Providing comfort and value for those discovering a love for the outdoors, the Trail Scout uses premium self-inflating foam for essential comfort at camp. The 1-inch (2.5 cm) thick pad gives users three-season comfort with a 3.1 R-value. The pad compacts small enough to easily fit into your pack when it's time to hit the trail. The versatile self-inflating pad features the high-performance WingLock valve, which has three times the airflow rate of the classic valve thanks to a larger opening and one-way inflation. Like all Therm-a-Rest pads, the Trail Scout is made in market to ensure quality and minimize environmental impact. The pad includes a compact stuff sack. 1 lb. 6 oz. 20 in x 72 in x 1 in. Packed Dimensions 11 in x 6.3 in. Urethane. R Value 3.1.
Providing comfort and value for those discovering a love for the outdoors, the Trail Scout uses premium self-inflating foam for essential comfort at camp. The 1-inch (2.5 cm) thick pad gives users three-season comfort with a 3.1 R-value. The pad compacts small enough to easily fit into your pack when it's time to hit the trail. The versatile self-inflating pad features the high-performance WingLock valve, which has three times the airflow rate of the classic valve thanks to a larger opening and one-way inflation. Like all Therm-a-Rest pads, the Trail Scout is made in market to ensure quality and minimize environmental impact. The pad includes a compact stuff sack. 1 lb. 6 oz. 20 in x 72 in x 1 in. Packed Dimensions 11 in x 6.3 in. Urethane. R Value 3.1.
Providing comfort and value for those discovering a love for the outdoors, the Trail Scout uses premium self-inflating foam for essential comfort at camp. The 1-inch (2.5 cm) thick pad gives users three-season comfort with a 3.1 R-value. The pad compacts small enough to easily fit into your pack when it's time to hit the trail. The versatile self-inflating pad features the high-performance WingLock valve, which has three times the airflow rate of the classic valve thanks to a larger opening and one-way inflation. Like all Therm-a-Rest pads, the Trail Scout is made in market to ensure quality and minimize environmental impact. The pad includes a compact stuff sack. 1 lb. 6 oz. 20 in x 72 in x 1 in. Packed Dimensions 11 in x 6.3 in. Urethane. R Value 3.1.
Providing comfort and value for those discovering a love for the outdoors, the Trail Scout uses premium self-inflating foam for essential comfort at camp. The 1-inch (2.5 cm) thick pad gives users three-season comfort with a 3.1 R-value. The pad compacts small enough to easily fit into your pack when it's time to hit the trail. The versatile self-inflating pad features the high-performance WingLock valve, which has three times the airflow rate of the classic valve thanks to a larger opening and one-way inflation. Like all Therm-a-Rest pads, the Trail Scout is made in market to ensure quality and minimize environmental impact. The pad includes a compact stuff sack. 1 lb. 6 oz. 20 in x 72 in x 1 in. Packed Dimensions 11 in x 6.3 in. Urethane. R Value 3.1.
Last updated at 06/05/2026 04:30:47
Therm-a-Rest Trail Scout Self-Inflating Camping and Backpacking Sleeping Pad, Regular - 72 x 20 Inches
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Therm-a-Rest Trail Scout Self-Inflating Foam Camping Mat with WingLock Valve
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Therm-a-Rest Trail Scout self-inflating mattress-Regular-Deep Forest
Delivery by 12 June $95.73
Trail Scout Regular by THERM-A-REST
Delivery $16.65
Trail Scout Regular by THERM-A-REST
Thermarest Trail Scout R sleeping mat Regular
THERM-A-REST - Trail Scout (Past Season) R / Deep Forest
Free delivery between 9–17 June
Therm-A-Rest Trail Scout R / Dark Green
Delivery $9.95
originally posted on REI
I'd only really camped one other time before I purchased this sleeping pad as my first personally owned one. I found it plenty soft enough when inflated to sleep comfortably, even over some roots at a couple campsites. I used it in a two person tent that I shared with another camper, and it's tapered design seemed like it helped make it feel like it didn't take up too much space, even in the tall size (the tall size itself was the right call for a tall person!).Nights only got down to low 50s or maybe upper 40s one night, but I never felt like the sleeping pad was an issue with staying warm. (Used in conjunction with a 30F sleeping bag and wearing pants and a long sleeve shirt.)It gave me no problems over a 4 night trip into the Boundary Waters, and I'm looking ... MoreI'd only really camped one other time before I purchased this sleeping pad as my first personally owned one. I found it plenty soft enough when inflated to sleep comfortably, even over some roots at a couple campsites. I used it in a two person tent that I shared with another camper, and it's tapered design seemed like it helped make it feel like it didn't take up too much space, even in the tall size (the tall size itself was the right call for a tall person!).Nights only got down to low 50s or maybe upper 40s one night, but I never felt like the sleeping pad was an issue with staying warm. (Used in conjunction with a 30F sleeping bag and wearing pants and a long sleeve shirt.)It gave me no problems over a 4 night trip into the Boundary Waters, and I'm looking forward to getting a lot more use out of it.
