Yes, theyre the least comfortable option, dont pack as small, and dont have the highest R-values, but they also have exactly a zero percent chance of deflating in the middle of the night. Nemo Tensor Insulated ($200) Category: Air pad Weight: 14.5 oz. Continue reading to see why we loved the Tensor and why it might be the right addition to your kit. Theyre also the lightest option, while at the same time providing unmatched thickness. 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). Itll keep you more comfortable in summer as well as when its cool or cold. Again, thank you! 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. We really appreciate that NEMO makes the Tensor in several shapes and size options including mummy, rectangular, and the elusive regular-wide model. Nemo recently updated the Flyer with bluesign-approved materials (the fabrics are now 100% recycled), but the design remains the same. Rab Equipment is known for their alpine-ready outerwear, which offers no-frills performance at a reasonable price. Gear Questions. 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. Despite the very thin and simplistic nature of foam, well take the Switchback over a $150+ air pad with a hole any day. 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. 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 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 . We feel this is a fair price compared to other pads on the market. Finally, Nemo also offers a non-insulated version (R-value: 1.8) for $140, and it doesnt hurt that both models are bluesign-certified and made with 100%-recycled materials.See the Nemo Quasar 3D Insulated. 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 The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT is undeniably expensive, but youd be hard pressed to find another pad that offers the same amount of warmth and comfort at such a low weight. A critical spec in comparing sleeping pads is R-value, or how much insulation a pad provides from the ground. If you need serious cushion, consider one of the lighter options on our list of the best camping mattresses and pads. 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 a cheaper solution, Exped now offers their FlexMat ($40), but it doesnt pack up as small as the Switchback and Z Lite, and its thinner construction (0.7 in.) And then you wont have to keep the receipt. Packed size is a function of the pad type, amount of insulation, and fabric thickness. Below we break down the top sleeping pads for backpacking of 2023, including leading air, self-inflating, and foam models. 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. I car camp a good amount, wall tent and cot it with some hike-in weekender trips thrown in. The Tensor ranked high in the comfort metric. 7 oz.Thickness: 2 in.R-value: 3.3What we like: The thickness of an air pad and reliability of a self-inflating model.What we dont: Thin 20-denier shell; large packed size. 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. Weight is a primary consideration for many backpackersjust look at the quick rise of the ultralight backpacking movement. Finally, it comes with a lifetime guarantee so you can expect to get a lifetime of use from it. You get a little less than an inch of closed-cell foam, along with a reflective coating designed to capture radiant heat. First off, the pads packed size (11 in. 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 primary downside is a greater puncture risk, and its a big consideration. We found the top car camping and family camping tents for every budget and use. For an even cheaper pad, check out the uninsulated Static V (R-value: 1.3).See the Klymit Insulated Static V Lite. 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. 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. If having your best adventure depends on good sleep, Tensor has the perfect formula. 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. 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. 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). The action you just performed triggered the security solution. 20D PU polyester ripstop forms the outer material for this pad. 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. For both pads, the highlight was the large, elasticized opening on the stuff sack, which is the best design weve seen yet. For this review, we tested the insulated version out but the specs are largely very similar for both. 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. 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. 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. 9 oz). Both pads check in at a relatively heavy 1 pound 9 ounces (overkill for most backpackers), but feature soft-touch fabrics and thick cushion. ), the Insulated Q-Core Deluxe is a strong option for side and active sleepers and in chilly conditions. The Nemo Quasar 3D Insulated, however, while a good product overall, doesn't really manage to stand out from its competition. On that day I learned the true value of a good inflation system! Therm-a-Rest NeoAirs are sufficient in most instances). vs. 14.5 for the Nemo).See the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL. $159.95 - $199.95 (91) 91 reviews with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. It also kept me more comfortable than ever an R-value of 4 is about the most versatile for three-season use. 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. NEMO Quasar 3D - YouTube 0:00 / 2:42 NEMO Quasar 3D 1,462 views Oct 26, 2021 38 Dislike Share Save Enwild 76.7K subscribers Check out the NEMO Quasar 3D at Enwild:. 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). But for $10 less, the Nemo Tensor Insulated is nevertheless a premium backpacking sleeping pad thats well deserving of a spot at the top of our list.See the Nemo Tensor Insulated. Seasoned festival pros know too well the value of bringing a sleeping pad along with them for the ride alongside a good festival tent. Backpacking options are also often not as thick (exceptions include Sea to Summit's SI line), leading to complaints from side sleepers. Three inches of thickness absorbed any irregularities like grass clumps and provided lots of cushion for side sleepers. If you prefer a self-inflating build but want to keep things light and compact, we think the Flyer is well worth checking out. In terms of comfort-focused sleeping pads, the Q-Core Deluxe goes head-to-head with the Nemo Quasar 3D above. So does weight, however, so its important to find the right balance for your backpacking style. Stay Warm & Comfortable Camping in 2023! 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. All in all, its an impressive pad for just $100, and side sleepers especially will like the plush 3.25-inch thickness. 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. Treat it well, and it'll likely reward you for years to come. The Nemo Tensor is made from 100% bluesign-certified, recycled 20-denier polyester fabric. NEMO Tensor Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad. On the flip side, Therm-a-Rests pump sack is a little less intuitive and takes longer to fill their NeoAir models. But for the highest R-value of any backpacking pad here, the new Exped Ultra 7R takes the cake at 7.1. 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. You may notice a lot of chatter in product comments about being a back sleeper or a side sleeper. Air pad storage and care is a little simpler. 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. In terms of recommended ranges, summer-only backpackers who stick to warm conditions can get away with an R-value of 3 or less. Its available in mummy and rectangular shapes, in two lengths, and both insulated and uninsulated. On the flip side, we really like Sea to Summits Air Sprung Cells found on their Ether Light XT and Comfort Light pads above, which have a decidedly plush and nicely padded feel. Combined with raised baffles along the sides, the Klymit is a stable and roomy sleeping platform that is great for active sleepers. The Nemo Tensor Insulated makes for an outstanding Sleeping Pad at its $190 price point. The Tensor also comes with a convenient pump sack, which makes inflation fast . Further, their upright profile takes up space when rolled up, and they are slow to deflate. Okay, there are a few other tips. All current sleeping pads above are now rated based on a standardized ASTM International test. 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