On the flip side, Therm-a-Rests pump sack is a little less intuitive and takes longer to fill their NeoAir models. You help support OutdoorGearLab's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners. And when choosing your Therm-a-Rest, keep size in mind: The mummy-shaped XLite NXT is offered in three separate lengths, along with the XLite NXT MAX, a 25-inch-wide, rectangular pad thats available in two lengths.See the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT. Marketed as a quiver killer, the Quasar combines a decently lightweight build with a roomy rectangular shape (no mummy option) and impressive comfort. All that goodness, and the UberLite stuffs down smaller than a 1-liter Nalgene (Therm-a-Rest graciously made the stuff sack a bit bigger in a recent update), allowing it to hide away in the crevasses of your backpack. If having your best adventure depends on good sleep, Tensor has the perfect formula. 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. Weight is a primary consideration for many backpackersjust look at the quick rise of the ultralight backpacking movement. . The new-for-next-year Tensor will be available in spring 2022. Prior to that, Broudy spent time guiding hiking and cycling tours in South America, Europe and the U.S. Based in Vermont, Berne Broudy is a core user of and expert in outdoor, cycling and ski gear, as well as overlanding and powersports gear. Added up, the Quasar toes the line between a camping mattress and a backpacking pad better than most. And theyre the perfect secondary pads to bring along for winter camping. I'm looking for a r-value of 3.5+, 25" width, 2.5" minimum thickness, lifetime warranty and weight under 2lbs. Travel insurance IS important. If your most important metrics are weight and comfort, this is the pad for you. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. Stay Warm & Comfortable Camping in 2023! When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support. But on the whole, weve found they feel a little less natural and fall short in both comfort and stability. All current sleeping pads above are now rated based on a standardized ASTM International test. It also comes with a pumpin case you need a bit of help (but thats extra weight). No ads. But we love this pad for two very important reasons: its cheap at just $55 for the regular version, and it will never pop. So when I discovered the NEMO Tensor, I was psyched. ).See the Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus See the Women's Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus. The pad was once one of the best in its classthe class that blends extra comfort and extra durability . 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. Find the one that suits YOU. Well start by saying that the Switchback from Nemo is not the right choice for those looking for a cushy and comfortable sleeping pad. If youre on the hunt for a premium 4-season pad, your search can stop here. How can we improve GearLab? And like the XLite above, the XTherm NXT features new technology that delivers a quieter sleep than the outgoing version. We think it works better than similar pump designs from Thermarest and Klymit. on their Comfort Light, and 4 in. Thickness: 3 in. We particularly like the 23-inch width (most regular pads are 20 in. Nemo makes some top quality camping gear so lets see if this pad keeps up the high standards. 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. In addition, the extra cushioning that the Sea to Summit offers comes with a bump in weightthe Ether Light XT Insulated is over 5 ounces heavier than the XLite above. The packed size isn't incredibly significant so would be worth going with the cosmo because . Therm-a-rest Xlite (Large/wide): 4.2r, 2.5" thick, 16 oz, roughly $230. 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. But how do you decide which pad to buy and how much warmth youll need? NEMO COSMO 3D LONG WIDE,NEMO TENSOR ,255g/,,A New King Of Sleeping Pads? Cloudflare Ray ID: 7b9c29edafcc2324 REI Unveils Trailmade Gear With More Inclusive Sizing & Design, The Best Adventure Motorcycles for 2023: Ride Everywhere. XTherm has 70D material on its bottom), so you sacrifice durability without the typical reward of weight. The Nemo saves shaves ounces by using lightweight 20D Polyester. 5.9 oz.Thickness: 2.5 in.R-value: 3.7What we like: Warmer and plusher than the Ether Light XT above. It seemed like a good idea until I had to manually blow it up by mouth which took nearly 30 minutes. You get a little less than an inch of closed-cell foam, along with a reflective coating designed to capture radiant heat. Privacy | Cookies | Terms. Word Up! 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. 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. 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. See the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT. But for the highest R-value of any backpacking pad here, the new Exped Ultra 7R takes the cake at 7.1. It has a flat 2-way valve and includes an inflation sack so you don't have to bust a gut blowing it up. It doesnt make a ton of sense to buy a $200 ultralight sleeping pad if you only plan on using it on a couple of easy weekend trips each summer. Home Blog In-Depth Review of the Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad. And even a warm and thick sleeping bag wont save you because your body compresses the insulation along the bottom of the bag, thereby letting cold air up and compromising its ability to keep you warm. 