The Therm-a-Rest ProLite is a 1-inch-thick self-inflating sleeping pad with a published R-value of 2.4, sold in several lengths from about 9 oz to 1 lb 8 oz [1][2]. It is aimed at three-season backpackers who want foam-backed durability and a quick setup in a light package [1][2]. It is thin and only moderately warm, so cold sleepers and side sleepers often look at thicker pads.
Status: listed, but widely out of stock
As of October 2026, the ProLite is still listed by several retailers, but the listings we checked showed it out of stock: Backcountry marks it out of stock [1], Outdoor Sports shows it sold out [3], and Australian retailer Alpsport shows the Poppy color sold out [2]. None of those pages says Therm-a-Rest has discontinued the pad, and we could not load Therm-a-Rest’s own product page to confirm. If you need one soon, check stock in several places or consider the alternatives below.
R-value and ASTM F3340
All three retailer listings give an R-value of 2.4 [1][2][3]. Alpsport describes it as a 2.4 R-value “for three-season adventures” [2]. None of the pages we could access names the test standard, so we cannot confirm from a fetched source that this figure is an ASTM F3340 rating. Check the tag or Therm-a-Rest’s own page if a standardized rating matters for your comparison.
For context, R-value measures resistance to heat flow; a higher number means more insulation from the ground. A 2.4 rating sits in the three-season range, not the winter range.
Specs
| Spec | ProLite |
|---|---|
| R-value | 2.4 (standard not named on retailer pages) [1][2] |
| Thickness | 1 in (2.5 cm) [1][2] |
| Type | Self-inflating, foam-filled, mummy shape [1] |
| Fabric | 50D mini hex rip polyester, top and bottom; polyester and polyurethane [2][3] |
| Included | Stuff sack and repair kit [1] |
| Warranty | Lifetime manufacturer warranty, per Backcountry [1] |
Sizes and weights
| Size | Dimensions | Weight | Packed size |
|---|---|---|---|
| X-Small | 20 x 36 in | 9 oz | 11 x 3.3 in [1] |
| Small | 20 x 47 in (119 x 51 cm) | 12 oz (0.35 kg) | 11 x 3.3 in [1][2] |
| Regular | 20 x 72 in (183 x 51 cm) | 1 lb 2 oz (0.51 kg) | 11 x 4.1 in [1][2] |
| Large | 25 x 77 in (196 x 64 cm) | 1 lb 8 oz (0.69 kg) | 13 x 4.5 in [1][2] |
Backcountry lists the X-Small; Alpsport lists Small, Regular and Large only [1][2]. Packed sizes differ slightly between retailers (Alpsport gives 28 x 15 cm for the Regular) [2].
What a self-inflating pad does well
A self-inflating pad has open-cell foam inside an airtight shell. Open the valve and the foam expands and draws in air; you top it off with a few breaths and close the valve. Compared with a pure air pad, the foam adds insulation and means a puncture leaves you with some padding rather than none. Compared with a closed-cell foam pad, it packs smaller and is more comfortable. The trade-off is weight and bulk for a given thickness. At 1 inch, the ProLite leans toward light and packable over plush [1].
Who it suits
- Three-season backpackers who want a light, durable pad and sleep on their back [2].
- Hikers who value a foam core over the bounce of an air pad.
- Kids or short adults; the X-Small and Small sizes are only 9–12 oz [1].
- People who pair a short pad with a sit pad or pack under their legs to save weight.
Who should skip it
- Cold sleepers and shoulder-season campers; 2.4 is a modest R-value [1].
- Side sleepers who need more cushion at the hips and shoulders; 1 inch is thin [1].
- Winter campers, who need a much higher R-value pad or a foam pad layered underneath.
Current alternatives
| Pad | R-value | Thickness | Weight (Regular) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus | 3.2 | 1.5 in (3.8 cm) | 0.65 kg [4] |
| Sea to Summit UltraLight Self Insulated Mat | 3.3 (EMPA tested) | See retailer | See retailer [5] |
Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus. The direct step up. Alpsport lists an R-value of 3.2, 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) of thickness and weights of 0.45 kg (Small), 0.65 kg (Regular) and 0.88 kg (Large) [4]. You trade about 140 g in the Regular size for a warmer, thicker pad [2][4].
Sea to Summit UltraLight Self Insulated Mat. A comparable lightweight self-inflating option from another maker. Scheels lists an R-value of 3.3, tested by the Swiss Federal Materials Labs (EMPA) [5]. That retailer page did not show thickness or sizes, so confirm those before buying.
Bottom line
The ProLite is a light, simple, 1-inch self-inflating pad with a three-season R-value of 2.4. It is a good fit for back sleepers in mild conditions who want a durable foam core. If you sleep cold or on your side, the ProLite Plus or a similar thicker pad will serve you better, and either way, check stock, since the standard ProLite was out of stock at every retailer we checked.
Sources
- Backcountry — Therm-a-Rest ProLite Sleeping Pad (accessed Oct 8, 2026)
- Alpsport — Thermarest ProLite Sleeping Mat (accessed Oct 8, 2026)
- Outdoor Sports — Thermarest ProLite Sleeping Pad (accessed Oct 8, 2026)
- Alpsport — Thermarest ProLite Plus Sleeping Mat (accessed Oct 8, 2026)
- Scheels — Sea to Summit UltraLight Self Insulated Mat (accessed Oct 8, 2026)