Thermarest “Atmos” foam

$40 to save 12 ounces is a huge bargain. While I prefer inflatable pads myself (thicker, lighter, warmer, and more comfortable), if the choice is between those two pads, I would not hesitate one second to save 12 ounces for $40.

Thanks Jim. Appreciate the feedback. I agree with you that an inflatable would be preferred, but I borrowed a friends 2014 model NeoAir,and it was so noisy I just couldn't deal with it. I've heard some are quieter than others, but I don't have the patience to try several and play the return game.

If you're comfortable and sleep well on a self-inflatable then I say go for it. They're more durable, less setup time and typically cheaper. The trade-off is less compact if space is an issue, and generally less comfortable than a thicker inflatable.

The Prolite4 series is two generations earlier. It was replaced by the Prolite Plus.

I compared the new Atmos version of the PL+ to last year's Prolite Plus at 20x72x1½ inches:

The R value for the Atmos (3.4) is 0.2 units(6%)greater than the PL+ (3.2)

The weight is 4 ounces (20%) less (20 vs. 24

I don't have price info on the Prolite Plus any more, but since for those who already have a PL+ pad, I don't think it's worth the money to buy the Atmos just to save 4 ounces and only get a negligible 6% increase in warmth.

For those buying a new pad or with either a PL4 or the thinner PL3 pad that may need replacement, the Atmos is a good choice.

Thanks everyone. I'm going to order up a Prolite Plus…. If its close in comfort to my wife's Prolite 4, I will be a happy camper! And the weight of 26oz for a Large size is pretty sweet.