I can confirm the r-value increase. The Tensor does not fully deflate without folding or rolling it, but it does so relatively quickly. Your email address will not be published. If youre like me and still on the hunt for your best nights sleep, then look out for the NEMO Tensor sleeping pad. They really did increase the R-value on this new pad. The Thermarest X-Lite pump sack is a poor design. Need a pad for camping in 20-75F temps. The NeoAir Xlite sleeping pad is also equipped with a reflective coating (ThermaCapture technology) which is placed between the two inner layers and reflects radiant heat back to your body. After a cold, gusty hike up the foothills of Mount Pios, I settled in at Sheep Camp, one of the highest camps in Los Padres National Forest at 8,400 feet. Sounds like a new defect. We've tested a lot of sleeping mats and pads over the years here at Outdoors Magic. Overall Im happy with the Neoair Xlite now that it comes in a wider version. I have always used the Thermarest X-Lite, but recently I tested the Nemo Tensor on my Benton MacKaye Trail hike.. Don't miss the latest news and discussion. When broken down, that name means theTensor pad (yellow in color) with a 20 inch width, in a size regular (72 long), in the uninsulated version. The setup. Required fields are marked *. What is a neck gaiter and what is it useful for? Flyer Self-Inflating bluesign Sleeping Pad $139.95 - $159.95 Astro Lightweight Sleeping Pad $119.95 - $149.95 Switchback Ultralight Sleeping Pad $44.95 - $54.95 . Otherwise, go for the long model. https://www.gossamergear.com/products/thinlight-foam-pad. The Nemo Tensor Insulated was loved by reviewers at 99boulders.com, a highly trusted source that performs reliable in-depth testing. Thats an accurate measurement. This two-layer baffle construction also enhances the stability of the sleeping pad. For years, the Therm-a-Rest Z-lite was the go-to foam pad of choice, but Nemo is giving them a run for their money with the Switchback. Even though I found a decent spot to put my tent, the large tree branches above made me anxious enough to fend off sleep. This mummy pad tapers to 16 in (41 cm) at the feet. Packed it measures 16 x 10 inches which is more than other products in this selection. The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite can be inflated by breath (requires approximately 30 breaths) or with a pump. Our mission is to empower all walks of life to be ambassadors of the outdoors. We love that the MegaMat Max is essentially a self-inflating pad, yet also comes with a handy hand pump to save your breath when topping off or fine-tuning the pad to your liking. Note the NEMO Tensor peeking under the Western Mountaineering UltraLite sleeping bag. There is a lot to like about both pads. At NEMO it's about comfort, sustainability and reliability. Included Vortex pump sack provides easy and fast inflation, saves breath at elevation, and minimizes moisture entering the pad. Alternatively, get yourself a torso sized piece of 1/8 closed cell foam from gossamer gear and put it under the pad. The NEMO Tensor Alpine Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad is a lightweight insulated air mat that weighs 17 ounces and is 3 thick. NEMO introduced a novel hybrid design, merging an air pad with a foam self-inflating pad to produce the Flyer, the worlds first baffled self-inflating sleeping pad. Without putting it on the sleeping pad, there was not enough room for my gear in the shelter. Copyright 2007-2023, SectionHiker.com and Fells Press LLC. Generally speaking, any sleeping pad you consider will come with some tradeoff, whether it's weight vs warmth, packability vs size, or all the above vs price. I wont dock NEMO any serious points for this, however, as the Tensor series does feature 25-inch wide insulated and uninsulated models. This really comes down to personal preference, but note that pads with the metallic heat reflector technology will crinkle. And the closed profile is genuinely flat. NEMO Tensor Insulated 20R Sleeping Pad Color Torch 72x25 Regular Wide. The only con? Sure, during the summer, many of our camping gear tips focus on staying lightweight and trying to be as minimalist as possible. (NEMO doesnt use R-Values, but general temperature ranges). This was the moment I knew the Tensor was packing serious comfort and was going to be stiff competition for my chiropractic praise. Its my job to be impartial when writing gear reviews, but my spine has its own agenda and better funding in swing districts. My second pad purchase coming from a S2S self inflating pad. And it's been upgraded for 2022, which kicks . The Thermarest X-Lite and the Tensor Ultralight (Insulated) are arguably two of the most popular inflatable sleeping pads in backpacking. The Warranty is where Nemo and Thermarest differ. Are you going roadside and camping from the car? Digital Trends Media Group may earn a commission when you buy through links on our sites. and my favorite and go to is the Exped SynMat 7. As you realize, the large inner air channels coincide with the peaks in the top and bottom profile, and the foam bridges in between provide support typical for a foam pad. The NEMO Tensors 20D fabric had me concerned about durability, but it did well even when camped on pine needles and lying on rocky sand. Built on the NEMO proprietary Spaceframe baffle construction, this pad offers quiet, supportive comfort in an ultralight package. Nevertheless, this sleeping pad provides superior comfort and warmth. Insulated versions utilize multiple layers of suspended Thermal Mirror metallized film, resulting in a lighter, remarkably quiet sleeping pad compared to the competition. Any thoughts about the strong subset of negative comments about pinhole leaks at fold points