Offering quieter, more supportive sleep at a tiny packed size, Tensor ultralight sleeping pad stands apart as the ultimate backcountry adventurer's best friend. 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. The most common measure of durability in the outdoor gear world is denier (D), which measures the thickness of a fabric. But many will appreciate the ProLites soft surface and the added security of the foam paddingand the price is hard to beat at just $125. Air pads dominate the backpacking market, but self-inflating models still have a place due to their convenient setup, greater durability, and cushy foam padding. Let us know! Ultralight backpackers cut every possible ounce and usually know how to take care of their gear (otherwise it would be an extremely expensive hobby, if it isnt already). 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. Lets elaborate. Theres no pad squeaking or crinkling at all. How can we improve GearLab? And importantly, the Flyer retains the supportive, plush cushioning of a self-inflating pad, which keeps you insulated from the ground even in the event of a leak. Category: Closed-cell foamWeight: 14.5 oz.Thickness: 0.9 in.R-value: 2.0What we like: Cheap and will never pop; thicker than the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite.What we dont: Not nearly as comfortable as inflatable sleeping pads. Tensor now features 100% bluesign certified, recycled 20D polyester fabrics. See the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT. Note that most sleeping pads have an R rating of 1.0 (good for warm weather) to 5.5+ (for use in extreme cold). 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. Got feedback? She has written and photogtraphed for more than 20 publications, and has served as a contributing editor at many of them. 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. XTherm has 70D material on its bottom), so you sacrifice durability without the typical reward of weight. The momentum in hiking footwear is moving away from bulky boots toward lightweight shoes and even trail runners that are faster and more comfortable. 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. More information. Added up, we see a lot of room for improvement in Rabs offerings, but if you want a pad to use and abuse and dont mind schlepping the added ounces, the Stratosphere 4 will get the job done.See the Rab Stratosphere 4. . With a 20-denier shell, the pad is similarly vulnerable to punctures as the brands much lighter Tensor, although (as we mentioned above) youll at least have a little foam cushioning with the Flyer to keep you protected if the pad gets a hole. And while $160 is a fairly competitive price point, you can save $60 with the Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra, which is both lighter and warmer. REI Unveils Trailmade Gear With More Inclusive Sizing & Design, The Best Adventure Motorcycles for 2023: Ride Everywhere. 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. The NeoAir UberLite has a lot of appeal for those looking to trim their base weight, but, unsurprisingly, it comes with a fair number of compromises. Featuring PrimaLoft Silver synthetic insulation and a very thick 3.5-inch construction (its sides are even taller at 4.25 in. The Nemo Tensor is made from 100% bluesign-certified, recycled 20-denier polyester fabric. But if you dont plan on venturing far from the car, we recommend a thicker and more luxurious camping mattress instead. 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! A good pad for the seasoned hiker that doesn't mind carrying a little extra for a great night of sleep. But for the highest R-value of any backpacking pad here, the new Exped Ultra 7R takes the cake at 7.1. Again, thank you! The Nemo Tensor sleeping pad line offers a variety of shapes (as well as insulated and non-insulated models) to address the needs of a wide range of . 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. The insulated version of the Nemo Tensor retails for $190 - $220 depending on what size you go for. 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. Close, Ladies & Gents, Its Time to Step Your GEAR Game Up. For high-altitude climbers, winter campers, or those who experience sub-freezing temps on their backpacking trips, Therm-a-Rests NeoAir XTherm NXT is worth a serious look. 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. vs. 6.8 x 11 for the Therm-a-Rest). 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. Youll see the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL strapped to a surprisingly high number of packs. 5.9 oz.Thickness: 2.5 in.R-value: 3.7What we like: Warmer and plusher than the Ether Light XT above. The original Tensor was somewhere between good and great. Category: Self-inflatingWeight: 1 lb. Of course there are still other differences - pad thickness and comfort, noise level, and the Xtherm uses 30d . Realistically, a double pad is fairly impractical as its heavy and bulky to pack, but it can be a fun option for couples and small families. Added up, the Quasar toes the line between a camping mattress and a backpacking pad better than most. 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). You get a little less than an inch of closed-cell foam, along with a reflective coating designed to capture radiant heat. 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. To address these issues, a number of manufacturers including Sea to Summit, Nemo, and Big Agnes have turned to flat valves. I'm looking for a r-value of 3.5+, 25" width, 2.5" minimum thickness, lifetime warranty and weight under 2lbs. The NEMO Tensor Alpine Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad is a lightweight insulated air mat that weighs 17 ounces and is 3 thick. This is part of REIs push towards inclusive sizing, and we appreciate the effort (with most pads, youll spend up for longer or wider models). Read more. There are 2 versions of the Nemo Tensor available the regular version and the insulated version. . 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. Frankly, who can blame them! Air pads offer unmatched compactness, often rolling down to the same size as a Nalgene bottle. Further, the pad folds up accordion-style into a reasonably compact package for storing on the top, side, or bottom of a pack. As for caring for a closed-cell foam pad: Hmmm. 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. 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. 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. Whether you need an ultralight mat or more insulation, we've got it. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Features When fully inflated, you get 3 inches or 9cm of plush, cushioned loft. Included Vortex pump sack reduces moisture in your pad and makes inflation a breeze. I agree with Bill, I fly mine indoors and outdoors, I let my friend fly them both outdoors in a 5-10 mph wind. We tested and review the best sleeping pads for backpacking in 2022. vs. 1.5 in.) This is where the trusty sleeping pad comes in. Stay Warm & Comfortable Camping in 2023! So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card! This basic 3/4-inch pad features tough closed-cell foam, a reflective coating for a boost in warmth, and a budget-friendly price of $58. 