Therm-a-Rest RidgeRest

This closed-cell pad is very lightweight and functioned perfectly. It was comfortable and kept the chill off.

I borrowed this pad from my mother-in-law and used it on a cold weather hiking/camping trip recently. I used it in my ENO hammock because I read about getting cold where pressure points are in your sleeping bag (such as the shoulders and rear). It seemed that if you didn't have an under quilt that you definitely would want a sleeping pad under your sleeping bag inside of the hammock. 

I used this pad and I didn't get cold at all except when the pad kind of slid out from under my shoulder, in which case my shoulder did get cold. I just readjusted and warmed back up. This let me know that it definitely worked. It kept the wind off my underside and helped to insulate where the loft of the sleeping bag was compressed. 

The closed-cell foam makes it a great companion on a camping trip. It will keep a barrier between you and the chilly ground or underside of a hammock. It will also serve as a great seat if you find yourself camping in wet conditions. The closed-cell keeps it from absorbing water. It's also a great pad because of how lightweight it is. 

It rolled up pretty small and strapped right on to the outside of my pack and didn't get in my way while hiking. 

If you are cold weather hammock camping, I would recommend reading on different types of hammock insulation to figure out which method will be best for you. 

This is 5/8 inch corrugated closed cell foam pad. I am reviewing the one that is called 3/4 length (and not the Deluxe model). It is 5/8" x 20" x 48" and weighs only 9 ounces. You would need a longer pad for snow camping, of course.

It is 100% durable, can't puncture like inflated pads. It is light at 9 ounces and it provides a modicum of comfort.

Comfort is subjective, but at least this one is better than the flat blue foam pads you see at the big box stores.  It is bulky, but that doesn't bother me, I simply strap it on the outside of my backpack. I have used in on frozen ground and it was (just) adequate.  It is not nearly as comfortable as an inflatable mattress, but if you are young and tough like I used to be it is worth trying it out. 

COMFORT TIPS: You will need to inspect the area you sleep on and remove all sticks and stones. If it is quite cold put some clothing under your feet (inside the bag). This item is a compromise between comfort and weight.

I didn't give it a full 5 stars because inflatable pads are more comfortable. For the very low price you might want to try this out. I think you will like it if carry-weight and durability are your major concerns.

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My ideal pad, inexpensive, durable and warm. Unfortunately not comfortable.

This pad seemed to be perfect for me, it reflected heat for those cold spring nights in the Whites, there was no risk of a puncture halfway through a trip and the price was right.

The pad can't be folded or compressed so even though it is light it takes up more space in — or on — a pack than a tent. Trying the pad at the store or in the living room for a short time didn't prepare me for how firm it is on the floor of a shelter. I could fall asleep on my back, but a few hours later I would need to turn because of pressure points. On my side or face down I would be comfortable for only an hour.

I think I will use this pad in the future on cold nights, but on top of a better cushioning pad. 

This pad is very warm and durable for the price and weight. It is not as comfortable as my self-inflating Thermarest, but it is much lighter, and at 20 bucks I can replace it if something catastrophic happens.

I like this pad because it can also be cut into splints for backwoods emergencies, which saves me weight in my first aid kit. It could probably also be used for a number of things I haven't considered.

It is more durable that I would expect for what it is and how much it costs. On a recent weekend bushwhack through some thick underbrush, it got a bit shredded on the edges while tied to my pack, but considering the crap I was climbing through, I was really impressed. Not to mention, it was still comfortable that night. Damaging an open cell Thermarest means you're sleeping on the ground.

This pad has two very effective uses.

The RidgeRest is a cold weather must. 

On the ground, the RidgeRest is a great insulator against the cold when coupled with another pad.

In a hammock, the RidgeRest doesn't compress and provides excellent insulation when the temps drop. When used in a hammock, buy the large pad, which has five inches more width than the regular size.

This keeps not only the rocks from poking me, but also keeps me insulated from the cold ground. This made my AT thru hike much more enjoyable.

During the cooler nights, it is always nice to have some sort of insulating pad to lay on to help keep you warm.

It's like sleeping on a grill. It's so warm! At 9oz it couldn't be any warmer for the weight.

The bulk, however, is a little out of control. This thing does not compress for crap! I'm pretty quick to throw things out of the pack because they are too heavy OR too bulky, but this my one freebie super bulky item because it's so light, warm and comfortable. It's hard to beat the price.

You could also use it to make a splint or use it as a flotation device.

I have used a RidgeRest for years and have been completely satisfied. I have an older short pad for summer and a newer long wide one for colder nights. I have camped on the ice of a hockey rink with it and not been the slightest bit cold.

Overall you can't beat simple technology that won't fail you.

For $20 bucks you get a comfortable, lightweight and warm sleeping pad. I've used both the egg shell one and the Ridge-Rest and found that they are both equally comfortable. However the egg shell is not as warm as the Ridge-Rest during late fall/winter/early spring overnighters. Plus you’re paying less for a better product, Score!! 4 Thumbs

A light, relatively inexpensive pad that will prevent sub zero from getting to you from underneath.

I bought mine in 1997 and is still going strong. When I am not using it camping, I use it for a yoga mat. I certainly got my money out of it. Mine does not say Therma-Rest, though, it says Cascade Designs. I'm not sure of the merchandizing, but it is the same exact pad. I have a black and grey one, not the newer green and grey.

At one point, I cut 16" off the end, to make it shorter, making it 56", which is 5" longer than a small one. This improves the packability (I just throw my pack under my feet for insulation).

I can't think of anything that hasn't already been said in earlier reviews of this pad. It is just incredibly durable and is indispensible.

Who knows: Maybe someday I will spring for a new one.

This pad is very comfortable (even on roots). My only complaint is the size. It was a little bit bigger than a professional football at the biggest point, no matter how tight I roll it. I assume it is because of the fact that it is closed-cell. Enjoy!

Great closed cell foam, very comfortable, lightweight. Only disadvantage is the price.

Great product!!

i have owned the same pad for over 10 years and it hasn't failed me yet. It is light and does the job. 0 deg f to 100 deg f and it always works.

Light, comfy, can't get leaks.

Mine only lasted me about three years, but I camp a lot. I really have no complaints.

It's cheap and it works, but the bulk is just too much. I have switched to an Ensolight pad, which works just as well but packs down a wee bit smaller. Foam (non-inflatable) pads can always be depended upon, but they are a pain to carry.

In snow, the ridges tend to accumulate condensation. The Ensolight is smooth and sheds the wet stuff.