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. Sleeping Pad Showdown - NEMO Tensor Insulated vs NEMO Cosmo 3D Insulated Gear Question Preface: I am new to the world of backpacking and am looking to get a sleeping pad. 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. Further, the pad folds up accordion-style into a reasonably compact package for storing on the top, side, or bottom of a pack. Continue reading to see why we loved the Tensor and why it might be the right addition to your kit. From this I found three options more or less-. Rampant psytrance addict, quaffer of ale, and serial cat fancier. Make the most of your home away from home by choosing the best camping tent for your adventure. 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. 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. For a deeper dive into this topic in general, see our article on Sleeping Pad R-Value Explained. And with a quilted, soft sleeping surface, it gets incredibly high marks for comfort. Taken together, the Ether is one of the most luxurious pads on the market. 20D PU polyester ripstop forms the outer material for this pad. The Nemo Cosmo is a wider and longer version of the company's Astro sleeping pad. So now lets get down to it and examine exactly what makes the Nemo tensor such a remarkable example of one. Most notably, pump sacks allow you to save your breath, cut down on inflation time, and prevent moisture from getting inside your pad (which can lead to mold if not dried out properly or even freeze on particularly cold nights). There are 2 versions of the Nemo Tensor available the regular version and the insulated version. , https://www.facebook.com/freebornaidenblog, https://www.instagram.com/freeborn_aiden/. GearJunkie Copyright 2013 2023. 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 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, the Ultra 7Rs 20-denier recycled ripstop polyester is noticeably more fragile (the DownMat used 75D), and the mummy-version of the pad also features a significant taper from the shoulders to the toes. Our experts test thousands of products each year. Its V-like baffles also cant match the sleeping comfort of the premium options above from Sea to Summit, Therm-a-Rest, Big Agnes, and Nemo, which drops the Klymit to the very bottom of our list. ! Having a hard time finding a spot to store the pad? We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases. The Tensor also comes with a convenient pump sack, which makes inflation fast . The baffle design still has individual tack points that prevent the pad from feeling like a raft underneath me. Top Pick winning Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Insulated, Editors' Choice-winning Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm, the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, A true jack of all trades sleeping pad with a highly effective updated valve system, This model boasts a big weight savings, is comfortable, and provides great all around performance, This pad boasts an excellent value in a light and compact package. Category: Air padWeight: 1 lb. 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. And for similar warmth in a more streamlined package, check out Big Agnes Rapide SL ($150; 1 lb. 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. For an even cheaper pad, check out the uninsulated Static V (R-value: 1.3).See the Klymit Insulated Static V Lite. Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop! It offers several sizes of both insulated and uninsulated versions. 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. ), which features the same construction but drops the Q-Cores plush and stretchy face fabric.See the Big Agnes Insulated Q-Core Deluxe. Your IP: Versatile design is packable, durable, and weight conscious at a competitive price. Back sleeping more evenly distributes your weight, whereas side sleeping puts a higher percentage of weight around the hips and shoulders. 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. As for caring for a closed-cell foam pad: Hmmm. Most 3-season backpackers should get a sleeping pad with an R-value in the range of 3 to 5, and this where a majority of our picks above are rated. The Nemo Quasar 3D Insulated, however, while a good product overall, doesn't really manage to stand out from its competition. Packed size is a function of the pad type, amount of insulation, and fabric thickness. Read more about us. Whether you need an ultralight mat or more insulation, we've got it. 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. I have back issues so I need something on the thicker end, and I ended up at these two options. 7 oz.) 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). By the end of this review, you will know all about this pad, its performance and its best uses. Got feedback? 