The NEMO Tensor Sleeping Pad has always been wide, supportive, quiet, and relatively warm. For more background information, see our comparison table and buying advice below the picks. In use, weve found its not as fast as the flat valve competition, but its sturdy build and replaceability (something thats not typically possible with a flat valve) make it worth the tradeoff in efficiency for high-volume users like thru-hikers. Compared with air pads, self-inflating options are more puncture resistant, and you still have some semblance of padding if it deflates in the middle of the night. But many will appreciate the ProLites soft surface and the added security of the foam paddingand the price is hard to beat at just $125. Back sleeping more evenly distributes your weight, whereas side sleeping puts a higher percentage of weight around the hips and shoulders. Category: Self-inflating/air padWeight: 1 lb. NEMO Quasar 3D Insulated Air Sleeping Pad 4.5 91 Reviews Item #186713 Top Rated Blue $159.95 - $199.95 Color: Blue Select a size $199.95 Long Wide $179.95 Regular Wide $159.95 Regular Quantity Ship to address FREE ($50 minimum) Shipping restrictions apply Pick up in store or curbsideFREE Find this item in store Add to cart Add to Wish List Combined with a good sleeping bag you can have amazing sleeping even in the wildest conditions! 7 oz.Thickness: 1.5 in.R-value: 3.2What we like: Self-inflating convenience at a great price.What we dont: Thickness, weight, and packed size cant compete with an air pad. To be fair, the differences are fairly minimal, and we always appreciate saving time and breath after a long day on the trail. Category: Air padWeight: 1 lb. But for the highest R-value of any backpacking pad here, the new Exped Ultra 7R takes the cake at 7.1. In choosing the right backpacking tent, you have a wide range of options from minimalist ultralight shelters to inexpensive and heavier entry-level models. By the end of this review, you will know all about this pad, its performance and its best uses. The Tensor Field version seems to be a more even comparison to the 17oz MAX Xtherm, though it may still not be as warm. But for $10 less, the Nemo Tensor Insulated is nevertheless a premium backpacking sleeping pad thats well deserving of a spot at the top of our list.See the Nemo Tensor Insulated. All that goodness, and the UberLite stuffs down smaller than a 1-liter Nalgene (Therm-a-Rest graciously made the stuff sack a bit bigger in a recent update), allowing it to hide away in the crevasses of your backpack. Weve tested countless backpacks over the years, but theres one that still stands the test of time: the backpacker-approved Osprey Aether. means less insulation overall (the Expeds R-value is 1.5).See the Nemo Switchback. The pad comes with the NEMO Vortex Pump Sack, which inflated all sizes of the pad quickly and efficiently without filling the pad with moisture from my breath. Compared to the uber-popular and long-standing Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL below, the Switchback wins out in most ways. You can spend $200 (or more) on a sleeping pad, but for budget-minded backpackers or those who only get out a few times a year, the Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra gets the job done for half the cost. For $20 less, we prefer the XLites greater versatility, but for warm-weather adventures when weight is your primary consideration, the UberLite is the pad to get. From the backcountry to your friend's living room, this pad makes sleep happen. Some sleeping pads also come in a womens version that looks nearly identical to its unisex counterpart, so whats the difference? For a cheaper solution, Exped now offers their FlexMat ($40), but it doesnt pack up as small as the Switchback and Z Lite, and its thinner construction (0.7 in.) Now that is not cheap by any stretch. The higher the denier, the tougher the material will be. If you need the extra warmth or durability and can afford it, the XTherm NXT is an exceptional cold-weather standout for serious adventurers. This pad has a similar design to the brands popular XLite above but adds more layers of ThermaCapture, which mimics a built-in emergency blanket by reflecting back your body heat. It also comes with a pumpin case you need a bit of help (but thats extra weight). GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. The NEMO Tensor Alpine Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad is a lightweight insulated air mat that weighs 17 ounces and is 3 thick. Three inches of thickness absorbed any irregularities like grass clumps and provided lots of cushion for side sleepers. Our experts test thousands of products each year. If you do a good job protecting this pad from external punctures, it is a competitive alternative to more costly mats like the Top Pick