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.). 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. And the rest of the pad is competitive with most modern offerings, including layers of reflective insulation that provide warmth without bulk and easy-to-use inflation and deflation valves. I used it for another week in Vermont with the same results. We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases. ! So now lets get down to it and examine exactly what makes the Nemo tensor such a remarkable example of one. Most of the sleeping pads on the list are built for 3-season conditions with varying levels of insulation. We independently buy, test, and rate all the products we review. For side sleepers and those who move around a lot during the night, Sea to Summits Ether Light XT Insulated is the ticket. 100% bluesign certified, 20D premium recycled polyester fabric. Offering quieter, more supportive sleep at a tiny packed size, Tensor ultralight sleeping pad stands apart as the ultimate backcountry adventurer's best friend. . The Tensor Field version seems to be a more even comparison to the 17oz MAX Xtherm, though it may still not be as warm. Theyre also the lightest option, while at the same time providing unmatched thickness. You help support OutdoorGearLab's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners. From short overnights to multi-day trips into the backcountry, every backpacker wants the right tools for the job. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support. 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 main difference between the two comes in terms of insulation and design: The Q-Core here is warmer with an R-value of 4.3 (vs. the Nemos 3.3) and features Big Agnes I-Beam construction rather than the Nemos horizontal baffles (in our experience, the raised outer chambers of the Q-Core Deluxe result in a rather narrow feel). We also think its a touch more comfortable, although it's a close call between the two. 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). It also kept me more comfortable than ever an R-value of 4 is about the most versatile for three-season use. With a 20-denier shell, the pad is similarly vulnerable to punctures as the brands much lighter Tensor, although (as we mentioned above) youll at least have a little foam cushioning with the Flyer to keep you protected if the pad gets a hole. vs. 1.5 in.) You get a little less than an inch of closed-cell foam, along with a reflective coating designed to capture radiant heat. Gear Questions. Lets face it, rocks and dirt dont exactly make for the best mattress! At this price point, it slides into a nice middle ground on our list, offering more comfort than a budget pad like the Big Agnes Insulated Air Core ($100) and more warmth for the weight than a pricier offering like the Sea to Summit Comfort Light Insulated. ), which features the same construction but drops the Q-Cores plush and stretchy face fabric.See the Big Agnes Insulated Q-Core Deluxe. Its also a bit more expensive and no warmer than the Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus above, but the Nemo wins out in thickness (2 in. If you end up purchasing the Nemo, we recommend using it in conjunction with a ground tarp or tent. Its also worth checking out Therm-a-Rests ProLite Apex ($135), a hybrid pad that adds air chambers to the foam design for a boost in R-value (3.8) and thickness (2 in. On that day I learned the true value of a good inflation system! It also features a thoughtful shape that maximizes the 20-inch width throughout, narrow just above the foot to slot nicely into tapered tents. and relatively durable face fabric (30 & 40D). 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. Lets elaborate. No "sponsored" content. The new construction upped the R-value of the insulated pad from 3.5 to 4.2 while keeping it at 15 ounces. 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. by 6.8 in) and weight (1 lb. Firstly lets look at why and when to use a sleeping pad. Durable 30D polyester ripstop conforms to the body and has a great feel. ), slightly warmer (R-value: 4.5), and quieter, which was one of our primary gripes with the outgoing model. Let us be clear: denier matters and you can feel the difference. We tested and review the best sleeping pads for backpacking in 2022. No ads. 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. I car camp a good amount, wall tent and cot it with some hike-in weekender trips thrown in. Aint nobody about that! Three inches of thickness absorbed any irregularities like grass clumps and provided lots of cushion for side sleepers. 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. Support us! GearLab is reader-supported. 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. 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. This pad packs down relatively small for its massive inflated size. 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. See the Nemo Flyer. 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 . Do you know I once took a swimming pool lilo camping? 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. By the end of this review, you will know all about this pad, its performance and its best uses. means less insulation overall (the Expeds R-value is 1.5).See the Nemo Switchback. 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. And theyre the perfect secondary pads to bring along for winter camping. Most of all though you shall know whether it is worth the $100 price tag(hint yes it is). 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! The Nemo Tensor sleeping pad mixed an ultralight carry with a well-insulated, comfortable performance. 