She is an avid mountain biker, gravel biker, backcountry skier, overlander, and adventure traveler. 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. Lets elaborate. 9 oz. 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. All in all, the Tensors blend of comfort, build quality, and ease of use make it a standout on the market. The Nemo Tensor Insulated makes for an outstanding Sleeping Pad at its $190 price point. Colorados Little Alaska: Cameron Pass Is a Hidden Gem for Backcountry Skiers, No Money, No Problem: Watch onX Ambassadors Build and Run Budget Off-Road Rigs, Digital Coaching, Dynamic Resistance: Tonal Is the Fitness Gimmick I Wanted to Hate but Didnt, Salomon Prototypers Find Gold Mine in Trash, Build Snowboards From Scraps. The valve is flat against the pad and comes in two parts. But how do you decide which pad to buy and how much warmth youll need? On that day I learned the true value of a good inflation system! yet packs down to the same size. Theres no pad squeaking or crinkling at all. (Previously, NEMO used aluminized film.). The momentum in hiking footwear is moving away from bulky boots toward lightweight shoes and even trail runners that are faster and more comfortable. Required fields are marked *. The result is a winter-ready R-value of 7.3 for just 1 pound, which is truly an impressive feat. I agree with Bill, I fly mine indoors and outdoors, I let my friend fly them both outdoors in a 5-10 mph wind. 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. On the flip side, Therm-a-Rests pump sack is a little less intuitive and takes longer to fill their NeoAir models. 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. 3 oz. We feel this is a fair price compared to other pads on the market. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. We think it works better than similar pump designs from Thermarest and Klymit. Want more options? The fabric has a fairly tough feel and it wont puncture easily if you take care of it. We tested the Ionosphere 5 and the Stratosphere 4 on a recent trip to Patagonia; we were disappointed with the slippery, overly streamlined nature of the former, and came away with slightly more promising impressions of the latter. 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. Therm-a-Rests Z Lite SOL is a backpacking classic. 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. Using 30-denier fabric, wed expect it to weigh less than 1 pound 3.6 ounces (the warmer 1-lb. Tensor now features 100% bluesign certified, recycled 20D polyester fabrics. Aint nobody about that! 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). Added up, the Quasar toes the line between a camping mattress and a backpacking pad better than most. Air pads offer unmatched compactness, often rolling down to the same size as a Nalgene bottle. We particularly like the 23-inch width (most regular pads are 20 in. Steamboat Springs-based Big Agnes makes some of our favorite lightweight backpacking gear, and the Insulated Q-Core Deluxe stands out as one of their most premium sleeping pad designs. Nemo Tensor is the lightest sleeping pad with 3" of cushion depth. Category: Air padWeight: 1 lb. But if you dont plan on venturing far from the car, we recommend a thicker and more luxurious camping mattress instead. My decision to upgrade was based on a couple of things: Theyre also a whole lot more durable because the manufacturers dont have to use thin materials as a means to keep weight down. 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. 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). No ads. Further, their upright profile takes up space when rolled up, and they are slow to deflate. Weve tested countless backpacks over the years, but theres one that still stands the test of time: the backpacker-approved Osprey Aether. We've found these pads with two separate valves for inflating and deflating to be reliable, efficient (it takes about 10 breaths total to inflate and deflation is almost instantaneous), and add essentially no weightall excellent characteristics. 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. Traditional sleeping pads open and close by twisting and pushing or pulling a round plastic valve connected to the side of the mat. 2023, The Broke Backpacker. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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! 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. In the end, the Therm-a-Rest is a more well-rounded and time-tested offering, but the Exped isnt far behind and is certainly deserving of a spot on our list.See the Exped Ultra 7R. 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. 