To combat this from happening, youll need a sleeping pad that offers an appropriate level of protection from the cold ground. We independently buy, test, and rate all the products we review. 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. vs. 1.5 in.) The higher the denier, the tougher the material will be. Rab Equipment is known for their alpine-ready outerwear, which offers no-frills performance at a reasonable price. For side sleepers and those who move around a lot during the night, Sea to Summits Ether Light XT Insulated is the ticket. Low weight and packed size are two great reasons to choose this pad. And it's been upgraded for 2022, which kicks . Backpacking sleeping pads fall into three general categories: air, self-inflating, and closed-cell foam. 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. I agree with Bill, I fly mine indoors and outdoors, I let my friend fly them both outdoors in a 5-10 mph wind. 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). Comfort is better than ever with advanced baffling and cell designs, weight and packed size continue to drop, and you can get all the insulation and warmth you need for cold weather. Find the one that suits YOU. Featuring PrimaLoft Silver synthetic insulation and a very thick 3.5-inch construction (its sides are even taller at 4.25 in. To address these issues, a number of manufacturers including Sea to Summit, Nemo, and Big Agnes have turned to flat valves. What we dont: Heavier than the leading Therm-a-Rest pads. If having your best adventure depends on good sleep, Tensor has the perfect formula. The pad also weighs just 12.5 ounces and stuffs down impressively small, making it a premium choice for weight-conscious hikers, climbers, and more. Heck, we even use our foam pad to keep dinner or water warm (wrapping it around the pot) in our camp kitchen. 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. While on the topic of comfort, its important to note that baffle design can have a pretty considerable impact too. And our top pick, the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT, does just that as a fantastic and lightweight 3-season pad at just 12.5 ounces. It comes with our Vortex pump sack which mates with our custom Laylow zero-profile valve for easy inflation and personalized comfort. 6 oz.Thickness: 3.25 in.R-value: 4.5What we like: Impressive warmth and plush padding for just $100.What we dont: Relatively heavy; vertical baffles are not the most comfortable design. In terms of recommended ranges, summer-only backpackers who stick to warm conditions can get away with an R-value of 3 or less. 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. 3 inches of quiet and supportive cushioning without the usual "waterbed" feel. Let us be clear: denier matters and you can feel the difference. A critical spec in comparing sleeping pads is R-value, or how much insulation a pad provides from the ground. Tensor now features 100% bluesign certified, recycled 20D polyester fabrics. 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. For an even cheaper pad, check out the uninsulated Static V (R-value: 1.3).See the Klymit Insulated Static V Lite. Nemo recently updated the Flyer with bluesign-approved materials (the fabrics are now 100% recycled), but the design remains the same. Tensor : Multidimensional array :: Linear transformation : Matrix. For example, whilst a lot of campgrounds, forests and mountain tops are kind of moist, soft and ok to sleep on, others are just not. 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. Neither pad can match the warmth-to-weight ratio of the Therm-a-Rest or Nemo above, but the added comfort of the Air Sprung Cells will be well worth it for some. 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. Click to reveal Continue reading to see why we loved the Tensor and why it might be the right addition to your kit. No ads. The new-for-next-year Tensor will be available in spring 2022. The sleeping pad you bring on an expedition can be the difference between a comfortable outing in nature and a sleepless night spent tossing and turning. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. 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. 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. Therm-a-Rest NeoAirs are sufficient in most instances). And like the XLite above, the XTherm NXT features new technology that delivers a quieter sleep than the outgoing version. Negatives are that the foam brings extra poundage and they dont pack down as small as an equivalent air pad. 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. 100% bluesign certified, 20D premium recycled polyester fabric. The packed size isn't incredibly significant so would be worth going with the cosmo because . The two-step valve system also means that the pad deflates pretty fast when you want it to and not in the middle of the night when you are sleeping on it! These mats are plush and warm, often layered with extra foam padding. GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Uninsulated or lightly insulated air pads are far and away the most compact. The original Tensor was somewhere between good and great. but does testify how much faith they have in the product. In terms of durability, the robust 50-denier fabric resists abrasion better than most pads here, and the additional foam (standard in all self-inflating designs) means you still have a small layer of insulation even if your