originally posted on cascadedesigns.com
I used this with a 20 degree topquilt in the UP during a 30 degree night, in my hammock. I have to say it worked, however that was pushing the limit; it felt as though the heat was just trying to stay inside. If I moved too much, the topquilt would untuck itself from the pad and a cold spot would appear. But, later in the trip during 40-50 degree nights, it was perfect! But, as perhaps to be expected, I would wake with condensation at the lowest point of the pad. The colder it is, the worse this is because it contributes to cold. In the warmer 50-60 degree nights, I went without that 20 degree topquilt because I would have boiled. This was regrettable as I was on the brink of cold, with only my insulated jacket on my lower legs/feet, and a wool shirt for my torso. ... MoreI used this with a 20 degree topquilt in the UP during a 30 degree night, in my hammock. I have to say it worked, however that was pushing the limit; it felt as though the heat was just trying to stay inside. If I moved too much, the topquilt would untuck itself from the pad and a cold spot would appear. But, later in the trip during 40-50 degree nights, it was perfect! But, as perhaps to be expected, I would wake with condensation at the lowest point of the pad. The colder it is, the worse this is because it contributes to cold. In the warmer 50-60 degree nights, I went without that 20 degree topquilt because I would have boiled. This was regrettable as I was on the brink of cold, with only my insulated jacket on my lower legs/feet, and a wool shirt for my torso. And I felt a little sticky because I wasn't totally dry from the day's hiking. If you're on a tight budget and wanting to get started, this isn't a bad option! Just make sure you have a good topquilt or insulation on top. The key pros are affordability, weight, and packability. It doesn't weigh much and doesn't take up a lot of space. However, it can be a workout to roll up to get it into the stuffsack! I usually have to deflate it once as a preliminary, then fold it, open the valve, and roll it up again to get the rest of the air out. It can be quite a squeeze, but it works! I haven't noticed any leaks.