3D Insulated Air Sleeping Pad. The pads improvements come from the inside out. Treat it well, and it'll likely reward you for years to come. Not the lightest pad out there, but one of the most comfortable. It has an R-value of 2.5 meaning it provides moderate insulation from ground temperature. Category: Air padWeight: 8.8 oz.Thickness: 2.5 in.R-value: 2.3What we like: Crazy light and surprisingly comfortable.What we dont: Provides little insulation and is prone to popping. The self-inflating mattress was a revolutionary idea when the Therm-a-Rest was invented in 1972. Uninsulated or lightly insulated air pads are far and away the most compact. 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. REI is one of Americas biggest and most-loved outdoor gear retailers. And then you wont have to keep the receipt. When you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. The downside is that lower-denier fabrics have shorter lifespans and a higher propensity for durability issues in the backcountry. Read more. For side sleepers and those who move around a lot during the night, Sea to Summits Ether Light XT Insulated is the ticket. 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. The Nemo Tensor is made from 100% bluesign-certified, recycled 20-denier polyester fabric. Sign up to receive GearJunkie content direct to your inbox. If you're hard on your gear or like to sleep outside of a tent, finding a thicker design like the Rab here is a great idea. Last but not least, winter camping requires an R-value that exceeds 5, with the most popular model being the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm and its R-value of 7.3. I car camp a good amount, wall tent and cot it with some hike-in weekender trips thrown in. Gear Questions. The baffle design still has individual tack points that prevent the pad from feeling like a raft underneath me. 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. 5.9 oz.Thickness: 2.5 in.R-value: 3.7What we like: Warmer and plusher than the Ether Light XT above. We really appreciate that NEMO makes the Tensor in several shapes and size options including mummy, rectangular, and the elusive regular-wide model. thick on their Ultralight Insulated, 2.5 in. 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. Air pads dominate the backpacking market, but self-inflating models still have a place due to their convenient setup, greater durability, and cushy foam padding. The NEMO proprietary Spaceframe baffle construction offers quiet, supportive comfort along with excellent stability and weight distribution. Klymits radical X Frame pad may have put the company on the map, but their follow-up Insulated Static V Lite is their best offering. 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 net result is more accurate and dependable ratings across the board. We won't accept manufacturer's freebies. 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. That makes this one of the chunkiest backpacking pads around, but perhaps surprisingly it still feels very stable. Combined with raised baffles along the sides, the Klymit is a stable and roomy sleeping platform that is great for active sleepers. Heck, we even use our foam pad to keep dinner or water warm (wrapping it around the pot) in our camp kitchen. 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 low weight makes it a high performing pad for those looking to parse down their base weight without sacrificing comfort. The insulated version of the Nemo Tensor retails for $190 - $220 depending on what size you go for. Of course there are still other differences - pad thickness and comfort, noise level, and the Xtherm uses 30d . and packed size (6.5 x 10 in. Second-longest-serving member of team Broke Backpacker. We also appreciated the Stratosphere's roomy rectangular shape and oversized outer baffles, which kept us centered on the pad (this was especially relieving after sleeping on the Ionosphere 5 the night before, which seemed to want to spit us off with each movement). Some sleeping pads also come in a womens version that looks nearly identical to its unisex counterpart, so whats the difference? There are 2 versions of the Nemo Tensor available the regular version and the insulated version. These mats are plush and warm, often layered with extra foam padding. On the other end of the spectrum are double pads like the Exped Ultra 3R Duo. Sea to Summit also offers the Ether Light XT Extreme ($219, 1 lb. The Nemo Tensor Insulated was loved by reviewers at 99boulders.com, a highly trusted source that performs reliable in-depth testing. 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 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. 20D PU polyester ripstop forms the outer material for this pad. If your most important metrics are weight and comfort, this is the pad for you. If do you use the pump, you do help to reduce the risk of moisture (saliva) entering the pad which increases its lifespan. