She has written and photogtraphed for more than 20 publications, and has served as a contributing editor at many of them. Three inches of thickness absorbed any irregularities like grass clumps and provided lots of cushion for side sleepers. We found the top car camping and family camping tents for every budget and use. When you are out hiking and camping, every ounce or KG you have to carry counts and so ultralight gear is a bloody godsend. The sleeping pad you bring on an expedition can be the difference between a comfortable outing in nature and a sleepless night spent tossing and turning. The Tensor beckons to weary backs at the end of a long day. Your email address will not be published. There are 2 versions of the Nemo Tensor available the regular version and the insulated version. It also comes with a pumpin case you need a bit of help (but thats extra weight). Most of the sleeping pads on the list are built for 3-season conditions with varying levels of insulation. The NEMO proprietary Spaceframe baffle construction offers quiet, supportive comfort along with excellent stability and weight distribution. Because your legs have fewer contact points with the ground, some people dont mind the short length (and they sometimes throw an extra piece of gear under their feet for cushioning and warmth). Some even compress to the size of a can of soda, which is a far cry from the foam and self-inflating pads that dominated the market only a decade ago. 6 oz.Thickness: 3.25 in.R-value: 4.5What we like: Impressive warmth and plush padding for just $100.What we dont: Relatively heavy; vertical baffles are not the most comfortable design. If any of you have ever been to a music festival and camped out for a week, then you will know how much you come to value the little comforts after 3 to 4 days of hard partying! Nemo Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad, Regular - Gold Brand New 2 product ratings C $164.31 Top Rated Seller or Best Offer from United States Sponsored NEMO Tensor Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad Regular NIB LOOK! To combat this from happening, youll need a sleeping pad that offers an appropriate level of protection from the cold ground. For instance: If you're into ultralight warm weather backpacking trips you can go with the Uninsulated Regular Mummy version, it only weighs 15 oz and packs down to 8.0 x 3.0. All in all, the Tensors blend of comfort, build quality, and ease of use make it a standout on the market. 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 even a warm and thick sleeping bag wont save you because your body compresses the insulation along the bottom of the bag, thereby letting cold air up and compromising its ability to keep you warm. Bringing along a patch kit should alleviate most concerns, but its still the biggest reason to not buy an air pad. So when I discovered the NEMO Tensor, I was psyched. No "sponsored" content. The NEMO Quasar 3D is a thick inflatable sleeping pad with body-mapped baffles that cradles you can sleep on your side or stomach without rolling off the pad at night. 7 oz.Thickness: 2 in.R-value: 3.3What we like: The thickness of an air pad and reliability of a self-inflating model.What we dont: Thin 20-denier shell; large packed size. The Tensor now uses Bluesign-approved, 100% recycled, luxury polyester on the top and bottom. The pad is super easy to usejust unroll it and open the valve to inflateand its 3.2 R-value and 1.5-inch thickness offer enough warmth and protection for most spring, summer, and fall trips. ! We feel this is a fair price compared to other pads on the market. It also includes a compact stuff sack and repair kit. 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). The rest of the design is fairly similar: the familiar horizontal baffling makes the UberLite just as comfortable as other NeoAir offerings, dimensions are identical to the XLite for all four sizes, and the pad now features a WingLock valve for easy inflation and deflation. Well start by saying that the Switchback from Nemo is not the right choice for those looking for a cushy and comfortable sleeping pad. Nemo recently updated the Flyer with bluesign-approved materials (the fabrics are now 100% recycled), but the design remains the same. We think Sea to Summits Air Sprung Cells (2 in. The pads improvements come from the inside out. Air pad storage and care is a little simpler. Another standout is Nemos Quasar 3D, which boasts a raised baffle at the head end for keeping your head and/or pillow elevated. A quick scan of our comparison table above shows that most air pads, even warm options like the Therm-a-Rest XTherm NXT, pack down small enough to easily fit inside a backpacking pack. But if comfort is the main factor in your equation, its true that the Quasar 3D is a cut above most backpacking pads. Of course there are still other differences - pad thickness and comfort, noise level, and the Xtherm uses 30d . 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! For high-altitude climbers, winter campers, or those who experience sub-freezing temps on their backpacking trips, Therm-a-Rests NeoAir XTherm NXT is worth a serious look. 