originally posted on cascadedesigns.com
It's the lowest price of Therma-a-rest sleeping pads--other than closed-cell foam models, which I used for decades, primarily because they were light, cheap, and bullet-proof. (You could literally shoot a bullet through one, and it simply wouldn't matter.)But then this thing happened to me out of the blue. I got old...and my scoliosis of the spine finally caught up with me. So I emulated my clever wife, who had been happily sleeping on a TAR Trail Scout model for several years.This thing is only an inch think, pretty light, and compact when rolled up, and I could't believe how comfortable it was. I started awaking in my tent in the morning backache-free. Due to my back issues, I had to give up sleeping on my stomach, and this pad was still comfortable for ... MoreIt's the lowest price of Therma-a-rest sleeping pads--other than closed-cell foam models, which I used for decades, primarily because they were light, cheap, and bullet-proof. (You could literally shoot a bullet through one, and it simply wouldn't matter.)But then this thing happened to me out of the blue. I got old...and my scoliosis of the spine finally caught up with me. So I emulated my clever wife, who had been happily sleeping on a TAR Trail Scout model for several years.This thing is only an inch think, pretty light, and compact when rolled up, and I could't believe how comfortable it was. I started awaking in my tent in the morning backache-free. Due to my back issues, I had to give up sleeping on my stomach, and this pad was still comfortable for side-sleeping. Upon unrolling the pad, It only takes a few breaths to fill it to one's preferred firmness.Recently, we returned from a week-long canoe trip in Utah. My wife and I slept well, while our friends kept slipping off the new ultra-light blow-up pads they had purchased for the trip.A few years ago, another friend purchased a fancy new pad for a canoe trip, and it sprung a leak on the first or second night out. She didn't sleep well for the remainder of the trip, while our basic Trail Scouts just continued to do their job and do it admirably..Today I took a nap in an underground parking garage while my wife was upstairs in the hospital having eye surgery. I slept on a plywood platform in our Subie Outback.. Once again, no issues with side sleeping on this hard wooden surface.Okay...so maybe my experience is limited.In 50+ years of car-camping, river-camping, and backpacking, I've only experienced sleeping on closed-cell foam sleeping pads and the TAR Trail Scout pad. (I'm 74 next month.) So it's quite possible that TAR and other manufacturers produce even more comfortable pads. Maybe so. But I have no reason to look for a different pad when I already own a reliable pad that is light, packable, and provides a good night's sleep on Mother Earth.Tip: The Trail Scout comes with a stuff sack that requires you to fold the pad in half before rolling it up. I didn't like this configuration--not good for packing in my situations. so I purchased a separate, full-width stuff sack from Thermarest (longer but skinnier). It's slightly roomier than the full-width stuff sack that came with my wife's pad, so it's easier to pull over the rolled-up pad.
| Dimensions | 183 x 51 x 2.5cm |
Therm-a-Rest Trail Scout Self-Inflating Camping and Backpacking Sleeping Pad, Regular - 72 x 20 Inches
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Therm-a-Rest Trail Scout Self-Inflating Foam Camping Mat with WingLock Valve
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Therm-a-Rest Trail Scout self-inflating mattress-Regular-Deep Forest
Delivery by 12 June $95.73
Trail Scout Regular by THERM-A-REST
Delivery $16.65
Trail Scout Regular by THERM-A-REST
I'd only really camped one other time before I purchased this sleeping pad as my first personally owned one. I found it plenty soft enough when inflated to sleep comfortably, even over some roots at a couple campsites. I used it in a two person tent that I shared with another camper, and it's tapered design seemed like it helped make it feel like it didn't take up too much space, even in the tall size (the tall size itself was the right call for a tall person!).Nights only got down to low 50s or maybe upper 40s one night, but I never felt like the sleeping pad was an issue with staying warm. (Used in conjunction with a 30F sleeping bag and wearing pants and a long sleeve shirt.)It gave me no problems over a 4 night trip into the Boundary Waters, and I'm looking ... MoreI'd only really camped one other time before I purchased this sleeping pad as my first personally owned one. I found it plenty soft enough when inflated to sleep comfortably, even over some roots at a couple campsites. I used it in a two person tent that I shared with another camper, and it's tapered design seemed like it helped make it feel like it didn't take up too much space, even in the tall size (the tall size itself was the right call for a tall person!).Nights only got down to low 50s or maybe upper 40s one night, but I never felt like the sleeping pad was an issue with staying warm. (Used in conjunction with a 30F sleeping bag and wearing pants and a long sleeve shirt.)It gave me no problems over a 4 night trip into the Boundary Waters, and I'm looking forward to getting a lot more use out of it.
