Prolite small vs. regular

A long time ago I got a Thermarest full length Guidelite which is 1 inch.

Then I got a Thermarest torso length 1.5 inch.

I didn't like my legs being on the ground, so I just went back to using the full length (also it got a slow leak).

So, one person's experience – use full length – it's worth the 5 ounces.

You can put other gear under your feet, but I like to be able to wear all of my clothing for warmth, and other gear is too thin and lumpy.

A year ago I got a Prolite which has been great – maybe 75 nights on it.

That being said, I bet most other ultra-lighters prefer torso length : )

You should be just fine continuing to use your pack to supplement pad length. No need to go full length.

Moi, I use full length only because I dislike bringing my pack into the tent (personal preference).

I tried the torso length pads and found that I slept no where near as well as with a full length pad. I found it was quite uncomfortable to turn with something like my pack under my legs. In addition, I was somewhat concerned that something on the pack exterior would cut, soil or damage my bag exterior, or I would push my bag such that I damaged my (thin) tent floor. I believe I was much better able to perform well the following day when I slept well on the full pad.
Jim

I use the prolite small.

I tend to use my pack as the extra insulation beneath my legs but I am more of a fetal position sleeper. N.B: I am 16 years old and am seriously considering sleeping on a torso length GG nightlite pad for the four/five months of the AT, thus my advise my be less then helpful as I am a bit crazy, even for the UL folks. :D

The women's version is 66" which is a compromise between the full length (72") and the 3/4 (48"). If you are short that may do the trick.

For me…I've used 3/4 length pads for the last 20 years. I finally wimped out and bought a full-length (for me) 66" version this year. The weight is the same as my old 48" length pad. I have no opinion concerning sleeping on it at this time because I have yet to put a night on it. I managed to make the 48" ones work for years but I'm older and sleep worse than I did when I was younger. In response I've moved to a larger bag, more comfortable mat and in general I'm making the compromise to carry more weight for the extra comfort (I bought an inflatable pillow too).

If you're already using a torso length pad, you can switch to the torso length Prolite XS. I used the small, and this year switched to the XS. I use my empty pack under my legs, or I can also supplement with a GG Thinlight if necessary…

This is really is a personal preference decision, which only you can decide.

I wimped out and (over time) bought both. When it's warm and I mainly need the pad for comfort, I use the 3/4 length. When it's cold enough to matter, I use the full length. Your gear addiction may vary. :)

HJ

A small prolite combined with a backpack is not warm enough when it's cold out and you have to sleep on cold hard ground, ice or snow.

You could supplement by adding another 3/8" or thicker full length pad. In this case you would be warmer than if you carried the extra weight of a thicker sleeping bag/quilt.

Having a full length pad rally makes a difference when it comes to keeping warm.

^ agreed, most packs don't offer much in the way of r value, "summer" whatever a guy is happy w/, "winter" full length (or torso length combined w/ full length)

also from another thread- look into the women's pads- they are often right in between torso and full length and some even offer more r value

I went with the small Prolite to save volume as much as weight. I also add to my pad length with a sit pad– a Therm-a-Rest Z Seat in my case. I added the Z Seat to my kit this summer and really enjoyed it. Just a simple square of blue foam will do the trick if you have an old pad around cut up. My pack has enough padding to provide plenty of insulation for my feet. It is a little lumpy but not bad.