Outdoor & Travel Comparisons · Reviewed October 11, 2026
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL vs NEMO Switchback: Which Foam Sleeping Pad?
These Regular closed-cell foam pads match on length, width, packed envelope and published R-value. Therm-a-Rest is half an ounce lighter and thinner. NEMO adds nominal thickness and a different dual-density hex-node structure without changing the R-value.
Best for
Campers choosing a no-inflation 20 x 72-inch folding foam pad for warm-weather use, a protective layer under an air pad or a quick camp seat.
Probably not for
Wide-pad sleepers, compact inside-pack storage, plush inflatable-style cushioning, cold-weather use based on a temperature guess, or anyone needing a pad wider than 20 inches.
Specifications at a glance
| Detail | Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL Regular | NEMO Switchback Regular |
|---|---|---|
| R-value | 2 | 2 |
| Dimensions | 72 x 20 x 0.75 in | 72 x 20 x 0.9 in |
| Published weight | 14 oz | 14.5 oz |
| Packed dimensions | 20 x 5 x 5.5 in | 20 x 5 x 5.5 in |
| Foam design | Molded crosslinked polyethylene; softer top and denser bottom | Dual-density Axiotomic closed-cell foam with hexagonal nodes |
| Reflective layer | ThermaCapture surface | Metallized thermal film |
| Setup | Accordion fold; no inflation or valve | Folding panels; no inflation or valve |
| Exact variant | Blue/Silver Regular, SKU 13267 | Sunset Orange Regular, SKU 814041019347 |
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Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL Regular, Blue/Silver (13267)
A 20 x 72-inch accordion-fold closed-cell foam pad with an R-value of 2, 0.75-inch thickness, 14-ounce weight and ThermaCapture reflective surface. The exact linked variant is Blue/Silver Regular SKU 13267.
Pros
- Half an ounce lighter than the matched NEMO Regular specification
- Same R-value and packed dimensions in a thinner 0.75-inch profile
- Made in the USA according to the current product table
Cons
- Nominally 0.15 inch thinner than the Switchback
- Twenty-inch width and bulky folded block may not suit every sleeper or pack
- R-value 2 is not an automatic cold-weather temperature rating
Who it’s for: Choose it when the lowest listed weight, slightly thinner profile or USA-made specification matters. Skip it if additional nominal foam thickness is a higher priority than half an ounce.
Check Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL Regular, Blue/Silver (13267) on Amazon Paid linkNEMO Switchback Regular, Sunset Orange (814041019347)
A 20 x 72-inch folding closed-cell foam pad with an R-value of 2, 0.9-inch nominal thickness, 14.5-ounce weight, dual-density hexagonal nodes and a metallized thermal film.
Pros
- Nominally 0.15 inch thicker than Z Lite SOL Regular
- Hexagonal nesting nodes and dual-density foam create a distinct support structure
- Same packed dimensions and R-value as the compared Therm-a-Rest
Cons
- Half an ounce heavier than the matched Z Lite SOL specification
- Twenty-inch width and external-pack-sized folded block remain limiting
- Extra thickness does not prove greater comfort without a controlled or personal-use comparison
Who it’s for: Choose it when the 0.9-inch nominal thickness and hex-node dual-density construction are more useful than saving half an ounce. Skip it when every fraction of pack weight matters.
Check NEMO Switchback Regular, Sunset Orange (814041019347) on Amazon Paid linkThe insulation rating is a true tie on paper
Both manufacturers publish an R-value of 2 for the matched Regular pads. R-value describes resistance to heat flow under a standardized pad test. It is more useful than an unsourced seasonal label, but it is not a direct promise that a sleeper will feel warm at a particular air temperature.
Ground temperature, moisture, wind exposure, sleeping-bag insulation, clothing and individual physiology all affect the complete sleep system. A pad that feels adequate on dry summer soil may be insufficient on colder ground. Plan around the full system and expected conditions rather than turning R-value 2 into a universal temperature cutoff.
Either foam pad can also sit beneath an inflatable pad as added insulation and puncture protection. In a stacked system, R-values can generally be considered together only when the products are used correctly and remain in contact. Follow the current manufacturer guidance for the other pad instead of assuming every combination behaves identically.
