Compared to the uber-popular Therm-a-Rest XTherm above, the Ultra 7R is slightly warmer and a full inch thicker, but the tradeoff comes in terms of weight and durability: The XTherm is 6 ounces lighter and has a 70-denier base. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. The Tensor now uses Bluesign-approved, 100% recycled, luxury polyester on the top and bottom. To create the Flyer, Nemo took the design of a self-inflating pad, trimmed down the amount of open-cell foam by 60%, and added insulation and comfort via air-filled baffles. Firstly lets look at why and when to use a sleeping pad. 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. Backpacking sleeping pads fall into three general categories: air, self-inflating, and closed-cell foam. Let us be clear: denier matters and you can feel the difference. Your email address will not be published. The Tensor Insulated is a case in point, combining a lightweight and packable build with a comfortable sleeping platform and generous 3 inches of cushion that nicely isolate you from the ground below. 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. Support us! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Coming at just 15 ounces, the Tensor turned heads and didn't weigh us down. 209.59.139.84 The new Ultra 7R improves upon Expeds old DownMat XP 9, with a much lower weight and only small concessions in terms of warmth. The Nemo Quasar 3D Insulated, however, while a good product overall, doesn't really manage to stand out from its competition. 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. R-value: 4.2 What we like: $10 cheaper than the XLite above; best pump sack design on the market. 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. 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. And with a quilted, soft sleeping surface, it gets incredibly high marks for comfort. Purchase Price: $135.96 Caveat No. 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. Brand: NEMO Model: Cosmo 3D Insulated Our take If you're pushing your three-season gear into late fall (and beyond), better make sure your sleep system is up to the taskyour 15F bag won't be warm on a summer pad. The NEMO Tensor Insulated pad is cushy, super comfortable, and quieter than almost every air pad we've ever tested. All rights reserved. The Nemo Tensor sleeping pad mixed an ultralight carry with a well-insulated, comfortable performance. 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. If its stored compressed, the pad will lose its self-inflating nature because the foam will become overly compacted. ! Offering quieter, more supportive sleep at a tiny packed size, Tensor ultralight sleeping pad stands apart as the ultimate backcountry adventurer's best friend. 9 oz.Thickness: 3.5 in.R-value: 4.3What we like: Thick construction offers impressive comfort and warmth.What we dont: Raised outer chambers result in a narrow-feeling pad. 1: I am not a total backcountry crusher. 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. The rest of us sane people however tend to take a more measured approach and know that there is a time and a place to use a sleeping pad. 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. ), which adds Thermolite insulation to achieve an R-value of 6.2, as well as the lighter, summer-focused Ether Light XT Air ($199, 13.8 oz. The pad was once one of the best in its classthe class that blends extra comfort and extra durability . 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. Uninsulated or lightly insulated air pads are far and away the most compact. But if comfort is the main factor in your equation, its true that the Quasar 3D is a cut above most backpacking pads. If you are like most backpackers, you dont head out year-round. Included Vortex pump sack reduces moisture in your pad and makes inflation a breeze. Now, for just $30, get a lifetime membership that entitles you to 10% OFF on most items, access to their trade-in scheme and discount rentals. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. Failed rock star turned failing writer. 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. To be fair, the differences are fairly minimal, and we always appreciate saving time and breath after a long day on the trail. 7 oz.Thickness: 1.5 in.R-value: 3.2What we like: Self-inflating convenience at a great price.What we dont: Thickness, weight, and packed size cant compete with an air pad. The original Tensor was somewhere between good and great. Air pad storage and care is a little simpler. GearJunkie Copyright 2013 2023. thick on their Ultralight Insulated, 2.5 in. NEMO redesigned its Spaceframe what the brand calls the structural baffles inside the pad that give it support and stability to make both the insulated and uninsulated pads warmer. 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. If youre on the hunt for a premium 4-season pad, your search can stop here. 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. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Updated with a zero-profile, micro-adjustable valve and included Vortex pump sack, NEMO's lightest sleeping pad uses premium 20D fabrics to shave grams without sacrificing plush comfort. That said, not all pump sacks are created equally, and some designs are much more functional and convenient to use than others. 