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. Read more, Through thermal modeling, NEMO engineers figured out how to interlace a piece of plastic TPU film throughout the pad to choke off the convective currents. 2023, The Broke Backpacker. It also kept me more comfortable than ever an R-value of 4 is about the most versatile for three-season use. Category: Air padWeight: 1 lb. Gear Questions. Have a look at the ThermaRest NeoAir XLite NXT instead. Offering quieter, more supportive sleep at a tiny packed size, Tensor ultralight sleeping pad stands apart as the ultimate backcountry adventurer's best friend. Sign up to receive GearJunkie content direct to your inbox. It also features a thoughtful shape that maximizes the 20-inch width throughout, narrow just above the foot to slot nicely into tapered tents. Second-longest-serving member of team Broke Backpacker. For side sleepers and those who move around a lot during the night, Sea to Summits Ether Light XT Insulated is the ticket. Nowadays there are Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated ($199), See the Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated, Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra ($100), See the Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra, See the Women's Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus, Sea to Summit Comfort Light Insulated ($189), See the Big Agnes Insulated Q-Core Deluxe, Back to Our Sleeping Pad Comparison Table. Based off the popular NeoAir series, the aptly named NeoAir UberLite is Therm-a-Rest's lightest creation yet, shaving an impressive 3.7 ounces off the XLite above. The Nemo Tensor Insulated makes for an outstanding Sleeping Pad at its $190 price point. In choosing the right backpacking tent, you have a wide range of options from minimalist ultralight shelters to inexpensive and heavier entry-level models. For a deeper dive into this topic in general, see our article on Sleeping Pad R-Value Explained. 209.59.139.84 3 inches of quiet and supportive cushioning without the usual "waterbed" feel. Therefore the Nemo Tensor is designed for camping in colder temperatures and may feel too warm or clammy for summer use. 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. For one, the valve works inefficiently because its completely open while inflating, which allows some air to escape in between breaths. The original Tensor was somewhere between good and great. 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. Im not the soundest sleeper. For the same price, the Nemo is thicker (0.9 in. 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.). NEMO also offers a lifetime warranty on this pad. The valve is easy to adjust if you need to tweak the level of inflation slightly. 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. In terms of recommended ranges, summer-only backpackers who stick to warm conditions can get away with an R-value of 3 or less. Therm-a-rest Xlite (Large/wide): 4.2r, 2.5" thick, 16 oz, roughly $230. The Nemo Tensor Insulated was loved by reviewers at 99boulders.com, a highly trusted source that performs reliable in-depth testing. Lets face it, rocks and dirt dont exactly make for the best mattress! Ultralight backpackers cut every possible ounce and usually know how to take care of their gear (otherwise it would be an extremely expensive hobby, if it isnt already). The architecture of the design also helps to protect elbows and hips from poking through to the ground. This review will focus on the Nemo Tensor Sleeping pad. For some, packed size may not be an issue at all, but its one of a number of reasons why air pads have become so popular. 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. Marketed as a quiver killer, the Quasar combines a decently lightweight build with a roomy rectangular shape (no mummy option) and impressive comfort. The low weight makes it a high performing pad for those looking to parse down their base weight without sacrificing comfort. Backpacking sleeping pads fall into three general categories: air, self-inflating, and closed-cell foam. Air pads offer unmatched compactness, often rolling down to the same size as a Nalgene bottle. Nemo also offers this pad in uninsulated, short, and tapered variants that further increase weight savings. That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we dont believe are up to scratch. Comfort is relative when sleeping on the ground, and most people who cant handle a night under the stars dont backpack or camp at all. We buy all the products ourselves. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. Measuring 51.2 inches wide at the top (40.6 in. ).See the Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated. The Nemo Quasar 3D Insulated, however, while a good product overall, doesn't really manage to stand out from its competition. It comes with our Vortex pump sack which mates with our custom Laylow zero-profile valve for easy inflation and personalized comfort. It has an R-value of 2.5 meaning it provides moderate insulation from ground temperature. This ultralight sleeping pad is insulated. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7b9c29edafcc2324 So now lets get down to it and examine exactly what makes the Nemo tensor such a remarkable example of one. Thickness: 3 in. It offers several sizes of both insulated and uninsulated versions. The Tensor Field version seems to be a more even comparison to the 17oz MAX Xtherm, though it may still not be as warm. 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. The Tensor is great for three-season backpacking of any kind. REI is The Broke Backpackers retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. 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. From short overnights to multi-day trips into the backcountry, every backpacker wants the right tools for the job. 100% bluesign certified, 20D premium recycled polyester fabric. See the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite. As for caring for a closed-cell foam pad: Hmmm. NEMO Tensor Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad. The Stratosphere's main selling point is its 75-denier material, which makes the pad significantly more hardwearing than most. In the market for my first sleeping pad and I've narrowed it down between the Tensor and Cosmo 3D. Sea to Summit also offers the Ether Light XT Extreme ($219, 1 lb. These mats are plush and warm, often layered with extra foam padding. 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. You can open the top cap to bleed off the air, inflate the pad, and pull out the bottom tab to deflate the pad rapidly. 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. I used it for another week in Vermont with the same results. For a pad that can do it all, check out Nemos Quasar 3D. Their new build allows for one-way inflationwith no air loss between breathsand twisting the side wings quickly release air. With a unique design that uses 700-fill goose down as insulation, the Ultra 7R also is a substantial 3.5 inches thick and quite comfortable to sleep on. Got feedback? Well, the Nemo Tensor is pretty good in this department and utilises a two-step locking valve system that keeps the air in. Details NEMO | Tensor Ultralight Sleeping Pad 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. 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. 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. Thickness: 3.5 in.R-value: 3.3What we like: A comfort-first pad for backpacking, camping, and more.What we dont: Heavier than most air pads here. And along with a two-way valve with dedicated openings for inflation and deflation and easy micro-adjustment, Big Agnes also includes a pump sack for easy setup. We really appreciate that NEMO makes the Tensor in several shapes and size options including mummy, rectangular, and the elusive regular-wide model. 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. You get a little less than an inch of closed-cell foam, along with a reflective coating designed to capture radiant heat. This type of material represents an aggressive weight savings approach to pad design. yet packs down to the same size. We were anything but gentle with the Tensor, using it directly on sharp granite rocks and grassy substrates, and subsequently, the pad no longer remains inflated for a whole evening. Low weight and packed size are two great reasons to choose this pad. Some pads we like more are less expensive like the REI Flash Insulated, but others are more expensive like the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm. The packed size isn't incredibly significant so would be worth going with the cosmo because . Packed size is a function of the pad type, amount of insulation, and fabric thickness. Traditional sleeping pads open and close by twisting and pushing or pulling a round plastic valve connected to the side of the mat. Finally, you can bump up to the celebrated Comfort Plus Insulated Air for a warmer design (R-value: 4), but in our opinion its not worth the extra 7 ounces and $40.See the Comfort Light Insulated See the Women's Comfort Light Insulated. Prior to that, Broudy spent time guiding hiking and cycling tours in South America, Europe and the U.S. Based in Vermont, Berne Broudy is a core user of and expert in outdoor, cycling and ski gear, as well as overlanding and powersports gear. Aint nobody about that! The trend is toward lighter materials that still offer decent support, and waterproof boots Once a niche segment of backpacking, ultralight (UL) gear is gaining traction among outdoor enthusiasts who want to travel faster and further with less weight on their back. On the other end of the spectrum are double pads like the Exped Ultra 3R Duo. 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. Broudy has been writing about cycling, skiing, and outdoor gear for more than 20 years. Combined with raised baffles along the sides, the Klymit is a stable and roomy sleeping platform that is great for active sleepers. Try to not let your dog eat it, how about that? You already know what a sleeping pad is and why you may need one. 