I used this with a 20 degree topquilt in the UP during a 30 degree night, in my hammock. I have to say it worked, however that was pushing the limit; it felt as though the heat was just trying to stay inside. If I moved too much, the topquilt would untuck itself from the pad and a cold spot would appear. But, later in the trip during 40-50 degree nights, it was perfect! But, as perhaps to be expected, I would wake with condensation at the lowest point of the pad. The colder it is, the worse this is because it contributes to cold. In the warmer 50-60 degree nights, I went without that 20 degree topquilt because I would have boiled. This was regrettable as I was on the brink of cold, with only my insulated jacket on my lower legs/feet, and a wool shirt for my torso. ... MoreI used this with a 20 degree topquilt in the UP during a 30 degree night, in my hammock. I have to say it worked, however that was pushing the limit; it felt as though the heat was just trying to stay inside. If I moved too much, the topquilt would untuck itself from the pad and a cold spot would appear. But, later in the trip during 40-50 degree nights, it was perfect! But, as perhaps to be expected, I would wake with condensation at the lowest point of the pad. The colder it is, the worse this is because it contributes to cold. In the warmer 50-60 degree nights, I went without that 20 degree topquilt because I would have boiled. This was regrettable as I was on the brink of cold, with only my insulated jacket on my lower legs/feet, and a wool shirt for my torso. And I felt a little sticky because I wasn't totally dry from the day's hiking. If you're on a tight budget and wanting to get started, this isn't a bad option! Just make sure you have a good topquilt or insulation on top. The key pros are affordability, weight, and packability. It doesn't weigh much and doesn't take up a lot of space. However, it can be a workout to roll up to get it into the stuffsack! I usually have to deflate it once as a preliminary, then fold it, open the valve, and roll it up again to get the rest of the air out. It can be quite a squeeze, but it works! I haven't noticed any leaks.
It's the lowest price of Therma-a-rest sleeping pads--other than closed-cell foam models, which I used for decades, primarily because they were light, cheap, and bullet-proof. (You could literally shoot a bullet through one, and it simply wouldn't matter.)But then this thing happened to me out of the blue. I got old...and my scoliosis of the spine finally caught up with me. So I emulated my clever wife, who had been happily sleeping on a TAR Trail Scout model for several years.This thing is only an inch think, pretty light, and compact when rolled up, and I could't believe how comfortable it was. I started awaking in my tent in the morning backache-free. Due to my back issues, I had to give up sleeping on my stomach, and this pad was still comfortable for ... MoreIt's the lowest price of Therma-a-rest sleeping pads--other than closed-cell foam models, which I used for decades, primarily because they were light, cheap, and bullet-proof. (You could literally shoot a bullet through one, and it simply wouldn't matter.)But then this thing happened to me out of the blue. I got old...and my scoliosis of the spine finally caught up with me. So I emulated my clever wife, who had been happily sleeping on a TAR Trail Scout model for several years.This thing is only an inch think, pretty light, and compact when rolled up, and I could't believe how comfortable it was. I started awaking in my tent in the morning backache-free. Due to my back issues, I had to give up sleeping on my stomach, and this pad was still comfortable for side-sleeping. Upon unrolling the pad, It only takes a few breaths to fill it to one's preferred firmness.Recently, we returned from a week-long canoe trip in Utah. My wife and I slept well, while our friends kept slipping off the new ultra-light blow-up pads they had purchased for the trip.A few years ago, another friend purchased a fancy new pad for a canoe trip, and it sprung a leak on the first or second night out. She didn't sleep well for the remainder of the trip, while our basic Trail Scouts just continued to do their job and do it admirably..Today I took a nap in an underground parking garage while my wife was upstairs in the hospital having eye surgery. I slept on a plywood platform in our Subie Outback.. Once again, no issues with side sleeping on this hard wooden surface.Okay...so maybe my experience is limited.In 50+ years of car-camping, river-camping, and backpacking, I've only experienced sleeping on closed-cell foam sleeping pads and the TAR Trail Scout pad. (I'm 74 next month.) So it's quite possible that TAR and other manufacturers produce even more comfortable pads. Maybe so. But I have no reason to look for a different pad when I already own a reliable pad that is light, packable, and provides a good night's sleep on Mother Earth.Tip: The Trail Scout comes with a stuff sack that requires you to fold the pad in half before rolling it up. I didn't like this configuration--not good for packing in my situations. so I purchased a separate, full-width stuff sack from Thermarest (longer but skinnier). It's slightly roomier than the full-width stuff sack that came with my wife's pad, so it's easier to pull over the rolled-up pad.
