RidgeNoteRidgeNote
Start HerePack BuilderCompare GearGuidesBest ofHuntingGear Lists
ProShakedown
RidgeNoteRidgeNote

Know your carry. Backpacking gear on the makers' own figures, with the source shown where we have one: build your pack and check it before you go.

Get the Field Dispatch

One email a month: gear newly on record, any change to a maker's own list price, and one field note.

Gear

  • Tents & Shelters
  • Sleeping Bags
  • Sleeping Pads
  • Backpacks
  • Insulated Jackets
  • Cook Systems
  • Hunting Gear
  • Best-of Lists

Explore

  • Pack Weight Calculator
  • How Much Should a Pack Weigh?
  • Compare Gear
  • The Shakedown
  • Backpacking Checklist
  • Fuel Calculator
  • Water Carry Calculator
  • Start Here
  • Backpacking Gear Lists
  • Gear by Brand
  • Buying Guides
  • The Field Dispatch
  • Open Gear Data

Company

  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Disclosure
  • Terms

© 2026 RidgeNote. Some links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

BrowsePackSaved
Gear / Sleeping Pads & Mats

NEMO Switchback Foam Sleeping Pad vs Therm-a-Rest Original Z Lite™ Sleeping Pad

Original Z Lite™ Sleeping Pad is the lighter of the two by 5 g (0.2 oz).

Original Z Lite™ Sleeping Pad lists for $10.00 less at the manufacturer's price.

Where to buy

Switchback Foam Sleeping Pad

  • Check price on Amazon→

Original Z Lite™ Sleeping Pad

  • Check price on Amazon→
  • Check price at Cascade Designs

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Weights and prices are the manufacturer’s published figures. The lower weight and the higher R-value are highlighted.

Switchback Foam Sleeping Pad

NEMO

Original Z Lite™ Sleeping Pad

Therm-a-Rest

Weight
14.6 oz
14.5 oz
MSRP
$59.95
$49.95
R-value
2
1.7

Which one to choose

  • Choose the Therm-a-Rest Original Z Lite™ Sleeping Pad if every ounce counts — 14.5 oz against 14.6 oz.
+ Add the Switchback Foam Sleeping Pad to my pack+ Add the Original Z Lite™ Sleeping Pad to my pack

Questions this comparison answers

Is the NEMO Switchback Foam Sleeping Pad lighter than the Therm-a-Rest Original Z Lite™ Sleeping Pad?
Original Z Lite™ Sleeping Pad is the lighter of the two by 5 g (0.2 oz).
Which has the lower list price, the NEMO Switchback Foam Sleeping Pad or the Therm-a-Rest Original Z Lite™ Sleeping Pad?
Original Z Lite™ Sleeping Pad lists for $10.00 less in manufacturer list price (MSRP).

NEMO Switchback Foam Sleeping Pad

Source not recorded.

“With Switchback, NEMO has redefined the classic closed-cell foam sleeping pad to deliver more thickness and plush comfort in an industry-leading packed size. This pad features hexagonal nodes molded with dual-density Axiotomic foam to create Hypnoelastic zones that conform to your body in a perfect balance of comfort and support. Rectangular, 72 by 20 inches in the Regular size, and it folds rather than inflates.”
Full specs and prices for the Switchback Foam Sleeping Pad →

Therm-a-Rest Original Z Lite™ Sleeping Pad

Source not recorded.

“The Original Z Lite closed cell foam pad remains a top choice for anyone seeking essential, virtually indestructible comfort with an absolute minimum of weight.”
Full specs and prices for the Original Z Lite™ Sleeping Pad →

Ranked guides for this shelf

  • Which Therm-a-Rest Sleeping Pad Is Lightest in 2026?
  • What Is the Lightest Backpacking Sleeping Pad in 2026?

The next question

  • Therm-a-Rest ZLite SOL Foam Sleep Pad vs Original Z Lite™ Sleeping Pad
  • Original Z Lite™ Sleeping Pad vs RidgeRest® Classic Sleeping Pad - Regular
  • Original Z Lite™ Sleeping Pad vs Z Lite Sol
  • Switchback Foam Sleeping Pad vs Z Lite Sol
  • Switchback Foam Sleeping Pad vs Ultralight XR Insulated Air Sleeping Pad
  • Switchback Foam Sleeping Pad vs Tensor All-Season Sleeping Pad
Add a third item to this comparison·All sleeping pads on the register