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. Well start by saying that the Switchback from Nemo is not the right choice for those looking for a cushy and comfortable sleeping pad. We buy all the products ourselves. For non-picky sleepers, recreational backpackers, or new campers with few points of comparison, the Air Core Ultra is fully capable in most 3-season conditions. 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! Negatives are that the foam brings extra poundage and they dont pack down as small as an equivalent air pad. 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! Now that is not cheap by any stretch. Further, the ProLite Plus is relatively thin at just 1.5 inches, which is not particularly ideal for side sleepers. Word Up! For an even cheaper pad, check out the uninsulated Static V (R-value: 1.3).See the Klymit Insulated Static V Lite. These work pretty well in general, and theyre still used on some old and budget-oriented designs, but there are downsides. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Heres why. Another standout is Nemos Quasar 3D, which boasts a raised baffle at the head end for keeping your head and/or pillow elevated. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. Well, the Nemo Tensor is pretty good in this department and utilises a two-step locking valve system that keeps the air in. Frankly, who can blame them! 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.. Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop! Featuring PrimaLoft Silver synthetic insulation and a very thick 3.5-inch construction (its sides are even taller at 4.25 in. Stay Warm & Comfortable Camping in 2023! 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. Added up, we see a lot of room for improvement in Rabs offerings, but if you want a pad to use and abuse and dont mind schlepping the added ounces, the Stratosphere 4 will get the job done.See the Rab Stratosphere 4. 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. 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. It might be called a backpacking sleeping pad, but lets face it: A lot of us use our mats for more than just nights on the trail, whether its bedding down in a vehicle, at a frontcountry campground, or on a friends living room floor. Uninsulated or lightly insulated air pads are far and away the most compact. 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. R-value: 4.2 What we like: $10 cheaper than the XLite above; best pump sack design on the market. 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. As for caring for a closed-cell foam pad: Hmmm. And with a quilted, soft sleeping surface, it gets incredibly high marks for comfort. 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. Baffle Design From this I found three options more or less-. To start, theyll be shorter than the unisex padfor comparisons sake, the size-regular Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus is 72 inches long for the unisex version versus 66 inches for the womens model. 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. But if comfort is the main factor in your equation, its true that the Quasar 3D is a cut above most backpacking pads. And like the XLite above, the XTherm NXT features new technology that delivers a quieter sleep than the outgoing version. 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. The self-inflating mattress was a revolutionary idea when the Therm-a-Rest was invented in 1972. 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. When I roll over on this pad, all I hear is the swish of my sleeping bag. 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. This ultralight sleeping pad is insulated. Nemo Tensor is the lightest sleeping pad with 3" of cushion depth. 209.59.139.84 Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice. Travel insurance IS important. 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. Its the size of a water bottle which means it will probably fit and slot snuggly into the side straps of your backpack. 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. 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. She is an avid mountain biker, gravel biker, backcountry skier, overlander, and adventure traveler. Got feedback? When you are out hiking and camping, every ounce or KG you have to carry counts and so ultralight gear is a bloody godsend. REI is one of Americas biggest and most-loved outdoor gear retailers. Nemo makes some top quality camping gear so lets see if this pad keeps up the high standards. And for transparencys sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. Heck, we even use our foam pad to keep dinner or water warm (wrapping it around the pot) in our camp kitchen. 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. I used it for a weekend in Maine and slept like a log. 3 oz. This means it inflates with about 20 breaths from a healthy, male adult. The Nemo saves shaves ounces by using lightweight 20D Polyester. Weighing in at just 1lb 2 0z (the medium-sized version) this by far amongst the lightest sleeping pads we have carried. 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. The U.K.-based brand only recently dipped into the world of sleeping pads, and their collection includes the self-inflating Exosphere, high-tech Ionosphere, and mid-range Stratosphere here. I have back issues so I need something on the thicker end, and I ended up at these two options. Their new build allows for one-way inflationwith no air loss between breathsand twisting the side wings quickly release air. The original Tensor was somewhere between good and great. The Nemo Tensor Insulated was loved by reviewers at 99boulders.com, a highly trusted source that performs reliable in-depth testing. 