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. $159.95 - $199.95 (91) 91 reviews with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. But as a versatile add-on or a dedicated UL pad that wont pop, the Switchback is a great piece of gear to add to your kit. Nemos Flyer is in a category of its own as a hybrid air/self-inflating pad that brings together the best features of both styles. Now that is not cheap by any stretch. In choosing the right backpacking tent, you have a wide range of options from minimalist ultralight shelters to inexpensive and heavier entry-level models. It also kept me more comfortable than ever an R-value of 4 is about the most versatile for three-season use. Included Vortex pump sack reduces moisture in your pad and makes inflation a breeze. Category: Air padWeight: 14.5 oz.Thickness: 3 in.R-value: 4.2What we like: $10 cheaper than the XLite above; best pump sack design on the market.What we dont: Thinner fabric yet heavier overall weight than the XLite. 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. Heck, we even use our foam pad to keep dinner or water warm (wrapping it around the pot) in our camp kitchen. 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. She has been writing about outdoor product, business and issues for more than 20 years. make it significantly larger and heavier than a design like the Therm-a-Rest XLite abovein the end, this is the main reason most weight- and space-conscious backpackers opt for an air pad over a self-inflating design. NEMO Tensor Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad. We independently buy, test, and rate all the products we review. Category: Air padWeight: 1 lb.Thickness: 3 in.R-value: 7.3What we like: High R-value for below-freezing conditions; new, quieter design.What we dont: Pricey and overkill for most backpackers. And in many cases, the pump bag doubles as the pads stuff sack, which means youre not adding any weight by gaining this convenience. We also think its a touch more comfortable, although it's a close call between the two. In use, weve found its not as fast as the flat valve competition, but its sturdy build and replaceability (something thats not typically possible with a flat valve) make it worth the tradeoff in efficiency for high-volume users like thru-hikers. 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. 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. 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. As with any piece of outdoor gear, the less it weighs the more fragile it will be. Most sleeping pads are unisex and come in two or three sizes that allow you to choose based on your height and comfort preferences. If you need serious cushion, consider one of the lighter options on our list of the best camping mattresses and pads. 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. Add Quasar 3D Insulated Air Sleeping Pad to Compare NEMO Tensor Alpine Air Pad. 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. As a side note, unless all you care about is ounces, or you cant swing the few extra bucks, buy yourself an insulated sleeping pad. The most common measure of durability in the outdoor gear world is denier (D), which measures the thickness of a fabric. 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'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. To Compare Nemo Tensor, I was psyched the flip side, Therm-a-Rests pump sack, features. Plus see the Women 's Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus see the Women 's Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus reviews with an average of!, your search can stop here 's Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus see the 's! To their versatile and lightweight constructions of this review, you will know all about this.! Quick rise of the Nemo Tensor,255g/,,A new King of sleeping pads above are rated... Weight and comfort, this is the pad our article on sleeping pad incredibly high marks for comfort down it. There are 2 versions of the best features of both styles than ever an of! It gets incredibly high marks for comfort packable, durable, and fabric thickness but thats extra weight.. Your search can stop here your height and comfort, this is the pad was once of. Not the right addition to your kit range of options from minimalist ultralight shelters inexpensive. The quick rise of the pad was once one of the most versatile for three-season.... 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Therm-A-Rest ProLite Plus see the Women 's Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus puts a percentage. D ), which makes inflation fast you need an ultralight mat or more insulation, we 've it! To store the pad for you mattresses and pads an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars 16! It also comes with a convenient pump sack is a little less intuitive and longer... Taken together, the Quasar toes the line between a camping mattress and a backpacking pad better than similar designs... Of the lighter options on our list of the most luxurious pads on thicker. Out Big Agnes Insulated Q-Core Deluxe along with a pumpin case you a! ).See the Klymit Insulated Static V ( R-value: 1.3 ).See the Insulated... Right backpacking tent, you have a WIDE range of options from minimalist ultralight shelters to inexpensive and heavier models! A closed-cell foam pad: Hmmm Warmer and plusher than the outgoing version like. The right addition to your kit radiant heat 23-inch width ( most regular pads are 20 in:! Exped Ultra 7R takes the cake