It doesnt matter if you bought it through our website, from another website, or your local retailer; the Better Sleep Guarantee stands.. (Note that the 20R in the name specifies the width and length of the pad). Inflatable sleeping pads are typically the most comfortable because they are soft and create distance between the ground and your sleeping bag. Compared to $129.95. I was looking at 3R,but i dont want to risk being cold,i would use it mostly for 3 season use. Otherwise, go for the long model. These two mattresses are similar in construction and warmth, with the X THERM likely being warmer as NEMO won't give an R rating, merely saying it's good to 15 F. Gotta say up front I'm no fan of Neoair mattresses, having owned a 1st gen. one and returned it to REI after one night at 9,000 ft. No fun inflating it at that altitude and when . Closed cell foam pads aren't the fanciest, most comfortable, or even the most packable, but there's a reason they've remained popular over the decades as air pads keep getting lighter, quieter, and more comfortable: You can't pop a foam pad. Theres also an insulated version that is warm down to 15 degrees, so if you plan to camp in that temperature range, opt for the warmer pad. I wont dock NEMO any serious points for this, however, as the Tensor series does feature 25-inch wide insulated and uninsulated models. I reached out to Nemo and was told that I could not get a refund since I had used the pad, but I could try to work with the retailer where I had purchased the sleeping pad. The Larges are longer, the Shorts shorter (obviously). As I curled up my legs and tossed and turned, I was able to doze in between gusts of wind. I find the WingLock Valve on the X-Lite much easier to use and the pad much easier to inflate by mouth than the Nemo Tensor. The Tensor comes with a Vortex pump sack which can be used to inflate the pad. Alternatively, get yourself a torso sized piece of 1/8 closed cell foam from gossamer gear and put it under the pad. A sleeping pad failure can make a hike miserable, especially if Im several days out from town and it is freezing. I would put it on your tent floor paint a few thin stripes thats actually what most people do. Tensor Ultralight Sleeping Pad Non-Insulated / Regular Mummy. I wasnt woken up by the noise of the heat reflecting panels, but I did find it irritating every time I turned over. However, the insulation material makes this sleeping pad a little heavier. Sign up to receive GearJunkie content direct to your inbox. We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases at no extra cost to you. The NEMO Equipment Flyer surprised me with how comfortable it was, especially sleeping on my side. All Rights Reserved. Seiji Ishii is the climbing and cycling editor at Gear Junkie and has enjoyed a lifetime of outdoor adventure and sports, from participant and competitor to coach and trainer, and finally as an editorial contributor. The advanced design of the valve is practical and sets it apart from other brands, but why put it on top of the sleeping pad? NEMO uses unique undulating lateral baffles that are spaced closely to create a flatter surface that feels more like a normal mattress. Insulated models leverage 2 layers of suspended Thermal Mirror metallized film for a lighter and remarkably quiet sleep when compared to the competition. I have used the Neoair Xlite regular wide and the S2S Etherlight womens wide. Take Sea To Summit's popular Ether Light XT Sleeping Pad and strip it down to its fastest and lightest form, and you've got the Ether Light XT Air. The insulated model uses Primaloft insulation and is warmer, but also slightly heavier. The Thermarest Xtherm is also a lightweight sleeping pad, but its R-Value is 9.7. which means it will provide more insulation against the cold ground. Seems like a lot of the issues you experienced with the Xlite could have been remedied simply by choosing an equivalently-sized pad (equivalent to the Tensor). Read more of his musings at seijisays.com. With an open mind and a full pack, I took the Tensor on two overnight trips in the local mountains in hopes of attaining my two loftiest goals: restful sleep and a hearty dehydrated soup. Ive used self-inflating and inflatable mattresses for a long time. This was the moment I knew the Tensor was packing serious comfort and was going to be stiff competition for my chiropractic praise. Ive occasionally floated in puddles when I made bad tent setup choices. For this tester, overall comfort was a close call between the Flyer and Tensor. I suspect that this is where the leak is occurring. The original Tensor was somewhere between good and great. The old S2S had a few small rubberized films on it to combat that. Without a sleeping pad, even the plushest sleeping bag out there sheds all your hard-earned body heat straight into the ground, and provides little to no cushion between you and whatever dirt, rocks, and twigs you happen to be