Summary:

REI has been a long-time leader in camping and outdoor recreational equipment. REI is one of the most, if not most multifarious outdoor company around. Dedicated to serving and listening to their customers, REI has created one hit product after another, and the REI Lite-Core 1.5 Sleeping Pad is no different. The pad comes in two sizes along with a seat size which is for another review. For this particular review, I will be looking specifically at the Regular size REI Lite-Core.

Specs:

• (regular)

-Weight: 27oz. (1lb. 11oz.)
-Dimensions: 72x 20x 1.5 inches
-R-Value: 3.2
-Packed Size: 5.5x 10.75 inches
-Other: (semi) Self Inflating Foam

• (short)

Weight: 18oz. (1lb.2oz.)
Dimensions: 48x 20x 1.5 inches
R-Value: 3.2
Packed Size: 4.5x 10.75 inches
Other: (semi) Self Inflating Foam

What’s in the Box (a.k.a. the stuff sack):

The pad itself comes deflated, folded (in half), rolled, and bound by a sturdy Velcro strap all packed up into a grey/orange stuff sack ideally sized to fit the pad along with a repair kit inside. On the exterior of the stuff sack are marketing materials used by REI to replace any unnecessary packaging that would be thought to be, by the outdoor community, a waste of resources. I commend REI for thinking through such a product. To elaborate on this a little more, I find it great that REI would think to print their product materials directly onto their product rather than waste resources. For one, it is not obtrusive. Second, most any outdoorsman/woman, including myself, do not really put much care into what a product looks like, for in the end, it will most likely end up looking old and worn. Better practical than pretty. All in all, the REI Lite-Core’s packaging is economical and smart.

Aesthetics:

Aside from the smart packaging, REI has added a few new contributions to this specific sleeping pad that have put it above some of it’s brother and sister competitors (IMHO). The Lite-Core features a rectangular design with a tapering of width dimensions on the top and bottom portions of the pad. The top still allows for elbow space for those like me who like to sleep with their arms underneath their head. The bottom tapering is long and gradual; starting around the thigh area, the pad slowly tapers into a comfortable foot space. Allowing just enough room to keep your feet on the pad without the unnecessary excess fabric and weight of a normal rectangular pad. The pad features a bright neon orange top and a dull grey underside. The top of the pad is slightly transparent with visible woven threads and the bottom feels study, rugged and waterproof.

Performance:

• The air valve

The air valve on the Lite-Core blows all of the other big name sleeping pad nozzles out of the water. REI is ingenious when it comes to simplifying a product. Instead of having to unscrew the valve like a light bulb, as one has to do with other products, such as the Big Agnes Air Core or the Therm-a-rest NeoAir, with the REI Lite-Core air valve, there is minimal effort needed to lock and unlock the air valve, allowing for quick and easy inflation, re-inflation, and deflation without the frustration of loosing air while trying to lock the air in.



• Non-slip grip

The non-slip silicon circles that REI designed into the pad, allow for a comfortable nights sleep without the trouble of falling off the pad if sleeping on an incline. As there are very few perfectly flat spots one can pitch a tent, chances are, if you’re backpacking, there is going to be some incline to where you are sleeping. With the REI Lite-Core, there is little chance of slipping off thanks to the silicone grips that were molded to the product from the factory.



• Flaws and other

A few flaws that I found when using this pad were minimal when compared to how functional this pad actually is, however, I find it necessary to divulge the information nonetheless. The size of the pad, when packed, is nothing to write home about. The Big Agnes Air Core is almost half the size of this pad when rolled up at nearly half the cost. I know there is a huge difference between the two pads. I own both. However, I think that with a reduction of foam and in turn R-Value, REI could have a pad that is small and convenient when packed, especially for those of us who only camp 3-season. I have not had any problems with temperature drop and my back/stomach getting cold from the ground with this pad. It definitely has a good insulation system though. The other flaw I found was the price. I purchased this pad while it was on sale for right around $50. For that price, it’s hard to beat. However, for the regular $85 price point, there are a variety of other pads to consider as well. For $40 more than the regular price, you can bump up to the Therm-a-rest Neo Air, which is supposed to be revolutionary. However, I haven’t yet been able to see what they are like.

Conclusion:

The REI Lite-Core 1.5 is definitely a pad to consider if you are in the market for a new pad. However, with it’s $85 cost, you’re better off waiting for a sale. For a 3- season pad, it’s insulation is awesome, and the features that REI has coupled with this product are simple and functional. Although this pad doesn’t provide a significant amount of loft, for its thickness, the pad is relatively comfortable, and I for one, haven’t had any difficulties sleeping on it.

• Pros:

-Functional Air Valve
-Non-Slip Grip
-Functional design
-Comfortable considering the thickness
-Includes stuff sack

• Cons:

-Price
-Size when packed

3.5/5 Stars