We enhanced the UL Pad 15 with a textured surface to boost both durability and insulation performance. The thickness has also been increased from 1cm to 1.3cm, providing improved cushioning and a higher R-value (a key measure of warmth), all while maintaining a minimal weight increase.

This design sets a new benchmark for ultralight sleeping mats, delivering an unparalleled balance of lightweight portability, warmth, and durability.

The UL Pad 15+ is available in three sizes: 50 cm x 100 cm, 175 cm, and 200 cm. You can easily customize the size to suit your needs by cutting it with a utility knife.

For example, trimming 30 cm from a 200 cm pad results in a 170 cm x 50 cm full-body pad and a 30 cm x 50 cm extra piece. The smaller pad offers versatile utility: use it as a backpack back panel, a seat cushion during rest stops, or an additional layer to wrap around your waist on cold days.

*When cutting, use a ruler to hold the pad firmly in place and make a single, clean cut. Multiple cuts can result in uneven edges.

We compared the weight of the UL Pad 15 with other popular sleeping pads as of June 1, 2024. Not only does it outperform inflatable and air mats, but it also offers a significant weight advantage over other closed-cell foam sleeping pads.

The UL Pad 15+ is made from highly insulating XLPE foam.

XLPE foam is water-resistant thanks to its closed-cell structure, making it ideal for use on snow or wet ground. It’s also eco-friendly, as no chemical foaming agents are used in its production.

The UL Pad 15+ starts with 1.5cm of XLPE foam, which is compressed to 1.3cm through embossing on both sides with heat pressing. This process improves durability, cushioning, and insulation by approximately 30%, addressing the key weaknesses of the UL Pad 15.

While the durability of the UL Pad 15+ has been enhanced, it still falls short of the ruggedness of other leading closed-cell mats. However, despite surface scratches, its insulation performance remains unaffected, and it retains an outstanding weight advantage, at less than half the weight of comparable products.

The UL Pad series includes three types: UL Pad 15, UL Pad 15+, and the Minimalist Pad, each designed to suit different temperaturesn and seasons.

Note: Warmth and comfort levels vary by individual. Be sure to choose based on your personal experience and the conditions you plan to use it in.

The R-value is a key indicator of warmth: the higher the number, the better the insulation. Cascade Designs, creators of the “ASTM F3340-18” standard and parent company of Therm-a-Rest, offer the following guidelines: an R-value of 1–2 is ideal for summer use, 2–4 works well for spring to autumn (three seasons), 4–6 is suited for winter conditions, and anything above 6 is recommended for high-altitude or extreme cold.*

For an in-depth look at sleeping pad types, R-values, and insulation performance, don’t miss our JOURNAL article Ranking Sleeping Pads by R-value. Let it be your go-to resource for finding the right pad for your adventures.

*Comfort temperatures varies by the individual.

Stacking two UL Pad 15+ pads, each with an R-value of 2.0, achieves the same warmth as a single pad with an R-value of 4.0. At just 113g (100cm)—less than half the weight of traditional closed-cell mats—the UL Pad 15+ can be effectively combined to create a sleep system that redefines ultralight comfort and performance.

Pairing the UL Pad 15 (100cm – 75g – R-value 1.4) with the UL Pad 15+ (100cm – 113g – R-value 2.0) creates a sleeping pad with a total R-value of 3.4, suitable for winter use, at just 188g. For comparison, the Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus (R-value 3.2) weighs 450g (119cm), making the combination not only warmer but also significantly lighter.

Pairing two UL Pad 15 pads (100cm each) results in an R-value of 2.8 at a total weight of just 150g. This setup is not only lighter but also provides a higher R-value compared to models like the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol S (R-value 2.0 – 290g), a leading model among closed-cell mats.

Pairing the UL Pad 15 (100cm – 75g – R-value 1.4) with the Minimalist Pad (100cm – 53g – R-value 0.7) results in a lightweight sleeping pad with a combined R-value of 2.1 at just 166g. For comparison, the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol S (R-value 2.0 – 120cm) weighs 290g, making this setup significantly lighter. By overlapping the two pads so they stack around two-thirds of their length, you create a full-length sleeping system with extra warmth around your hips, though your feet may feel slightly chilly.

The Minimalist Pad, also used as a back panel in MINI/MINI2 packs, folds compactly for easy storage.

Pairing a lightweight air mat with the UL Pad 15 provides both added warmth and protection against *punctures. The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite R (183cm – 250g – R-value 1.7), one of the lightest air mats available, combined with the UL Pad 15 (100cm – 75g – R-value 1.4) achieves a total R-value of 3.1 at just 325g. This combination offers winter-ready insulation while maintaining the weight of a typical three-season mat.

*While the closed-cell foam pad helps prevent punctures, using it directly on the ground can trap twigs and debris, which can be a potential cause for punctures to your air mat when stacked.

By placing the 175cm version of the UL Pad 15 (131g) under the highly insulating Therm-a-Rest NeoAir X-Lite NXT RS (R-value 4.5, 326g), you can achieve a system with an R-value of 5.9 and a total weight of 457g. This setup provides both superior insulation and lightweight performance, making it a high-spec system suitable for use even in severe winter conditions, outperforming many insulated air mats.

Due to its ultra-light weight, please be careful that the pad is not blown away.

• To avoid unnecessary damage, please handle with care and choose a flat surface when sleeping. Avoid rocks and sharp surfaces when possible.
• The material is anti-slippery, so it is easy to apply excessive force when using it as a frame for a backpack. Handle with care.
• If you pull or push it too hard, it is likely to get damaged.
• Scratches and signs of use will remain on the surface of the material.
• Please consider using this pad in combination with other pads (layering) in snowy mountains.
• Lay it inside your sleeping bag for extra warmth.