Most comfortable CCF pad? (Z Lite vs Ridgerest SoLite vs other?)

Yeah – I think you have hit the nail on the head. They are essentially the same except for packing. I prefer the Z-lite but these are so close it will be which one YOU prefer.

I have both pads. The Z lite if you cut a 10" panel off one end and fold from the center on both sides it makes a nice 2 inch thick by 10 inch wide flat pad you can slide in to a back sleeve in your pack.

Now I am a heavier person I go back and forth in weight 185 lbs. to 200 lbs. The Z lite compress to thin to only about 1/4 inch thick or less at my torso area when sleeping on it. The ridgerest stay at 3/8" thick when I lay down on it.

Durability The ridgerest win hand down because it won't tear verse a Zlite can tear easy at the the thin according folds.
Terry

the most comfortable ccf pads are the thickest ones.

"the most comfortable ccf pads are the thickest ones."

These two pads aren't that much different in thickness, more so the egg shell vs the ridges.

I've never tried a z-lite, but I've used a Ridgerest and have a Ridgerest SoLite. The coating is definitely worth the extra $10. I've used the SoLite down to the mid 30s. For $20, I think the SoLite short is the best value for a sleeping pad.

They have a Zlite sol with coating now too. Saw it in store today.

Yep sure do. I found it locally (no shipping) for only $5 less so might as well get the newer, coated model either way I go.

I am leaning towards the Ridgerest mainly for the burrito style packing. Gonna think about it for a while and see.

Kind of like asking which enema is best…UGH!

CCF pads are just not comfortable, bit of an oxymoron. But if you gotta do it, I also have a RidgeRest SOlite small. It can be trimmed down a little to make into a true torso pad depending on your measurements. Just knowing that Skurka uses one (from his new book) and likes it made mine instantly feel more comfortable! :)

I like my RR Sol. The only problem with using it burrito style is that it does seem to take up a lot of space because it is thick and not the most flexible. Not a deal breaker but just something to take into consideration. I usually just roll and carry it outside my pack for this reason (I use an internal frame pack for anything over 20lbs anyway).

I used a Ridgerest for about 4 years with no noticeable loss of cushion. I tried a Z Lite for the smaller packed size and after 1 year of average use (about 20 nights) I noticed it was much thinner in the shoulder and hip area. I now use a SOLite.

I've used a z-rest which I've progressively cut shorter and shorter. It's down to 6 panels which fold flat as a back pad pretty decently.I could never make it work any longer than 6 though. Some people sorta do a tube or 'u' shape I think but it was not very space efficient at all in my tries. Also the eggshell is very grippy so stuffing/removing things is a bit of a pain. (great for less than ideally level campsites though)

I'm also looking at the RR as a good way to spend my $20ish rei dividend.

I think the buritto is the best way if you need to use a pad as a frame.

IMO Zlites are junk – They break down quickly and flatten after only a few uses. My favorite CCF pad by far is the Gossamer Gear Nightlight – Much better construction, nice dense foam and pretty light at about 10oz for 50" length: http://gossamergear.com/sleeping/nightlight-sleeping-pad-3-4.html

I believe GG had a full length pad but may no longer sell it…

How about the Ridge Rest Solar (used to be the Ridge Rest deluxe)? I've been thinking of buying one of these to replace my ancient, heavy, torso-length Thermarest, but they don't stock it at any of my local outdoor stores so I can't test it out. In terms of comfort, how much of an improvement is it compared to the regular Ridge Rest?

Bridget – I wondered the same thing myself. The Ridgerest SoLite is .62" thick, the Solar is .75" thick, noticeably heavier though.

I have never even seen a Solar in person so I would love to hear comments from someone who has tried both the RR's to see if the Solar would be worth the extra weight.

I bought one for longer trips not wanting to incur the high risk that my more comfortable Neo Air springs a leak early in a lengthy trip. This is a very comfortable pad. The big down side is that the comfort providing thickness takes significant space packing it burrito style.

or you can easily cut it down a few panels at a time until you find the length/weight that is comfortable for you. either way, it's really a great pad.