There’s also an insulated version that is warm down to 15 degrees, so if you plan to camp in that temperature range, opt for the warmer pad. In NEMO-speak, the number is the width, and “R” means Regular, “L” means Large, and “S” means Short. The NEMO Tensor Alpine pad is a great fit for someone looking for a cold-weather pad that doesn’t weigh a ton, is highly packable, provides full-night comfort, and is super-duper easy to inflate/deflate… (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); © 2020 Backpackers.com. The Larges are longer, the Shorts shorter (obviously). I feel like I’ve got the first two dialed in, but the “perfect” sleeping pad eludes me to this day. GearLab is reader-supported. Type and shape: Nemo Tensor is an air pad that is inflated with air and comes with a rectangular shape. NEMO uses unique “undulating lateral baffles” that are spaced closely to create a flatter surface that feels more like a normal mattress. More on sleeping pad valve types in our, Very thin material, almost see-through. Required fields are marked *. My first hike to Sheep Camp, however, was quite the opposite with sub-freezing temperatures, gusting wind, and a surprise ice storm. The Tensor’s fabric is a 20-denier polyurethane-coated polyester ripstop. I … Customer Reviews for NEMO Equipment Tensor Ultralight Sleeping Pad. This was the moment I knew the Tensor was packing serious comfort and was going to be stiff competition for my chiropractic praise. Nemo Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad Review. NEMO. You’ll be huffing and puffing. 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. Proudly hosted by WP Engine. This type of material represents an aggressive weight savings approach to pad design. Nemo’s line of Tensor sleeping pads have been around for a while, all sporting a lightweight 20D Polyester Ripstop fabric, options for insulation, and claimed weights between 385g … Sleeping in temperatures down to the the mid-30s at Bear Trap Camp, I was cozy and warm in a 20-degree sleeping bag. I like to go to bed early, I enjoy “Antiques Roadshow,” and hearty soups are high on my list of favorite things. Peek on their Instagram to see where their latest adventures are taking them! Buy Now $225.00. It’s undergone substantial improvement since we last reviewed it a few years ago including a new flat 2-way valve, new insulation, reduced weight, and inclusion of an inflation sack. I found the Tensor 20R comfortable in every position. Make sure to select the correct model when buying the sleeping pad. The advanced design of the valve is practical and sets it apart from other brands, but why put it on top of the sleeping pad? Why we like it a lot more than the previous version. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, The world's most in-depth and scientific reviews of gear, A good pad for the seasoned hiker that doesn't mind carrying a little extra for a great night of sleep. Nemo Tensor Review With the options of 5 different sizes, Nemo Tensor is the most popular backpacking sleeping pad in the company’s line. Nemo has the same color pad for insulated and uninsulated, and many retailers list them in one page, so the prices below won’t always be accurate. A good night’s sleep is crucial for success on the trail. Snap the valve closed to take a break between breaths or to release air and fine tune comfort while you are laying down. However the 48" version is a bit short for the Tango Solo. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. This year, I decided to give an ultralight pad another try and bought the Nemo Tensor Insulated Pad. Three inches is the high end of thickness for a sleeping pad, especially an air pad. I’ve gotten used to a 25-inch wide sleeping pad for my personal gear. The Tensor isn’t the original or main offender with the crinkle (that honor goes to the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite), but where does the madness end? In both insulated and non-insulated versions it has a respectable weight for an air pad, has 3 inches of … From lying on my back, to flopping on my stomach, and settling on my side, the Tensor stayed with me and kept me sane through the night. I, like most of us, have been through a few different pads. After a cold, gusty hike up the foothills of Mount Piños, I settled in at Sheep Camp, one of the highest camps in Los Padres National Forest at 8,400 feet. This popularity is based on its great comfort … NEMO Tensor 20: Review NEMO’s claims hold true; The Tensor did a good job supporting the body in the middle of the night. 30 degrees is pushing it though. I’ve been told I have an old soul (whatever that means). Check great and honest reviews! The Tensor reminded me why: the crinkle! The Best Sleeping Pads for Backpacking of 2020, Meet Pixie Cup: The Outdoor Menstrual Cup that Gives Back, Meet Surviveware Small First Aid Kit: The One-Pound, Perfectly Organized Backpacking FAK, Hikers Brew: Sustainable Flavored Coffee for the Outdoors, The Moosejaw 96 Hour Holiday Sale: Hand-Picked Deals. Home Looking at the features and benefits is great, but taking a look at what real-and-actual customers have to say about a product offers a deeper dive of insight. Nemo refrains from posting the R-value of the Tensor but claims that it is suitable for temperatures down to 30 degrees F at the lower end. 20/04/2018 Tim Ashelford. I’m pretty sure, though, that I have an old everything. Sleeping Pads My second hike took me to Bear Trap Camp and was truly pleasant. If you end up purchasing the Nemo, we recommend using it in conjunction with a ground tarp or tent. Tensor Alpine. For three-season backpacking, the Tensor proved up to the task. Metalized film in sleeping pads isn’t new. The NEMO Tensor is a sleeping pad that hits nearly every mark well in an overcrowded field. The regular model is 20 inches all around. Very nice. The relatively smooth surface welcomed a solid night's sleep. About the thinnest you can go with a sleeping pad. The Tensor does not fully deflate without folding or rolling it, but it does so relatively quickly. 