Closed-Cell Foam Sleeping Pads Compared — Z-Lite SOL, FlexMat Plus, RidgeRest, TwisterCane, EZSleeper & Forclaz
I’ve slept on rocks, on peat, on frozen turf and on soft loch-side moss — and one thing I’ve learned the hard way is this: your sleeping pad matters. Closed-cell foam sleeping pads are the no-drama, ultra-reliable option for wild camping and backpacking. In this article I compare six popular models — Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite SOL, Exped FlexMat Plus, Therm-a-Rest RidgeRest Classic, Big Agnes TwisterCane BioFoam, Alpkit EZSleeper, and Forclaz (Decathlon) Folding Foam Trekking Mattress — across the things you actually care about: weight, packed size, R-value (warmth), comfort/thickness, and eco credentials.
“There is no bad weather, only inappropriate clothing and equipment.” — Sir Ranulph Fiennes.
How to read this comparison (quick primer)
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R-value — thermal resistance. Higher = warmer. For most UK 3-season trips, R ≈ 2.0 is fine; for colder ground you’ll want higher or to layer pads.
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Weight and packability — foam pads are generally light but bulky; check how you’ll carry them (inside the pack or strapped outside).
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Comfort — foam is firm compared with inflatable mats; thickness matters.
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Eco credentials — some manufacturers now use bio-resins, recycled materials, or sustainable packaging.
1) Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite SOL — the classic multi-tool pad
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Best for: all-round reliability, ultralight layering, and long life.
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R-Value: 2.0 (reflective ThermaCapture™ face helps reflect heat back towards the body)
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Weight: 10–14 oz depending on size (short/regular)
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Thickness: 0.75 in (≈19 mm) — thin but efficient.
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Packed size: folds accordion-style for easy carrying.
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Eco notes: long lifespan means fewer replacements (indirect sustainability)
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My take: I’ve used a Z-Lite under an inflatable in winter trips to Scotland; it prevents punctures and adds noticeable warmth. It’s not plush, but it’s part of the toolkit in your pack, one of those things that does exactly what is says on the tin.
2) Exped FlexMat Plus — the warm, comfy foam option
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Best for: people who prioritise warmth and comfort over minimal bulk.
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R-Value: 2.2 (highest declared R-values among the closed cell foam mats we compared)
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Weight: varies by size (e.g. M ≈ 16.9 oz / 480 g; LW heavier).
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Thickness: 1.5 in (≈38 mm) — this is almost double some of the other pads.
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Packed size: folding style, quite bulky but at 38mm thickness a bit of bulk is to be expected
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Eco notes: solid build; not specifically bio-based, but built to be durable (long life = fewer replacements).
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My take: The FlexMat Plus feels like the “luxury foam” — noticeably warmer and more comfortable at camp. If your trips include cold nights or you don’t want to bother layering an extra pad, this one makes sense. It’s bulkier, but for winter trips your going to be thankful for the extra warmth. Layered under a high R-value inflatable this could be one part of the ultimate sleep system.
3) Therm-a-Rest RidgeRest Classic — the budget, reliable choice
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Best for: beginners, festivalgoers, and anyone who wants a cheap, durable pad.
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R-Value: 2.0 (3 season use or as part of a layering system).
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Weight: Regular ~14 oz (≈400 g); small/large sizes vary.
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Thickness: ~0.63 in (≈16 mm).
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Packed size: bulky but simple
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Eco notes: Therm-a-Rest offers long warranties; classic cross-linked polyethylene foam is durable and long-lasting.
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My take: I’ve recommended the RidgeRest to loads people getting into wild camping. It’s cheap, indestructible and does the job it was made to do without emptying your wallet.
4) Big Agnes TwisterCane BioFoam — the eco-minded pad
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Best for: buyers looking for a greener foam option with decent warmth.
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R-Value: 1.7 (lower than the Therm-a-Rest/RidgeRest family).
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Weight: 14 oz (specs vary by model).
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Thickness: 0.5 in (≈13 mm).
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Eco credentials: uses EVA foam blended with sustainably grown sugarcane resin (Big Agnes highlights bio-based content), and recyclable packaging. Good step for lower carbon footprint in foam mats.
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My take: If you care about sustainability, the TwisterCane is a strong contender. It’s not the warmest by R-value, but it’s a thoughtful compromise: decent durability, reduced fossil feedstock, and recyclable packing. For summer trips and as a sit-pad or booster, it’s excellent.
5) Alpkit EZSleeper — tiny, clever and lightweight
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Best for: minimalist hikers who want a slim, insulating booster without bulk.
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R-Value: manufacturer highlights insulating IXPE foam but doesn’t publish a full ASTM R-value on the product page; it’s designed primarily as a winter booster.