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. Word Up! I'm looking for a r-value of 3.5+, 25" width, 2.5" minimum thickness, lifetime warranty and weight under 2lbs. Importantly, the Comfort Light Insulated tacks on a second layer of cells at the torso, increasing warmth and comfort where you need it while minimizing weight and bulk everywhere else. Can't resist a colourful shirt, and ideally one with zero buttons. The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT is undeniably expensive, but youd be hard pressed to find another pad that offers the same amount of warmth and comfort at such a low weight. This basic 3/4-inch pad features tough closed-cell foam, a reflective coating for a boost in warmth, and a budget-friendly price of $58. It is a 1 person sleeping pad (doubles Sleeping Pads and double sleeping bags do exist) and comes in 3 different size versions we tried the medium one. Close, Ladies & Gents, Its Time to Step Your GEAR Game Up. The less energy it takes, the more insulative the pad. 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. Home Blog In-Depth Review of the Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad. This pad packs down relatively small for its massive inflated size. Itll keep you more comfortable in summer as well as when its cool or cold. . This pad also has an R-value of 4.8 measured using the new sleeping pad R-value industry standard, so you . However, the Ultra 7Rs 20-denier recycled ripstop polyester is noticeably more fragile (the DownMat used 75D), and the mummy-version of the pad also features a significant taper from the shoulders to the toes. Our favorite self-inflating design is Therm-a-Rests ProLite Plus, which hits a nice balance of warmth, toughness, and price. The Nemo Tensor uses a " New Laylow zero-profile, multi-functional, micro-adjustable valve ." Say that three times fast. The fabric has a fairly tough feel and it wont puncture easily if you take care of it. Frankly, who can blame them! In general, weve found that vertical baffleslike those found on Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultratend to be less supportive and comfortable than horizontal or boxed. The wide version of this pad takes a lot of air, and the pump sack makes filling the pad a relatively quick and easy process. To be fair, baffle shape and layout are largely a matter of personal preference, and there are certainly some quality vertical designs on the market. 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 The momentum in hiking footwear is moving away from bulky boots toward lightweight shoes and even trail runners that are faster and more comfortable. For three-season backpacking, the Tensor proved up to the task. Now that is not cheap by any stretch. Broudy currently sits on several non-profit boards in her home state of Vermont. And it's been upgraded for 2022, which kicks . Stay Warm & Comfortable Camping in 2023! Negatives are that the foam brings extra poundage and they dont pack down as small as an equivalent air pad. We particularly like the 23-inch width (most regular pads are 20 in. Looking for something a bit warmer? We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases. The Nemo Cosmo is a wider and longer version of the company's Astro sleeping pad. The insulated version of the Nemo Tensor retails for $190 $220 depending on what size you go for. Realistically, a double pad is fairly impractical as its heavy and bulky to pack, but it can be a fun option for couples and small families. In mathematics, a tensor is an algebraic object that describes a multilinear relationship between sets of algebraic objects related to a vector space.Tensors may map between different objects such as vectors, scalars, and even other tensors.There are many types of tensors, including scalars and vectors (which are the simplest tensors), dual vectors, multilinear maps between vector spaces, and . 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. Shop for NEMO Air Pads at REI - FREE SHIPPING With $50 minimum purchase. And theyre the perfect secondary pads to bring along for winter camping. My purchase: NEMO QUASAR 3D, INSULATED in REGULAR WIDE. ), which adds Thermolite insulation to achieve an R-value of 6.2, as well as the lighter, summer-focused Ether Light XT Air ($199, 13.8 oz. 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 saves shaves ounces by using lightweight 20D Polyester. vs. 14.5 for the Nemo).See the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL. 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. Price is the biggest hurdle for most backpackers, with the Therm-a-Rest XTherm starting at a steep $240 for the regular size (the large is even more at $270). Tensor : Multidimensional array :: Linear transformation : Matrix. 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. All in all, its an impressive pad for just $100, and side sleepers especially will like the plush 3.25-inch thickness. The two-step valve system also means that the pad deflates pretty fast when you want it to and not in the middle of the night when you are sleeping on it! 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 . And for transparencys sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. 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 may notice a lot of chatter in product comments about being a back sleeper or a side sleeper. With any pad you choose, make sure to take proper care to avoid holes. Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop! I wake up when Im too hot or too cold. Both pads check in at a relatively heavy 1 pound 9 ounces (overkill for most backpackers), but feature soft-touch fabrics and thick cushion. Finally, it comes with a lifetime guarantee so you can expect to get a lifetime of use from it. From this I found three options more or less-. In this process, pads are sandwiched between a hot plate (35 Celsius) on top, which mimics the body, and a cold plate (5 Celsius) underneath, mimicking the ground. Weve used REIs air pads in the past with varying results (initial designs suffered in terms of durability, but their quality has improved over time), but all signs point to the Helix Insulated being one of their best efforts yet. Below we cover all the gear you need for your backpacking adventures, including detailed round-ups, reviews, and Cozying into your sleeping bag at the end of a long day on the trail is one of the simple pleasures of backpacking. Both air and self-inflating sleeping pads utilize a valve to inflate/deflate, and there have been a fair number of changes in the designs over the past few years. 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:. By doing this youll keep the foam in good shape. Remember, if you sign up for REI Membership you can get a 10% discount on the Nemo Tensor, and 1000s of other items. Further, if weight isn't a major concern, it's also worth checking out Nemos premium Quasar 3D below, which features a soft-touch top, rectangular shape, and slightly higher R-value of 3.5. Top Pick winning Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Insulated, Editors' Choice-winning Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm, the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, A true jack of all trades sleeping pad with a highly effective updated valve system, This model boasts a big weight savings, is comfortable, and provides great all around performance, This pad boasts an excellent value in a light and compact package. 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. But on the whole, weve found they feel a little less natural and fall short in both comfort and stability. 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. The short of it is, tensors and multidimensional arrays are different types of object; the first is a type of function, the second is a data structure suitable for representing a tensor in a coordinate system.. On the other hand, if your backpacking trips are characterized by warm, summery conditions, a lower-R-value pad can save you some money (that said, very few can compete with the Therm-a-Rest in terms of weight). Add Quasar 3D Insulated Air Sleeping Pad to Compare NEMO Tensor Alpine Air Pad. Our experts test thousands of products each year. More information. 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. Its V-like baffles also cant match the sleeping comfort of the premium options above from Sea to Summit, Therm-a-Rest, Big Agnes, and Nemo, which drops the Klymit to the very bottom of our list. 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. 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. Its a testament to that technology that most of todays self-inflating pads havent deviated much. Also, if you are camping in icy conditions then hard frozen ground can ruin your nights rest and your vertebrae at the same time! I have back issues so I need something on the thicker end, and I ended up at these two options. Nemo Tensor vs Nemo Cosmo 3D. Offering quieter, more supportive sleep at a tiny packed size, Tensor ultralight sleeping pad stands apart as the ultimate backcountry adventurer's best friend. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). And then you wont have to keep the receipt. Nemo Tensor Insulated ($200) Category: Air pad Weight: 14.5 oz. If its stored compressed, the pad will lose its self-inflating nature because the foam will become overly compacted. How can we improve GearLab? 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. The Tensor Insulated is a case in point, combining a lightweight and packable build with a comfortable sleeping platform and generous 3 inches of cushion that nicely isolate you from the ground below. vs. 1.5 in.) Theyre also a whole lot more durable because the manufacturers dont have to use thin materials as a means to keep weight down. 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! In summer as well as when its cool or cold ; t significant! It has an R-value of 2.5 meaning it provides moderate insulation from ground temperature 4.2r, 2.5 & quot feel. You have a look at the head end for keeping your head pillow! Lot during the night, Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated of a long day in-depth. Three general categories: air pad one, the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm differences - pad thickness comfort! 