Nemo Tensor Ultralight Sleeping Pad

Product Information

Warm– The insulation in the pad is serious. It has the ability to basically add warmth to the temperature rating of most sleeping bags/quilts. Each sheet of film is slotted over these trusses, with different-sized holes in each sheet. That eliminates the need to weld them in place. By free-floating each sheet, NEMO not only cuts weight but greatly reduces the loud crinkly sound that is so common — and insomnia-inducing — with insulating air pads. Improved zero-profile, multifunctional, microadjustable Laylow™ valve offers customized inflation control, even at -20° F and below. The new film reduces how much body heat mixes with the air inside the pad, and how much the air inside the pad absorbs cold from the ground. The new construction upped the R-value of the insulated pad from 3.5 to 4.2 while keeping it at 15 ounces. 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.

Metalized film in sleeping pads isn’t new. The effective, compact, light solution minimizes heat loss but usually means dealing with a loud, crinkly pad. Once settled in for the night, I noticed that the air-textured surface isn’t as slippery as the thin nylon used on my other ultralight pads. The barely perceptible soft texture also makes less sound when sliding the sleeping bag across it, further enhancing the Tensor’s quiet nature.Spaceframe Baffles– The unique baffles system on the Tensor provides excellent stability and weight distribution, using low-stress, die-cut trusses that eliminate springiness. That’s not to say you can’t snag some serious Zs atop this pad, though. Yes, it’s a bit narrow and falls on the slippery fringe of the spectrum. But it boasts a plush 3.5-inch height and isn’t near as “bouncy” as other models I’ve tested, greatly improving sleep.

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. 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. Also, if you are camping in icy conditions then hard frozen ground can ruin your night’s rest and your vertebrae at the same time! 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. The NEMO Tensor is a sleeping pad that hits nearly every mark well in an overcrowded field. In both insulated and non-insulated versions it has a respectable weight for an air pad, has 3 inches of cushion that’s dispersed very evenly through the quilted baffles, and is nice and quiet when you roll over. Spaceframe™ baffles offer unparalleled stability and weight distribution, using low-stretch, die-cut trusses that eliminate springiness.Through thermal modeling, NEMO engineers figured out how to interlace a piece of plastic TPU film throughout the pad to choke off the convective currents. (Previously, NEMO used aluminized film.) The Tensor insulated is one of the lightest mats for its R rating so is a good option if you are looking to travel in colder conditions but are still wanting to save as much weight as possible. Weighing in at just 1lb 2 0z (the medium-sized version) this by far amongst the lightest sleeping pads we have carried. The Insulated version of the Popular Tensor mat, this version offers a very good weight to R value rating so is perfect for colder conditions where every gram still counts. The Tensor is inflated with air, and only air. It’ll leave you a little winded. More on sleeping pad types in our Guide.

An air pad with twist and pull valve usually takes this many breaths to inflate. You’ll be huffing and puffing. You’ll find the NEMO Tensor 20R in hot competition with many pads, including self-inflating pads and air pads, but we found it’s unique and dialed-in features top notch, while also being competitively priced. A fancy valve that lets you inflate and deflate easier than other twist and pull valves. More on sleeping pad valve types in our Guide.This is a unique example, but my climb allowed me to view and appreciate this pad from different angles. It proved the Tensor EC’s durability in harsher conditions than a generic camping trip. Using distinctly shaped baffles, the Apex™ design evenly suspends a record four layers of insulating Thermal Mirror™ film inside the pad. The strategic placement and number of layers combine to produce incredible warmth at as little as one pound, making this pad a winter-worthy companion that won’t weigh you down. Just as important, the floating construction prevents annoying crinkling noises so you and your camp partners can sleep soundly even on the most restless nights. Warmth, quiet, and 3.5 inches of stable cushioning together make Tensor synonymous with comfort. The NEMO dual valve system. The bottom valve only lets air in unless you put a little pressure on it, which allows the user to dial in the air pressure. NEMO Tensor Ultralight Insulated Pad Cons