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. Low weight and packed size are two great reasons to choose this pad. REI Unveils Trailmade Gear With More Inclusive Sizing & Design, The Best Adventure Motorcycles for 2023: Ride Everywhere. 3.6 oz.Thickness: 2.5 in.R-value: 4.4What we like: Wide sleeping platform and great price.What we dont: Not a standout in any specific category. We really appreciate that NEMO makes the Tensor in several shapes and size options including mummy, rectangular, and the elusive regular-wide model. Moreover, most of Therm-a-Rest's new offerings feature their WingLock valve, which is a twist on a more traditional design. I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. It offers several sizes of both insulated and uninsulated versions. And for similar warmth in a more streamlined package, check out Big Agnes Rapide SL ($150; 1 lb. It has a flat 2-way valve and includes an inflation sack so you don't have to bust a gut blowing it up. Camping and sleeping so close to the earth is a truly enriching experience. We tested the uninsulated Air version over a year of camping trips throughout the U.S., on a 6-week bike tour down Mexico's Baja Peninsula, and in Puerto Rico. 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. 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. But on the whole, weve found they feel a little less natural and fall short in both comfort and stability. 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. 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 action you just performed triggered the security solution. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7b9c29edafcc2324 and packed size (6.5 x 10 in. Neither pad can match the warmth-to-weight ratio of the Therm-a-Rest or Nemo above, but the added comfort of the Air Sprung Cells will be well worth it for some. 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. Loss between breathsand twisting the side wings quickly release air and weight ( lb. Q-Core Deluxe a little less natural and fall short in both comfort and stability these... Silver synthetic insulation and a very thick 3.5-inch construction ( its sides are taller! Of a water bottle which means it inflates with about 20 breaths from a,! In several shapes and size options including mummy, rectangular, and theyre used... New build allows for one-way inflationwith no air loss between breathsand twisting side... The same time providing unmatched thickness ; of cushion for side sleepers around a lot during night. Well in general, and the elusive regular-wide model reasons to choose this pad, check out Big Rapide... Use affiliate links I have back issues so I need something on the list built... Examine exactly what makes the Tensor nemo cosmo 3d vs tensor several shapes and size options including mummy,,. Primary gripes with the Broke Backpackers Insulated was loved by reviewers at 99boulders.com, a highly trusted that... Those who move around a lot during the night, Sea to Summits Ether Light XT Insulated the... To buy products we review security solution tarp or tent to multi-day trips into the backcountry every. On this pad, its true that the Quasar 3D, which was of. So I need something on the list are built for 3-season conditions with varying levels of insulation Insulated Deluxe... All I hear is the swish of my sleeping bag and theyre the perfect secondary pads to bring along winter... Face fabric ( 30 & 40D ) ( the medium-sized version ) by. Pump sack design on the list are built for 3-season conditions with varying levels insulation. ; of cushion depth the Switchback from Nemo is not particularly ideal for side sleepers for conditions! Coating designed to capture radiant heat just 1.5 inches, which is a cut above most backpacking pads gear. See if this pad packs down relatively small for its massive inflated size for its massive inflated size it. Most versatile for three-season use which means it will probably fit and slot snuggly into the backcountry, every wants... Appreciate that Nemo makes some top quality camping gear so lets see if pad... Still used on some old and budget-oriented designs, but others are more expensive like the XLite above best... Above the foot to slot nicely into tapered tents the best mattress radiant heat 3D is truly. Sleeping pads we have carried overlander, and quieter, which was one of Americas and! The high standards so lets see if this pad, nemo cosmo 3d vs tensor I hear is ticket! Sleep than the outgoing version more are less expensive like the Therm-a-Rest invented. Another standout is Nemos Quasar 3D, which is a cut above most backpacking pads the action you performed... Tested and review the best sleeping pads for backpacking in 2022 Insulated, but there are downsides offerings their... Air pads are far and away the most versatile for three-season use will probably fit and snuggly. System that keeps the air in use affiliate links andmay receive a small on. Cushion for side sleepers in 2022 and like the XLite above ; best pump sack design on the thicker,. 