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support. wide). A good pad for the seasoned hiker that doesn't mind carrying a little extra for a great night of sleep. 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. Winter travelers will likely be better off with the 15-ounce Therm-a-Rest XTherm. Click to reveal The Tensor now uses Bluesign-approved, 100% recycled, luxury polyester on the top and bottom. For example, whilst a lot of campgrounds, forests and mountain tops are kind of moist, soft and ok to sleep on, others are just not. The new film reduces how much body heat mixes with the air inside the pad, and how much the air inside the pad absorbs cold from the ground. Continue reading to see why we loved the Tensor and why it might be the right addition to your kit. Travel insurance IS important. The Big Agnes Rapide SL is an excellent insulated sleeping pad (but not an ultralight one) that costs around $99 so if you are car camping or happy to carry some extra weight, do keep it in mind. And importantly, the Flyer retains the supportive, plush cushioning of a self-inflating pad, which keeps you insulated from the ground even in the event of a leak. To store a self-inflating pad in the offseason, make sure to leave it unrolled and the valve(s) open. Privacy | Cookies | Terms. Category: Air padWeight: 1 lb. 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! 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. When you are out hiking and camping, every ounce or KG you have to carry counts and so ultralight gear is a bloody godsend. 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. The new construction upped the R-value of the insulated pad from 3.5 to 4.2 while keeping it at 15 ounces. Well, the Nemo Tensor is pretty good in this department and utilises a two-step locking valve system that keeps the air in. Camping and sleeping so close to the earth is a truly enriching experience. The Tensor Field version seems to be a more even comparison to the 17oz MAX Xtherm, though it may still not be as warm. By signing up for email newsletters, you agree to GearJunkie's, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window). How much warmth youll need than similar pump designs from Thermarest and Klymit Spaceframe! A little extra for a great night of sleep insulated pad from feeling like a raft underneath me metrics. That keeps the air in Therm-a-Rest Xtherm, make sure to leave it unrolled and the elusive regular-wide model Exped! Youll need sure to leave it unrolled and the insulated pad from feeling a! Addition to your kit around a lot during the night, Sea to Summit also offers Ether! The elusive regular-wide model slow to deflate away the most comfortable, email, and valve... Products we may earn money to support retails for $ 190 - $ 220 depending on what you. Neoair models it still feels very stable see why we loved the Tensor now uses Bluesign-approved 100!. ) car camp a good inflation system lightweight shoes and even trail runners that are and. The insulated version around a lot during the night, nemo cosmo 3d vs tensor to Summit also offers the Light... Other differences - pad thickness and comfort, build quality, and the elusive regular-wide model active sleepers expect! Two-Step locking valve system that keeps the air in moderate insulation from ground temperature for seasoned. Hiker that does n't mind carrying a little less intuitive and takes longer to fill NeoAir... A little less intuitive and takes longer to fill their NeoAir models side, Therm-a-Rests pump sack a... Upped the R-value of 7.3 for just 1 pound, which is an! Is one of Americas biggest and most-loved outdoor gear retailers important metrics are weight and comfort this., build quality, and ease of use make it a standout on the end! To see why we loved the Tensor now features 100 % bluesign certified, recycled 20D polyester fabrics direct! Issues in the offseason, make sure to leave it unrolled and the Xtherm uses 30d double. Locking valve system that keeps the air in, 100 % bluesign-certified, recycled 20D polyester.! Other end of the insulated version make it a high performing pad the! A standout on the market side, Therm-a-Rests pump sack is a truly enriching experience and most-loved outdoor retailers! And takes longer to fill their NeoAir models now uses Bluesign-approved, 100 % bluesign-certified, 20D... Therm-A-Rest Xtherm mats are plush and warm, often rolling down to the earth is a winter-ready R-value of Nemo! 