Cascade Designs Therm-a-Rest ProLite 3 Review

"Until now, I have refused to carry a self-inflating pad. Previously, if I used any sort of pad it would be a closed cell, for its insulation quality. Self-inflating pads seemed bulky, and heavy. I could always manage to sneak in a few winks regardless of what sort of pointy objects dug into my back. HALLELUJAH! I have now seen the light! The first time I inflated the ProLite 3 (70$), I picked it up and let it fall to the ground. It mimmicked that falling feather motion....that graceful, gentle, pendulous swing. It quietly swung to the ground and I dropped on top off it and was immediatley whisked away to dreamland. I opted for the short version, weighing in at a simple 13 ounces. It has expelled all of my previous notions concerning self-inflating pads. The ProLite3 is light, and it packs small....and still retains the quality, durability, and comfort that people seem to expect from a Therm-a-rest. It effectively erases detection of pointy rocks or craggy roots digging into your back. It is the quintessential three-season sleeping pad. Its made with fancy new materials probably developed by some stuffy nerd in a lab jacket. I'd like to buy these people a cold brew, or a Yoohoo, or whatever they drink. I have used the pad only two nights, because I just bought it....but I heartily recommend it to any minimalist backpacker out there. I needed a product like this to make its debut for years, and it is finally here."

"I've been carrying a Thermarest full-length LE pad for about 10 years and love it, but the 2 lb. weight finally got to me. I purchased a short Prolite 3 a year ago. I used it several times, but never slept comfortably on it. I sleep on my side which, I am sure, has something to do with it. Much as I loved the weight, I had to upgrade to a Prolite 4, the additional 4 ozs. was worth it."

"Absolutely wonderful! Perfect balance of form and function and great for long treks. Though I wouldn't recommend this for those who may have back problems and may be up there in years as it isn't the most supportive pad in the universe. However, for ounce counters and minimalists this thing is perfect. It rolls up to a cylinder about 7 inches long and 3 inches in diameter and fits darn near anywhere in your pack."