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. Fortunately, the Tensor has a loop at the head for doing just that. It has … If your most important metrics are weight and comfort, this is the pad for you. With an open mind and a full pack, I took the Tensor on two overnight trips in the local mountains in hopes of attaining my two loftiest goals: restful sleep and a hearty dehydrated soup. Many other brands like Big Agnes and Exped are moving to flat plug valves because twist and pull valves can rip off by accident, and are generally more snag-prone. This is an issue of debate among backpackers — do you care about the crinkle, or not? After a quick rehydrated meal, the clouds moved into camp and I made my way to the tent. Below 30 degrees I was feeling the chill. The Nemo saves shaves ounces by using lightweight 20D Polyester. Its lightweight design is stable and packable, updated with 2 layers of metalized film to fend off the chill. The Tensor is priced competitively, and holds up over time, making it an excellent choice for your backcountry sleeping pad. My sleeping bag was rated to 20 degrees, but the Tensor is only rated for 30-40 degrees. It sticks up 1.5 inches above the sleeping surface and I found myself rolling onto it with my beautiful face, especially when lying on it without a sleeping bag, which I do often. The latest incarnation of the Tensor employs a micro-adjustable valve so you can easily dial in your firmness level, but what really impresses our testers is the Vortex Pump sack. The silky smooth fabric is comfortable to lie on directly when relaxing around camp. I was told never to settle on three things in life: my mate, my career, and my mattress. Standard with for Regular-sized pads. … Nemo tensor can be your ultimate adventure best friend. A NEMO Tensor 20R Mummy sleeping pad was tested for the review. For people who like a lot of padding, this is luxurious. If you’re like me and still on the hunt for your best night’s sleep, then look out for the NEMO Tensor sleeping pad. A mid-range price for a very nice sleeping pad. Thank you. (Note that the “20R” in the name specifies the width and length of the pad). The Tensor products with “25” in their name have a 25-inch width. Outdoor Gear Got feedback? The Tensor ranked high in the comfort metric. While it may not get my parents off my back, it will make my backcountry mornings more enjoyable. Naturally, when I picked up the NEMO Tensor 20R, I was incredulous that this sleeping pad would be any different. The Nemo Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad is not the most comfortable pad I’ve ever slept on (the Exped DownMat is slightly more comfortable for me). Let us know! More. Winter travelers will likely be better off with the 15-ounce Therm-a-Rest XTherm. At 20 inches wide, which is standard for most regular sleeping pads, I found my arms falling off the side of the Tensor 20R when sleeping on my back. More on sleeping pad size in our, Unique (and new) baffles on the Tensor utilize horizontal and vertical baffles to create stable, quilted pockets. It’s my job to be impartial when writing gear reviews, but my spine has its own agenda and better funding in swing districts. Through the night the wind picked up and the temperature fell. Backpackers.com is a small, independent team that writes unsponsored reviews and outdoor guides. Standard length for Regular-sized sleeping pads. The Tensor Insulated is a top-quality pad with great specs and aggressive weight savings. Seb devotes their energy to hiking, backpacking, camping, and cycling in the mountains and deserts of the western USA. This really comes down to personal preference, but note that pads with the metallic heat reflector technology will crinkle. If you're thinking about buying this product please use the links below – that really helps us. Color: Marigold, Fabric/Material: 20D … More on sleeping pad shapes in our. You can get the right pad for you. I was given the Nemo Tensor from Backcountry, but this review Is my personal opinion. NemoTensor sleeping pad by Ken, Verified Owner from CT, United States Updated on April 25, 2020 The NEMO … As I curled up my legs and tossed and turned, I was able to doze in between gusts of wind. The spring days were warm and breezy, and the nights were crisp and serene. NEMO rates the Tensor as comfortable down to 30 degrees Fahrenheit, and it works to this limit as promised. 