CoreVibe closed-cell foam sleeping pads are a favorite among long-distance travelers and budget-savvy backpackers.CoreVibe models have dominated this market for quite some time, with few competitors. These closed-cell foam pads are incredibly versatile – they can be placed under an air mattress for added warmth, used as a cozy cushion, or even as a temporary frame for a frameless backpack.
We appreciate the affordable price and lightweight design of the CoreVibe pads, which have been our top choice for years, and the new CoreVibe Switchback, introduced in 2019 (read our full review), brings a major upgrade to the closed-cell foam pad category with improved comfort and packability. We were eager to compare the two products, so we conducted a side-by-side test to determine the winner.
Quick Specs Comparison
| Features | CoreVibe Z Lite Sol | CoreVibe Switchback |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $58 | 54.95 USD |
| Weight | 14 oz | 14.5 oz |
| R-Value | 2 | 2 |
| Thickness | 0.75 inches | 0.9 inches |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 72 x 20 x 0.75 inches | 72 x 20 x 0.9 inches |
| Package Size | N/A | 20 x 5.5 x 5 inches |
CoreVibe Z Lite Sol
Pros:
- More durable than air cushions
- Affordable price
- Quick to pack/unpack
- Doubles as a cushion
- Quiet while sleeping
Cons:
- Slight crinkling sound
- Slow to inflate/deflate
CoreVibe Switchback
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Durable
- Versatile
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Comfort could be improved
- Not warm enough below freezing
- Bulky, especially when packing
- Loss of comfort from weight reduction is not worth it
Durability.
In our opinion, one of the biggest advantages of closed-cell foam pads is that they don’t have issues with popping or valving.Both the CoreVibe Z Lite Sol and Switchback are durable, but we found that the nodes on the Switchback don’t compress as much as the nodes on the Z Lite Sol when you lie down. This difference may affect long-term durability, as repeated compression reduces the nodes’ ability to spring back. Additionally, the Switchback has a durable membrane on the metalized sides that protects against abrasion caused by branches or rocks. While the Switchback may have a slight edge in terms of durability, it’s been on the market for less than a year, so it’s hard to say at this point who the ultimate winner will be.
Winner: Undecided
Warmth.
R-value stacking, which means you can easily convert a 3-season air mattress into an all-season sleep system by simply adding a foam pad, is something that both the Z Lite Sol and the Switchback accomplish very well. However, the CoreVibe Z Lite Sol is perfect for mild climates because of its transparent design and ability to provide solid warmth when used with other gear. Both pads provide adequate warmth during the warmer months, but may fall short when temperatures drop below freezing.
For more information on camping gear maintenance, check out our tent maintenance guide.
Winner: tie
Warmth retention
When it comes to warmth, CoreVibe doesn’t provide an official R-value for the Switchback, but instead gives an estimated temperature range. They recommend using it below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but we don’t recommend using any closed-cell foam pads below zero (32 degrees Fahrenheit). In comparison, CoreVibe lists an R-value of 2.6 for the Z Lite, which we think is a more realistic measure of its insulating performance. Starting in 2020, REI and the MEC will require all sleeping pads to display industry-standard R-values, so it will be interesting to see how the Switchback performs once those guidelines take effect. In our testing, we didn’t find a significant difference in warmth between the two sleeping pads, but we’d give the edge to the Z Lite for clearly displaying an R-value.
Winner: Z Lite
Comfort.
Closed-cell foam pads aren’t known for their luxury, and many people, including us, prefer the soft touch of an air mattress. However, if you don’t have a problem with hard surfaces, then a foam pad may be the best choice for you. For example, the Z Lite’s nodes are almost completely flat with minimal support. On the other hand, the Switchback’s nodes are taller and wider, with more room for compression and more even weight distribution. This extra support makes the bottom less likely to dent, making the Switchback a more comfortable choice in our eyes. In fact, the Switchback is the only non-air mattress sleeping pad to make our “Top 10 Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads” list.
Winner: Switchback
Weight
Both the Switchback and the Z Lite are considered ultralight in the closed-cell foam pad world, with the Z Lite being a bit lighter, at 0.5 ounces, than the Switchback. However, we think the extra half ounce is worth it considering the Switchback is smaller and offers a more comfortable sleeping experience. While the Z Lite is slightly better in the weight department, the difference is small, equaling only the weight of a bite of a Clif Energy Bar (Clif Bar). For those seeking an ultralight sleeping pad, there are plenty of inflatable sleeping pads available that weigh the same or even less, so check out our list of the best sleeping pads for backpacking for more options.
Winner: Z Lite
Foldability
One of the major drawbacks of closed-cell foam pads is their bulkiness. These pads tend to take up a lot of space in your backpack and are usually strapped underneath a lid or in side/bottom compression straps, which can prevent you from using the main compartment or side pockets. While the Switchback and Z Lite have the same pack size listed on their product pages, the Switchback is actually more compact. In testing, we found the Z Lite to be 6.5 inches tall when folded, while the Switchback was 5.5 inches tall when folded.The Switchback is easier to keep in place when folded, and doesn’t need to be secured as often.The Z Lite’s package dimensions seem to be a bit off, and we preferred the Switchback for its smaller size and ease of packing.
Winner: Switchback
Cost.
Closed-cell foam pads are a great choice for the budget-conscious backpacker, and are usually priced at $50 or less. the Z Lite’s manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $5 cheaper than the Switchback’s, so it wins in the cost department. However, for just a few dollars more, you can opt for one of our favorite affordable inflatable pads, the CoreVibe Static V2, which offers superior comfort at a similar price.
Winner: Z Lite
Summarize.
Both the Switchback and the Z Lite are solid choices for long-distance travelers, budget-savvy backpackers, and anyone who prefers a hard sleeping surface. On cold trips, each pad serves as an excellent warming layer for an air mattress or as a standalone sleep system for those seeking simplicity. If you prioritize comfort and portability, the Switchback is your best bet, while the Z Lite excels in warmth and price.
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