Nemo Switchback V's Therm-A-Rest Z-Lite SOL
No you haven’t clicked the wrong link don’t worry!
It’s just that these market leaders are so similar that we thought it’s best to compare them side-by-side to make it easier for you to choose. Although after reading this article the choice might be even harder, who knows!
There’s absolutely no doubt that the Nemo Switchback and the Therm-A-Rest Z-Lite SOl are the best two closed cell foam sleeping mats on the market today. So, how do you decide? Well, lets get into it!
Side-By-Side Comparison
Nemo Switchback Features
Therm-A-Rest Z-Lite SOL Features
Nemo Switchback Features
Amazon Rating
- Price – £68.77
- Variety – Closed Cell Foam Mat
- Design – Z folding design
- Best For – Backpacking
- R-Value – 2.0
- Size – H182cm W50cm (regular)
- Weight – 411 Grams
- Thickness – 2.286cm
Therm-A-Rest Z-Lite SOL Features
Amazon Rating
- Price – £42 (currently on offer)
- Variety – Closed Cell Foam Mat
- Design – Z folding design
- Best For – Backpacking
- R-Value – 2.0
- Size – H182cm W50cm (regular)
- Weight – 397 Grams
- Thickness – 1.9cm
So, How To Choose?
Alright, so both of these pads have a folding design, and both have the same sort of bubble texture.
Both have a regular version available (both 182cm long), as well as a short version (both 129cm long).
Both are 50cm wide.
Both have the same R-value, listed at 2.0.
Both are extremely high quality and durable
Both would serve well as base layer to your sleeping system to increase R-Value and make it an all-season system as well as protecting your inflatable pad from punctures.
Both are extremely versatile and can double up for a range of different uses.
And finally both have the same 4.7 rating on Amazon
So finally, a difference! In the US both these mats are the same price however with UK deals and shipping the Therm-A-Rest comes in a little bit cheaper than the Nemo! This may just be how you base your decision, although that decision might change by the end of the review 😉
Here’s another difference, the Therm-a-Rest is 1.9cm thick, but the Nemo has a plush thickness of 2.286cm! Which does sound nice!
But wait… the Therm-a-Rest weighs 397grams, and the Nemo weighs 411grams.
Oh, and the Nemo does pack slightly smaller than the Therm-A-Rest. Although both will be attached to the outside of your rucksack, so this isn’t a deal breaker for the Therm-A-Rest.
So, the basis of your choice is clear!
Whats more important to you? Price, less weight or greater thickness.
Here's My Experience
I’ve owned the Therm-A-Rest Z-Lite Sol for a number of years now, and I’ve come to a significant realisation. Basically, all foam pads are quite alike. The disparities are minimal, and noticeable differences only emerge when swapping from a high end branded pads to a basic budget closed cell foam variants.
That being said, before I owned the Z-Lite SOL, I owned the Therm-A-Rest Ridgerest Classic. Another great mat from Therm-A-Rest, although it doesn’t have the foldable design and instead roles away. (I’ll leave a link to this at the bottom of the page). I’ve noticed that the Z-Lite tends to degrade more rapidly and lose its cushioning (along with R-value warmth) quicker than the traditional Ridgerest. Initially, the folding bubble pattern of the Z-lite may appear technologically superior, and perhaps it is more efficient when the pad is brand new. However, I’ve found that the bubble design deteriorates faster over time.
While I haven’t tested the Nemo Switchback (although it’s high on my list of new purchases), given its similarity to the Therm-a-Rest, I would imagine it will succumb to the same wear and tear. However, its additional thickness may offer some cushioning against this effect, which gets me thinking.
If I were starting fresh and had to decide between the two, I would choose the Nemo Switchback. The slight increase in weight isn’t significant (even for an ultralight backpacker) when it provides that extra, albeit minimal, degree of thickness.
VIEW THE NEMO SWITCHBACK HERE
VIEW THE THERM-A-REST Z-LITE SOL HERE
VIEW THE THERM-A-REST RIDGEREST CLASSIC HERE
DISCLAIMER– This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you purchase the product I’ve reviewed using the link provided I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Writing product reviews takes time, so this way it will help me to continue writing about products I believe in long into the future! Thank you!
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