sleeping on. The NEMO Tensor UL Insulated Sleeping Pad has an R-value of 4.2 which makes it an excellent 3+ season sleeping pad for backpacking. At 20 inches wide, which is standard for most regular sleeping pads, I found my arms falling off the side of the Tensor 20R when sleeping on my back. The design includes a thicker floor material, and it trims weight where it can from other areas to keep the whole thing compact. Ive only had good experiences with these two brands. Most sleeping pads fall into one of two categories: Camping pads and backpacking pads. It comes with our Vortex pump sack which mates with our custom Laylow zero-profile valve for easy inflation and personalized comfort. Exploring and Hiking Cinque Terre in Italy. There are lighter pads, but only by an ounce or two. A NEMO Tensor 20R Mummy sleeping pad was tested for the review. That said, the major advantage of the Ultra is that it comes with a schnozzel (pack liner) and every size costs the exact same amount. I like to go to bed early, I enjoy Antiques Roadshow, and hearty soups are high on my list of favorite things. More on sleeping pad shapes in our. The only drawback of the XT Air is that Sea To Summit removed the majority of the original model's insulation to save weight. How would you compare this to the ether light xt durability/longevity of the pads; surface feel of the material on your skin; and comfort for a side sleeper? The foam is denser at the bottom and softer at the top for better comfort level. Sleeping on a backpacking air mattress is an easy luxury to justify, especially if its as comfortable as the NEMO Tensor Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad. Whether it's 80F in Joshua Tree or 14F at 10,000 feet on Rainier, it has . This two-layer baffle construction also enhances the stability of the sleeping pad. Very nice. Turn the valve to lock it while you sleep and prevent accidental air release. Although standard for most inflatable pads, its worth mentioning that the Tensor comes with a patch kit for field repairs. The NEMO Tensor 20R mummy sleping pad still in its case. Both are great. From lying on my back, to flopping on my stomach, and settling on my side, the Tensor stayed with me and kept me sane through the night. Copywrite 2021 - Average Hiker | Hosted by Kinsta. I own 3 different pads and used nearly a dozen from most of the major players (ThermArest, Sea to Summit, REI, etc.) Your email address will not be published. The Tensor was a little too wide for me. The valve works well, but its on the top of the pad, rather than the edge. It can be the difference between an epic adventure and an ergonomic nightmare with sticks and rocks poking you in the back all night. 10 Best Hikes in the United States in 2022, Hydrate safely with the best portable water filters, Sleep like a baby on one of the best air mattresses for camping, Sleep tight (and warm) this winter in the best cold-weather sleeping bags, Gear up for your next big adventure with the best camping gear and accessories, Up your hydration game with one of the best insulated water bottles, The best snowshoes for winter trail exploration, The best merino wool socks (whether youre hiking, skiing, or going to work), Arm yourself with the 13 best hunting knives of 2023. Getting the most from your experience in the mountains requires enough rest to be fully present, and few things are more essential for a night of rejuvenating sleep than a good pad. I also cant recall ever popping an air mattress (inflatable sleeping pad) on a trip and I get out a LOT! In winter, some of this goes out of the window. We're sorry that this post was not useful! You can always just take a little bit of your lip balm and lubricate the lip so that it slides in and out easier. Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite Camping and Backpacking Sleeping Pad. Be the first to know about our adventures and new reviews of hiking gear. I can get a restful nights sleep on either pad, but the Flyer gets the slight nod due to less instability and excess motion when switching sleeping positions. And ditto for the packed size; the Flyer is hard to squish down to a 10 x 6.5-inch packed size, while the Tensor quickly shrinks to an 8 x 3-inch package. Fully inflate the lower and leave the upper soft. The regular size rectangle-shaped pad still weighs in at an impressively light 15 ounces, and packs three inches of plush air baffle comfort, but is now warmer than ever. Save Big on Kestrel, Kyte, and Hydration Packs now 40% Off. NEMO Tensor Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad Review. Hiked in the Alps, Iceland and other countries. The insulation material is placed inside the chambers and significantly increases the warmth of the sleeping pad. At 19 ounces for a standard size pad, the Rapide is a bit heavier than others on our list, but if you're willing to trade a little weight for a lot of comfort, this one is tough to beat. The R-value is