Cascade Designs Therm-A-Rest LE

Review Date
August 24, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Lex(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from California

Summary:
Reasons or buying a Thermarest LE:

1) This pad is SWEET!
2) Only a small child would complain about the difference in weight.
3) Sleep is good.
4) Women will love you*
5) In the event you are eaten by a bear, Cascade Designs guarantees* that a Thermarest LE will follow you to heaven. An LE is also guaranteed to follow bad hikers to hell in order to better insulate them from extreme temperatures.
6) Blue is a nice color.
7) This is the pad Elvis Presley would own if he were still alive because Elvis always had the coolest stuff.
9) Because your back is worth a lot more more than 99 bucks!

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
April 8, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Eli(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Long Valley, NJ

Price Paid:  $99.00 at Campmor

Summary:
The reviews below say it all- I don't need to convince you this pad is great. However, I want to add one thing: these new LE pads are better than the "original" or "classic" Therm-a-Rest pads: for example, the original, 20" wide, full-length Standard pad is 1.5" thick and weighs 2 lbs 8oz. The LE full-length 20" wide pad is 2" thick, and weighs 2 lbs 5 oz. It's THICKER and LIGHTER at the same time. Yes, it's also $35 more, but considering you'll keep it for a lifetime (or at least half of one), the comfort is more than worth it.

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
March 30, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Mari G.(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Seattle, WA

Price Paid:  $80.00 at REI

Summary:
I bought the 3/4 version, because I really need the padding in the shoulder and hip area. It was worth every penny, compared to the other pads I tried. I wouldn't have appreciated this pad so much when I was younger and less stiff in the morning, but now I really appreciate the thick resilient foam for extra comfort, especially on my hips after a full day of backpacking. It was the perfect compromise between carrying the weight, dealing with it's size, and comfort for me. I recommend it for people who wake up at night a lot or are very stiff if they sleep on harder surfaces, and people who are willing to pay for comfort.
Other notes: Storing the pad un-rolled takes a lot of space, but is similar with all pads of this type. I've always been able to get that pad back in the storage sack.

Similar Products Used:
generic foam pads, non-inflating. Cheap inflating pads. Air mattresses requiring pumps for car camping.

Review Date
March 1, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Benny & Kimmy(Unregistered User) ,  Car Camper , from Illinois

Price Paid:  $113.00 at Campmor

Summary:
If you sleep on the ground, you must have one of these! Great support, excellent insulation from the cold, and extremely durable. The high price is well worth it. Pay the extra $ for the LE model. These are utter luxury.

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
December 31, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: Dan(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Santa Monica, Ca

Price Paid:  $75.00 at REI

Summary:
This pad is very cool! I have the 3/4. Besides the weight it is perfect. It is not very bulky which is very good. I got a good deal on mine. Bar none this pad is the best!

Similar Products Used:
MTN HRD Wear Backcountry 72-I use both these pads for ultimate comfort and insulation.