A critical spec in comparing sleeping pads is R-value, or how much insulation a pad provides from the ground. Category: Air padWeight: 1 lb. Marketed as a quiver killer, the Quasar combines a decently lightweight build with a roomy rectangular shape (no mummy option) and impressive comfort. The non-insulated version is $190. But on the other hand, the XTherm is still lighter and more packable than the vast majority of sleeping pads here, and significantly more hardwearing with its thick 70-denier bottom. Backpacking sleeping pads fall into three general categories: air, self-inflating, and closed-cell foam. Now, youcould spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. 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. Got feedback? 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. 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! Sign up to receive GearJunkie content direct to your inbox. vs. 14.5 for the Nemo).See the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL. 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. 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. 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. See the REI Co-op Helix Insulated. Further, the ProLite Plus is relatively thin at just 1.5 inches, which is not particularly ideal for side sleepers. As with any piece of outdoor gear, the less it weighs the more fragile it will be. We also think its a touch more comfortable, although it's a close call between the two. More information. If do you use the pump, you do help to reduce the risk of moisture (saliva) entering the pad which increases its lifespan. Broudy has been writing about cycling, skiing, and outdoor gear for more than 20 years. Therm-a-Rests Z Lite SOL is a backpacking classic. If you prefer a self-inflating build but want to keep things light and compact, we think the Flyer is well worth checking out. 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. 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. 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. For a pad that can do it all, check out Nemos Quasar 3D. Im not the soundest sleeper. Nemo recently updated the Flyer with bluesign-approved materials (the fabrics are now 100% recycled), but the design remains the same. The pad also weighs just 12.5 ounces and stuffs down impressively small, making it a premium choice for weight-conscious hikers, climbers, and more. Let us know! and packed size (6.5 x 10 in. Stay Warm & Comfortable Camping in 2023! I have back issues so I need something on the thicker end, and I ended up at these two options. So now lets get down to it and examine exactly what makes the Nemo tensor such a remarkable example of one. Theyre also the lightest option, while at the same time providing unmatched thickness. 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. In terms of shape, they fall into two basic categories: mummy pads that taper towards the feet to cut weight, and rectangular pads that are more spacious and accommodating for comfort-minded or active sleepers. 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. Low weight and packed size are two great reasons to choose this pad. Having a hard time finding a spot to store the pad? All rights reserved. The NEMO Tensor Insulated pad is cushy, super comfortable, and quieter than almost every air pad we've ever tested. 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. 9.4 oz. It wont cover you if you burn it with cigarettes or anything (dont smoke inside your tent!!) We feel this is a fair price compared to other pads on the market. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice. It has a flat 2-way valve and includes an inflation sack so you don't have to bust a gut blowing it up. 1.3 oz.Thickness: 4 in.R-value: 3.2What we like: Excellent comfort and isolation from the ground with a super-thick build.What we dont: Expensive and only moderately insulated. 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. 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. 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. Measuring 51.2 inches wide at the top (40.6 in. In the sense you're asking, mathematicians usually define a "tensor" to be a multilinear function: a function of . ), slightly warmer (R-value: 4.5), and quieter, which was one of our primary gripes with the outgoing model. We won't accept manufacturer's freebies. ), the Insulated Q-Core Deluxe is a strong option for side and active sleepers and in chilly conditions. The result is a winter-ready R-value of 7.3 for just 1 pound, which is truly an impressive feat. 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. You get a little less than an inch of closed-cell foam, along with a reflective coating designed to capture radiant heat. The Nemo Tensor sleeping pad mixed an ultralight carry with a well-insulated, comfortable performance. Further, the pad folds up accordion-style into a reasonably compact package for storing on the top, side, or bottom of a pack. 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. This type of material represents an aggressive weight savings approach to pad design. 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. Bonded insulation or baffling techniques can bring impressive warmth, highlighted by the Therm-a-Rest XTherm NXT (R-value: 7.3). 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. Want more deetz on why its so damn perfect? It also comes with a pumpin case you need a bit of help (but thats extra weight). When you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. 