The Z Lite wins the weight category, but just barely, by about the same weight as a bite of a Clif Bar. 5 ounces less than the Switchback, but we think carrying that half ounce extra is worth it considering the Switchback packs down smaller and is more comfortable. The Switchback wins the comfort category and is the only non-air pad that made it on to our list of the 10 Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads.Ĭlosed-cell foam pads are generally considered ultralight, and the Switchback and Z Lite are no exception. This means that they support weight a bit better and it’s harder to bottom out. The Switchback’s nodes are taller and wider and have more room to compress. Something we don’t really like about the Z Lite is that when you lay on it, the nodes compress almost completely flat and provide very little support. If you don’t mind sleeping on firm surfaces, however, a foam pad may be all you need. Many people won’t find closed-cell foam pads comfy enough on their own - we certainly prefer air pads. Either way, we didn’t notice any difference in warmth while testing both the pads, but we will give the warmth win to the Z Lite for listing an R-value. Starting in 2020, all sleeping pads sold at the outdoor co-ops REI and MEC will be required to list an industry standardized R-value, and we are interested to see where the Switchback stands. Therm-a-Rest lists an R-value of 2.6 for the Z Lite, which we think is a little more realistic. They say the Switchback is effective all the way down to 20☏, but we wouldn’t recommend any closed-cell foam pad for sub-freezing temperatures (below 32☏). NEMO doesn’t list R-values - they give an estimated temperature range instead. Both the Z Lite and the Switchback are effective for this purpose, but we like Therm-a-Rest’s transparency a bit more. R-values stack, so you can easily turn your 3-season air pad in to an all-season sleep system by adding a foam pad. The Switchback seems like it may be more durable, but it’s been out for less than a year, so it’s hard to say for sure which pad wins the durability category for now. The Switchback also features a durable film layer over the metalized side for protection from abrasive objects like sticks and rocks. This could make a difference over time as the nodes start to lose their ability to rebound after repeated compression. Both the Switchback and the Z Lite are very durable, but we’ve noticed that the nodes on the Switchback don’t compress as much as the nodes on the Z Lite when you lay down on them. In our opinion, the biggest advantage to a closed-cell foam pad is that it’ll never pop or have valve issues.
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