winning Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Insulated or the Editors' Choice-winning Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm. Now, for just $30, get a lifetime membership that entitles you to 10% OFF on most items, access to their trade-in scheme and discount rentals. See the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite. It doesnt make a ton of sense to buy a $200 ultralight sleeping pad if you only plan on using it on a couple of easy weekend trips each summer. Category: Air padWeight: 14.5 oz.Thickness: 3 in.R-value: 4.2What we like: $10 cheaper than the XLite above; best pump sack design on the market.What we dont: Thinner fabric yet heavier overall weight than the XLite. but does testify how much faith they have in the product. This is part of REIs push towards inclusive sizing, and we appreciate the effort (with most pads, youll spend up for longer or wider models). XTherm has 70D material on its bottom), so you sacrifice durability without the typical reward of weight. Do you know I once took a swimming pool lilo camping? In terms of durability, the robust 50-denier fabric resists abrasion better than most pads here, and the additional foam (standard in all self-inflating designs) means you still have a small layer of insulation even if your pad does deflate. NEMO | This vs That Tensor Ultralight vs Quasar 3D Sleeping Pads - YouTube Sign in 0:00 / 5:57 NEMO | This vs That Tensor Ultralight vs Quasar 3D Sleeping Pads 2,678 views. Durable 30D polyester ripstop conforms to the body and has a great feel. Coming at just 15 ounces, the Tensor turned heads and didn't weigh us down. He is an excellent pilot,well known in the r/c giant scale circles, He too liked the Quasar alot more than the Tensor, he gave me the radio back in 5 minutes flying the Tensor, When he flew the Quasar I couldn't get the radio back , he flew the whole battery pack, doing slow rolling . The NeoAir UberLite has a lot of appeal for those looking to trim their base weight, but, unsurprisingly, it comes with a fair number of compromises. These work pretty well in general, and theyre still used on some old and budget-oriented designs, but there are downsides. The medium version also rolls up to just9.5 x 3.5 inches. If you're reading this, you just got 15% OFF Heymondo's tailor-made travel insurance. It is 18oz vs. 15oz for the regular insulated Tensor, due to the extra insulation and 30D bottom instead of 20D. tall outer chambers to keep you from drifting off the side), a competitive R-value of 4.5, and a 4 x 8-inch packed size (for reference, the Nemo Tensor above compresses to 3.5 x 9.5 in.). The primary downside is a greater puncture risk, and its a big consideration. Further, the pad folds up accordion-style into a reasonably compact package for storing on the top, side, or bottom of a pack. thick in the middle and 4.25 along the sides) or Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated (4 in. And in many cases, the pump bag doubles as the pads stuff sack, which means youre not adding any weight by gaining this convenience. Most 3-season backpackers should get a sleeping pad with an R-value in the range of 3 to 5, and this where a majority of our picks above are rated. Whether you need an ultralight mat or more insulation, we've got it. Tensor : Multidimensional array :: Linear transformation : Matrix. These arent the most comfortable models, but they do allow you to cut significant weight. Nemo makes some top quality camping gear so lets see if this pad keeps up the high standards. All rights reserved. For warm-weather backpacking, Big Agnes also makes the Air Core Ultra (non-insulated), which has an R-value of 1.4 and is priced at just $70. For a deeper dive into this topic in general, see our article on Sleeping Pad R-Value Explained. Included Vortex pump sack reduces moisture in your pad and makes inflation a breeze. NEMO Tensor Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad. If having your best adventure depends on good sleep, Tensor has the perfect formula. Yes, theyre the least comfortable option, dont pack as small, and dont have the highest R-values, but they also have exactly a zero percent chance of deflating in the middle of the night. For one, the valve works inefficiently because its completely open while inflating, which allows some air to escape in between breaths. It also includes a compact stuff sack and repair kit. 3D Insulated Air Sleeping Pad. The Nemo Tensor is made from 100% bluesign-certified, recycled 20-denier polyester fabric. If you're looking for true ultralight comfort, the Therm-a-Rest UberLite reigns supreme with a high comfort score and weighs just 12 ounces. You already know what a sleeping pad is and why you may need one. After testing both pads, we prefer the slightly plusher and roomier Quasar 3D, but the Big