NEMO is thicker; Therm-a-Rest is lighter
Therm-a-Rest lists Z Lite SOL Regular at 0.75 inch and 14 ounces. NEMO lists Switchback Regular at 0.9 inch and 14.5 ounces. The numerical tradeoff is straightforward: NEMO adds 0.15 inch of nominal thickness, while Therm-a-Rest removes half an ounce.
Thickness does not prove that every sleeper will find NEMO more comfortable. Foam shape, compression, sleeping position, body size and the surface underneath all matter. Similarly, half an ounce is meaningful to some weight-focused backpackers and irrelevant to many car campers.
Think about the actual problem. Side sleepers seeking plush pressure relief may find both too firm or thin compared with an inflatable design. A hiker building a simple, failure-resistant kit may value instant setup and accept the limited cushioning. Specifications clarify the compromise but cannot choose comfort for the user.
Packed bulk is identical and still substantial
Both Regular pads publish packed dimensions of 20 x 5 x 5.5 inches. Their accordion or panel folds create a predictable rectangular block, but neither becomes small enough to disappear inside every backpack. Exterior attachment is common because the 20-inch dimension spans much of a pack width.
Check strap spacing and keep the pad away from exhaust, open flame and sharp hardware. A loosely attached block can catch branches or shift weight. Foam avoids a valve failure, but the surface can still abrade, tear or compress over time. Inspect reflective areas and fold hinges before a trip.
The fold pattern can create a quick seat or kneeling pad during a break. That is a useful secondary function, not proof that the entire sleeping surface is indestructible. Clear gravel and sharp debris before laying either pad down, and dry it before storage.
The foam structures use different geometry
Therm-a-Rest uses molded crosslinked polyethylene foam with a softer upper layer and denser lower layer. Its ThermaCapture surface is used reflective side up. The manufacturer says the reflective and dimpled design increases warmth by nearly 15 percent, a product claim that should not be converted into a temperature promise.
NEMO uses dual-density Axiotomic closed-cell foam with taller hexagonal nesting nodes and a metallized thermal film. The nodes are designed to create space for uncompressed sleeping-bag insulation and then nest together for packing. That is a structural distinction even though the published R-value remains 2.
Reflective coatings face friction from folding, dirt and normal use. Follow cleaning and orientation guidance from the manufacturer. Avoid adding an unapproved cover that could trap moisture or change how the pad folds, and do not treat visible metallic film as a replacement for the rest of the sleep system.
Regular means 20 inches wide for both
The matched sizes are 72 inches long and 20 inches wide. That narrow width saves material and pack bulk but leaves little room for sprawling arms or position changes. Measure shoulder width and compare the pad to the tent floor before assuming Regular will be comfortable.
A pad that overlaps a tent wall can collect condensation or prevent another sleeper from fitting. Two 20-inch pads require at least 40 inches before gaps and wall shape are considered. If a wider model is needed, compare that exact size because weight, packed dimensions and Amazon ASIN will change.
The selected Therm-a-Rest variant is Blue/Silver Regular SKU 13267. The selected NEMO variant is Sunset Orange Regular SKU 814041019347. Amazon labels the NEMO size Standard in its selector, while the manufacturer calls the 72 x 20-inch size Regular. Dimensions and exact product identifiers resolve that wording difference.
Choose around weight, thickness and storage reality
Choose Z Lite SOL Regular when saving half an ounce, using the 0.75-inch profile or selecting the current USA-made specification matters. Choose Switchback Regular when the 0.9-inch nominal thickness and hexagonal dual-density design are the more persuasive tradeoffs.
Choose neither if the pad must pack compactly inside a small bag, provide wide sleeping space or deliver inflatable-style cushioning. An air pad can offer different comfort and packed-volume benefits, while adding valves, inflation and puncture considerations. A foam pad is not automatically the better tool for every trip.
The exact Amazon links are B07YLRMQWD for the Blue/Silver Z Lite SOL Regular and B07JZZ5PFB for the Sunset Orange Switchback Regular. Verify size and color before purchase because both pages can group variants. No sleep, temperature, abrasion or long-term compression testing was performed.
Official sources and further reading
Sources reviewed on October 11, 2026. Prices, availability and terms can change; recheck before buying.
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