Nemo Tensor Ultralight Sleeping Pad

Product Information

In creating such a lightweight monster insulator, Nemo did have to cut some corners — namely in the comfort and useability departments. Warmth and an ultralight profile are prioritized here. You can now directly compare the R-value of mats rated using the ASTM F3340-18 with confidence that is a fair and accurate comparison between mats. In simple terms, the higher the R-value, the warmer the mat. First up, this is an ULTRALIGHT sleeping pad which means it uses cutting edge technology and is purposely engineered to be as light as possible. When you are out hiking and camping, every ounce or KG you have to carry counts and so ultralight gear is a bloody godsend. Looking for something a bit warmer? Have a look at the ThermaRest NeoAir XLite NXT instead. Durability Note that most sleeping pads have an R rating of 1.0 (good for warm weather) to 5.5+ (for use in extreme cold).

The Tensor is inflated with air, and only air. It’ll leave you a little winded. More on sleeping pad types in our Guide. The thermometer on my watch read 25 degrees Fahrenheit for most of the night. My sleeping bag was rated to 20 degrees, but the Tensor is only rated for 30-40 degrees. (NEMO doesn’t use R-Values, but general temperature ranges). My legs were cold, and my frustration grew as I realized I had misjudged the weather. In short: The NEMO Tensor Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad proved to be both comfortable and warm, but the most obvious advantage was quietness. NEMO’s unique Spaceframe baffles allow suspension of two layers of an aluminized film within the air space of the pad, separating them from body movement. It provides silent nights and excellent support. NEMO Tensor Sleeping Pad Construction

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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. A small hole at the top of the pad allowed me to clip it to a sling in case the pad slipped from under me and flew away in the breeze. This also serves as an easy way to hang the pad up to dry if it gets wet. That was a simple added bonus that I haven’t seen on other pads. Overall, the Tensor Extreme is an excellent choice for a cosy, supportive, and lightweight sleeping pad. It will keep you warm and comfortable on your next camping trip, no matter where that may be. 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. In NEMO-speak, the number is the width, and “R” means Regular, “L” means Large, and “S” means Short. We tested the 20R Mummy, but it’s offered in many other sizes, as you can see.

An air pad with twist and pull valve usually takes this many breaths to inflate. You’ll be huffing and puffing.

Performance Comparison

The low-stretch trusses within the pad reduce springiness and provide a surprising balance of support and give, despite the four suspended film layers beneath you. I had some fears — particularly as a side sleeper — that the “suspended” nature of the Thermal Mirror sheets would lead to an uneven feeling. But I was pleasantly surprised at how stable it felt, even while tossing and turning. As a founding member of the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) Climate Action Corps, NEMO has set aggressive goals for making more climate-friendly materials choices. The Tensor now uses Bluesign-approved, 100% recycled, luxury polyester on the top and bottom.