ProLite 3

 

ProLite 3
Page Type Gear Review
Object Title ProLite 3
Manufacturer Therm-a-rest
Page By Alan Ellis
Page Type Mar 4, 2004 / Jan 20, 2007
Object ID 1029
Hits 13732
Vote
New for 2004! The Fast and Lightâ„¢ Series mattresses are the lightest and most compact in the world. Engineered for extreme alpinist's, adventure racers and long distance backpackers who demand the lightest, most compact and technically advanced equipment.



- Great for mountaineering, winter camping, backpacking, and multi-day adventures.

- Ultralight: Innovative new materials reduce weight by 20%.

- Compact: Tapered ergonomic design rolls up super-small.

- All-Season: Thick and warm enough for winter camping.



Also comes in the ProLite 4 which is .5 inch thicker and weighs 4 oz more (short).



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Reviews


Viewing: 1-10 of 10

Alan Ellis - Mar 4, 2004 8:54 pm - Voted 5/5

Untitled Review
If you are into super lightweight gear, this is the pad for you. It has the weight of a closed-cell foam pad but with the comfort of a self-inflating pad. Also, it rolls up very small, about half the size of a Thermarest Ultra-lite. Until now, the Ultra-lite was the lightest self-inflater, but now the new Prolite 3 and 4 are the lightest. It's a little pricey, but to me, comfort is worth it. It also has a nice anti-sliding surface which will keep you on top of it all night.

Scott M. - Aug 18, 2004 10:38 pm - Voted 5/5

Untitled Review
I came back to this Thermarest after a long departure from their products and I wonder what took me so long. This is lightweight and compact - perfect for that fast, light trip - yet not sacrificing on comfort and insulation. I'd even take this on a long distance journey and be plenty comfortable. Non slip surface works pretty good and it easily packs back in its stuff sack when done.

IceMonkey - Aug 2, 2005 11:25 am - Voted 5/5

Untitled Review
I've had this for a couple of years now, and its brilliant. Its very light, rolls up really small and is very hard wearing. I recently used it to bivy on a small rock ledge which was potentially going to be a long uncomfortable night. It performed really well. The material on the bottom is very hard wearing, and wasn't even marked by the rocks, where as my friend picked up a puncture on his older model without that material.

csmcgranahan - Nov 19, 2005 4:50 pm - Voted 5/5

Untitled Review
After using a foam pad for years I broke down and bought this one last year. I have found it very comfortable. It is very light weight and packs down very small into the optional stuff sack.



After my last backpacking/camping trip I actually found it hard to sleep for a few nights in my bed. It somehow didn't feel as comfortable as my Therm-a-rest and sleeping bag!

Steve Larson - Jan 22, 2007 6:10 am - Voted 5/5

Why use anything else?
After years of being a stodgy foam pad user I finally broke down and got a Thermarest before my first Alaska trip. I've been a convert ever since. After carrying around my heavier expedition weight Thermarest for a few years, I finally realized they made lighter models, so I picked up one of the regular length Prolite 3s. At 20 oz, it's 5 oz heavier than my Z-Lite, but way more comfortable. When my partner and I bivied on snow up in the Cascades last summer, he brought his Z-Lite, and I had my Prolite 3. Guess who shivered all night long? So far It hasn't developed any leaks. My older Thermarest got one, but I patched it, and it's been good as new. Patching these things in the field is an iffy proposition, though. When in doubt, back it up with a foam pad.

Mountain_girl - Mar 18, 2008 1:21 pm - Voted 4/5

Women's pro lite 3
I am using the women's version of this pad and I am very satisfied with it! I bought one of the length that almost exactly fits my height which saves some additional weight (it weights 540g, packed size 28x10cm). Compared to foam pads it has a much better insulation and is very comfortable. An attached packing bag makes it very easy to transport and pack. The only disadvantage may be the price, but it totally worth the sleeping comfort! Overall, it is one of my best buys.

Alex Wood - Sep 8, 2008 10:29 pm - Hasn't voted

Amazing
I have the prolite 3 regular and its a great pad. Only thing is, just be sure to have a patch kite becuase they tear a little easy.

Rick Huff - Sep 9, 2008 7:54 pm - Hasn't voted

Great Pad
I have stopped using my other Thermarest pads and closed cell foam pads in favor of the Prolite 3. It is compact and light, and comfortable. I've abused mine in rock, snow, brush...no punctures yet. Nice no-slip surface also!

Tsuyoshi - Mar 16, 2009 5:00 am - Voted 5/5

exceptional!
if it isn't the middle of winter this is usually the pad i take (unless i REALLY want to go ultralight). coupled with the foam pad in my backpack, the 3/4 length is my ideal setup. if i'm really wanted to carry less weight i'll take the z-lite but the prolite 3 is MUCH more comfortable. i know i can get a good night sleep with this pad.

i've abused mine by sitting on and sleeping on sharp rocks, mud, and everything else that could hurt a pad. after i wash it off, it looks like new and I've never had to patch it!

asaking11 - Jun 7, 2009 3:56 am - Voted 5/5

Awesome Pad
This sleeping pad is the ultimate in comfort. I am a pretty crazy sleeper, and I stay on this pad all night which definitely says something. I have had mine for 3 years now and it is still in perfect condition. I have never punctured it. I really like how small it can compact into, and the weight is pretty low too. I have absolutely no complaints with this pad.

Viewing: 1-10 of 10