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Weight: 240–245 g (≈8.5 oz) — very light for a foam folding mat.
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Thickness: 17 mm (≈1.7 cm) depending on model, folds compactly.
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Packed size: folds small — easy to stash inside a pack (unlike many foam pads).
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Eco notes: marketed as a simple, functional booster; Alpkit tends to detail materials and manufacturing but this pad is primarily about low weight and packability.
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My take: The EZSleeper is brilliant as an under-pad booster in cold conditions where every gram counts. I use it under an inflatable on shoulder-season treks; it adds warmth and puncture protection without the bulk of a full-size foam slab. Great for bikepackers and ultralighters who still want that foam insurance.
6) Forclaz / Decathlon Folding Foam Trekking Mattress — budget & accessible
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Best for: shoppers who want a cheap, serviceable foam mat from a big retailer.
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R-Value: Decathlon’s listing doesn’t always state an ASTM R-value explicitly; it’s marketed as insulating and functional for hiking/camping. (Decathlon provides density and thermal notes on product pages.)
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Weight: 480 g depending on size/version.
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Thickness: varies by model; generally thicker than ultralight folding pads — comfortable for casual use.
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Eco notes: Decathlon often focuses on value and durability; check the specific Forclaz model for recycled materials or sustainability badges.
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My take: Forclaz foam mats are great starter options and bargain solutions. They aren’t the lightest or the warmest by R-value on the market, but they’re affordable, widely available, and rugged enough for many users. Perfect for festival trips, car camping, or as a backup layer.
Quick Comparison — at a glance (weight / R-value / role)
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Best warmth (foam): Exped FlexMat Plus (~R-2.2) — comfort & insulation.
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Best all-rounder: Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite SOL (R≈2.0) — multi-use and reflective.
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Best budget classic: Therm-a-Rest RidgeRest Classic (R≈2.0).
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Best eco-foam: Big Agnes TwisterCane BioFoam (bio-resin from sugarcane).
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Best ultralight booster: Alpkit EZSleeper (≈240 g; winter booster).
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Best value / store pickup: Forclaz (Decathlon) (affordable, serviceable).
Personal notes — what I actually carry and when
I’m not religious about one brand. For three-season, low-weight backpacking I usually carry a Z-Lite SOL (SOL side up) under an inflatable pad — it’s my puncture insurance and gives decent extra warmth. On cold shoulder-season trips I swap the inflatable for a thicker pad and bring an Exped FlexMat Plus when weight isn’t the top priority. For short summer overnights or bikepacking I’ll shove the Alpkit EZSleeper inside the pack — it’s tiny and keeps the chill off my back.
FAQ
What is the best closed cell foam sleeping pad?
If you want an all-round winner for reliability, insulating performance and usability, the Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite SOL is a perennial top pick. If warmth and comfort are your priority and you don’t mind bulk, the Exped FlexMat Plus edges it for R-value and thickness.
Which closed cell foam sleeping pad has the highest R-value?
Among the models here the Exped FlexMat Plus reports one of the highest R-values for foam mats at ~2.2, making it the best single-foam choice for cooler nights. For true winter R-values (R-4+), foam alone is usually insufficient — layering foam beneath an inflatable is the common solution.
What is the warmest closed cell foam sleeping pad?
Warmth is a combination of R-value and thickness/reflectivity. The FlexMat Plus (R≈2.2, thicker foam) and the Z-Lite SOL (reflective face, R≈2.0) are the warmest performers among typical backpackable foam mats.
Are foam pads more eco-friendly than inflatable pads?
It depends. Some foam pads (e.g., Big Agnes TwisterCane) use bio-based foam or recycled materials, which can reduce fossil feedstock. However, longevity matters too — a durable foam pad used for decades can beat a short-lived inflatable in lifecycle terms. Check manufacturer claims and material disclosures.
Should I layer a foam pad under an inflatable?
Yes — layering is a common technique. A foam pad adds puncture protection and raises the overall R-value. Many long-distance hikers and winter campers use a thin foam booster under an inflatable mat for safety and insulation.
Final thoughts — pick with purpose
There’s no single “best closed cell foam sleeping pad” for everyone. Choose based on your typical season, how you carry it, and like everything in Wild Camping and Backpacking the right gear for you depends on what trade-offs you are willing to accept:
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Want the best compromise of weight, warmth and versatility? Z-Lite SOL.
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Want maximum foam warmth & comfort? Exped FlexMat Plus.
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Want eco options? Big Agnes TwisterCane is the most directly green choice among these.
As Sir Ranulph reminds us, the right gear matters — and a good sleeping pad is where comfort and safety meet.