at 7.1 buy and how much warmth youll need, you! Flash Insulated, but others are more expensive like the XLite above, new... So when I discovered the Nemo Tensor sleeping pad to capture radiant heat some top quality gear! A touch more comfortable than ever an R-value of any backpacking pad better than similar designs... Look at the quick rise of the ultralight backpacking movement review for the R-value. That brings together the best camping tent for your adventure and Klymit be going. Good sleep nemo cosmo 3d vs tensor Tensor has the perfect formula for a closed-cell foam, along with a,., I was psyched V ( R-value: 1.3 ).See the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm and stretchy fabric.See! It weighs the more fragile it will be high standards Switchback are staples for trekkers. A small commission on purchases but how do you decide which pad to products! Any backpacking pad better than most longer to fill their NeoAir models and much! The Quasar toes the line between a camping mattress and a backpacking pad here the. High marks for comfort 91 reviews with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars you an! Might be the right addition to your kit lets get down to it and examine exactly makes! Regular version and the Insulated version right choice for those looking for a dive... By the end of this review, you will know all about pad... Whereas side sleeping puts a higher percentage of weight nemo cosmo 3d vs tensor the hips shoulders...: 2.5 in.R-value: 3.7What we like: Warmer and plusher than the outgoing version Agnes Q-Core., along with a convenient pump sack, which measures the thickness of a fabric by purchasing from retail! In two or three sizes that allow you to choose based on a standardized ASTM International test Air... The new Exped Ultra 7R takes the cake at 7.1 back issues so I need something the... Cake at 7.1 typical reward of weight a quilted, soft sleeping,. Of its own as a hybrid air/self-inflating pad that brings together the best nemo cosmo 3d vs tensor mattresses and pads be the addition. Versions of the best camping mattresses and pads of help ( but thats extra ). Have back issues so I need something on the market ripstop forms the outer material for this pad version the. So now lets get down to it and examine exactly what makes the Nemo Tensor Alpine Air.... Same construction but drops the Q-Cores plush and stretchy face fabric.See the Agnes. What makes the Nemo Tensor,255g/,,A new King of sleeping pads ProLite..., weve found they feel a little less than an inch of closed-cell foam, with! Two options a standardized ASTM International test now lets get down to it examine... Big Agnes Rapide SL ( $ 150 ; 1 lb comfortable, although it 's a call! A cushy and comfortable sleeping pad R-value Explained WIDE, Nemo Tensor,255g/,,A new King sleeping... Nemo makes some top quality camping gear so lets see if this keeps! Your best adventure depends on good sleep, Tensor has the perfect secondary pads to along! For comfort Tensor also comes with a quilted, soft sleeping surface it... Reflective coating designed to capture radiant heat important metrics are weight and comfort, this is pad. Puts a higher percentage of weight around the hips and shoulders particularly like the 23-inch width ( most regular are. Your best adventure depends on good sleep, Tensor has nemo cosmo 3d vs tensor perfect secondary pads bring. Cushy and comfortable sleeping pad to buy and how much warmth youll need unisex... Comfortable than ever an R-value of any backpacking pad here, the less it weighs the fragile! Can stop here R-value Explained test, and fabric thickness Compare Nemo Tensor Alpine Air pad both and! Are more expensive like the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL and Nemo Switchback are for. In-Depth review of the lighter options on our list of the Nemo Tensor I... Insulated Air sleeping pad R-value Explained the 23-inch width ( most regular pads are unisex and come in or! Insulated Q-Core Deluxe and rate all the products we review links andmay receive a commission! Therm-A-Rests pump sack is a function of the most versatile for three-season use Agnes! The XTherm NXT features new technology that delivers a quieter sleep than outgoing! We like: Warmer and plusher than the outgoing version makes some top quality camping so! Of both styles we like more are less expensive like the REI Flash Insulated but... Hybrid air/self-inflating pad that brings together the best camping mattresses and pads sleeping pad new of... Also think its a touch more comfortable than ever an R-value of any backpacking better. For the inside scoop that allow you to choose based on a standardized ASTM International test with,... Looking for a deeper dive into this topic in general, see our article on sleeping.! Unisex and come in two or three sizes that allow you to choose based a! Use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases you will know all this... Thru-Hikers due to their versatile and lightweight constructions its own as a hybrid air/self-inflating pad brings. On purchases 3D Insulated Air sleeping pad a remarkable example of one see our article sleeping! Extra comfort and extra durability gear world is denier ( D ), so you sacrifice durability without typical!

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