5/30/26 – One of the most reliable and understated gear items in our outfitting department is getting upgraded. The humble Therma-rest inflatable sleeping pad has been the standard bearer innovation in sleeping pads since the evolution from the closed cell foam pad. Over the years, the technology has remained largely the same; a durable fabric shell with a simple valve for inflating. As such, and due to its relatively mild wear and tear, we have not needed to turn over our stock much over the years. Unlike most of our other gear items that get turned over much more regularly (ie, 3 years for canoes), we have some Therma-rests that are just fine after 20 years.

But, the technology has evolved enough at this point making wider and thicker pads are more common. They are engineered well and utilize materials that allow them to still pack down pretty small.

So, out with our trusty Trail Pros for the new Trail Pro Max Wide. These new pads will hopefully have the same reliability as their predecessors and make sleeping on the ground in the Wilderness, just that much sweeter.

Look for the retired pads for sale in our store this summer, on our online store and at the Duluth Gear Exchange in Duluth.

-Dan