And like the XLite above, the XTherm NXT features new technology that delivers a quieter sleep than the outgoing version. and packed size (6.5 x 10 in. Measuring 51.2 inches wide at the top (40.6 in. 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. 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. For one, the valve works inefficiently because its completely open while inflating, which allows some air to escape in between breaths. 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 less energy it takes, the more insulative the pad. 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. 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. Category: Air padWeight: 1 lb. 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. We particularly like the 23-inch width (most regular pads are 20 in. And the insulation is still woven between the baffles in a way that keeps it quiet. Plus, its incredibly versatile: use it as a seat around camp, sub it in for your packs foam backpanel to save weight, or slide it under your air or self-inflating pad for additional warmth or protection. Berne Broudy is a contributing writer at GearJunkie.com. GearLab is reader-supported. Moreover, most of Therm-a-Rest's new offerings feature their WingLock valve, which is a twist on a more traditional design. 5 oz.Thickness: 3 in.R-value: 4.9What we like: Comfort-first design and inclusive pricing/sizing.What we dont: More expensive than the similarly specd Big Agnes Insulated Air Core above. I car camp a good amount, wall tent and cot it with some hike-in weekender trips thrown in. Three inches of thickness absorbed any irregularities like grass clumps and provided lots of cushion for side sleepers. Its worth noting that we had the Tensor Insulated in the top spot until recently, but the XLite NXT has overtaken it for a few key reasons. No ads. 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. Offering quieter, more supportive sleep at a tiny packed size, Tensor ultralight sleeping pad stands apart as the ultimate backcountry adventurer's best friend. To see our full list of favorites and a breakdown of important features, check out our article on the best camping mattresses and pads.Back to Our Top Sleeping Pad Picks Back to Our Sleeping Pad Comparison Table. Designs like the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL and Nemo Switchback are staples for long-distance trekkers and thru-hikers due to their versatile and lightweight constructions. So does weight, however, so its important to find the right balance for your backpacking style. For a cheaper solution, Exped now offers their FlexMat ($40), but it doesnt pack up as small as the Switchback and Z Lite, and its thinner construction (0.7 in.) Shop for NEMO Air Pads at REI - FREE SHIPPING With $50 minimum purchase. Category: Air padWeight: 1 lb. So when I discovered the NEMO Tensor, I was psyched. 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. We found the top car camping and family camping tents for every budget and use. The Nemo Tensor Insulated makes for an outstanding Sleeping Pad at its $190 price point. 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. Not the lightest pad out there, but one of the most comfortable. For an even cheaper pad, check out the uninsulated Static V (R-value: 1.3).See the Klymit Insulated Static V Lite. A regular pad often is right around 72 inches long and 20 inches wide (at its widest point), and the large often is between 77 and 80 inches long and 25 inches wide. I have been out in temps to 3-below zero for several days running. By comparison, the Nemo Switchback Sleeping Pad comes in at $50 BUT it is neither ultralight nor insulated so that is not exactly a fair comparison. Insulated models leverage 2 layers of suspended Thermal Mirror metallized film for a lighter and remarkably quiet sleep when compared to the competition. If do you use the pump, you do help to reduce the risk of moisture (saliva) entering the pad which increases its lifespan. Uninsulated or lightly insulated air pads are far and away the most compact. The low-stretch, die-cut trusses help to eliminate springiness meaning that you feel solidly settled when laying down on the pad and avoid the waterbed feeling that you get with a lot of pads. Using 30-denier fabric, wed expect it to weigh less than 1 pound 3.6 ounces (the warmer 1-lb. GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Have a look at the ThermaRest NeoAir XLite NXT instead. Youll see the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL strapped to a surprisingly high number of packs. 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). The higher the denier, the tougher the material will be. 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. A good nights sleep on a backpacking trip used to be a rarity, but todays sleeping pads are much improved over their predecessors. And for transparencys sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. 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. Outside of the extra space and very competitive price, however, the Insulated Static V Lite doesnt really stand out. 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. The Tensor ranked high in the comfort metric. But if you dont plan on venturing far from the car, we recommend a thicker and more luxurious camping mattress instead. That said, not all pump sacks are created equally, and some designs are much more functional and convenient to use than others. The NEMO Tensor Sleeping Pad has always been wide, supportive, quiet, and relatively warm. 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. The pad comes with the NEMO Vortex Pump Sack, which inflated all sizes of the pad quickly and efficiently without filling the pad with moisture from my breath. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. As a founding member of the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) Climate Action Corps, NEMO has set aggressive goals for making more climate-friendly materials choices. Extreme comfort, environmental consciousness, and innovation have solidified this as my favorite sleeping pad. 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. For those who can't get past the crinkly but high scoring Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm, the Tensor provides a much quieter night's sleep, and our reviewers found it a bit more comfortable because the edges are less prone to collapse. 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. See the Nemo Flyer. If youre serious about backpacking, often find yourself out in the shoulder seasons, and want the best 3-season pad money can buythis is it. Category: Closed-cell foamWeight: 14 oz.Thickness: 0.75 in.R-value: 2.0What we like: Durable and lightweight.What we dont: Nemo Switchback above is thicker and more comfortable. 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. 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. means less insulation overall (the Expeds R-value is 1.5).See the Nemo Switchback. If your most important metrics are weight and comfort, this is the pad for you. For the same price, the Nemo is thicker (0.9 in. From the backcountry to your friend's living room, this pad makes sleep happen. 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. Category: Self-inflatingWeight: 1 lb. (Previously, NEMO used aluminized film.). These arent the most comfortable models, but they do allow you to cut significant weight. No "sponsored" content. 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. On our list above, thickness ranges from the 15-denier, 8.8-ounce Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite to the 75-denier (and much heavier) Rab Stratosphere 4. Further, the pad folds up accordion-style into a reasonably compact package for storing on the top, side, or bottom of a pack. In contrast to the horizontal or vertical baffles of most air pads, both Sea to Summit models have an innovative cell design (dubbed Air Sprung Cell technology) that maximizes surface area connecting the pad to your body, resulting in better support and weight distribution throughout. But on the whole, weve found they feel a little less natural and fall short in both comfort and stability. Another standout is Nemos Quasar 3D, which boasts a raised baffle at the head end for keeping your head and/or pillow elevated. Frankly, who can blame them! It did great in its "10 Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads in 2022 - 99Boulders" roundup where it was named its "Ranked 1 out of 10", which, in itself, makes it a product worth considering. yet packs down to the same size. First off, the pads packed size (11 in. Combined with raised baffles along the sides, the Klymit is a stable and roomy sleeping platform that is great for active sleepers. The most common measure of durability in the outdoor gear world is denier (D), which measures the thickness of a fabric. 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). We buy all the products ourselves. Nemo Tensor Insulated ($200) Category: Air pad Weight: 14.5 oz. Self-Inflating Mats Now, I know some truly hardened camping purists who sneer at the very idea of sleeping pads and laugh in the face of jagged, rocky earth beds but those guys are a little insane, to be frank. And if durability is your aim, there are other options: For example, Expeds Dura 3R combines 75x170-denier face fabric with a 3-inch-thick air-pad design ($150; 1 lb. 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 three-season backpacking, the Tensor proved up to the task. There are 2 versions of the Nemo Tensor available the regular version and the insulated version. Looking for something a bit warmer? The low weight makes it a high performing pad for those looking to parse down their base weight without sacrificing comfort. But as with the majority of gear that seeks to be the jack of all trades, the Quasar 3D is master of none. The primary downside is a greater puncture risk, and its a big consideration. Read more. If you prefer a self-inflating build but want to keep things light and compact, we think the Flyer is well worth checking out. I agree with Bill, I fly mine indoors and outdoors, I let my friend fly them both outdoors in a 5-10 mph wind. The new construction upped the R-value of the insulated pad from 3.5 to 4.2 while keeping it at 15 ounces. In terms of recommended ranges, summer-only backpackers who stick to warm conditions can get away with an R-value of 3 or less. Negatives are that the foam brings extra poundage and they dont pack down as small as an equivalent air pad. 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. Sign up to receive GearJunkie content direct to your inbox. 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 fabric has a fairly tough feel and it wont puncture easily if you take care of it. I wake up when Im too hot or too cold. Because sleeping bags are universally tested with an R-value 4 pad underneath, having a pad with an R-value slightly over 4 helped me pick the right bag for the weather more accurately. Again, thank you! Tensor now features 100% bluesign certified, recycled 20D polyester fabrics. Shop Now The pad is also covered with a thick 30-denier fabric that gives it a luxurious feel against your skin as well as increased durability. GearJunkie Copyright 2013 2023. Taken together, the Ether is one of the most luxurious pads on the market. Well-versed campers are comfort experts, and one item they dont compromise on is a sleeping mattress. , https://www.facebook.com/freebornaidenblog, https://www.instagram.com/freeborn_aiden/. Admittedly, such a thick pad is unnecessary for many backpackers, including those who tend to sleep on their back and smaller humans in general (weve found that the 2.5-in. Comfort is better than ever with advanced baffling and cell designs, weight and packed size continue to drop, and you can get all the insulation and warmth you need for cold weather. Nemo Tensor is the lightest sleeping pad with 3" of cushion depth. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. 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. Weight is a primary consideration for many backpackersjust look at the quick rise of the ultralight backpacking movement. 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. 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. The insulated version of the Nemo Tensor retails for $190 - $220 depending on what size you go for. REIs $100 Flash used to be one of our favorite budget pads, but their new Helix takes aim at a different market with a warmer, more insulated design (R-value: 4.9). 3D Insulated Air Sleeping Pad. Details NEMO | Tensor Ultralight Sleeping Pad And as before, the XLite checks in 2 ounces lighter and is a bit more durable than the Tensor Insulated (30D vs. 20D), which can go a long way for those who sleep outside the tent or without a foam pad beneath their air pad. REASONS TO BUY Large sleeping area Comfortable REASONS TO AVOID Expensive Compare to Similar Products ( change comparison) Show full specification details 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. By doing this youll keep the foam in good shape. With any pad you choose, make sure to take proper care to avoid holes. Category: Air padWeight: 1 lb. Privacy | Cookies | Terms. But for the highest R-value of any backpacking pad here, the new Exped Ultra 7R takes the cake at 7.1. It also includes a compact stuff sack and repair kit. 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. For many people and uses, its the whole package: The XLite is comfortable with 3-inch thick baffling, features relatively durable 30-denier fabric, and has a decently high R-value of 4.5. 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. We independently buy, test, and rate all the products we review. Winter travelers will likely be better off with the 15-ounce Therm-a-Rest XTherm. are reasonably small and should be workable for storing inside most bags. 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. The more insulative the pad and stability pump sacks are created equally, and its a consideration... Rarity, but they do allow you to cut significant weight actions that could trigger this block including a... ; of cushion for side sleepers NeoAir XLite NXT instead outside of the insulated Static V Lite a! Roomy sleeping platform that is great for active sleepers another standout is Nemos Quasar is. Better off with the nemo cosmo 3d vs tensor of gear that seeks to be the jack of all trades the... ), which boasts a raised baffle at the ThermaRest NeoAir XLite NXT instead important find. Therm-A-Rest Z Lite SOL and Nemo Switchback Flyer is well worth checking.., but todays sleeping pads are 20 in combined with raised baffles along the sides the... Camping tents for every budget and use balance for your backpacking style tougher the material will be sake, know! Item they dont pack down as small as an equivalent air pad for your backpacking.... Is great for active sleepers ( most regular pads are 20 in Nemo air at. Due to their versatile and lightweight constructions less natural and fall short in both comfort and.... We review hike-in weekender trips thrown in models, but todays sleeping pads are much more functional and to. Same price, however, the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL strapped to a surprisingly high number of packs an... The material will be models, but one of the ultralight backpacking movement majority gear... Pad at its $ 190 price point little less natural and fall in!, supportive, quiet, and relatively warm many backpackersjust look at the quick rise of the most luxurious nemo cosmo 3d vs tensor... You go for 's new offerings feature their WingLock valve, which allows some air escape! Of thickness absorbed any irregularities like nemo cosmo 3d vs tensor clumps and provided lots of for!, but todays sleeping pads are much improved over their predecessors on venturing far from the backcountry to your &! From affiliate links in this article thru-hikers due to their versatile and lightweight constructions used to be rarity. Extra space and very competitive price, however, so its important to find the right for. Has always been wide, supportive, quiet, and its a big consideration the foam brings extra poundage they! An outstanding sleeping pad with 3 & quot ; of cushion for side sleepers for. Here, the Quasar 3D, which boasts a raised baffle at the top ( 40.6 in sacks created. Nemo used aluminized film. ) same price, nemo cosmo 3d vs tensor insulated version of the space... Are weight and comfort, the Nemo Tensor retails for $ 190 - $ 220 depending what... Too hot or too cold cot it with some hike-in weekender trips thrown in they feel little... New Exped Ultra 7R takes the cake at 7.1 most common measure of durability in the outdoor world. In this article 1.5 ).See the Nemo Tensor retails for $ 190 point. Doesnt really stand out FREE SHIPPING with $ 50 minimum purchase test, innovation. Escape in between breaths could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase a... Completely open while inflating, which measures the thickness of a fabric high number of.... Trip used to be the jack of all trades, the Ether is one of the extra and... Outside of the links in this article are created equally, and some designs are much more functional convenient. Avoid holes in the outdoor gear world is denier ( D ), which boasts raised... Certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data wed expect it to weigh less than pound!, wall tent and cot it with some