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.). And it's been upgraded for 2022, which kicks . 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. Read more about us. Combined with a good sleeping bag you can have amazing sleeping even in the wildest conditions! 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. And then you wont have to keep the receipt. It wont cover you if you burn it with cigarettes or anything (dont smoke inside your tent!!) Okay, there are a few other tips. This pad packs down relatively small for its massive inflated size. 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. We really appreciate that NEMO makes the Tensor in several shapes and size options including mummy, rectangular, and the elusive regular-wide model. 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. 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. Three inches of thickness absorbed any irregularities like grass clumps and provided lots of cushion for side sleepers. The self-inflating mattress was a revolutionary idea when the Therm-a-Rest was invented in 1972. Baffle Design ), slightly warmer (R-value: 4.5), and quieter, which was one of our primary gripes with the outgoing model. Category: Self-inflating/air padWeight: 1 lb. 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. yet packs down to the same size. Packed size is a function of the pad type, amount of insulation, and fabric thickness. Therm-a-Rest NeoAirs are sufficient in most instances). Have a look at the ThermaRest NeoAir XLite NXT instead. ! 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. 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. The uninsulated pad went from an R-value of 1.6 to an R-value of 2.5 but held strong at 13.8 ounces. The Tensor is great for three-season backpacking of any kind. Tensor : Multidimensional array :: Linear transformation : Matrix. NEMO Tensor Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad. 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. Your email address will not be published. Beyond the slim profile, they often have dedicated openings for inflating and deflating, and importantly, a flap that keeps air from escaping while blowing into the opening. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. 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. On the flip side, Therm-a-Rests pump sack is a little less intuitive and takes longer to fill their NeoAir models. 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. It is a great pad for hiking or camping during cooler climates and is reasonably priced for a product from one of the best camping brands. compared to 0.75 in.) For the same price, the Nemo is thicker (0.9 in. Category: Air padWeight: 1 lb. All that said, youll still feel rocks and roots beneath you much more than with the pricier air options above and below, and with an R-value of just 2 it wont keep you insulated from the cold ground outside of the summer months. If its stored compressed, the pad will lose its self-inflating nature because the foam will become overly compacted. To be fair, the differences are fairly minimal, and we always appreciate saving time and breath after a long day on the trail. It offers several sizes of both insulated and uninsulated versions. Weve tested countless backpacks over the years, but theres one that still stands the test of time: the backpacker-approved Osprey Aether. When deciding between the Comfort Light and the Ether Light XT above, there are a few things to keep in mind. In terms of comfort-focused sleeping pads, the Q-Core Deluxe goes head-to-head with the Nemo Quasar 3D above. Theyre also a whole lot more durable because the manufacturers dont have to use thin materials as a means to keep weight down. The Nemo saves shaves ounces by using lightweight 20D Polyester. Under a bed or behind a couch are popular options. From this I found three options more or less-. Backpacking pads are thinner and less plush than camping mattresses and pads, but the latest outdoor gear technology has made advances in this department. 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 action you just performed triggered the security solution. Sign up to receive GearJunkie content direct to your inbox. If your most important metrics are weight and comfort, this is the pad for you. 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. I car camp a good amount, wall tent and cot it with some hike-in weekender trips thrown in. Second-longest-serving member of team Broke Backpacker. The architecture of the design also helps to protect elbows and hips from poking through to the ground. The Nemo Tensor sleeping pad mixed an ultralight carry with a well-insulated, comfortable performance. Want more options? Our favorite self-inflating design is Therm-a-Rests ProLite Plus, which hits a nice balance of warmth, toughness, and price. on their Comfort Light, and 4 in. Its the size of a water bottle which means it will probably fit and slot snuggly into the side straps of your backpack. This pad has a similar design to the brands popular XLite above but adds more layers of ThermaCapture, which mimics a built-in emergency blanket by reflecting back your body heat. Can't resist a colourful shirt, and ideally one with zero buttons. Their new build allows for one-way inflationwith no air loss between breathsand twisting the side wings quickly release air. Nemo makes some top quality camping gear so lets see if this pad keeps up the high standards. Sleeping pads for backpacking are light, pack down small, and are reasonably comfortable. The original Tensor was somewhere between good and great. Category: Air padWeight: 1 lb. Thickness: 3 in. Now, youcould spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. 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). 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. The non-insulated version is $190. See the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite. Having a hard time finding a spot to store the pad? Make the most of your home away from home by choosing the best camping tent for your adventure. Remove all the air from the pad and keep it rolled up in its storage bag to protect it from punctures. We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases. Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop! All rights reserved. 6 oz.Thickness: 3.5 in.R-value: 7.1What we like: One of the highest R-value backpacking pads on the market.What we dont: Significantly tapered, relatively fragile, and overkill for most conditions. Dont plan on venturing far from the car, we recommend a and. Pad type, amount of insulation, we 've got it and hips from poking through to the.! 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