One of the first slogans used by the Thermarest brand was "For the rest of your life." And, while this slogan highlighted the superior sleep quality offered by the new Thermarest mattresses, adventurers began sleeping on their mattresses during their outdoor adventures. Nowadays, properly preparing for expeditions includes thinking about all the camping and trekking gear to have the best nights outdoors. A lot has happened in the last 50 years, but throughout, the brand has maintained the same guiding principle: to help its customers achieve better sleep outdoors. So, Happy Birthday Thermarest!

How did the story begin?

"We started because I wanted a better mattress," explains John Burroughs, co-founder of Thermarest. As an experienced mountaineer, John knew that the thin foam mattresses of the early 70s left a huge gap for creating a mattress that offered greater comfort.

And when Jim Lea, a friend and colleague from Boeing, discovered a way to equip these uncomfortable mattresses with an inflatable fabric and a respiratory regulation system, the self-inflating mattress was born. In 1972, the friends filed a patent for the "Thermarest" mattress and created the company Cascade Designs Inc.

The very first Thermarest mats were produced in Seattle in 1973 and were called the 3/4 standards. From the beginning, the popular 3/4 standard caught the attention of REI, the brand's very first customer. To complete the camping experience, find a wide selection of quality camping sleeping gear for all needs. As manufacturing techniques improved, Thermarest's ability to create lighter and more efficient mattresses continued. In 1983, Thermarest launched the Ultra Lite and Camp Rest mattresses, and in 1984, the RidgeRest was introduced, a mattress that quickly achieved iconic status and has since remained a staple for both novices and outdoor experts.

historical image Thermaresthistorical image Thermaresthistorical image Thermaresthistorical image Thermaresthistorical image Thermarest
As popularity and demand increased, Cascade Designs created a second production unit in 1985 in County Cork, Ireland, to supply the European market, which remains today the center of European activity. To accompany families, there are also quality children's backpacks for camping with peace of mind.
First Thermarest expedition to Ireland
But innovations did not stop at mattresses - in 1994, Thermarest entered the sleeping systems market with its range of sleeping bags. A cold chamber was built in the Seattle factory to test sleeping bags to their limits, a sign that the brand was ready to challenge the market. Additionally, choose from a range of lightweight tents for 2 people perfectly suited for modern camping.
Another impactful introduction from the brand was the launch of NeoAir. This range of air-filled and super compact mattresses raised the bar for inflatable mattresses upon its launch in 2009, and continues to set the standard for innovative and lightweight design.

Thermarest equipment

Neoair products:

Did you know?

Thermarest is also part of several organizations dedicated to protecting access to natural areas, assisting people in contact with the environment, and sustainably managing recreational areas to make the outdoors a better place for everyone. To complete your outdoor gear, discover camping equipment at the best price and learn how to choose your hiking accessories.




As we reminisce about 50 years of Thermarest innovations, the brand continues its unwavering commitment. With more and more people enjoying outdoor activities, the Thermarest team worldwide looks forward to the next 50 years to come! For adventure enthusiasts, find everything for hiking as well as a wide selection of affordable hiking gear at Alpinstore.



TO REMEMBER:

  • INNOVATIVE BRAND
  • COMMITTED TO THE ENVIRONMENT
  • BRAND WITH GROWING POPULARITY