When I sleep, I like a little comfort. I'm not the kind of guy that can use a rock for a pillow. In most cases, I use a self-inflating sleeping pad, like the GuideLite, when on outdoor adventures. But when I am winter camping or mountaineering, I also like to bring along a closed-cell mattress for extra warm. Two pads are warmer than one.

Closed-cell sleeping pads are made out of a ridged, foam-like material that compresses very little. Inside the foam are millions of little air pockets that provides comfort and insulation. While most people find a self-inflating sleeping pad more comfortable than a closed-cell sleeping pad, in fact, each type of sleeping pad has its pros and cons. Here are the pros and cons of using closed-cell sleeping pads:

Advantages of Closed-Cell Sleeping Pads

• Less expensive than self-inflating sleeping pads. Often less than half the cost.
  
   
• More durable than self-inflating sleeping pads. They can't be punctured.
  
   
• Weigh less than self-inflating sleeping pads.
  
   
• Provides more insulating power in its weight class than self-inflating sleeping pads.
   

Disadvantages of Closed-Cell Sleeping Pads

• Not generally as comfortable as self-inflating sleeping pads.
  
   
• Bulkier than self-inflating sleeping pads. They cannot be compressed.

So who uses closed-cell sleeping pads? A lot of people do. Here's some of the most common uses of them:

Common Uses for Closed-Cell Sleeping Pads

• For ultralight backpackers who prefer light weight over comfort.
  
   
• For those who find self-inflating mattresses too fragile for their rough-style of backpacking. Closed-cell pads are tough and can't be punctured by rock and sticks.
  
   
• For those with a bad back, combining a closed-cell and a self-inflating mattress often works well, providing extra comfort.
  
   
• For snow camping or mountaineering, it is very common to use both types of sleeping pads to provide extra warmth when sleeping.

Cascade Designs offers several different lines of closed-cell sleeping pads, and the focus of this review is on the Ridge Rest line. The Ridge Rest line is well known for the pattern of ridges and valleys on the pad, which aide both insulation and comfort, as compared to other sleeping pads from other vendors. All the models use the same foam and pattern, but vary somewhat is length, width, and thickness. The models include:

Ridge Rest Models

• Ridge Rest Deluxe, 20x72x.75 inches, 18 ounces, 3.1 R-Value
  
   
• Ridge Rest, 20x72x5/8 inches, 14 ounces, 2.6 R-Value
  
   
• Ridge Rest 3/4, 20x48x5/8 inches, 9 ounces, 2.6 R-Value
  
   
• Ridge Rest 25, 25x77x5/8 inches, 19 ounces, 2.6 R-Value

If you are going to use a single sleeping pad, the best choice is probably the Ridge Rest Deluxe because it provides the most comfort and insulation. If you are going to use the Ridge Rest with a self-inflating sleeping pad, then you might want to consider using it with the Ridge Rest to minimize total overall weight. If you are a diehard ultralight backpacker, then the 9 ounce Ridge Rest 3/4 might be your best choice.

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

As I already have mentioned, I only use the Ridge Rest when snow camping or mountaineering. I can't speak directly for its other uses.

When using the Ridge Rest, I first place it on the bottom of the tent, and then place a self-inflating sleeping pad on top of it. This combination is not only comfortable, but protects your body from the cold. As you know, the insulation ability of your sleeping bag on the bottom is minimal because it is squished flat by your weight. The two pads, working together, provide lots of insulation from the cold.

Carrying two sleeping pads is not hard from a weight perspective, but their bulk can be awkward. More often than not, I put both in their own stuff bags and lash them to the outside of my pack.

The Ridge Rest is very durable and should last you many years. Carrying it in a stuff bag provides extra protection, especially if you have to bushwhack. While the pad can't puncture, the surface can tear a little if whacked with a sharp stick or thorn. This generally doesn't affect the pad's performance, only its looks.

Recommendation

For general use, I would recommend a self-inflating sleeping pad over a closed-cell sleeping pad because of their superior comfort. But if you fit into one of the above categories of closed-cell users, then I highly recommend you consider one of the Ridge Rest models.

Product Notes

The MSRP for the 4 models are: Ridge Rest Deluxe, $35.00; Ridge Rest, $23.00; Ridge Rest 3/4, $18.00; and the Ridge Rest 25, $35.00. Besides the Ridge Rest line of closed-cell sleeping pads, Cascade Designs also offers three more lines, including the Strata Rest, Z-Rest, and Link Rest. Matched stuff bags are also available.