Gossamer Gear Thinlight Backpacking Sleeping Pad Review

May 21, 2026

The Bottom Line

A small set of ultralight backpackers will be content using the Gossamer Gear Thinlight as their only sleeping pad, but for most people, it makes the most sense as an inflatable companion. ⅛-inch foam is firm and durable, but takes the edge off hard ground. On its own, warmth is minimal, and comfort is largely dependent on finding a soft camping spot.

The value of Thinlight becomes more apparent when it is added to a master bedroom. Placed under the air pad, the Thinlight adds an important layer of protection while also reducing pad slippage. Simple, affordable improvements that can make a meaningful difference over the course of a trip.

Beyond nighttime use, it’s hard to say how useful this pad is during the day. It makes a quick, easy place to stretch, take a nap, or get in a quick yoga session. After carrying the Thinlight for hundreds of miles, we see it as less of a primary sleeping pad and more of an accessory that always earns its place in our pocket.

How We Tested

We tested the Thinlight in a variety of uses from the New Mexico desert to the rugged Cascades to test its comfort, warmth, durability, and overall usability. We’ve been carrying at least a small part of this pad (as a sit pad) on almost every backpacking trip for years.

Quick Details

stock photo of gossamer thinlight foam pad

Gossamer Gear Thinlight

The best sleeping pad supplement

rating:

3.8/5.0

Amount:

$32

Weight:

4.4 oz.

IR-Value:

0.5

Dimensions:

.125 average.

Benefits

Price
Adds protection, warmth, and grip to a breathable pad
Multiple uses
Can be cut to size

a green backpack is leaning against a log with gray foam attached to it — The rectangular pad packs the lightest on the outside, but we’ve been able to fit it inside other packs as well. –

Comfort

The goal of the Gossamer Gear Thinlight Foam Pad is not to compete with cheap air pads – to provide enough coverage and protection from the ground up to get you through the night. At only ⅛ inch thick, it simply takes the edge off a cold and uneven surface. You will still experience rocks, roots, and bumps, so choosing a tent site is a great partner.

Thinlight works great as an extra layer of protection under a breathable pad, just adding a touch of warmth and cushioning. Fully extended, at 73.5 x 19 inches, it’s long enough for most users, but the narrow width can feel restrictive, especially for those with broad shoulders, restless sleepers, or starfish sleeping positions.

We really appreciate what Thinlight adds to the comfort of the day. During the day, it easily transforms into a sit pad, backrest, or yoga mat. You can easily keep it outside of your pocket and open it to quickly get rid of dirt.

the traveler stretched out on a gray foam pad — We like to throw the Thinlight outside for a comfortable rest or an easy spot during the day. –

Weight & Packaging

Weighing in at 2.7 ounces (folded version) or 3.3 ounces (folded version), the Gossamer Gear Thinlight Foam Pad is the lightest gram-counting option among us. You can save a pound or two of pack weight by choosing a Thinlight over a real backpack pad. Weight is an overlooked addition to your main sleeping pad as well.

The Thinlight measures 10.7″ x 19″ x 1″ when packed, limiting where you can fit it in your backpack. The easiest ways to carry this pad is to tie it to the outside of your pack or slide it inside the back panel (perfect for giving structure to frameless packs). Some packs even have a pad attachment system built into the back panel, which the Thinlight can pair perfectly with.

If it’s still small and not bright enough for you, Thinlight’s customization options are endless. It comes either folded into a rectangular shape or folded into segments. The segments can be cut to match your height, or you can cut the foot into the shape of a mother. Some ultralighters are so tight that they slim down to torso length.

The traveler carries a gray sleeping pad — It is available in both a folded and folded version to suit your packing style. –

Strength

Although Thinlight foam will eventually degrade over time, it will last long enough to get your money’s worth.

The obvious advantage is that it cannot be punctured like an inflatable pad. If you have strength in gear, a foam pad is your best bet to withstand abuse. We’ve been using a piece of Thinlight as a sit pad in our pack for years, and it’s still going strong.

next to the traveler sitting on foam on the log — All folded up, the Thinlight makes a thick sit pad. –

Warmth

On its own, the Thinlight is best kept as a summer-only pad. It has an almost invisible R-value of 0.5 (it feels generous to add an R-Value at all).

However, pairing it with a breathable pad can increase overall warmth, especially in a cold, wet environment. During winter travel, we consider a foam pad to be an essential addition to our sleeping system, and the Thinlight is a very convenient option.

a support person is reading a mountaineering book while sitting on a pad as he keeps his hips on the snow and his back against the rock wall — It’s not much, but it sets you apart from the world! –

Easy Setup

How about setting up Thinlight? Just casually drop it down, and you’re 90% there (just be careful of the wind picking it up). Give it a quick squeeze and a scoot or two for good measure, and voilà! Thinlight is literally a piece of foam; if you have trouble placing it, we will pray for you.

All jokes aside, the real nuance in the setup is in the selection of camps. If you’re using Thinlight alone (more power to you), your best bet is to find a soft bed of leaves, moss, or pine duff. Fixed, tamped-down camps are very hard on the joints, so if you’re camping in a more controlled environment, we recommend pairing the Thinlight with a breathable pad.

Should You Buy Gossamer Gear Thinlight?

Some ultralight backpackers will find it tough enough to use the Gossamer Gear Thinlight as their sleeping pad alone, but it’s even better when used in conjunction with an inflatable pad.

The ⅛-inch-thick closed-cell foam is durable and will last long enough to justify the small investment, but it won’t take the edge off a cold, bumpy surface. Additional heating is also negligible in mild cases.

However, using Thinlight as an additional barrier between your inflatable pad and the ground can greatly improve the overall sleeping experience. It protects your pad from punctures, keeps it from slipping too much, and adds a little warmth and comfort, especially on wet ground.

Overall, the Thinlight is another tool in your feeding toolbox and a useful addition to any sleeping setup.

The Gossamer Gear Thinlight pad is set up like a recliner with its backrest leaning against a log — Thinlight extends longer than a regular sit pad. –

What other backpacking pads should you consider?

Check out our full guide to backpacking sleeping pads to dial in your perfect backcountry sleeping system.

NEMO Switchback Review: The NEMO Switchback is a traditional foam sleeping pad, with an R-value of 2, and a padded design to add extra support.

Therm-A-Rest Z Lite Sol Review: IZ Lite Sol is the next lightest and most packable foam pad after Thinlight. If you like the idea of foam but want more, check out the Z Lite Sol.

NEMO Tensor Elite Review: The Tensor Elite is about as light as it gets in inflatable pads. Pairing it with the Thinlight would make one very awesome ultralight sleeping system.