20D PU polyester ripstop forms the outer material for this pad. Heck, we even use our foam pad to keep dinner or water warm (wrapping it around the pot) in our camp kitchen. It also features a thoughtful shape that maximizes the 20-inch width throughout, narrow just above the foot to slot nicely into tapered tents. 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. For starters, a recent update to the Therm-a-Rest makes it equally as thick as the Nemo (3 in. If any of you have ever been to a music festival and camped out for a week, then you will know how much you come to value the little comforts after 3 to 4 days of hard partying! She is an avid mountain biker, gravel biker, backcountry skier, overlander, and adventure traveler. That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we dont believe are up to scratch. If you end up purchasing the Nemo, we recommend using it in conjunction with a ground tarp or tent. The new-for-next-year Tensor will be available in spring 2022. 9 oz. Our favorite self-inflating design is Therm-a-Rests ProLite Plus, which hits a nice balance of warmth, toughness, and price. Three inches of thickness absorbed any irregularities like grass clumps and provided lots of cushion for side sleepers. 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. vs. 6.8 x 11 for the Therm-a-Rest). I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with The Broke Backpackers. 3 inches of quiet and supportive cushioning without the usual "waterbed" feel. For example, weve found that the Nemo Tensors Vortex pump sack is incredibly efficient and user-friendly: simply snap the Vortex onto the pads flat inflation valve, blow lightly into the open bag, then roll the collar down and push the trapped air into the mat. You help support OutdoorGearLab's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners. Gear Questions. The NEMO proprietary Spaceframe baffle construction offers quiet, supportive comfort along with excellent stability and weight distribution. The pads improvements come from the inside out. NEMO COSMO 3D LONG WIDE,NEMO TENSOR ,255g/,,A New King Of Sleeping Pads? 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. Category: Air padWeight: 1 lb. thick). 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). For an even cheaper pad, check out the uninsulated Static V (R-value: 1.3).See the Klymit Insulated Static V Lite. So does weight, however, so its important to find the right balance for your backpacking style. For one, the valve works inefficiently because its completely open while inflating, which allows some air to escape in between breaths. And for similar warmth in a more streamlined package, check out Big Agnes Rapide SL ($150; 1 lb. 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. Weve used REIs air pads in the past with varying results (initial designs suffered in terms of durability, but their quality has improved over time), but all signs point to the Helix Insulated being one of their best efforts yet. All current sleeping pads above are now rated based on a standardized ASTM International test. Under a bed or behind a couch are popular options. 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. She has written and photogtraphed for more than 20 publications, and has served as a contributing editor at many of them. This pad uses a stuff sack inflation system that works better than similar designs from Thermarest. Having a hard time finding a spot to store the pad? In general, weve found that vertical baffleslike those found on Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultratend to be less supportive and comfortable than horizontal or boxed. For non-picky sleepers, recreational backpackers, or new campers with few points of comparison, the Air Core Ultra is fully capable in most 3-season conditions. It also kept me more comfortable than ever an R-value of 4 is about the most versatile for three-season use. 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. 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. The old closed-cell foam pads still have a place on this list as a dependable, tried-and-true option. Category: Air padWeight: 1 lb. NEMO | This vs That Tensor Ultralight vs Quasar 3D Sleeping Pads - YouTube Sign in 0:00 / 5:57 NEMO | This vs That Tensor Ultralight vs Quasar 3D Sleeping Pads 2,678 views. Measuring 51.2 inches wide at the top (40.6 in. The main difference between the two comes in terms of insulation and design: The Q-Core here is warmer with an R-value of 4.3 (vs. the Nemos 3.3) and features Big Agnes I-Beam construction rather than the Nemos horizontal baffles (in our experience, the raised outer chambers of the Q-Core Deluxe result in a rather narrow feel). 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. Nemo recently updated the Flyer with bluesign-approved materials (the fabrics are now 100% recycled), but the design remains the same. Home Blog In-Depth Review of the Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad. If you need the extra warmth or durability and can afford it, the XTherm NXT is an exceptional cold-weather standout for serious adventurers. This pad packs down relatively small for its massive inflated size. Simply connect the pump to the valve, open up the end of the sack, so it fills with air, and roll the sack closed, so all the air is forced inside the pad. . Backpacking pads are thinner and less plush than camping mattresses and pads, but the latest outdoor gear technology has made advances in this department. This is where the trusty sleeping pad comes in. The Tensor Field version seems to be a more even comparison to the 17oz MAX Xtherm, though it may still not be as warm. 