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Thermarest's Ridgerest Classic is a closed cell foam mat with ridges that improves both comfort and insulation.
Thermarest says:
The original RidgeRest mattress design returns to take its place as the best value in a closed-cell pad. The RidgRest Classic mattress merges ultra-durable crosslink polyethylene with the timeless performance of our heat-trapping peaks and valleys to bring Therm-a-Rest performance to everyone.
RidgeRest & Z Lite Technology
These Therm-a-Rest innovations boost the effectiveness and comfort of traditional, flat closed-cell foam pads with heat-formed peaks and valleys. The RidgeRest uses a conventional wave pattern and the Z Lite delivers maximum compactness with a nesting waffle pattern. Both increase dead air space in the “valleys” beneath you to boost warmth, while the peaks maintain support and comfort. In addition, all but our RidgeRest Classic mattress combine these benefits with a dual-density construction that combines a denser, more durable foam on the bottom and a softer, more comfortable foam on top for lasting comfort.
Our Verdict
Thermarest's Ridgerest is a classic design, take the humble foam mat and carve into it ridges that improve both comfort and insulation for minimal increased weight. Thermarest went on to add reflective material to one side to improve insulation further, but seems to have re-instated this non-reflective version as a relatively low priced option.
Its still not massively comfortable - but it is for a foam mat - the advantages of this material for a sleeping mat is its light and indestructable - you can't get a leak in it so it won't fail. You can also cut it to the size and shape you need, thus avoiding carrying extra weight.
The disadvantage of this type of mat is its size - they are big and bulky, traditionally you would either line your pack with it or strap it to the outside.
- Reviewed by Basecamp Gear
Features
- Light & Durable: Virtually indestructible and light enough to carry anywhere.
- Unique Design: Supportive peaks and heat-trapping valleys provide essential comfort.
Specifications
- Weighs 397g
- Width: 51cm
- Length 183cm
- Thickness 1.5cm
- Packed Dimensions 51 x 20cm
- ASTM R-Value: 2.0
ASTM R-Value:
From 2020, there is a new industry standard for measuring the R-value (level of insulation) of sleeping mats – ASTM F3340-18. This new standard is the sleeping mat equivalent to the EN rating for sleeping bags.
You can now directly compare the R-value of mats rated using the ASTM F3340-18 with confidence that is a fair and accurate comparison between mats. In simple terms, the higher the R-value, the warmer the mat.
In general terms, an R-value below 2.0 is for summer use, 2.0 to 4.0 is for cooler 3 season use and 4.0+ is for winter temperatures. This will be also be dependent on your sleeping bag, how cold you sleep etc. Please contact our customer service team if you need advice on choosing the right mat for your activity.
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