Z-rest or Ridge rest

The RidgeRest is much thicker and more comfortable than the Z-Rest. The Z-Rest folds really well, and may fit in your frameless pack much better that then RidgeRest, but it will provide a lot less padding (warmth and comfort). You might consider adding another pad (along with the Z-Rest). Maybe a couple of 1/8 inch thick Gossamer Gear thin pads to form a closed cell sandwich. That would be fairly compact and still offer a fair amount of comfort and warmth.

Thanks ross,thats good to know. For the first time I am adding weight to my pack rater than slashing it. I just raised my pack weight from 1.5 to 2.5 I have always used a trimmed pud but am moving to a 3/4 pad. Heck I might even bring a stove. I'm getting a bit up there and wondering how much extra comfort a few pounds will add. I am still trying to keep my base at sub 10 lbs but looking for super comfy everything. It sounds like I might just stick it out with the ridge rest or maybe get a Z and switch back and forth fot the summer. We are so booked right now its going to hard to get more than 5 or 6 long trips in but we are already planning many short trips. Ali

On the trail or at home, NEVER skimp on your bed. A bad night's sleep can have a devastating effect onb your day.

Get a good pad and sleeping system of sufficient caliber to provide a good night's rest. Cut weight someplace else.

actually the z-rest is 3/4 inch thick while the ridgerest is 5/8 inch. but the thickness in the z-rest is from the egg crate style dimples, not the actual thickness of the foam. the r value is higher on the ridgerest though. if i were you i would but one of each and try them out to see which you like better. they are both cheap and you could offload either one here at BPL. i use a z-rest and really like it, but have no real experience with the ridgerest. the small ridgerest is claimed at 1 ounce lighter than the small z-rest, but that would be negligable if you like one more than the other.

Thanks jim, I'm adding weight for this trip not subtracting it. I'm going to get the Z and compare it to my Ridge. My ridge is cut to 16×40 but I think I will leave the Z uncut for now. Ali

The Z is not very comfy at all. So if you're not the hardbody type…

I dont know why I find my Ridgerest so comfy. I was just think the Z might pack better. I also have a childs insulmat self inflator but only use it when I sleep in my car. I'm still stuck on foam but it might have to be my old Ridgerest. Ali

As a section hiker, I've hiked most of the AT. I have used a Washington foam pad, therma rest, z-rest all 3/4 pads. The majority of time I used the z-rest for its convenience.. Then on a hard pan stoney bed of ground just south of Hot Springs, I decided I needed more padding. Since I was hiking in October, I switched to a big agnes. Wow, what a difference. I have never slept better. No longer need a pillow. I weigh around 165, 5'9", age 65. The big agnes I use is insulated, too. Greta for your cold weather start in March or April. Nevertheless, I would recommend you start out with the light, easy to carry z-rest. You will have plenty of chances to switch later.
The foam was comfortable, too, but too bulky, I kept it rolled barrel-like in my Golite Gust. I always carry my pad inside my pack, but not in a stuff sack. They make a nice cushion against my back in a frameless pack.
Back on the trail next month (May) I'm using the Big Agnes "clearview mummy" , 20 x60 x 2.5 weighs around 9 oz. Probly not rugged enough for an entire thru-hike, because it looks puncture prone. 2.5" cushiopn should be nice!

My wife used a GG nightlite torso over a z and found it comfy. They both fold and she strapped them both on her little osprey.