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). The action you just performed triggered the security solution. And like the Ether Light XT, the Comfort Light features a wider shape than most designs (21.5 vs. the standard 20 in.) But we were very disappointed with the Stratosphere's valve, which easily popped out of the pad when we removed the pump sack, and the warmth-to-weight ratio is nothing to write home about. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. 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. Most of the sleeping pads on the list are built for 3-season conditions with varying levels of insulation. And with a recent update, the NXT version uses new technology to deliver a quieter sleep, which addresses one of our main complaints with the outgoing version. If youre on the hunt for a premium 4-season pad, your search can stop here. NEMO COSMO 3D LONG WIDE,NEMO TENSOR ,255g/,,A New King Of Sleeping Pads? Camping and sleeping so close to the earth is a truly enriching experience. If having your best adventure depends on good sleep, Tensor has the perfect formula. Frankly, who can blame them! These arent the most comfortable models, but they do allow you to cut significant weight. A number of air pads on our list come with dedicated pump bags, which offer a host of benefits over a standard inflation valve. I wake up when Im too hot or too cold. Over the course of four hours, testers measure how much energy the top plate uses in order to stay at a consistent 35 degrees Celsius. Rab Equipment is known for their alpine-ready outerwear, which offers no-frills performance at a reasonable price. A foam option like Therm-a-Rest Z Lite is 20 inches long (most air pads are about 7 to 10 inches), which means youll need to strap it to the outside of your pack. Aint nobody about that! It also features a thoughtful shape that maximizes the 20-inch width throughout, narrow just above the foot to slot nicely into tapered tents. Baffle Design Weve put together a comprehensive guide to the best sleeping pads for backpacking for you to check out. 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). on their Ether Light XT Insulated) make for some of the most comfortable sleeping pads around, although they cant quite compete with Therm-a-Rest in terms of weight and R-value per ounce. The Nemo Tensor is made from 100% bluesign-certified, recycled 20-denier polyester fabric. 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 From this I found three options more or less-. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. A more accurate comparison is the Sea to Summit Ether Light which changes hands for $180 $209 so as you can see, the Nemo Tensor is well priced in its class. Not the lightest pad out there, but one of the most comfortable. 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. This pad packs down relatively small for its massive inflated size. 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 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). The valve is flat against the pad and comes in two parts. So when I discovered the NEMO Tensor, I was psyched. GearLab is reader-supported. These work pretty well in general, and theyre still used on some old and budget-oriented designs, but there are downsides. 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. Yes, theyre the least comfortable option, dont pack as small, and dont have the highest R-values, but they also have exactly a zero percent chance of deflating in the middle of the night. There are 2 versions of the Nemo Tensor available the regular version and the insulated version. 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. ! Another option to consider is the well priced Klymit Static V2 which is a good option for budget travellers. 9 oz. 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. Lets face it, rocks and dirt dont exactly make for the best mattress! 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. 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. Make the most of your home away from home by choosing the best camping tent for your adventure. 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. I have been out in temps to 3-below zero for several days running. Thickness: 3 in. The Nemo Quasar 3D Insulated, however, while a good product overall, doesn't really manage to stand out from its competition. For side sleepers and those who move around a lot during the night, Sea to Summits Ether Light XT Insulated is the ticket. 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. Note that most sleeping pads have an R rating of 1.0 (good for warm weather) to 5.5+ (for use in extreme cold). What we dont: Heavier than the leading Therm-a-Rest pads. yet packs down to the same size. Failed rock star turned failing writer. Outside of the extra space and very competitive price, however, the Insulated Static V Lite doesnt really stand out. Let us be clear: denier matters and you can feel the difference. Broudy has been writing about cycling, skiing, and theyre still on... Up to receive GearJunkie content direct to your inbox no-frills performance at a reasonable price 1.5 inches, which a. Has the perfect formula of closed-cell foam, along with a reflective designed! It 's a close call between the two we may earn a commission to consider is the well priced Static. Due to their versatile and lightweight constructions a thoughtful shape that maximizes the 20-inch throughout. 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