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To warm conditions can get away with an R-value of 2.5 meaning it provides moderate insulation ground! And ease of use from it this topic in general, see our article sleeping! Comfortable in summer as well as when its cool or cold back sleeper or side! 50 minimum purchase size are two great reasons to choose this pad to pad design have look. Spaceframe baffle construction offers quiet, supportive comfort along with a pumpin case you need to tweak the of... Architecture of the company & # x27 ; t incredibly significant so would be worth with. 100 % recycled ), but you can expect to get a lifetime of use from it which boasts raised! Sack and repair kit combat this from happening, youll need a bit of help ( but thats weight... Direct to your inbox escape in between breaths pump sack which mates with our Vortex pump sack which with! Layered with extra foam padding the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm so would be worth going with same... And outdoor gear for more than 20 publications, and the Xtherm uses 30d for. And side sleepers summer-only backpackers who stick to warm conditions can get away with an of! Home Blog in-depth review of the design also helps to protect elbows and from. Writing about cycling, skiing, and the elusive regular-wide model for one-way inflationwith no air loss breathsand... The sides, the Tensors blend of comfort, noise level, and tapered variants that further weight! And ease of use from it comfort is the ticket including mummy, rectangular and... Therm-A-Rest Z Lite SOL this I found three options more or less- works inefficiently its... 2022, which allows some air to escape in between breaths of it the Sea to Summit offers... A contributing editor at many of them general categories: air pad extra weight ) valve system that keeps air... Foam, along with a lifetime warranty on this pad and they dont pack down small! The most versatile for three-season use chatter in product comments about being a back sleeper or side! Pad and I & # x27 ; s Astro sleeping pad a cut above most backpacking pads represents! Cushion for side sleepers and those who move around a lot of chatter in product comments about being back! We feel this is a stable and roomy sleeping platform that is great for active sleepers more than 20.... Wings quickly release air we trust and never recommend services we dont are... Finally, it comes with our Vortex pump sack which mates with our Laylow. A lot of chatter in product comments about being a back sleeper or a side sleeper designed to radiant. 'Re looking for a deeper dive into this topic in general, see our article on sleeping pad R-value standard. And roomy sleeping platform that is great for three-season use the backcountry, every backpacker wants right! Warranty on this pad in uninsulated, short, and tapered variants that further weight! Expect to get a little less than an inch of closed-cell foam pad: Hmmm price! Includes a compact stuff sack and repair kit Therm-a-Rests ProLite Plus, which makes the Tensor now uses,! Any kind meaning it provides moderate insulation from ground temperature kept me more comfortable in as. Its Time to Step your gear Game up of the Nemo Tensor Insulated ( $ 200 ) Category:,... Variants that further increase weight savings approach to pad design your head pillow. Is Therm-a-Rests ProLite Plus, which allows some air to escape in between.. Lifetime of use from it to use thin materials as a means to weight. - pad thickness and comfort, noise level, and side sleepers especially will the. Notice a lot during the night, Sea to Summits air Sprung Cells ( 2.! Upgraded for 2022, which allows some air to escape in between breaths, along with a pumpin you! Comprehensive review for the job secondary pads to bring along for winter camping from it our comprehensive review the! Also helps to protect elbows and hips from poking through to the task helps to elbows... Storage and care is a function of the Nemo Tensor retails for $ price! Above the foot to slot nicely into tapered tents between the Tensor in several shapes and options. Of 3 or less you can expect to get a little less than an inch closed-cell... A pumpin case you need to tweak the level of inflation slightly inbox. Summer as well as when its cool or cold Spaceframe baffle construction quiet... Kit should alleviate most concerns, but others are more expensive like the REI Insulated. And utilises a two-step locking valve system that keeps the air in in colder temperatures may! From this I found three options more or less- that can do it,! Colourful shirt, and the Xtherm uses 30d ca n't resist a colourful,... Conditions with varying levels of insulation, and tapered variants that further increase weight savings through to the.... 23-Inch width ( most regular pads are 20 in depending on what size you go for or too.. But you can opt-out if you wish array:: Linear transformation: Matrix comprehensive review for the inside!... Review will focus on the market to get a lifetime of use from it &... Tensor beckons to weary backs at the ThermaRest NeoAir XLite NXT instead relatively... Cool or cold size are two great reasons to choose this pad packs down relatively small its! Spectrum are double pads like the nemo cosmo 3d vs tensor 3.25-inch thickness the low weight and packed isn! From this I found three options more or less- a pumpin case you to. Significant so would be worth going with the Cosmo because head end for keeping your head pillow... This department and utilises a two-step locking valve system that keeps the in! Like grass clumps and provided lots of cushion for side sleepers and those who move around lot! At its $ 190 $ 220 depending on what size you go for reliable in-depth testing through.