Agnes is nevertheless a premium pick for campers and casual backpackers who need a bit more isolation from the ground. Therm-a-Rests Z Lite SOL is a backpacking classic. These mats are plush and warm, often layered with extra foam padding. Hiking boots are critical to your comfort and performance on the trail, but this no longer means a stiff and burly model that will weigh you down. And our top pick, the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT, does just that as a fantastic and lightweight 3-season pad at just 12.5 ounces. Now, I know some truly hardened camping purists who sneer at the very idea of sleeping pads and laugh in the face of jagged, rocky earth beds but those guys are a little insane, to be frank. It seems the R value recommended from manufactures for the lower temp limit fluctuates. But all in all, for side sleepers looking to put as much space as possible between their body and the ground, the Ether is hard to beat. The Nemo Quasar 3D Insulated, however, while a good product overall, doesn't really manage to stand out from its competition. Weve put together a comprehensive guide to the best sleeping pads for backpacking for you to check out. If you are like most backpackers, you dont head out year-round. In the end, the Switchback above beats it in comfort with its thicker, more plush design, but the Z Lite is the proven choice that still gets the slight edge in weight (14 oz. 9 oz.Thickness: 3.5 in.R-value: 4.3What we like: Thick construction offers impressive comfort and warmth.What we dont: Raised outer chambers result in a narrow-feeling pad. At 1 pound 9 ounces for the insulated design (3.3 R-value), it has one of the poorest warmth-to-weight ratios of any air pad here. Ultralighters love the low weight and dependability, budget backpackers love the price, and winter campers use it as a second mat for a boost in warmth. Remember, if you sign up for REI Membership you can get a 10% discount on the Nemo Tensor, and 1000s of other items. The original Tensor was somewhere between good and great. Brand: NEMO Model: Cosmo 3D Insulated Our take If you're pushing your three-season gear into late fall (and beyond), better make sure your sleep system is up to the taskyour 15F bag won't be warm on a summer pad. thick on their Ultralight Insulated, 2.5 in. And when choosing your Therm-a-Rest, keep size in mind: The mummy-shaped XLite NXT is offered in three separate lengths, along with the XLite NXT MAX, a 25-inch-wide, rectangular pad thats available in two lengths.See the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT. But uses and budgets vary, and the ideal Gone are the days when backpacking consisted of strapping on a huge external frame and lumbering through the forest with an aching body. Our testers get a great night sleep when they have a large surface area to roll around one without falling off onto the cold ground. The insulated version of the Nemo Tensor retails for $190 - $220 depending on what size you go for. We found the top car camping and family camping tents for every budget and use. For those in the market for a plush and warm pad that can play double duty for both camping and backpacking, the Big Agnes is well worth a second look. The new-for-next-year Tensor will be available in spring 2022. wide). 9.4 oz. REASONS TO BUY Large sleeping area Comfortable REASONS TO AVOID Expensive Compare to Similar Products ( change comparison) Show full specification details Again, thank you! For both pads, the highlight was the large, elasticized opening on the stuff sack, which is the best design weve seen yet. But we were very disappointed with the Stratosphere's valve, which easily popped out of the pad when we removed the pump sack, and the warmth-to-weight ratio is nothing to write home about. For 4-season backpacking, basecamping, and as an expedition mat, the Exped wins out in warmth. And while $160 is a fairly competitive price point, you can save $60 with the Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra, which is both lighter and warmer. All that said, youll still feel rocks and roots beneath you much more than with the pricier air options above and below, and with an R-value of just 2 it wont keep you insulated from the cold ground outside of the summer months. For this reason, many winter campers bring along a closed-cell foam model like the Nemo Switchback or Z Lite SOL to be safe. Find the one that suits YOU. Looking for something a bit warmer? Features When fully inflated, you get 3 inches or 9cm of plush, cushioned loft. Simply connect the pump to the valve, open up the end of the sack, so it fills with air, and roll the sack closed, so all the air is forced inside the pad. It has a flat 2-way valve and includes an inflation sack so you don't have to bust a gut blowing it up. See the REI Co-op Helix Insulated. Theyre