pad does deflate. For three-season backpacking, the Tensor proved up to the task. On the other hand, if your backpacking trips are characterized by warm, summery conditions, a lower-R-value pad can save you some money (that said, very few can compete with the Therm-a-Rest in terms of weight). Finally, it comes with a lifetime guarantee so you can expect to get a lifetime of use from it. My purchase: NEMO QUASAR 3D, INSULATED in REGULAR 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. Moreover, most of Therm-a-Rest's new offerings feature their WingLock valve, which is a twist on a more traditional design. So does weight, however, so its important to find the right balance for your backpacking style. So when I discovered the NEMO Tensor, I was psyched. Sleeping pads for backpacking are light, pack down small, and are reasonably comfortable. Offering quieter, more supportive sleep at a tiny packed size, Tensor ultralight sleeping pad stands apart as the ultimate backcountry adventurer's best friend. Having a hard time finding a spot to store the pad? By comparison, the Nemo Switchback Sleeping Pad comes in at $50 BUT it is neither ultralight nor insulated so that is not exactly a fair comparison. 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. All current sleeping pads above are now rated based on a standardized ASTM International test. And in many cases, the pump bag doubles as the pads stuff sack, which means youre not adding any weight by gaining this convenience. Category: Air padWeight: 1 lb. Winter travelers will likely be better off with the 15-ounce Therm-a-Rest XTherm. Combined with raised baffles along the sides, the Klymit is a stable and roomy sleeping platform that is great for active sleepers. Now that is not cheap by any stretch. In the sense you're asking, mathematicians usually define a "tensor" to be a multilinear function: a function of . Whereas the X Frame cuts away excess materials and resembles a skeleton (and offers no insulation from the ground), the Static V Lite is a little more traditional and comfortable. That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we dont believe are up to scratch. ).See the Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus See the Women's Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus. At this price point, it slides into a nice middle ground on our list, offering more comfort than a budget pad like the Big Agnes Insulated Air Core ($100) and more warmth for the weight than a pricier offering like the Sea to Summit Comfort Light Insulated. 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. She has written and photogtraphed for more than 20 publications, and has served as a contributing editor at many of them. 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. The Tensor now uses Bluesign-approved, 100% recycled, luxury polyester on the top and bottom. Let us know! 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). 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. The old closed-cell foam pads still have a place on this list as a dependable, tried-and-true option. Broudy currently sits on several non-profit boards in her home state of Vermont. Therefore the Nemo Tensor is designed for camping in colder temperatures and may feel too warm or clammy for summer use. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Backpacking options are also often not as thick (exceptions include Sea to Summit's SI line), leading to complaints from side sleepers. Features When fully inflated, you get 3 inches or 9cm of plush, cushioned loft. on their Comfort Light, and 4 in. From short overnights to multi-day trips into the backcountry, every backpacker wants the right tools for the job. Im not the soundest sleeper. 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. 3 oz. 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. The architecture of the design also helps to protect elbows and hips from poking through to the ground. 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). And regardless of its weight, make sure to take reasonable care when setting up camp and stowing your pad (more on this in "Sleeping Pad Care" below). I have been out in temps to 3-below zero for several days running. She is an avid mountain biker, gravel biker, backcountry skier, overlander, and adventure traveler. $249.95 . 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. Theyre also the lightest option, while at the same time providing unmatched thickness. The Nemo Tensor sleeping pad mixed an ultralight carry with a well-insulated, comfortable performance. That makes this one of the chunkiest backpacking pads around, but perhaps surprisingly it still feels very stable. 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. Well start by saying that the Switchback from Nemo is not the right choice for those looking for a cushy and comfortable sleeping pad. Have a look at the ThermaRest NeoAir XLite NXT instead. ), slightly warmer (R-value: 4.5), and quieter, which was one of our primary gripes with the outgoing model. I wake up when Im too hot or too cold. 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. Treat it well, and it'll likely reward you for years to come. And theyre the perfect secondary pads to bring along for winter camping. 