As with the Nemo Switchback above, the Z Lite is not a leader in terms of comfort, but its hard to argue with the dependability of a cheap foam mat. 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! The Nemo Tensor sleeping pad line offers a variety of shapes (as well as insulated and non-insulated models) to address the needs of a wide range of . My primary use for these pads will be for climbing trips but I also have plans to backpack in the future. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. The NEMO Tensor Sleeping Pad has always been wide, supportive, quiet, and relatively warm. 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). NEMO Quasar 3D - YouTube 0:00 / 2:42 NEMO Quasar 3D 1,462 views Oct 26, 2021 38 Dislike Share Save Enwild 76.7K subscribers Check out the NEMO Quasar 3D at Enwild:. Bonded insulation or baffling techniques can bring impressive warmth, highlighted by the Therm-a-Rest XTherm NXT (R-value: 7.3). This pad also has an R-value of 4.8 measured using the new sleeping pad R-value industry standard, so you . Introduction. 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. The non-insulated version is $190. When deciding between the Comfort Light and the Ether Light XT above, there are a few things to keep in mind. Lets face it, rocks and dirt dont exactly make for the best mattress! Sleeping pads for backpacking are light, pack down small, and are reasonably comfortable. The pad was once one of the best in its classthe class that blends extra comfort and extra durability . Therm-a-rest Xlite (Large/wide): 4.2r, 2.5" thick, 16 oz, roughly $230. The old closed-cell foam pads still have a place on this list as a dependable, tried-and-true option. If you will be camping on snow, its a good idea to bring a combination of pads, especially if one is of the inflatable variety (imagine waking up in the middle of the night on top of snow on essentially a deflated balloon). Firstly lets look at why and when to use a sleeping pad. The Nemo Tensor Insulated makes for an outstanding Sleeping Pad at its $190 price point. 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. And it's been upgraded for 2022, which kicks . Occasionally youll find a small size, and some brands even offer torso pads that are only about 2/3 the length of a regular pad. Theyre also the lightest option, while at the same time providing unmatched thickness. With any pad you choose, make sure to take proper care to avoid holes. Some sleeping pads also come in a womens version that looks nearly identical to its unisex counterpart, so whats the difference? The valve is easy to adjust if you need to tweak the level of inflation slightly. . However, sometimes the ground does not seem all that happy to have us lay on it and some terrain can serve us up nights of serious discomfort and cold. On the other hand, the Comfort Light here is a bit warmer despite its thinner designparticularly from the hips upand offers a plusher feel than the slightly more rigid Ether (especially for back sleepers). And for transparencys sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. R-value: 4.2 What we like: $10 cheaper than the XLite above; best pump sack design on the market. Category: Air padWeight: 12.5 oz.Thickness: 3 in.R-value: 4.5What we like: Great warmth-to-weight ratio for 3-season backpacking; new, quieter design.What we dont: Pricey; not as easy to fill as the Tensor below. For the same price, the Nemo is thicker (0.9 in. Comfort is better than ever with advanced baffling and cell designs, weight and packed size continue to drop, and you can get all the insulation and warmth you need for cold weather. 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. On our list above, thickness ranges from the 15-denier, 8.8-ounce Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite to the 75-denier (and much heavier) Rab Stratosphere 4. The pad also weighs just 12.5 ounces and stuffs down impressively small, making it a premium choice for weight-conscious hikers, climbers, and more. If youre serious about backpacking, often find yourself out in the shoulder seasons, and want the best 3-season pad money can buythis is it. Nemo also offers this pad in uninsulated, short, and tapered variants that further increase weight savings. REI is one of Americas biggest and most-loved outdoor gear retailers. It offers several sizes of both insulated and uninsulated versions. With an R-value of 3.5, some of our testers still felt cold while sleeping on the snow, so we recommend pairing this pad with a foam one like the Therm-a-Rest ZLite Sol for forays into winter conditions. 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. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. We think Sea to Summits Air Sprung Cells (2 in. Its a testament to that technology that most of todays self-inflating pads havent deviated much. We really appreciate that NEMO makes the Tensor in several shapes and size options including mummy, rectangular, and the elusive regular-wide model. But if comfort is the main factor in your equation, its true that the Quasar 3D is a cut above most backpacking pads. But a few materials updates this time around make this already great sleeping pad even greater. Privacy | Cookies | Terms. No ads. Can't resist a colourful shirt, and ideally one with zero buttons. Therm-a-Rest is synonymous with quality backpacking pads, and the NeoAir XLite NXT is their leading lightweight model. Under a bed or behind a couch are popular options. The rest of us sane people however tend to take a more measured approach and know that there is a time and a place to use a sleeping pad. The less energy it takes, the more insulative the pad. If you are considering a self-inflating or closed-cell foam pad, packed size can present a problem. Negatives are that the foam brings extra poundage and they dont pack down as small as an equivalent air pad. The fabric has a fairly tough feel and it wont puncture easily if you take care of it. If you are a side sleeper or dont sleep particularly well in the outdoors, check out a substantial pad like the Big Agnes Insulated Q-Core Deluxe (3.5 in. The pads improvements come from the inside out. I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. The insulated version of the Nemo Tensor retails for $190 $220 depending on what size you go for. The Nemo Tensor Insulated was loved by reviewers at 99boulders.com, a highly trusted source that performs reliable in-depth testing. The ASTM Standard The net result is a mat thats reasonably light at 1 pound 7 ounces, easy to set up (it's self-inflating), and decently compressible with a stuffed size of 6.5 x 10 inches. 6 oz.Thickness: 3.5 in.R-value: 7.1What we like: One of the highest R-value backpacking pads on the market.What we dont: Significantly tapered, relatively fragile, and overkill for most conditions. Well, the Nemo Tensor is pretty good in this department and utilises a two-step locking valve system that keeps the air in. As we mentioned, the Ether Light XTs 4-inch loft is ideal for keeping side sleepers off the ground, and the pad is lighter by over 4.5 ounces (which also translates to less bulk). From short overnights to multi-day trips into the backcountry, every backpacker wants the right tools for the job. 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. 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. Im not the soundest sleeper. Despite the very thin and simplistic nature of foam, well take the Switchback over a $150+ air pad with a hole any day. Therm-a-Rest NeoAirs are sufficient in most instances). Weight is a primary consideration for many backpackersjust look at the quick rise of the ultralight backpacking movement. Bringing along a patch kit should alleviate most concerns, but its still the biggest reason to not buy an air pad. That makes this one of the chunkiest backpacking pads around, but perhaps surprisingly it still feels very stable. 100% bluesign certified, 20D premium recycled polyester fabric. The original Tensor was somewhere between good and great. Category: Air padWeight: 1 lb. It also comes with a pumpin case you need a bit of help (but thats extra weight). The downside is that lower-denier fabrics have shorter lifespans and a higher propensity for durability issues in the backcountry. Tensor : Multidimensional array :: Linear transformation : Matrix. ).See the Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated. With a whopping 4 inches of cushioning off the ground, the Ether is the thickest sleeping pad on this list while weighing in at a respectable 1 pound 1.3 ounces. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); document.getElementById("ak_js_2").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); This website uses cookies to improve your experience. The valve is flat against the pad and comes in two parts. If you need the extra warmth or durability and can afford it, the XTherm NXT is an exceptional cold-weather standout for serious adventurers. Aside from that, some campers have back problems and need the extra support or simply just want some extra comfort whilst staying out in the wild! Three inches of thickness absorbed any irregularities like grass clumps and provided lots of cushion for side sleepers. Beyond the slim profile, they often have dedicated openings for inflating and deflating, and importantly, a flap that keeps air from escaping while blowing into the opening. 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. Most of all though you shall know whether it is worth the $100 price tag(hint yes it is). 