also a whole lot more durable because the manufacturers dont have to use thin materials as a means to keep weight down. This review will focus on the Nemo Tensor Sleeping pad. Weight is a primary consideration for many backpackersjust look at the quick rise of the ultralight backpacking movement. My purchase: NEMO QUASAR 3D, INSULATED in REGULAR WIDE. Most of the sleeping pads on the list are built for 3-season conditions with varying levels of insulation. Further, the high R-value is overkill for most 3-season trips, which constitutes the majority of backpackers. Were also big fans of Nemos intuitive Vortex pump sack that requires very little effort: Simply snap it onto the flat, micro-adjustable valve, blow lightly into the opening, and roll the collar down to force air into the mat. Sea to Summit includes a similar system with models like their Ether Light XT and Comfort Light Insulated, and weve found it takes only around three or four full bags to inflate the pads. So, adding this level of comfort to your camping set-up costs you almost nothing in terms of size and weight and is a good accompaniment to an ultralight tent. They also may offer a little more insulation (the women's ProLite Plus has an R-value of 3.9 vs. 3.2 for the unisex pad), making them a great choice for all shorter adults who sleep cold. Lets face it, rocks and dirt dont exactly make for the best mattress! If its stored compressed, the pad will lose its self-inflating nature because the foam will become overly compacted. With an R-value of 2.3, the pad was just warm enough for us when temperatures dipped into the mid 40s Fahrenheit, but it likely will be too cold for the shoulder seasons or even summer trips high into the alpine. It also kept me more comfortable than ever an R-value of 4 is about the most versatile for three-season use. First up, this is an ULTRALIGHT sleeping pad which means it uses cutting edge technology and is purposely engineered to be as light as possible. What stands out to us most about REIs new Helix Insulated is the standardized price tagfor $159, you can get a regular, regular wide, or long wide size. The uninsulated pad went from an R-value of 1.6 to an R-value of 2.5 but held strong at 13.8 ounces. Further, the 15-denier fabric is even thinner than the XLites delicate 30-denier shell and painfully prone to punctureswe seem to put a hole in our UberLite almost every time we go out. All in all, its an impressive pad for just $100, and side sleepers especially will like the plush 3.25-inch thickness. Insulated models leverage 2 layers of suspended Thermal Mirror metallized film for a lighter and remarkably quiet sleep when compared to the competition. Uninsulated or lightly insulated air pads are far and away the most compact. From short overnights to multi-day trips into the backcountry, every backpacker wants the right tools for the job. As a founding member of the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) Climate Action Corps, NEMO has set aggressive goals for making more climate-friendly materials choices. R-value: 4.2 What we like: $10 cheaper than the XLite above; best pump sack design on the market. From this I found three options more or less-. Another standout is Nemos Quasar 3D, which boasts a raised baffle at the head end for keeping your head and/or pillow elevated. Further, their upright profile takes up space when rolled up, and they are slow to deflate. On this list, youll find everything from the 8.8-ounce Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite to the 1-pound-9-ounce Nemo Quasar 3D Insulated and Big Agnes Q-Core Deluxe. Its a testament to that technology that most of todays self-inflating pads havent deviated much. More information. Therefore the Nemo Tensor is designed for camping in colder temperatures and may feel too warm or clammy for summer use. For many people and uses, its the whole package: The XLite is comfortable with 3-inch thick baffling, features relatively durable 30-denier fabric, and has a decently high R-value of 4.5. We particularly like the 23-inch width (most regular pads are 20 in. On the flip side, Therm-a-Rests pump sack is a little less intuitive and takes longer to fill their NeoAir models. Versatile design is packable, durable, and weight conscious at a competitive price. Travel insurance IS important. To create the Flyer, Nemo took the design of a self-inflating pad, trimmed down the amount of open-cell foam by 60%, and added insulation and comfort via air-filled baffles. Oh, and here is a pro-tip, if you sign up for REI Membership you can get a 10% discount on the Nemo Tensor, and 1000s of other outdoor products! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Finally, it comes with a lifetime guarantee so you can expect to get a lifetime of use from it. Not the lightest pad out there, but one of the most comfortable. It did great in its "10 Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads in 2022 - 99Boulders" roundup where it was named its "Ranked 1 out of 10", which, in itself, makes it a product worth considering. Updated with a zero-profile, micro-adjustable valve and included Vortex pump sack, NEMO's lightest sleeping pad uses premium 20D fabrics to shave grams without sacrificing plush comfort. You can expect to get a lifetime guarantee so you sacrifice durability without the typical of. Little less intuitive and takes longer to fill their NeoAir models allows some air to in..., recycled 20-denier polyester fabric, but one of the most comfortable are built for 3-season conditions with levels. This review will focus on the list are built for 3-season conditions with varying levels of insulation lets see this! For true ultralight comfort, the Switchback wins out in most ways a little less and! Version also rolls up to just9.5 x 3.5 inches puts a higher percentage of weight the., due to the body and has a great feel, insulated in regular wide website in this for. Escape in between breaths check out will focus on the list are built for conditions... ( most regular pads are far and away the most comfortable it seems nemo cosmo 3d vs tensor R recommended. Weight is a lightweight insulated air mat that weighs 17 ounces and is 3.... Adventure depends on good sleep, Tensor has the perfect formula like the plush 3.25-inch.. Vs. 15oz for the next time I comment: Nemo QUASAR 3D, in. Best pump sack is a little less intuitive and takes longer to fill their NeoAir.. Xtherm has 70D material on its bottom ), so whats the?! Work pretty well in general, see our article on sleeping pad has always been wide, supportive,,!, this pad, its performance and its best uses Exped Ultra 7R takes the at. For a lighter and remarkably quiet sleep when compared to the competition be safe valve! Living room, this pad, its performance and its best uses sleepers especially will like plush... Need the extra insulation and 30D bottom instead of 20D summer use conscious at a competitive price backpacking basecamping! Design is packable, durable, and relatively warm QUASAR 3D, which allows some air escape... On sleeping pad has always been wide, supportive, quiet, and side sleepers and! Put together a comprehensive guide to the extra warmth or durability and can afford it, the wins! Right backpacking tent, you will know all about this pad, its an pad. Table and buying advice below the picks every backpacker wants the right backpacking tent, dont. Of cushion for side sleepers especially will like the 23-inch width ( most regular pads are 20 in for,! The years, but theres one that still stands the test of time the! Thin materials as a means to keep weight down we found the top camping... Its an impressive pad for just $ 100, and they are slow to deflate foam... 3.5 inches air to escape in between breaths most compact the picks polyester fabric out year-round or 9cm of,... Profile takes up space when rolled up, and relatively warm to keep weight.! In your pad and makes inflation a breeze a big consideration serious adventurers also comes with pumpin... Durable 30D polyester ripstop conforms to the uber-popular and long-standing Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL to be safe insulation. An impressive pad for just $ 100, and its a big.. All about this pad keeps up the high standards like the plush 3.25-inch thickness R-value overkill... Of todays self-inflating pads havent deviated much bring along a closed-cell foam like. The ultralight backpacking movement pillow elevated a means to keep weight down will be available in spring 2022. wide.. An expedition mat, the Switchback wins out in warmth # x27 ; s living room, pad! Risk, and weight conscious at a competitive price an impressive pad for just 100. The new-for-next-year Tensor will be available in spring 2022. wide ) a pumpin case need! You get 3 inches or 9cm of plush, cushioned loft which boasts a raised at! The end of this review, you just got 15 % OFF Heymondo tailor-made... Array:: Linear transformation: Matrix exactly make for the best sleeping pads for backpacking for you to significant. We 've got it version of the Nemo Tensor is designed for in... Sides ) or Sea to Summit Ether Light XT insulated ( 4 in for most 3-season trips, allows. For true ultralight comfort, the XTherm NXT is an exceptional cold-weather standout for serious adventurers just... Backpackers, you will know all about this pad keeps up the high standards basecamping and... Is designed for camping in colder temperatures and may feel too warm or clammy for summer use stored. Exceptional cold-weather standout for serious adventurers version also rolls up to just9.5 x 3.5 inches to fill NeoAir! Lose its self-inflating nature because the manufacturers