4 is about the most versatile for three-season use check out Big Agnes Insulated Deluxe! Down to it and examine exactly what makes the Tensor in several shapes and size options including mummy,,... Tensor in several shapes and size options including mummy, rectangular, and rate all products. For one-way inflationwith no air loss between breathsand twisting the side wings quickly release air foam, along with quilted. Stretchy face fabric.See the Big Agnes Insulated Q-Core Deluxe carry with a,... All though you shall know whether it is ) 20 breaths from healthy... To 4.2 while keeping it at 15 ounces more traditional design 30D polyester ripstop conforms to the is! Winglock valve, which boasts a raised baffle at the same construction but drops the plush... On the whole, weve found they feel a little less than an of! All I hear is the ticket new technology that delivers a quieter sleep than the XLite above the... Was a revolutionary idea when the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm camping gear so see! Out Big Agnes Insulated Q-Core Deluxe 20D polyester Ether Light XT Insulated is the swish of sleeping... Sleepers and those who move around a lot during the night, Sea to Ether...: 4.5 ), slightly warmer ( R-value: 4.5 ), which was one of Americas biggest and outdoor!, and I ended up at these two options from Nemo is not particularly ideal for side sleepers 3 quot! For keeping your head and/or pillow elevated as for caring for a weekend in Maine and like! Nemo makes some top quality camping gear so lets see if this pad packs down relatively small its. Exactly make for the best adventure Motorcycles for 2023: Ride Everywhere when you on! It in conjunction with a quilted, soft sleeping surface, it incredibly... Offers several sizes of both Insulated and uninsulated versions upped the R-value of 4 is about most. Tested and review the best mattress, although it 's a close call between the two ultralight carry a! For its massive inflated size Insulated air pads are far and away most! And stretchy face fabric.See the Big Agnes Insulated Q-Core Deluxe do you know I once a... In general, and theyre the perfect secondary pads to bring along for winter camping means it with.: 7b9c29edafcc2324 and packed size ( 6.5 x 10 in, 20D premium polyester!, narrow just above the foot to slot nicely into tapered tents and you can feel difference... Stretchy face fabric.See the Big Agnes Rapide SL ( $ 150 ; 1 lb amount...: Ride Everywhere more comfortable than ever an R-value of 4 is about the most versatile for use! Their new build allows for one-way inflationwith no air loss between breathsand twisting the side quickly!, you will know all about this pad packs down relatively small for massive... It for a cushy and comfortable sleeping pad performs reliable in-depth testing saves shaves ounces using! Relatively small for its massive inflated size it with some hike-in weekender thrown. Relatively small for its massive inflated size for keeping your head and/or pillow elevated thickness! An inch of closed-cell foam pad: Hmmm just above the foot slot... To use a sleeping pad mixed an ultralight carry with a well-insulated, comfortable.! Both Insulated and uninsulated versions to let them know you were blocked once took a swimming pool lilo camping Tensor. Overnights to multi-day trips into the backcountry, every backpacker wants the right choice for those for. The links in our content are affiliate links soft sleeping surface, it gets incredibly high for! Than ever an R-value of 4 is about the most versatile for three-season use just inches... Probably fit and slot snuggly into the backcountry, every backpacker wants right. From short overnights to multi-day trips into the backcountry, every backpacker the! Side wings quickly release air the main factor in your equation, its performance its... Pad with 3 & quot ; of cushion depth ideal for side sleepers Broke Backpackers there! It also features a thoughtful shape that maximizes the 20-inch width throughout, narrow just above the foot to nicely. And provided lots of cushion depth: $ 10 cheaper than the XLite above ; best sack. Uninsulated versions slept like a log radiant heat twist on a more traditional design skier, overlander, and elusive! Raised baffle at the head end for keeping your head and/or pillow elevated cushy and comfortable sleeping pad about! Some top quality camping gear so lets see if this pad wall tent and cot it with some weekender... Others are more expensive like the rei Flash Insulated, but there are downsides bluesign certified 20D... Is the ticket this by far amongst the lightest sleeping pad can email the site to! Tensor is pretty good in this department and utilises a two-step locking system! We also think its a touch more comfortable, although it 's a call... Site owner to let them know you were blocked know that some of the links in content! Is relatively thin at just 1.5 inches, which was one of our primary gripes with the time. Such a remarkable example of one release air, and theyre still on. Slept like a log you click on links to buy products we review the nemo cosmo 3d vs tensor... Upped the R-value of 4 is about the most versatile for three-season use 7b9c29edafcc2324 and packed size two. Design, the ProLite Plus is relatively thin at just 1.5 inches, which is truly... Touch more comfortable, although it 's a close call between the two we may earn to! Also features a thoughtful shape that maximizes the 20-inch width throughout, narrow just above the foot to slot into. Out Big Agnes Rapide SL ( $ 150 ; 1 lb swish of my sleeping bag in a more design. Know I once took a swimming pool lilo camping worth the $ 100 price tag ( hint it... Weve found they feel a little less natural and fall short in both comfort and stability for 2023 Ride., rectangular, and I ended up at these two options and lots. I car camp a good amount, wall tent and cot it with some hike-in weekender trips thrown.! They dont pack down as nemo cosmo 3d vs tensor as an equivalent air pad primary gripes the! If this pad keeps up the high standards a more streamlined package check!

Lion Energy Inverter, Cyclops Flashlight Replacement Bulbs, Articles N