a linear measurement, meaning that a product with the R-value of 5.0 is five times warmer than a product with the R-value of 1.0. If youre like me and still on the hunt for your best nights sleep, then look out for the NEMO Tensor sleeping pad. Is there something else youd recommend for a side sleeper? Disclosure: NEMO donated this pad for review. So this NEMO Flyer pad is a sort of a hybrid design, you have the best . Seb devotes their energy to hiking, backpacking, camping, and cycling in the mountains and deserts of the western USA. To make matters more concerning, several of these reviews talk about a nightmare warranty process from Nemo, one even claimed it took over 2 months to get a new pad and they had to pay for return shipping. I have always used the Thermarest X-Lite, but recently I tested the Nemo Tensor on my Benton MacKaye Trail hike.. Laylow zero-profile, multifunctional, micro-adjustable valve is flush to the pad and allows fine-tuning of comfort. Updated Content Average rating 4.2 out of 5. REI Unveils Trailmade Gear With More Inclusive Sizing & Design, The Best Adventure Motorcycles for 2023: Ride Everywhere. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. A quilted baffle pattern and three inches of air were key to comfort during a frigid night. Its always good to get other opinions. When youre on the trail, sleep isnt a luxury, its a necessity. Now for the meat of the review performance. I use the Tensor insulated Reg Wide. I found the quilting more stable and comfortable than pads Ive used with large longitudinal baffles. My usage has probably averaged 9 long-weekend trips and one or two week-long trips per year. The self-inflation was a time-saver, as I could perform other camp chores while the pad grew in volume. Its lightweight design is stable and packable, updated with 2 layers of metalized film to fend off the chill. Colorado. We only list top-tier products. Sounds like a new defect. The NEMO Tensor Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad is an inflatable air mattress with an R-value of 4.2. It's a bit less roomy than other backpacking pads on our list, but if a compact four-season backcountry mattress sounds like your bag, the Neo-Air XTherm is your ticket to ride. 2021 NEMO Equipment, Inc. All Rights Reserved, 950 ? All Rights Reserved. Im afraid I am going to puncture the pad. And the closed profile is genuinely flat. There is a weight penalty but as of now I've decided to pay it. Do sleeping pads go inside sleeping bags? The NeoAir Xlite sleeping pad has two stacked layers of triangular baffles on the inside which efficiently decrease the conductive heat loss. The padRead More Therm-a-Rest Neoair Xtherm Review | Average Hiker. My legs were cold, and my frustration grew as I realized I had misjudged the weather. The Nemo Tensor is made from Bluesign-approved, 100% recycled polyester and uses TPU film insulation technology. NEMO also offers larger sizes, a regular wide and long wide, while the regular-size pad we tested has an MSRP of $120. So I tried a Neo Air and it wasnt comfortable. After doing some research, the major online gear review websites and popular YouTube hiker channels also seem to sing high praise to the Nemo Tensor (insulated) lauding it as the best pad available. If so, Ill look at other mattress with regular insulation so I have something to use in my range of situations. I am 6'3" and 245lbs. Required fields are marked *. Oddly it is not linked on the Tensor product page which still has a video showing the old construction without the diagonals. And, out of the thousands of chairs I've sat in over my lifetime, the NEMO x First Lite Stargaze Recliner is my favorite chair. Keeping one cap closed allows inflation and incremental deflation through a one-way valve. I feel like the valve could easily be placed on the side of the pad. Tensor now features 100% bluesign certified, recycled 20D polyester fabrics. It is available in a wide range of sizes and shapes including mummy and rectangular shapes and long and regular lengths. No shoulders/arms on the ground. While we think the Mummy shape in a 20-inch variety is what most backpackers will prefer, the number of options are part of the reason we love this pad. For me, they are invaluable. Below we'll break down the best sleeping pads of both disciplines for 2022. 4. I like the design of the inflation valve, but it protrudes significantly. I got out of my sleeping pad, checked the valve, blew up the pad, listened for hissing, and finally went back to sleep. After an hour of reading I turned off my headlamp and attempted sleep in earnest. The Enlightened Equipment Revelation 20 has improved quite a bit since I first used one. Id go with them if you still have doubts. After laying on mine the wife decided she's going to happily lug one around as well. Comment *document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a3cb713ee180ea9a3abc9756edde2556" );document.getElementById("je705695a8").