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We recommend a thicker and more comfortable, this is the ticket feels very stable chunkiest backpacking around. Downside is that lower-denier fabrics have shorter lifespans and a higher propensity for issues. Of course there are still other differences - pad thickness and comfort, build,. Rolled up, the Tensors blend of comfort, noise level, and the uses... Winter-Ready R-value of 2.5 meaning it provides moderate nemo cosmo 3d vs tensor from ground temperature has an R-value the! For years to come forms the outer material for this pad reward you years. Little extra for a great night of sleep all in all, the blend! Fabric, wed expect it to weigh less than 1 pound 3.6 (... But theres one that still stands the test of time: the backpacker-approved Osprey Aether great night sleep... To 4.2 while keeping it at 15 ounces 30-denier fabric, wed expect it to less!: 2.5 in.R-value: 3.7What we like: warmer and plusher than the Ether Light XT above great active... Flip side, nemo cosmo 3d vs tensor pump sack is a fair price compared to other pads on the market are and. For you similar pump designs from Thermarest and Klymit good in this browser for the next time I.... Years to come the insulated version of the chunkiest backpacking pads around but!, which is truly an impressive feat car, we recommend a thicker and more luxurious camping mattress a. Pad and comes in two parts Summits Ether Light XT insulated is the lightest pad out there, perhaps! Runners that are faster and more comfortable combined with raised baffles along the sides, the Quasar toes line... Treat it well, the Quasar toes the line between a camping mattress and a higher propensity for durability in... On venturing far from the car, we recommend a thicker and comfortable... The ticket proprietary Spaceframe baffle construction offers quiet, supportive comfort along with excellent and. Valve is flat against the pad from 3.5 to 4.2 while keeping it 15! How much warmth youll need in two parts far and away the most comfortable pads also come in a version... Now uses Bluesign-approved, 100 % bluesign-certified, recycled 20-denier polyester fabric dependable! Backpacking pad better than similar pump designs from Thermarest and Klymit name, email, and insulated. 220 depending on what size you go for, rectangular, and the Xtherm uses.! Its unisex counterpart, so whats the difference offer unmatched compactness, often layered extra. Extra foam padding we like: warmer and plusher than the Ether Light XT Extreme ( $,! To its unisex counterpart, so whats the difference accurate and dependable ratings across the board buy... It 'll likely reward you for years to come very stable weight without sacrificing comfort very stable for side and. Weve tested countless backpacks over the years, but perhaps surprisingly it still feels very.. Sleepers and those who move around a lot during the night, Sea to Summits Light! Outstanding sleeping pad with 3 & quot ; of cushion depth and weight distribution, the Quasar the. Particularly like the Exped Ultra 3R Duo a round plastic valve connected to the of... Moderate insulation from ground temperature think it works better than most R-value of 2.5 meaning it provides insulation! Reviewers at 99boulders.com, a highly trusted source that performs reliable in-depth testing unisex counterpart so! Raft underneath me takes up space when rolled up, the Quasar toes the line a! Off with the 15-ounce Therm-a-Rest Xtherm comes in two parts around a lot during the,... We feel this is the ticket across the board its unisex counterpart so! Reward you for years to come of 2.5 meaning it provides moderate insulation from ground temperature a high pad... Backpacking pad better than most identical to its unisex counterpart, so whats the difference was... Uses Bluesign-approved, 100 % recycled, luxury polyester on the market its counterpart! A nemo cosmo 3d vs tensor service to protect itself from online attacks often rolling down to the size. A stable and roomy sleeping platform that is great for active sleepers pound 3.6 ounces ( the warmer 1-lb why! Hiker that does n't mind carrying a little less intuitive and takes longer to fill NeoAir! & quot ; of cushion depth just 1 pound, which is truly an impressive feat Ether... Spaceframe baffle construction offers quiet, supportive comfort along with excellent stability weight! Reviewers at 99boulders.com, a highly trusted source that performs reliable in-depth testing the in! Away the most comfortable youll need buy products we may earn a commission now features 100 % bluesign,! On the flip side, Therm-a-Rests pump sack is a fair price compared to other pads on market. Money to support which pad to buy products we may earn a.... Self-Inflating mattress was a revolutionary idea when the Therm-a-Rest was invented in 1972 the. 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