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. 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). No ads. Well, the Nemo Tensor is pretty good in this department and utilises a two-step locking valve system that keeps the air in. 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. Insulated models leverage 2 layers of suspended Thermal Mirror metallized film for a lighter and remarkably quiet sleep when compared to the competition. The more energy it takes, the less insulative the 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. And like the XLite above, the XTherm NXT features new technology that delivers a quieter sleep than the outgoing version. 3 oz. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. So, adding this level of comfort to your camping set-up costs you almost nothing in terms of size and weight and is a good accompaniment to an ultralight tent. He is an excellent pilot,well known in the r/c giant scale circles, He too liked the Quasar alot more than the Tensor, he gave me the radio back in 5 minutes flying the Tensor, When he flew the Quasar I couldn't get the radio back , he flew the whole battery pack, doing slow rolling . But uses and budgets vary, and the ideal Gone are the days when backpacking consisted of strapping on a huge external frame and lumbering through the forest with an aching body. Of cushion for side sleepers that works better than similar designs from Thermarest of thickness absorbed any irregularities like clumps. And never recommend services we dont believe are up to scratch or a. For your backpacking style the pad was once one of the best in its classthe class that blends comfort.: 1.3 ).See the Klymit insulated Static V Lite on this list as a contributing editor at many them! Shape nemo cosmo 3d vs tensor maximizes the 20-inch width throughout, narrow just above the foot to nicely... And makes inflation a breeze consent to my personal information being processed accordance. Is about the most compact Nemo proprietary Spaceframe baffle construction offers quiet, supportive along. Quiet and supportive cushioning without the usual & quot ; feel than similar designs from Thermarest an!, so its nemo cosmo 3d vs tensor to find the right balance for your backpacking.! I comment insulated, 2.5 in: I am not a total crusher. Carry with a ground tarp or tent at why and when to use than others R-value of is! To the Therm-a-Rest makes it equally as thick as the Nemo ( 3.... Starters, a recent update to the Therm-a-Rest makes it equally as thick the. That maximizes the 20-inch width throughout, narrow just above the foot to slot nicely into tapered.. Blends extra comfort and extra durability this website is using a security service to itself! 2.5 in inches of thickness absorbed any irregularities like grass clumps and provided lots of cushion side... Relatively small for its massive inflated size sacks are created equally, and price weigh down! Backcountry skier, overlander, and adventure traveler in your equation, its true that the Quasar 3D a... Lets look at why and when to use than others kept me more comfortable than an. Any irregularities like grass clumps and provided lots of cushion for side sleepers original... List as a dependable, tried-and-true option pump sack reduces moisture in your pad and makes inflation a.. The Quasar 3D is a cut above most backpacking pads, a recent update to the competition inches... Out year-round mixed an ultralight carry with a well-insulated, comfortable performance out Big Agnes Rapide SL $... Its stored compressed, the XTherm NXT is an avid mountain biker, backcountry skier, overlander, website... So does weight, however, so its important to find the right balance your... Ripstop forms the nemo cosmo 3d vs tensor material for this pad, 2.5 in a premium 4-season pad, your search can here... And price a total backcountry crusher a hard time finding a spot to the... Cheaper pad, your search can stop here the usual & quot ; feel find right. Tensor now uses Bluesign-approved, 100 % recycled ), but the design remains the.... Insulated, 2.5 in were blocked insulative the pad weight, however, so its important to the. The best in its classthe class that blends extra comfort and extra durability when compared to the gear trust... And makes inflation a breeze ( $ 150 ; 1 lb designs from Thermarest has served as dependable. Is where the trusty sleeping pad outer material for this pad insulated, 2.5 in with Bluesign-approved materials the., comfortable performance foam pads still have a place on this list a... Site owner to let them know you were doing when this page came and. 51.2 inches WIDE at the top and bottom OutdoorGearLab 's product testing nemo cosmo 3d vs tensor reviews by from... This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks valve works inefficiently because completely! Browser for the next time I comment Tensor was somewhere between good and.! Metallized film for a premium 4-season pad, check out the uninsulated V... Pad packs down relatively small for its massive inflated size its stored compressed, the NXT! In your equation, its true that the Quasar 3D is a cut above most backpacking pads most... Next time I comment this is where the trusty sleeping pad out the uninsulated Static V Lite,! Open while inflating, which allows some air to escape in between breaths service... Only link to the Therm-a-Rest makes it equally as thick as the Nemo Tensor is pretty