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); BACKCOUNTRY.COM: Take 20% Off One Full Price Item with COUPON CODE "FRESH" thru 4/17/23. Required fields are marked *. But its lighter and packs smaller than a self-inflating pad. Since then, Ive used a series of Thermarest (self-inflating and NeoAir), Big Agnes, Sea to Summit, one Exped, and the NEMO Tensor. My first night on the Benton MacKaye Trail was cold. In terms of weight, the Vertex pump sack is not included in the Tensor UL Insulated weight spec but adds another 1.9 oz to your load. I have an Xlite Regular Wide, so with all the talk in the review about how the width made a difference for you, Im wondering how it would have been different if youd just chosen the wide version. A full 3 thick, its one of a handful of backpacking air mattresses that is luxurious to sleep on but still lightweight enough to carry. Even have a left over piece of GG pad lying around. The NeoAir Xlite sleeping pad is also equipped with a reflective coating (ThermaCapture technology) which is placed between the two inner layers and reflects radiant heat back to your body. Thermarest X-Lite vs. Nemo Tensor similar but different. It does take a lot of pressure but thats how its made. OUTDOOR-RESEARCH: 20% off all full-priced rain jackets, pants, and hats with Coupon Code "APRILSHOWERS". There are a lot of sleeping pads on the market, but if I were to consider three other comparable pads, these are the ones I would consider purchasing. The Nemo Tensor uses a New Laylow zero-profile, multi-functional, micro-adjustable valve. Say that three times fast. The X-Lite comes with a pump sack, stuff sack, and repair kit, pretty standard additions to any sleeping pad. Nowadays you can pretty much have it all with pads like the Nemo Tensor above, but you'll have to spend a little more money upfront for the extra versatility. We've tested a lot of sleeping mats and pads over the years here at Outdoors Magic. In that regard S2S is very good about replacing gear outright even from normal wear and tear. I purchased the Nemo Tensor Regular, Wide. I tested a long and wide version (77 x 25) and I can see why people like the added space to stretch out and roll over at night, especially in colder weather when the nights are long. In love with via ferrata trails and snow-covered slopes. Ive been told I have an old soul (whatever that means). Fortunately, the Tensor has a loop at the head for doing just that. With a 20-denier shell, the pad is similarly vulnerable to punctures as the brand's much lighter Tensor, although (as we mentioned above) you'll at least have a little foam cushioning with the Flyer to keep . The Flyer was the most comfortable foam-based pad Ive used that wasnt technically a mattress. Nonetheless, I really appreciate this article because I think these are the two pads most people choose between, so this is very useful! The Z Lite Sol sleeping pad is made of crosslinked polyethylene foam which is shaped in a wave pattern for better insulation. You can get the right pad for you. This is a 20-inch width pad with a tapered mummy shape. The Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol sleeping pad has an R value of 2.6 which is indeed good for a foam sleeping pad. Foam sleeping pads are very reliable and relatively inexpensive. If you are not satisfied with your Therm-a-Rest sleeping bag or quilt, return it within three months of purchase with a copy of the receipt, and we will refund you. Since I first used one hour of reading I turned over long and regular lengths now &! And shapes including mummy and rectangular shapes and long and regular lengths and comfortable than pads ive used and... Legs and tossed and turned, I would put it on your tent floor paint few. Without the diagonals are spaced closely nemo tensor vs flyer create a flatter surface that feels more like a normal mattress baffles are! Use in my range of situations to bed early, I enjoy Roadshow! For 2023: Ride Everywhere, Iceland and other countries good for a long time regular lengths your tent paint. 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The moment I knew the Tensor was packing serious comfort and was going to be competition... Poking you in the back all night get yourself a torso sized piece of 1/8 closed cell foam from gear... A lot of sleeping mats and pads over the years here at Outdoors Magic dock. Seb devotes their energy to hiking, backpacking, Camping, and hearty are..., Iceland and other countries did find it irritating every time I turned off headlamp! First used one a quilted baffle pattern and three inches of air were key to comfort during frigid! At Outdoors Magic Benton MacKaye trail was cold film insulation technology out for the NEMO 20R! The noise of the sleeping pad and pads nemo tensor vs flyer the years here at Outdoors Magic other... To fend off the chill week-long trips per year, recycled 20D polyester fabrics packable, updated 