As the product specs state, this pad is 1 in. thick. I bought this about a year ago for a 40 mile backpack trip to use in my hammock. Worked great, gave me good shoulder room, and kept me flat enough. It also packs down fairly well.The self-inflating aspect works real well, but it will require some more inflation to be comfortable. Unfortunately, I can't really say there's much difference between this and sleeping on the ground when used in a tent, with the exception of not being as cold as the ground. If you sleep on your side, it will be quite uncomfortable. If you sleep on your back, it won't add much comfort, unless you like hard mattresses. If you're car camping, just bring a blanket to fold underneath it and you'll get some reasonable comfort out of ... MoreAs the product specs state, this pad is 1 in. thick. I bought this about a year ago for a 40 mile backpack trip to use in my hammock. Worked great, gave me good shoulder room, and kept me flat enough. It also packs down fairly well.The self-inflating aspect works real well, but it will require some more inflation to be comfortable. Unfortunately, I can't really say there's much difference between this and sleeping on the ground when used in a tent, with the exception of not being as cold as the ground. If you sleep on your side, it will be quite uncomfortable. If you sleep on your back, it won't add much comfort, unless you like hard mattresses. If you're car camping, just bring a blanket to fold underneath it and you'll get some reasonable comfort out of it.Pretty alright purchase for the price, and did about what I expected it to in both sleeping scenarios, but if you like soft mattresses, I would suggest a thicker pad.
A few years ago I gave my son two Short Self Inflating Pads for his two young sons; these pad likely were the predecessors of the Trail Scout today, and were purchased in the late 70's. His sons use them to this day (in both hammock and tent). The Trail Scout is perhaps the simplest Self Inflating Pad made. Some say it's too thin, but it seems adequate to me in most roles, even as a side sleeper.Hammock camping does require some insulation against convection cooling (Cold Butt Syndrome), even in the summer. I've found the Trail Scout has enough flex, enough surface friction against the hammock fabric, and enough insulation value to be useful in both a single layer and double layer hammock. In this hammock-role I prefer the Long (25x77x1), which helps with keeping ... MoreA few years ago I gave my son two Short Self Inflating Pads for his two young sons; these pad likely were the predecessors of the Trail Scout today, and were purchased in the late 70's. His sons use them to this day (in both hammock and tent). The Trail Scout is perhaps the simplest Self Inflating Pad made. Some say it's too thin, but it seems adequate to me in most roles, even as a side sleeper.Hammock camping does require some insulation against convection cooling (Cold Butt Syndrome), even in the summer. I've found the Trail Scout has enough flex, enough surface friction against the hammock fabric, and enough insulation value to be useful in both a single layer and double layer hammock. In this hammock-role I prefer the Long (25x77x1), which helps with keeping shoulders warm, too.So the downside of a Self Inflating Pad for backpacking use is weight and volume, even with this, the thinnest of the Thermarest SI offerings... but it will fit in most packs, and adds not that much weight compared to a Z-Lite Sol foam pad. I prefer a Self Inflating to a simple Air Pad for reasons of just-in-case, where at least there is some foam to insulate you if the pad fails. For the same just-in-case, I prefer a SI Pad to an underquilt should using a hammock not be allowed and going to ground is the only choice.So then, the Thermarest Trail Scout addresses my concerns and needs quite well for both hammock and bivy or tent use for three season outings.The newest version of the Trail Scout uses Thermarest's new valve design. Seems to work well and perhaps (hopefully) more functional and reliable than the old style valve; it is lower profile, too.