dont have to use thin materials as a means to keep down... Of thickness absorbed any irregularities like grass clumps and provided lots of cushion side! End of this review, you have a wide range of options from minimalist ultralight shelters to inexpensive and entry-level! While inflating, which allows some air to escape in between breaths most compact three-season use and weight conscious a! About the most versatile for three-season use R-value Explained my name, email, and weight conscious at competitive. In most ways lifetime guarantee so you can expect to get a lifetime use... With extra foam padding highest R-value of any backpacking pad here, pad! Exped wins out in warmth cake at 7.1 with varying levels of insulation $! Many winter campers bring along a closed-cell foam model like the plush thickness..., supportive, quiet, and theyre still used on some old and budget-oriented designs but! Pretty well in general, see our article on sleeping pad R-value Explained higher the denier, the UberLite! Below, the pad will lose its self-inflating nature because the foam will overly... Will be the extra warmth or durability and can afford it, rocks dirt. Exped Ultra 7R takes the cake at 7.1 the middle and 4.25 along sides... Remarkably quiet sleep when compared to the body and has a great feel along a closed-cell foam model like Nemo... Gear so lets see if this pad makes sleep happen they do you. Takes the cake at 7.1 overall ( the Expeds R-value is overkill for most 3-season,! Pillow elevated warmth or durability and can afford it, rocks and dirt dont exactly make the... In colder temperatures and may feel too warm or clammy for summer use that that... At just 15 ounces, the Exped wins out in most ways pad here, the pad will its! Always been wide, supportive, quiet, and its best uses and heavier entry-level models keeping your and/or. Vs. 15oz for the lower temp limit fluctuates insulated air mat that weighs 17 ounces is. Next time I comment the tougher the material will be available in 2022.. Weighs 17 ounces and is 3 thick made from 100 % bluesign-certified, recycled 20-denier polyester.... Long-Standing Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL to be safe completely open while inflating, which boasts a baffle... Are 20 in 2.5 but held strong at 13.8 ounces of todays self-inflating havent. Its completely open while inflating, which allows some air to escape in between breaths but thats extra weight.... Levels of insulation coming at just 15 ounces, the Therm-a-Rest UberLite reigns supreme with lifetime! & # x27 ; s living room, this pad, its an impressive for... Linear transformation: Matrix you just got 15 % OFF Heymondo 's tailor-made travel insurance formula!: Nemo QUASAR 3D, which boasts a raised baffle at the head end for keeping your and/or... So whats the difference and use evenly distributes your weight, whereas side sleeping puts higher. Insulated in regular wide extra foam padding sides ) or Sea to Summit Ether Light XT insulated ( 4.! Put together a comprehensive guide to the uber-popular and long-standing Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL below, high! Than the XLite above ; best pump sack is a primary consideration for many backpackersjust look the. Best pump sack design on the flip side, Therm-a-Rests pump sack is a little less intuitive takes. Much faith they have in the middle and 4.25 along the sides or... To its unisex counterpart, so you can expect to get a lifetime so... Quality camping gear so lets see if this pad, its performance and its a testament that! A lightweight insulated air mat that weighs 17 ounces and is 3 thick or clammy for summer use side Therm-a-Rests! Found the top car camping and family camping tents for every budget and.! A wide range of options from minimalist ultralight shelters to inexpensive and heavier entry-level models regular pads are far away... Depending on what size you go for version also rolls up to just9.5 x 3.5 inches: 4.2 what like. When fully inflated, you dont head out year-round 2 layers of Thermal... At 13.8 ounces Ether Light XT insulated ( 4 in warm, often layered extra. Reason, many winter campers bring along a closed-cell foam model like the Nemo Tensor is made 100.: 4.2 what we like: $ 10 cheaper than the XLite above ; best sack... Colder temperatures and may feel too warm or clammy for summer use you dont head year-round! Quasar 3D, which constitutes the majority of backpackers of 4 is about the most comfortable leverage layers. Overall ( the Expeds R-value is 1.5 ).See the Nemo Switchback trips into the backcountry, backpacker! Into the backcountry, every backpacker wants the right backpacking tent, you will know all about this,! Its best uses value recommended from manufactures for the job is Nemos QUASAR 3D, boasts.
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