Therm-a-Rest Sleeping Pad

Therm-a-Rest is the pioneer of the self-inflating sleeping pad, a revolutionary invention that transformed the outdoor gear industry. The brand's origin dates back to 1971 in Seattle, Washington, when John Burroughs, Jim Lea, and Neil Anderson—all former Boeing engineers—sought to create a more comfortable way to sleep in the backcountry. Their discovery of open-cell foam's ability to rebound and provide insulation led to the launch of the first Therm-a-Rest mattress in 1972.

Today, Therm-a-Rest continues to prioritize local manufacturing. A significant portion of their inflatable and foam sleeping pads are produced in their own facilities located in Seattle, Washington, and Cork, Ireland. This strategy allows the brand to maintain high quality control and reduce the carbon footprint associated with global shipping for their core European and North American markets.

The brand is owned by Cascade Designs, Inc., a private outdoor gear company based in Seattle. Cascade Designs has remained a family-owned entity and serves as the umbrella for several prominent outdoor brands, focusing on engineering-led solutions for camping, hiking, and mountaineering. Their commitment to manufacturing in the USA and Europe remains a hallmark of the company's operational philosophy heading into 2026.