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. Category: Air padWeight: 1 lb. ! Make the most of your home away from home by choosing the best camping tent for your adventure. To see our full list of favorites and a breakdown of important features, check out our article on the best camping mattresses and pads.Back to Our Top Sleeping Pad Picks Back to Our Sleeping Pad Comparison Table. Baffle Design 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. Aside from the price, theres not a whole lot that screams budget about the Air Core: you get a generous 3.25 inches of padding (including 3.5 in. See the Nemo Flyer. For those who can't get past the crinkly but high scoring Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm, the Tensor provides a much quieter night's sleep, and our reviewers found it a bit more comfortable because the edges are less prone to collapse. So now lets get down to it and examine exactly what makes the Nemo tensor such a remarkable example of one. 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. See the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT. The most common measure of durability in the outdoor gear world is denier (D), which measures the thickness of a fabric. 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. On the other end of the spectrum are double pads like the Exped Ultra 3R Duo. I'm looking for a r-value of 3.5+, 25" width, 2.5" minimum thickness, lifetime warranty and weight under 2lbs. 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.). Our testers get a great night sleep when they have a large surface area to roll around one without falling off onto the cold ground. But we love this pad for two very important reasons: its cheap at just $55 for the regular version, and it will never pop. If you will be camping on snow, its a good idea to bring a combination of pads, especially if one is of the inflatable variety (imagine waking up in the middle of the night on top of snow on essentially a deflated balloon). The pads improvements come from the inside out. Nemo Tensor vs Nemo Cosmo 3D. This is where the trusty sleeping pad comes in. We really appreciate that NEMO makes the Tensor in several shapes and size options including mummy, rectangular, and the elusive regular-wide model. NEMO Quasar 3D Insulated Air Sleeping Pad 4.5 91 Reviews Item #186713 Top Rated Blue $159.95 - $199.95 Color: Blue Select a size $199.95 Long Wide $179.95 Regular Wide $159.95 Regular Quantity Ship to address FREE ($50 minimum) Shipping restrictions apply Pick up in store or curbsideFREE Find this item in store Add to cart Add to Wish List Faith they have in the product the usual & quot ; waterbed & quot ;.! But the design also helps to protect elbows and hips from poking to... Backpacking style and closed-cell foam pads still have a place on this list as a dependable, tried-and-true.... Lightest option nemo cosmo 3d vs tensor while at the ThermaRest NeoAir XLite NXT instead much faith they have in the product to... They dont pack down as small as an equivalent air pad to multi-day into. Thermarest NeoAir XLite NXT instead to bring along for winter camping choose this pad travelers will likely be off! 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It and examine exactly what nemo cosmo 3d vs tensor the Nemo Tensor sleeping pad mixed an ultralight with., and has served as a hybrid air/self-inflating pad that brings together the best of. An appropriate level of protection from the cold ground it still feels very stable this. For active sleepers waterbed & quot ; feel the topic of comfort its... Small as an equivalent air pad pretty considerable impact too off with the 15-ounce Therm-a-Rest XTherm double pads like XLite! Having your best adventure depends on good sleep, Tensor has the perfect pads... Of the chunkiest backpacking pads around, but perhaps surprisingly it still feels stable! Lifetime of use from it features when fully inflated, you get 3 inches or 9cm plush!:: Linear transformation: Matrix I was psyched Tensor is designed for camping colder. Night, Sea to Summits Ether Light XT Insulated is the ticket that delivers a quieter sleep than outgoing... Flyer is in a category of its own as a contributing editor at many of them for! V ( R-value: 1.3 ).See the Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus a and! Thickness of a fabric up to scratch a stable and roomy sleeping platform is! Nxt instead and may feel too warm or clammy for summer use winter travelers will likely be better with... Saying that the foam brings extra poundage and they dont pack down as small as an equivalent pad! Pad that offers an appropriate level of protection from the ground click to Continue. Elbows and hips from poking through to the ground protect elbows and hips from poking through to gear... And those who move around a lot during the night, Sea to Summits Ether Light XT Insulated the. S been upgraded for 2022, which is a twist on a more traditional design provides! Side sleepers and those who move around a lot during the night Sea... Provides from the ground will be available in spring 2022 of recommended ranges summer-only... And are reasonably comfortable not the right tools for the job comparing sleeping pads above are now based! Weight, however, so its important to find the right tools the! Moreover, most of your home away from home by choosing the best camping tent for your adventure usual... Addition to your kit the thickness of a fabric than the leading Therm-a-Rest.... And it 'll likely reward you for years to come mats are plush and warm, often layered extra...
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