Our Technology
In 1972 we introduced the very first self-inflating sleeping pad and have remained at the forefront of outdoor comfort technology and innovation ever since. Check out our latest technologies and innovation timeline below to see all the groundbreaking introductions we’ve made along the way.
Sleeping Pads & Cots
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TRIANGULAR CORE MATRIX™
Our ground-breaking air pad technology uses a patented, two-tiered construction of triangular baffles to create the most stable air pad available. This complex internal structure also boosts heat retention and, when combined with our ThermaCapture™ technology, creates sleeping pads with our highest warmth-to-weight ratios.
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WAVE CORE™
Wave Core construction is based on the same principals of our advanced Triangular Core Matrix technology.It uses a single layer of horizontal wave baffles to add stability and slow convective heat loss while still keeping the sleeping pad lightweight and easily packable.
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STRATACORE™ FOAM
StrataCore uses a continuous layer of thermal foam capped by alternating air channels and foam ridges. This reduces bulk considerably yet maintains a consistent foam barrier throughout the sleeping pad. The result is reduced convective heat loss and the best warmth-to-weight ratios available in our self-inflating pads.
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THERMACAPTURE™
Our proprietary reflective coating radiates your own heat back to your body for maximum thermal efficiency. You’ll find it inside our warmest air pads, saving you energy for tomorrow's adventure.
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WINGLOCK™ VALVE
Our latest high-volume valve is three times faster than traditional valves. It offers easy, one-way inflation meaning not more wasted effort while inflating. A simple twist of the wings disengages the one-way function for fast and effortless deflation.
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TWINLOCK™ VALVES
Available on our highest-loft sleeping pads, TwinLock valves are five time faster than traditional valves. This system offers a dedicated one-way valve for inflation and another valve that can be completely opened for speedy deflation of high-volume pads.
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VERTICALLY DIE-CUT FOAMS
One of our original weight and bulk-reducing innovations, these foams have vertical channels punched out to reduce bulk. This cut structure reduces density to create a lighter and more compact sleeping pad while the extra foam is up-cycled into our Compressible Pillows.
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DIAGONALLY DIE-CUT FOAMS
Providing the same reduced weight and bulk of our vertically cut foams, our research found that diagonal cuts reduce convective heat loss by slowing the vertical air movement between you and the cold ground.
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THERMAL FOAMS
Our proprietary open cell foams are formulated to trap air and deliver a higher R-value with consistent support, durability and great compressibility for easy packing.
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PRESSURE MAPPING
A pressure-mapped sleeping pad is built based on biometric data generated by a range of people lying on a pressure-sensitive surface. This allows us build sleeping pads with added support in high-pressure areas (hips, shoulders, etc.) and low-density, foams elsewhere. The result is exceptional, targeted comfort with minimal bulk.
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RIDGEREST™ & Z LITE™ TECHNOLOGY
When we introduced these iconic thermally formed patterns, they changed foam pads forever. They boost warmth with air-trapping peaks and valleys and dual-density foam provides a durable yet soft sleeping surface. The nesting “egg crate” pattern of the Z lite pad maximizes compactness and remains the ultralight standard in closed-cell foam pads.
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BOWFRAME™ TECHNOLOGY
Our patented BowFrame™ cot design converts lightweight poles, stretch-free fabric and unique cot feet into a tension-spring system that holds the cot together and provides superior, off-the-ground sleeping comfort and support. When used, the cot’s bow poles are designed to flex until the middle of the pole contacts the ground, offering the user greater stability while still maintaining flex for comfort.
Sleeping Bags & Quilts
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ZONED INSULATION
For the best thermal efficiency, Zoned Insulation concentrates fill on the top and sides of your sleeping bag where its uncompromised loft is best utilized to trap heat. This works in concert with your sleeping pad–where the majority of insulation beneath you comes from–to maximize warmth and reduce unnecessary weight.
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BOX BAFFLED CONSTRUCTION
Mesh box baffles are used in our down sleeping bags and quilts. This superior method of baffling uses vertical walls to keep down evenly distributed without the compression or cold-spots associated with basic sewn-through baffles.
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WARMZIP™
Patent-pending center zipper design reduces the bag's internal space and tucks insulation around the sleeper to boost warmth by up to 10F/6C.
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TOE-ASIS™ FOOT WARMER
This baffled pocket of insulation helps rapidly warm cold feet. It is sewn inside the ergonomic footbox of all Therm-a-Rest sleeping bags.
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QUILT & BLANKET LOOPS
Most of our bags are equipped with small loops along their perimeter. These mate with corresponding straps on our quilts and blankets allowing you to securely snap an extra layer of insulation on top of your bag and customize your system’s comfort to a wider range of conditions.
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RESPONSIBLE DOWN STANDARD
All of our down is certified to the Responsible Down Standard (RDS)–a movement that aims to reward and influence the down and feather industry for practices that respect the humane treatment of ducks and geese. RDS certification assures stringent oversight throughout the supply chain so you know what’s in your bag.
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NIKWAX® HYDROPHOBIC DOWN
Boasting unrivaled temperature regulation, Nikwax Hydrophobic Down dries three times faster, absorbs 90% less water and maintains loft 60 times longer than untreated down. Plus, it’s water-based and PFC-free so it’s easy on the environment.
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ERALOFT™ SYNTHETIC INSULATION
Advanced EraLoft polyester fibers are spun with a hollow channel at their core. This design traps more heat than solid fibers and sheds weight. They’re also highly compressible, repel water and dry fast while superior temperature regulation delivers comfort across wide range of temperatures.
Big Ideas. Small Footprint.
We are committed to providing you with the best possible solutions in outdoor comfort and keeping a vigilant eye on our environmental footprint while we do it. From smaller things, like repurposing die-cut foams to make our Compressible Pillows, to a broad, global awareness of our supply chain’s impact, it’s a complicated puzzle but one we’re always looking to find answers to. One of our longest-standing initiatives has been a commitment to making our products “In Market”. This initiative has enabled us to greatly reduce the length and complication of our supply chain, resulting in better service and a smaller global footprint.