3 in |
| Tested Length | 66 in | 66 in | 72 in | 66 in | 66 in |
| Bottom Material | 50D mini hex rip polyester | 30D rip HT Nylon | 40D nylon | 50D polyester | 50D polyester |
Show full specification detailsHide full specification details
Our Analysis and Test Results
The lightest and smallest self-inflating sleeping pad we tested, the Therm-A-Rest ProLite falls a little short in the warmth and comfort departments. Therm-a-Rest has given it an updated one-way valve system that helps with inflation and durability.
Performance comparison
The Therm-a-Rest ProLite is relatively light and durable.
Credit: Ian McEleney
Warmth
With new testing standards, the ProLite has been downgraded to an R-value of 2.7. This is one of the lowest R-values in our fleet. We recommend this pad for summer camping as long as the temperatures don't drop too low. We would not recommend sleeping on snow with the ProLite, but if you want to extend the season of this pad, you could supplement its warmth by pairing it with a lightweight foam pad.
The ProLite (top) and the ProLite Plus, the Prolite is very thin and not very comfortable.
Credit: Ian McEleney
Comfort
Compared to standard non-inflatable foam pads like the Therm-A-Rest Z Lite Sol, the ProLite is a definite step up in comfort. Our testers found it to be relatively comfortable; however, it is only one inch thick and is the thinnest inflatable air mattress we tested. It is also slightly narrower than other foam pads we've reviewed. If you're looking for comfort, any of the other pads in this review would be a better choice.
The women's ProLite is not very comfortable for side sleepers because it is so thin.
Credit: Ian McEleney
Durability
The ProLite shines in this category. Though it is the lightest inflatable pad we tested, it is also one of the most durable. It features a burly 70 Denier fabric on its bottom, making it much tougher than the pads with fragile 20-30 Denier materials. A testament to its durability is that one tester used the women's ProLite for her entire thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail, and she never had to patch it once. The new ProLite is a darker red color and shows dirt less than previous models. With its valve upgrade, this model is probably more durable as there had been complaints that the old valve would leak easily.
The Therm-a-Rest ProLite Women's new Wing Lock valve system is greatly improved over the old valve.
Credit: Ian McEleney
Weight
The ProLite weighs in at one pound two ounces, making it one of the lightest self-inflating sleeping pads we tested. It is not as lightweight or cushy as others in this review, but it is a much more affordable option and is more comfortable than a standard non-inflating pad.
Packed Size
At 10 x 4.25 inches, the ProLite also has the smallest packed size of all the self-inflating mattresses we tested, though it is nowhere near the smallest packed size overall.
The Therm-a-Rest ProLite has the smallest packed size of the foam insulated models but isn't the smallest overall.
Credit: Ian McEleney
Value
The ProLite is not a great value, and there are better pads out there for the same price or less money. You can spend $10 more and get a comparable model, some of which are almost double the warmth and more comfortable, but also heavier and bulkier.
Conclusion
If you're looking for something small, light, durable, and self-inflating, especially in a women's version, the ProLite may be ideal. If you are going somewhere where abrasion or rough, unprotected sleeping conditions are likely — such as the desert - the ProLite would be a good choice. We like all of the above-mentioned things about this pad, but wish that it were just a little warmer and more comfortable.
The Therm-a-Rest ProLite is much easier to roll up now with its new valve system.
Credit: Ian McEleney
—
Jessica Haist
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