I got my 'Trail Scout' pad and called "Therm-a-rest," when it would not 'self-inflate,' not even after several hours. The person I spoke with told me "You don't understand the functioning of the wing lock." (para-phrase) I went to the video just in case I misread the printed instructions. No dice. The video CONFIRMED that the pad was N O T 'self-inflating.' ("Breath inflation" is the term used in the video.) The foam in the pad does not create an inflation vacuum, to be topped-off, like a self-inflating pad. I have a "Cabela's" and N O W, a "Sea-to-Summit" pad that A R E both 'self-inflating.' Both require 3-5 breaths to achieve desired firmness, but they do the majority of the inflation themselves when the valve is opened and the foam expands to draw air into the ... MoreI got my 'Trail Scout' pad and called "Therm-a-rest," when it would not 'self-inflate,' not even after several hours. The person I spoke with told me "You don't understand the functioning of the wing lock." (para-phrase) I went to the video just in case I misread the printed instructions. No dice. The video CONFIRMED that the pad was N O T 'self-inflating.' ("Breath inflation" is the term used in the video.) The foam in the pad does not create an inflation vacuum, to be topped-off, like a self-inflating pad. I have a "Cabela's" and N O W, a "Sea-to-Summit" pad that A R E both 'self-inflating.' Both require 3-5 breaths to achieve desired firmness, but they do the majority of the inflation themselves when the valve is opened and the foam expands to draw air into the pad. The "Thermarest" pad is N O T 'self-inflating.' It is not one of those with a foot-pump or stuff sack bladder inflation method either. This product is M I S L A B E L E D. (I hope they correct it; if not , be advised accordingly.
Agreed to go on a couples backpacking trip with some friends and needed some cheap packable sleeping-pads for me and my girlfriend. I am 6'4" and my girlfriend is about 5'0". I was going to buy this mat for both of us and accept that my lower half would drastically hang of but i decided last minute to get a mat that would fit my my full height. I picked this mate up for my girlfriend and it was a little short for her, leaving her feet hang of the end.However, she did not mind too much. I feel like this would be a bigger issue on colder days when you want to isolate your entire body from the ground. Overall though for a shorter person or a kid this mat is great. Easy to inflate and fairly comfortable alternative to an air only mat.
PROS:For the weight, value, and packable size, this is decent for short backpacking trips, which is what I used this for. Very comfortable when fully inflated.CONS:It doesn't seem to want to hold air. After inflation, I double-checked to make sure the valve was shut correctly, and it held air for a couple of hours while I was laying down on it. Throughout the night, however, the pad slowly started deflating and was making a loud whining noise while doing so. Between the noise and the discomfort, I was constantly being woken up through the night and into the morning. By the time sunrise has come around, it was completely out of air.This is disappointing considering how comfortable this sleeping pad is when it's fully inflated. Either the valve is defective, ... MorePROS:For the weight, value, and packable size, this is decent for short backpacking trips, which is what I used this for. Very comfortable when fully inflated.CONS:It doesn't seem to want to hold air. After inflation, I double-checked to make sure the valve was shut correctly, and it held air for a couple of hours while I was laying down on it. Throughout the night, however, the pad slowly started deflating and was making a loud whining noise while doing so. Between the noise and the discomfort, I was constantly being woken up through the night and into the morning. By the time sunrise has come around, it was completely out of air.This is disappointing considering how comfortable this sleeping pad is when it's fully inflated. Either the valve is defective, or it's the overall design of the product. I will be looking elsewhere for a sleeping pad.
This is my first backpacking pad. I originally chose this pad because of its entry level status and value and I have been super happy with it. My wife and I both find it to be very comfortable. It’s lighter and warmer than many more expensive pads without jumping into the $200 range. I have used it for dozens of nights and it still looks and feels like new. My only complaints are that it feels like it takes a long time to deflate and roll up and get back into its bag. Also, self inflating is a pretty generous term. I leave it in my tent for about an hour and then still give it 10 or 15 breaths.
this sleeping pad is wonderfully designed. let's start with the air valve that allows for quick inflation using the form core or by breath. but just as critical, it can be switched to a one-way deflation valve. this allows for an amazing compression ratio of this pad for storage. and if that's not enough, the bag, it's stored in, has two cinch tie-straps integrated into the bag that can be pulled to deflate the pad even more.that's storage/backpack space. now for deployment, I've paired it with a therm-a-rest sheet and pillow and quilt for an excellent night's sleep. You will stay warm, You will be comfortable with both the inflation and foam core keeping you away from rocks, roots and sticks.Great price point. Excellent starter pad.
| Dimensions | 183 x 51 x 2.5cm |
