Thermarest prolite 4S

(Michael S) said:

Hi y'all,

Hi y'all back :-)

Quoted message said:

Thinking about investing in a thermarest thanks to the suggestions on
here in various threads over the months.

Good move.

Quoted message said:

Anyway, I was looking at a prolite 4s, as it seems the most suitable
for my needs - lightweight, will be used at altitude in winter etc.
But I was wondering if anybody had experienced any discomfort as a
result of the shorter length (I've only ever used full length mats in
the past). I'm 6'2", if that's any help - the guy in the shop told me
that the shorter length of the 4s would cover down to my bum. Could I
realistically get away with using a prolite 3 regular/full length for
winter use, or is the added thickness of the 4 season mat significant
in winter?

I've not used the Prolite, but I've used various other Thermarest
incarnations over the years. I find that I get cold if I use a 3/4
length mat, and therefore I reverted to carrying a long one, despite
the extra bulk and weight. Some people don't have that problem,
though, or are able to counter it by putting waterproofs or other
clothing under their feet. I think it's a bit of an individual thing.
Are you generally a hot person, or do you easily cool down?

It sounds as though you may not have tried the mat out in the shop. If
not, you should go back and do so. If the shop won't let you, try to
find another shop that will. You need to know where it comes to on
you, and you also need to know whether the Prolite is likely to be
comfy enough. Try to find a shop that has a range of Thermarests
inflated, and try them all. I had a poke at a Prolite in a local shop
a couple of weeks ago, and it seemed very thin to me. I didn't lie on
it, though; perhaps it would have been comfier if I had. Anyway, it's
worth trying out the different thicknesses to find the one that suits
your needs best.

Good luck :-)

Best wishes,
--
Peewiglet

I have got a prolite3 short, but dont have experience with the long
verion

but I do with the earlier model.
I have the (cant remember measuremnts or numbers)
thin short and a thick long
the thin short for 3 seasons, now replaced by the prolite 3
and the thick long for snow.
I find both diffrences to be worth their weight.

with the thin short one in the winter I did notice cold in my feet,
and also in my shoulders, especialy when I turned on my side, so I
bought the thick long one.

I find that in winter the extra weight not to be such an issue as I am
already covering an embarassinly short distance per day, with the
general extra gear I am carrying, slower on snow and less light,
and at least I am well rested for the next day.
lots of people make do with the thin short one in all weathers, so its
really down to you and how sensitive you are with the cold.

"Michael S" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Hi y'all,

Thinking about investing in a thermarest thanks to the suggestions on
here in various threads over the months.

Anyway, I was looking at a prolite 4s, as it seems the most suitable
for my needs - lightweight, will be used at altitude in winter etc.
But I was wondering if anybody had experienced any discomfort as a
result of the shorter length (I've only ever used full length mats in
the past). I'm 6'2", if that's any help - the guy in the shop told me
that the shorter length of the 4s would cover down to my bum. Could I
realistically get away with using a prolite 3 regular/full length for
winter use, or is the added thickness of the 4 season mat significant
in winter?

Suggestion: cut yourself a sitmat from closed-cell foam mat for lunch stops,
cooking etc. Make it long enough to go under your legs. The comfort difference
is minimal under your legs compared to under your body, as long as it insulates
well enough.
--
Mark South: World Citizen, Net Denizen

Thanks for the advice and top-tips everyone.

I think I need to try one out in the shop so I can see exactly how
much of my body they cover before deciding what to do next!

Cheers again!

Michael S