Thermarest Trail?

we have several trail users in our scout troop. I think it is a good durable pad. Works well for rubber boned boy scouts. For adults, maybe not. Personally, for me, the minimum TR thickness is 1.5 inches to avoid hip on ground, side sleeper. No matter die cut model or not. If you can, I would advise going to store if possible and laying on 1" TR pad, or 1.5" to see before buying.

Nope, no 1" pad that works for side sleepers. I actually go for 2" or more. Maybe see if you can find a BA Insulated Air Core on clearance?

I used the BMW TorsoLite for years and am a dedicated side sleeper. No issues whatsoever with cold shoulders or being uncomfortable. Now that I think about it, I used the Gossamer Gear Torso Pad prior to that with similar effect.

I think the price is right to try the Trail out.

Lucas, "me too" as a side sleeper. I also have never found a 1" pad that gives comfort for both hips and shoulders. I've tried 3-4 Thermarest models, zLite, Ridgerest, BMW Torsolite, etc. The best for me has been the Big Agnes Clearview. It was less than $40 last year. But it's 11 oz. So, for really light adventures I will make other plans. Still, the Clearview is a luxurious sleep for me.

Appreciate the feedback folks. I have a Prolite Plus Short on the way, as well as a Trail Short. I'll post up some feedback on the two. I think that side sleepers can get into sub-categories w/ mattress compatibility. For example, I'm broad shouldered and narrow hipped, so I'm putting more pressure on my shoulders than someone w/ less shoulder/hip width differential. (I know I've analyzed this too much!) I was ready to pull the trigger on the BA or POE inflatables, but I've got a new Ohm and need additional back support in there that the tube inflatables won't provide. I figured adding a Torso pad to those for my pack support would offset their weight benefits. I might order a Montbell UL90 or 120 if I find the 1" solid foam to be any better on the Thermarest Trail. My limited research so far has me thinking that 1.5" is the minimum I can tolerate. But, I want to go 1" if I can. Sectionhiker.com has a review on the Torsolite and he says that he is a sidesleeper and the pad worked just fine. The truth is out there….

"The truth is out there…"

lol. You've got that right.

Not directly related to the Trail, but since others have mentioned the Prolite in this thread, here goes: I'm a side sleeper with boney hips, and I'm doing OK with a Prolite 3 short (1" thickness). I'm a bit picky about where I set up. If I find relatively soft soil, I do pretty well. If I can find a thick carpet of pine needles, I'm in fat city. If I sleep on a granite slab, I suck it up and toss and turn all night.

I've found my shoulders are more the critical point than my hips (at least for me). I sometimes do carry a square of CCF to put under my shoulders, but most of the time I'm fine with just the Prolite 3.

The one thing I have found about the Prolite 3 is that it does get punctured pretty easily. I haven't had many problems in a tent, but if I just bring a sheet of plastic drop cloth and sleep out under the stars, I've had several punctures. My latest idea is to by a thin sheet of GG CCF and put that between my ground cloth and my Prolite. This isn't so much to provide extra padding but hopefully to cut down on punctures. I've only used this latest set up on one trip so far, so the "jury is still out" on this one.

Jim, I think the addition of foam to the 1" inflatable is a nice idea. The only reason I haven't tried that route is that the inflatable + foam = closer weight to the 1.5" inflatable and more bulk in my Ohm. I guess I could go xs prolite(8oz) + GG torso (3.5oz) = 11.5 oz w/ over half my body insupported(I'm 6'5") This works ok at warmish temps, but cold ground forces some changes there. I know that no sleep system works for all seasons. The BA thermo series will likely be my cold weather system w/ a cut down ccf for my back in the Ohm.

I got the 19.5 x 59 x 1/8 in. (50 x 150 x .318 cm.) size GG ThinLight. It weighs approx 2 ounces. I roll it up and put it under the straps on the back of my backpack, so it really doesn't take up more room in the pack.

The length (59"/150cm) is nice in that it's a bit longer than my Prolite 3 short. I get a bit of extra padding when I turn over at night etc.

I'd be curious to hear from any readers that: 1. side sleep 2. use foam and 1" inflatable pad. My general question is whether foam+inflatable at 1 1/8" would be closer in comfort to 1.5" inflatable.

I side sleep, and can't make anything under 2" work. I just use an Ether Thermo 6, a good nights sleep is more crucial to me than a few ounces.

My general question is whether foam+inflatable at 1 1/8" would be closer in comfort to 1.5" inflatable.

Short answer: no.

My 1.5" self inflating pad is still more comfortable to me than a 1.125" combo of a 1" self inflating pad + CCF.

However, for the most part the 1.125" combo is comfortable enough and is lighter than a 1.5" self inflating pad. YMMV

I'm a side sleeper and use the 1" thick Thermarest Prolite 3 Short unless I'm on snow. I am in my 70's and find that the 1" thick pad is all that I need. I do inflate it so that it is fairly stiff; that helps prevent cold spots from contact with the ground and makes for a firm cushion. I also have a short Thermarest that is 1 1/2" thick and don't like it as well as I do the thinner pad; my pillow is too small for the extra height.