If you already own a Therm-a-Rest sleeping pad, you probably haven't even bothered to read this gear review because you know what I am talking about. But if you have never used a Therm-a-Rest sleeping pad before, then you are missing out, and need to give one a try.

If you are not familiar with what a self-inflating sleeping pad is, here's the run-down. Essentially, a self-inflating sleeping pad is a thin, lightweight, air-proof plastic material that surrounds a foam pad. Attached to the outside material is an air valve that can be used to add or remove air. When you first unwrap a self-inflating mattress, you first open the air valve to let the air in. As the foam pad expands, air is forced into the pad. Once the foam pad has fully expanded, the air value is shut so that when you lay on the pad, both the foam pad and the air, are used to provide insulation from the ground and provide a comfortable sleeping surface.

When you are done using the pad, you open the valve, and then roll up the pad tightly so that it takes up little space. When the pad is rolled up, and the air is expelled from the pad, then you close the air value to prevent the air from entering again. For longer life, sleeping pads should not be stored long periods of time compressed. It is best if they are stored open. I store mine under my bed.

When most people think about sleeping pads, they are think of the protection they get from sleeping on a hard and rough surface. This is indeed an important feature of any sleeping pad. But other important facets of sleeping pads include: insulation value, weight, and durability. While most of these features are self-evident, the insulation value may not be. Why this is important is because often the ground you sleep on is cool or cold, and you want a sleeping pad that will insulate you from this cold temps, otherwise your sleeping bag will do a poor job of keeping your warm.

With all of this in mind, now let's take a specific look at the Therm-a-Rest GuideLite self-inflating sleeping pad. Cascade Designs makes a wide variety of different sleeping pads, and I picked the GuideLite for myself not only because it offered me the best combination of benefits, but also because it is the best selling model they offer.

Here's what makes the Therm-a-Rest Guideline a world class sleeping pad:

• The GuideLite offers a good balance between comfort and weight. It is not the lightest pad Cascade Designs offers (although very close) and it is also not the most comfortable (but the comfort is more than adequate). Based on my experience, I have been very surprised how comfortable the pad is. I have never had an uncomfortable night sleeping on it.
  
   
• The foam used inside the pad is called LiteFoam, which is about 20% less heavy than their standard foam. To get this weight-savings, the foam is not solid, which is why it is slightly less comfortable that the full-foam pads. In addition, it can compress about 20% more than the standard pads, which means it takes up less space.
  
   
• The "standard" size GuideLite measures 20 x 72 x 1.5 inches and weighs 2 pounds. Rolled size is 21 x 4 inches.
  
   
• If you don't mind giving up a little comfort for weight, you can get a "3/4" size GuideLite, which as you can tell from the name, is about 75% of the "standard size". It measures 20 x 47 x 1.5 inches and weighs 1 pound, 6 ounces, a savings of 10 ounces. Rolled size is 21 x 3.5 inches. Personally, I prefer the extra comfort of the "standard" size, but that is a decision you must make.
  
   
• The top of the mattress has a special surface designed to help prevent your sleeping bag from sliding off the pad during the night.
  
   
• If you take care of your sleeping pad, it will last a long time. The construction and materials are first-rate.

When you purchase a Therm-a-Rest self-inflating sleeping pad, you will also want to purchase a matching stuff bag and a repair kit, in case you puncture the pad. Punctures are not all that common, but they do happen and you should be prepared.

Using the Therm-a-Rest GuideLite in the Real World

Without exception, I always bring my GuideLite along with I am going to be sleeping in a sleeping bag. I consider it required equipment.

When I am looking for a place to set up my tent (assuming that I am using a tent), I always look for areas that are as flat as possible and as free from rocks and sticks as possible. This not only helps prevent my tent from getting poked, it also helps to prevent my GuideLite from getting poked, and allows the pad to provide the maximum comfort.

When I am setting up camp, one of the first things I do after setting up the tent is to unwrap the GuideLite and my sleeping bag so that they both have plenty of time to fully expand. Also, once the GuideLite has fully expanded, I always blow in a few extra puffs of air in before selling the air valve. This gives the pad some extra air for additional comfort.

When sleeping on snow, you will probably need more insulating value that a single sleeping pad can provide. What most people do when snow camping is to use two sleeping pads. One, such as the GuideLite, and another, such as a closed-cell pad. Cascade Designs makes these also. A closed-cell pad is essentially a solid foam pad, and they provide good insulating value for when sleeping on snow.

I personally like the stuff bags you can purchase optionally for the GuideLite. Although not required, they are the perfect size and make their protection and storage while carrying them much easier.

Recommendation

If you are like me, and need more than dirt or leaves to sleep on, then you need to consider a sleeping pad, such as the GuideLite, or other self-inflating Therm-a-Rest sleeping pad. They are not only good for camping, but anywhere you need some extra sleeping comfort.

Product Notes

The GuideLite is available in full length and 3/4 length sizes, and in only one color (burgundy top/mocha bottom). The manufacturer's suggested retail price is $75 for the full length, and $60 for the 3/4 length.

Cascade Designs makes a wide variety of different Therm-a-Rest self-inflating mattresses, other than the GuideLite. Some are lighter, such as the UltraLite, and some are more luxurious and heavier, such as those from the Luxury Series. I have not tried these other models, but based on what people used them have told me, virtually any of their models are a world class product.