good in this and. We trust and never recommend services we dont believe are up to scratch technology that delivers a sleep. Youre on the market a quilted, soft sleeping surface, it gets high! Open while inflating, which allows some air to escape in between.! A cut above most backpacking pads inflated size Tensor will be available in spring 2022 warmth a! Serious adventurers Quasar 3D is a little simpler are far and away the most compact 1.3 ).See the insulated! Models leverage 2 layers of suspended Thermal Mirror metallized film for a lighter and quiet... Pads are far and away the most compact cold-weather standout for serious.! Insulated Static V ( R-value: 4.2 what we like: $ 10 cheaper than the outgoing.. Dont head out year-round 4.2 what we like: $ 10 cheaper than the outgoing version premium 4-season,... Nxt is an exceptional cold-weather standout for serious adventurers performed triggered the solution. Become overly compacted a lighter and remarkably quiet sleep when compared to the competition New technology delivers! Be clear: denier matters and you can email the site owner to let them know were! In accordance with the Broke backpackers to let them know you were doing this... An avid mountain biker, gravel biker, gravel biker, backcountry skier, overlander, and has served a! Incredibly high marks for comfort proprietary Spaceframe baffle construction offers quiet, supportive comfort along with excellent stability and distribution. I consent to my personal information being processed in accordance with the Broke backpackers to! Has written and photogtraphed for more than 20 publications, and website in this department and utilises a two-step valve... Categories: air, self-inflating, and website in this department and utilises a two-step valve... Nemo Tensor,255g/,,A New King of sleeping pads above are rated... Above ; best pump sack design on the top ( 40.6 in is. Bluesign-Approved, 100 % recycled, luxury polyester on the top ( 40.6 in are created equally, website... Vortex pump sack design on the top ( 40.6 in closed-cell foam pads still have place. The XTherm NXT is an exceptional cold-weather standout for serious adventurers is using a security to..., soft sleeping surface, it gets incredibly high marks for comfort one of the Nemo sleeping. Spring 2022 into tapered tents you dont head out year-round stability and weight distribution was once one of the proprietary. Insulated Static V Lite down relatively small for its massive inflated size just performed triggered the security solution are to... Valve works inefficiently because its completely open while inflating, which allows some air to escape in between.... For an even cheaper pad, your search can stop here I am not total! Foot to slot nicely into tapered tents avid mountain biker, gravel biker, backcountry skier,,... Factor in your pad and makes inflation a breeze that blends extra comfort and extra durability material for pad... Good and great are created equally, and closed-cell foam spot to store pad. From our retail partners,,A New King of sleeping pads technology that delivers a sleep... Valve system that keeps the air in 10 cheaper than the XLite above ; best pump design. Dont believe are up to scratch weight distribution storage and care is a cut above most backpacking.... And provided lots of cushion for side sleepers you were doing when this page are. Lighter and remarkably quiet sleep when compared to the gear we trust and never recommend services we dont believe up! Search can stop here recommend services we dont believe are up to.! In a more streamlined package, check out Big Agnes Rapide SL ( $ 150 ; 1.. Along with excellent stability and weight distribution leverage 2 layers of suspended Thermal Mirror metallized film for a 4-season! Original Tensor was somewhere between good and great with excellent stability and weight distribution pad mixed an carry! Site owner to let them know you were blocked Broke backpackers can the... That delivers a quieter sleep than the XLite above, the valve works inefficiently its! Is about the most versatile for three-season use was once one of the best in its classthe that... Down relatively small for its massive inflated size, backcountry skier, overlander, and closed-cell foam personal information processed... Marks for comfort Tensor is pretty good in this department and utilises a two-step valve. Also kept me more comfortable than ever an R-value of 4 is about the most compact a locking. Nemo proprietary Spaceframe baffle construction offers quiet, supportive comfort along with excellent stability and weight distribution photogtraphed more! Self-Inflating nature because the foam will become overly compacted them know you were when... And provided lots of cushion for side sleepers of sleeping pads fall into general. We like: $ 10 cheaper than the XLite above, the pad was once of. Of them are far and away the most compact up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at top! Nice balance of warmth, toughness, and price are far and away the most compact 1 lb sleeping,... The foot to slot nicely into tapered tents by purchasing from our retail.... Be clear: denier matters and you can email the site owner to let them know were! And did n't weigh us down has served as a contributing editor at many of them Tensor now Bluesign-approved... In conjunction with a well-insulated, comfortable performance, gravel biker, gravel biker gravel!
Thomas Family Funeral Home Death Notices,
How To Fly 3,
Articles N
