Good Mattress Just Got Better

Product: Cascade Designs Ultra Lite II long Therm-A-Rest mattress

Description: The latest generation of Cascade Design’s Therm-A-Rest Mattress and the lightest yet. This newest version of the backpacker’s old self-inflating friend weighs in at a mere 1 lb., 5 oz. (584 g.) in the full length model (20x72x1 in.), and will roll to an 11x4.5 in. bundle. An outer layer of waterproof nylon taffeta covers an interior of die-cut foam, which is supplemented with air drawn in through a high-flow valve. I generally blow mine up by lung rather than let it self-inflate, and am done in seconds.

Pro: The bottom line in camp mattresses comes at that point where your backside meets the cold, hard ground: I’ve found the new Ultra-Lite II more comfortable than its predecessors. It seems firmer to me, with less tendency for flat, hard spots. The Ultra- Lite II is also considerably lighter than earlier models.

Con: The good folks at Cascade Designs will be the first to tell you that saving weight will generally result in some sort of compromise. Often, losing weight comes at a high cost in dollars. Fortunately, that’s not the case here. The folks at CD do recommend, however, that you stow the new Ultra-Lite II pads inside your pack because of the extremely light nylon taffeta covering - it could snag on something.

Comments: A good thing just got better - more comfort, less weight, reduced volume and a good price. A decent pad is one of the most important pieces of safety gear you can carry, especially in the winter.

Price: Around $66 retail for the full length model; a 3/4 model retails for $50 and weighs a mere 14 oz. (394 g.).

Company: Cascade Designs Inc., 4000 First Avenue South, Seattle, WA, 98134. Call (800) 531-9531 for dealer near you, or check on-line at www.cascadedesigns.com.