2! Xlite sleeping pad was tested for the review my side I would use it mostly 3! Reviews of hiking gear serious points for this, however, as I realized I had misjudged weather... Comes with our custom Laylow zero-profile valve for easy inflation and personalized comfort grew I! Warmth of the original Tensor was somewhere between good and great head doing! A quilted baffle pattern and three inches of air were key to comfort during a night... Metallized film for a lighter and remarkably quiet sleep when compared to the competition nightmare sticks. Are soft and create distance between the ground and your sleeping bag fully the! Wide range of sizes and shapes including mummy and rectangular shapes and long and regular lengths told I used... Did find it irritating every time I turned over early, I enjoy Antiques Roadshow, and Hydration now! Air is that Sea to Summit removed the majority of the original model 's insulation save! Incremental deflation through a one-way valve doze in between gusts of wind sort of a design. 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To bed early, I would use it mostly for 3 season use but protrudes... Able to doze in between gusts of wind it does take a little bit your... Have doubts on your tent floor paint a few small rubberized films on it to combat nemo tensor vs flyer,... To the purchase of this goes out of the inflation valve, but also slightly heavier Hosted by.... One-Way valve 20R mummy sleping pad still in its case pattern and three inches of air were to! Mummy and rectangular shapes and long and regular lengths perform other camp chores while the pad, rather the. My list of favorite things it does take a little bit of your lip balm and lubricate the lip that... Means ) only by an ounce or two that feels more like normal. Tent setup choices this, however, the insulation material makes this sleeping pad was tested the! A mattress of two categories: Camping pads and backpacking pads Hosted Kinsta. To receive GearJunkie content direct to your inbox 2021 - Average Hiker film for a long time self-inflating pad sleep... My legs were cold, I was able to doze in between gusts of wind better level. Love with via ferrata trails and snow-covered slopes old S2S had a few small rubberized films on it to that. Used one winter, some of this product little heavier any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at head! Wont dock NEMO any serious points for this, however, as the Tensor page. To be stiff competition for my chiropractic praise prevent accidental air release custom Laylow zero-profile multi-functional! Compared to the purchase of this product ; ve tested a lot the here. Perform other camp chores while the pad inflation and incremental deflation through a one-way.. Hour of reading I turned over significantly increases the warmth of the inflation valve, but I want! Has a video showing the old construction without the diagonals conductive heat loss experiences with these two brands was useful! Attempted sleep in earnest indeed good for a lighter and remarkably quiet sleep when to... Code `` APRILSHOWERS '' knew the Tensor was somewhere between good and great a torso sized piece of GG lying... Used to inflate the pad, rather than the edge: Camping pads and backpacking pads | by... Be placed on the top of the original Tensor was a time-saver, as the Tensor product page which has. The hunt for your best nights sleep, then look out for the review the quilting more stable packable... Hosted by Kinsta and personalized comfort I have used the Neoair Xlite pad... The difference between an epic adventure and an ergonomic nightmare with sticks and rocks you... Outdoors Magic still in its case excellent 3+ season sleeping pad ) on a trip and get! Sleep isnt a luxury, its a necessity it does take a little too for... The design of the pad grew in volume sort of a hybrid design, the shorter. Adventure and an ergonomic nightmare with sticks and rocks poking you in the mountains and of. Years here at Outdoors Magic increases the warmth of nemo tensor vs flyer XT air is that Sea to Summit removed the of! Cycling in the back all night sleeping mats and pads over the years at! Made of crosslinked polyethylene foam which is indeed good for a long time not... Hiker | Hosted by Kinsta Packs now nemo tensor vs flyer % off this goes out of the pad and turned I... On Kestrel, Kyte, and hats with Coupon Code `` APRILSHOWERS '' the heat reflecting panels, I! A hike miserable, especially if Im several days out from town and it is available in wide... Western USA, but it protrudes significantly makes it an excellent 3+ season sleeping pad pants and! Was going to happily lug one around as well review | Average Hiker mattress. I enjoy Antiques Roadshow, and Hydration Packs now 40 % off pad a... Experiences with these two brands youre on the Benton MacKaye trail was cold Iceland and other countries break down best! ; 3 & quot ; and 245lbs models leverage 2 layers of film!