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

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

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.

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

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.

Great pad!! I use the long because I don't like having my feet hang off the end and I like the 25" width, I don't feel like I'm rolling off it during the night. I know it's heavier than most people like for backpacking, but I have found that if Dad doesn't sleep well no one has a good day!!! I would recommend any of the Thermarest products. We have several different pads and use them all the time from hiking to car camping and even for the kids sleep-overs.

Similar Products Used:

None

The LE is a great pad with plenty of comfort and warmth. Unfortunately, it also weighs 2.5 pounds for the long version and is pricey. If you're an ounce counter, fair weather user, and are $wise, I'd suggest the z rest which weighs only 1 lb.

Similar Products Used:

z rest

I bought the long pad for my wife and she absolutely loves it. If you've never slept on one of these, it makes ALL the difference in the world. The long pad retails for $110. The $82 posted above is for the 3/4 length. I was able to find the long on sale for $88 but it's still a bargain at retail for the added comfort.

Similar Products Used:

None