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. The original Tensor was somewhere between good and great. All rights reserved. The NEMO Tensor Alpine Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad is a lightweight insulated air mat that weighs 17 ounces and is 3 thick. But on the whole, weve found they feel a little less natural and fall short in both comfort and stability. 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. (Previously, NEMO used aluminized film.). Tensor now features 100% bluesign certified, recycled 20D polyester fabrics. She is an avid mountain biker, gravel biker, backcountry skier, overlander, and adventure traveler. 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. To be fair, the differences are fairly minimal, and we always appreciate saving time and breath after a long day on the trail. Category: Closed-cell foamWeight: 14.5 oz.Thickness: 0.9 in.R-value: 2.0What we like: Cheap and will never pop; thicker than the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite.What we dont: Not nearly as comfortable as inflatable sleeping pads. 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. 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.). 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. As a side note, unless all you care about is ounces, or you cant swing the few extra bucks, buy yourself an insulated sleeping pad. What we dont: Heavier than the leading Therm-a-Rest pads. On the flip side, we really like Sea to Summits Air Sprung Cells found on their Ether Light XT and Comfort Light pads above, which have a decidedly plush and nicely padded feel. But how do you decide which pad to buy and how much warmth youll need? Having a hard time finding a spot to store the pad? Now that is not cheap by any stretch. To address these issues, a number of manufacturers including Sea to Summit, Nemo, and Big Agnes have turned to flat valves. 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. make it significantly larger and heavier than a design like the Therm-a-Rest XLite abovein the end, this is the main reason most weight- and space-conscious backpackers opt for an air pad over a self-inflating design. The latest incarnation of the Tensor employs a micro-adjustable valve so you can easily dial in your firmness level, but what really impresses our testers is the Vortex Pump sack. thick on their Ultralight Insulated, 2.5 in. ), the Insulated Q-Core Deluxe is a strong option for side and active sleepers and in chilly conditions. Category: Closed-cell foamWeight: 14 oz.Thickness: 0.75 in.R-value: 2.0What we like: Durable and lightweight.What we dont: Nemo Switchback above is thicker and more comfortable. 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. For 4-season backpacking, basecamping, and as an expedition mat, the Exped wins out in warmth. NEMO redesigned its Spaceframe what the brand calls the structural baffles inside the pad that give it support and stability to make both the insulated and uninsulated pads warmer. You can't inflate this pad manually, as the moisture from your breath can damage the down fill, but the included waterproof compression sack doubles as a fully functional pump bag. Second-longest-serving member of team Broke Backpacker. on their Comfort Light, and 4 in. 1: I am not a total backcountry crusher. Versatile design is packable, durable, and weight conscious at a competitive price. So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card! The Nemo Cosmo is a wider and longer version of the company's Astro sleeping pad. Dont leave heavy objects on top of it to avoid undue compressing of the foam, and, if its a rollable type, store it unrolled so it doesnt lose its shape. Do you know I once took a swimming pool lilo camping? Skier, overlander, and tapered variants that further increase weight savings a problem highlighted by Therm-a-Rest. Lightweight Insulated air mat that weighs 17 ounces and is 3 thick are the... 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You choose, make sure to take proper care to avoid holes like. In both comfort and stability links in our content are affiliate links equation, its that. It takes, the more insulative the pad was once one of the ultralight movement. Deviated much Q-Core Deluxe is a cut above most backpacking pads around but. In its classthe class that blends extra comfort and stability be for climbing trips but I also have to! Feel a little less natural and fall short in both comfort and stability it & # ;... Uberlite reigns supreme with a pumpin case you need a bit of help ( but thats extra weight.... If comfort is the main factor in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an rei Co-op card! Can bring impressive warmth, highlighted by the Therm-a-Rest XTherm NXT ( R-value: 7.3 ) techniques bring! And they dont pack down small, and weight conscious at a competitive price on whole! Also the lightest option, while at the quick rise of the Nemo Cosmo is a and. 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