on REIs site? I have used the Neoair Xlite regular wide and the S2S Etherlight womens wide. Thermarest use diagonal baffles in most of their Neo Air pads like the X-lite and use the same rotating circular arrows to explain how they work to minimize convection currents so obviously they must. These two mattresses are similar in construction and warmth, with the X THERM likely being warmer as NEMO won't give an R rating, merely saying it's good to 15 F. Gotta say up front I'm no fan of Neoair mattresses, having owned a 1st gen. one and returned it to REI after one night at 9,000 ft. No fun inflating it at that altitude and when . Its lightweight design is stable and packable, updated with 2 layers of metalized film to fend off the chill. I love it. Nemo has the same color pad for insulated and uninsulated, and many retailers list them in one page, so the prices below wont always be accurate. There are two different types of backpacking sleeping pads; foam sleeping pads and inflatable sleeping pads. Internally, the Tensor UL Insulated is insulated with a reflective film and baffled air chambers. I dont really pay any attention to random gossip about gear longevity because most people dont have a clue what theyre talking about. Thermarest X-Lite vs. Nemo Tensor similar but different. The valve is flat against the pad and comes in two parts. The Tensor is also available in a mummy shape for any backpackers looking to shave an extra half ounce off their pack weight. I used the Nemo just one night and feel like it falls in between the two pads for comfort. Why dont I have an Appetite on Backpacking Trips? How Many Pairs of Socks Should You Bring on a Backpacking Trip? Nice review. While it is a luxurious 3 inches thick, it rolls up incredibly small and thin, making it easy to pack in a lower volume backpack. It's super lightweight, packs down small, and helps you get a comfortable night's sleep year-round without disturbing your tent mate thanks to suspended film construction. Here are our picks for the best gaiters for venturing into the snowy outdoors in 2023. It's a bit less roomy than other backpacking pads on our list, but if a compact four-season backcountry mattress sounds like your bag, the Neo-Air XTherm is your ticket to ride. The Aeon Li shelter is 30 inches wide, and the Nemo Tensor is 25 inches. Read how our selections of best hiking products differ from others here. He lives in Wimberley, TX, with his daughter and a small herd of pets. You are right about ordering a wide in the X-Lite. When he's not busy writing you can find him hoarding backpacking gear, trying not to injure himself mountain biking, or doing literally anything on a motorcycle from track days to dual sport camping. INSECT-SHIELD: Use coupon code "SECTIONHIKER" for a 15% discount at InsectShield.com GARAGE-GROWN-GEAR: Take 30% Off the Gossamer Gear Silverback 65 backpack at Garage Grown Gear OSPREY-PACKS: Backpacking Pack Sale! I like to go to bed early, I enjoy Antiques Roadshow, and hearty soups are high on my list of favorite things. If you want it insulated or larger the price goes up. It took me way too long to figure that one out! Both. Essentially ultralight. Ive occasionally floated in puddles when I made bad tent setup choices. The advanced design of the valve is practical and sets it apart from other brands, but why put it on top of the sleeping pad? We love the camp dreamer because it packs a ton of the same features of premium pads, like a four-inch-thick sleeping surface, vented foam insulation, and a toasty 6.6 R-value, but it does it all at a price that's tough to beat. It seems the pad loses its warmth when I toss and turn. Ive never had any problems with any of them. As an added bonus, the Camp Dreamer XL includes an innovative pump sack that makes filling the pad quick and easy, and also doubles as an inflatable camp pillow in a pinch. We regularly update our reviews and selections to always recommend you the best products on the market. The NEMO Tensor 20R is another in NEMOs growing line of equipment inspired by tried and true designs but with innovative twists. The Flyer was the most comfortable foam-based pad Ive used that wasnt technically a mattress. Learn why lightweight gear is important for backpacking in our article Why hike lightweight. You can also easily modify them for example cut and shape them to fit your body better and thereby reduce their weight and packed size. I have this pad but the pre 2019 model. Sleeping pads are not among the lightest items of backpacking gear and therefore you should aim to get a lightweight sleeping pad. We believe a Therm-a-Rest sleeping bag will exceed expectations, and we stand by that belief. In winter, some of this goes out of the window. While you can discard the Vortex pump sack and inflate the pad by blowing into it, the Tensor valve is also compatible with the Exped Schnozzel Pack Liner/Pump Sack if youd rather carry a multi-use item instead. The pump is sold separately by Therm-a-Rest. Youll be huffing and puffing. An air pad with twist and pull valve usually takes this many breaths to inflate. You might even think about upgrading if you own an XLite. Exclusions may apply.NEMO TENSOR INSULATED https://bit.ly/36udDQ0THERMAREST Z LITE http. If you are not taller than 6 ft. you will be fine with the regular size (true for most sleeping pads). After laying on mine the wife decided she's going to happily lug one around as well. I never recommend poor quality products, or create false reviews to make sales. To make matters more concerning, several of these reviews talk about a nightmare warranty process from Nemo, one even claimed it took over 2 months to get a new pad and they had to pay for return shipping. 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