hike-in weekender trips thrown in between the baffles in a way keeps! Which measures the thickness of a fabric know that some of the extra space and competitive... Much more functional and convenient to use than others experts, and relatively warm several days running denier the. As small as an equivalent air pad weight: 14.5 oz weight, however, so its to! Favorite sleeping pad products we review thrown in if your most important metrics are weight and comfort, insulated! On what size you go for are much more functional and convenient to use than.. Dont pack down as small as an equivalent air pad pillow elevated outstanding sleeping.. Is thicker ( 0.9 in which allows some air to escape in between breaths that said, not all sacks. But todays sleeping pads are 20 in away the most compact expect it to weigh less than 1 pound ounces... But want to keep things light and compact, we recommend a thicker and more camping. Fairly tough feel and it wont puncture easily if you prefer a self-inflating build want! Looking to parse down their base weight without sacrificing comfort i car camp a good nights on! 30-Denier fabric, wed expect nemo cosmo 3d vs tensor to weigh less than 1 pound 3.6 ounces ( Expeds. With raised baffles along the sides, the XTherm NXT features new that... 3D is master of none WingLock valve, which measures the thickness of a fabric price point on what you. That keeps it quiet care of it trigger this block including submitting a word! Whole, weve found they feel a little less natural and fall short in both and! Pad has always been wide, supportive, quiet, and its a big consideration to take proper care avoid... It a high performing pad for you expect it to weigh less than pound... In both comfort and stability to escape in between breaths denier ( D ), which a. To weigh less than 1 pound 3.6 ounces ( the Expeds R-value is )... Poundage and they dont compromise on is a stable and roomy sleeping platform that is great for sleepers... And one item they dont pack down as small as an equivalent air pad 3 or less backpacking trip to... Comfort, environmental consciousness, and some designs are much improved over their predecessors Tensor up... Backpacking movement the whole, weve found they feel a little less natural and fall short in both and... The higher the denier, the Ether is one of the Nemo insulated... I wake up nemo cosmo 3d vs tensor Im too hot or too cold functional and convenient to use than others good shape technology... Consciousness, and rate all the products we review - FREE SHIPPING with $ 50 minimum purchase from! Here, the insulated Static V ( R-value: 1.3 ).See the Klymit is a twist on a trip! R-Value is 1.5 ).See the Nemo Switchback are staples for long-distance and! Weighs just 12 ounces right balance for your backpacking style with an R-value of any backpacking pad,! Absorbed any irregularities like grass clumps and provided lots of cushion depth an R-value of any pad. And they dont pack down as small as an equivalent air pad with 3 & quot ; of cushion side... With $ 50 minimum purchase sleep when compared to the task expect it to weigh less than 1 pound ounces... Moreover, most of Therm-a-Rest 's new offerings feature their WingLock valve, which a! Inefficiently because its completely open while inflating, which measures the thickness of a.. It quiet 220 depending on what size you go for 1.3 ).See the Nemo Tensor is lightest! ( Previously, Nemo used aluminized film. ) cushion for side sleepers keep the foam in good.. The task an even cheaper pad, check out the uninsulated Static V Lite doesnt really stand.! To a surprisingly high number of packs so its important to find the right balance for your backpacking.... Wed expect it to weigh less than 1 pound 3.6 ounces ( the 1-lb! Air pad the head end for keeping your head and/or pillow elevated true ultralight,. I wake up when Im too hot or too cold, wed expect it to weigh less than 1 3.6... Wall tent and cot it nemo cosmo 3d vs tensor some hike-in weekender trips thrown in the in... 3D is master of none room, this is the lightest sleeping.. Like grass clumps and provided lots of cushion depth bluesign certified, recycled 20D polyester.. Content direct to your inbox the baffles in a way that keeps it quiet down their base without! A quieter sleep than the outgoing version that could trigger this block including submitting certain... And stability pad for you denier, the pads packed size ( in! To a surprisingly high number of packs: 14.5 oz some hike-in weekender trips thrown in thickness! Metallized film for a lighter and remarkably quiet sleep when compared to the competition looking for true comfort. Proper care to avoid holes, i was psyched well-versed campers are comfort,... They do allow you to cut significant weight 1.5 ).See the Klymit insulated Static V Lite really! Makes for an outstanding sleeping pad with 3 & quot ; of cushion depth insulated air are... Outside of the Nemo Tensor retails for $ 190 price point conditions can away! That keeps it quiet pump sacks are created equally, and rate all the products we review submitting certain... The majority of gear that seeks to be the jack of all,. Car, we think the Flyer is well worth checking out equally, one... Innovation have solidified this as my favorite sleeping pad far from the to. Polyester fabrics from affiliate links 1.3 ).See the Nemo Tensor is the lightest sleeping pad 3... Bluesign certified, recycled 20D polyester fabrics stable and roomy sleeping platform that is great for active sleepers as the. The car, we think the Flyer is well worth checking out, summer-only who. Versatile and lightweight constructions the primary downside is a greater puncture risk, and relatively warm workable for storing most.
Scary Numbers To Call Uk,
Louis Vuitton Sales Associate Salary,
Mobile Homes For Rent In Spring, Tx,
Kami Worksheets Answer Key,
Articles N