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. And does your tent-mate care about it? We think it works better than similar pump designs from Thermarest and Klymit. If you want it insulated or larger the price goes up. Tensor is the term that identifies Nemos new Spaceframe baffles. Featuring ultralight fabrics, heat-reflecting technology, one of the most stable sleep surfaces I’ve ever tried, and three inches of plush comfort, the NEMO Tensor could very well check off one of your life’s goals. When it begins to narrow near the knee area it only tapers slightly to about 16 inches by time it reaches the end. Philip Werner NEMO, Sleeping Pad Reviews The NEMO Tensor Alpine Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad is a lightweight insulated air mat that weighs 17 ounces and is 3″ thick. Really, really small. I found the quilting more stable and comfortable than pads I’ve used with large longitudinal baffles. You help support OutdoorGearLab's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners. More on sleeping pad types in our, NEMO doesn’t participate in R-Value testing, so it lists a temperature range. If you're looking for true ultralight comfort, the Therm-a-Rest UberLite reigns supreme with a high comfort score and weighs just 12 ounces. Update: We tested the NEMO Tensor in 2017 (technically the Tensor 20R Mummy, which indicates the width, shape, and insulation of the pad). Your email address will not be published. We tested the 20R Mummy, but it’s offered in many other sizes, as you can see. We feel this is a fair price compared to other pads on the market. I got the regular sized mummy version of the pad and that was a great fit. Low weight and packed size are two great reasons to choose this pad. Two grievances come to mind when considering the NEMO Tensor 20R: the valve and the crinkle factor. All rights reserved. The three inches of padding supported me well and was thick enough to keep my shoulders and hips from touching the ground when sleeping on my side (an issue with thinner pads). This is not an instance where the Tensor fell short. 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. When the Nemo Tensor pad arrived in the mail I was pretty hesitant about it. We would recommend looking at the Tensor Insulated in a Regular Wide or Long Wide (25" … If you do a good job protecting this pad from external punctures, it is a competitive alternative to more costly mats like the Top Pick winning Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Insulated or the Editors' Choice-winning Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm. page for more information, and check out our gear reviews and outdoor guides. These baffles physically connect the top and bottom layers of the 3″ pad with a truss style design. I just took the Nemo Tensor pad on a … Sleeping Pads. Plugs make deflation quicker and easier, so for full durability points I’d want to see a flat valve on this pad. The NEMO Tensor comes either insulated or not, and it also comes in different shape and size options. It was time to talk about the sleeping pad that has been showing up in our videos. I don’t mind the minor weight penalty since it gives me a little more wiggle room and lets me put my arms at my side while sleeping. Overall we think these improvements are excellent, and still recommend the Tensor (and all its variations). I wasn’t woken up by the noise of the heat reflecting panels, but I did find it irritating every time I turned over. I was very wrong. It features a micro-adjustable valve and includes a Vortex pump sack and made of 20D fabrics which makes it the lightest sleeping pad. … How can we improve GearLab? This gave my feet more room to splay out without falling off of the edge and allowed for a more natural position when on my back. While the Nemo Tensor Ultralight Sleeping Pad has been on the market for quite some time, the recent 2019 updates have taken it from an easily overlookable pad to one of the best new … I got to review the insulated mummy pad, which is legitimately one of the best options available for … The effective, compact, light solution … It’s comfortable and packable — every backpacker’s dream. The quilt-like baffle design prevents edge collapse found on horizontal pads and the bouncy … As far as consumer competition, the Nemo Equipment Tensor goes head to head with the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm. Nemo Tensor Ultralight Sleeping Pad Reviews. When packaged, the Tensor 20R is about the size of a 32 ounce Nalgene bottle (the Gold Standard for comparing packability) and slides easily into my pack. The two-step locking valve on the Tensor is a variation of the twist and pull, and makes inflation and deflation simple. Not the lightest pad out there, but one of the most comfortable. I am 6' and it had plenty of length for me. I like the design of the inflation valve, but it protrudes significantly. These are affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and other retailers and brands. Nemo Equipment specifically designed their Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad to address the problem of an uncomfortable night’s sleep when camping. (NEMO doesn’t use R-Values, but general temperature ranges). It seemed too small to be as comfortable as the other pad I was using. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Nemo also offers this pad in uninsulated, short, and tapered variants that further increase weight savings. NEMO is updating the pad in 2019 with a redesigned flat valve, which looks to be much more functional than the previous valve. The sleeping pad maintains its width for most of its length. We really appreciate that NEMO makes the Tensor in … The Tensor beckons to weary backs at the end of a long day. Delivering lightweight comfort and cold-diffusing insulation, the NEMO Tensor Field insulated pad uses advanced technologies and construction to keep you warm and comfortable while on the trail. I was tired from the hike in and from being at altitude, but I couldn’t sleep. The NEMO Tensor is a sleeping pad that hits nearly every mark well in an overcrowded field. This makes the NEMO Tensor 20R our Classic Pick for the Wilderness Backpacker. I feel like the valve could easily be placed on the side of the pad. It took me 22 breaths and about 60 seconds to inflate the Tensor 20R at 8,4000 feet. Backpackers.com is a participant in multiple affiliate programs, including Amazon Services LLC. When it comes to sleeping in the backcountry, I’m no less crotchety: I’ve gone through so many sleeping pads in the pursuit of the Holy Grail that I’ve lost count of how many I’ve woken up on with a stiff back. It is a half-inch thicker than the NeoAir XLite, which we view as the Tensor… Reproduction without permission is prohibited. And the quilted baffle pattern emulates a true mattress. If you want the pad we tested, look for the Nemo Tensor 20R Mummy sleeping pad. Weight and size: It is … 20D PU polyester ripstop forms the outer material for this pad. Your email address will not be published. Nemo Tensor Review. Our mission is to empower all walks of life to be ambassadors of the outdoors. Below you’ll find various versions of the NEMO Tensor line. Check out our comprehensive guide to sleeping pads to find (and understand) your dream mattress, and read the full NEMO Tensor review below. And now to the crinkle factor. More on sleeping pad baffle types in our, A fancy valve that lets you inflate and deflate easier than other twist and pull valves. Some mummy models taper too dramatically and you end up with less usable sleep surface. I won’t dock NEMO any serious points for this, however, as the Tensor series does feature 25-inch wide insulated and uninsulated models. Read our About My sleeping bag helped with the cold, and the Tensor’s comfort in any position kept me relatively happy as I battled the elements for some solid shuteye. 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. This pad packs down relatively small for its massive inflated size. Continue reading to see why we loved the Tensor and why it might be the right addition to your kit. About the size of a standard Nalgene bottle. And isn’t that what life’s really about? Get the uninsulated version if you do 2-season backpacking, and the insulated version if you plan for 4-season backpacking or always want to be warm. Granted my parents told me the first two and a mattress salesman told me the third, but I still find guidance in those words today. It’ll leave you a little winded. Turn the valve to lock it while you sleep and prevent accidental air release. While we think the Mummy shape in a 20-inch variety is what most backpackers will prefer, the number of options are part of the reason we love this pad. I’m not sure if it was the cold temperatures or the valve itself, but the Tensor collected moisture inside which was visible through the light fabric. All trademarks property of their respective owners Even though I found a decent spot to put my tent, the large tree branches above made me anxious enough to fend off sleep. Get a better night's sleep in the backcountry with the NEMO Tensor insulated sleeping pad. Here we’ve curated reviews that reflect the Nemo Tensor … When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support. It’s spaceframe baffles offers stability, weight distribution and ensures a quieter sleeping experience. It’s plus, and makes sure you won’t touch the ground. Your back will thank you in the end. When broken down, that name means the Tensor pad (yellow in color) with a 20 inch width, in a size regular (72″ long), in the “uninsulated” version. Some pads we like more are less expensive like the REI Flash Insulated, but others are more expensive like the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm. Based on our testing of similar claims about other three-season pads, we suspect this pad has a warmth rating close to an R-value of 3. I hang my pads indoors to dry for a couple days after repeated use to reduce the possibility of mildew. It’s a three-inch pad when fully inflated, which feels like a deluxe mattress out in the woods. Their favorite trek was a thru-hike of the Big SEKI Loop in Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park, and they are planning a thru-hike of the Pacific Northwest Trail in 2021. The Nemo Tensor is a full three inches thick, which provides more cushion than any of the other inflatable pads in this test. The NEMO Tensor’s 20D fabric had me concerned about durability, but it did well even when camped on pine needles and lying on rocky sand. The pad is a tad lighter, includes a pump sack, and has a slightly more refined look. Treat it well, and it'll likely reward you for years to come. The NEMO Tensor 20R is another in NEMO’s growing line of equipment inspired by tried and true designs but with innovative twists. This pad uses a stuff sack inflation system that works better than similar designs from Thermarest. But the Exped is really in a different class than the Tensor due to its higher weight. I didn’t notice any underlying objects protruding into my back. I just finished using it for eight nights in the Sierra and here are my initial impressions. There are lighter pads, but only by an ounce or two. Nemo provides a lifetime warranty for all its products, specifically for defects in manufacturing. Its lightweight fabric makes rolling up the pad easy, and the included strap with hook-and-loop closure keeps the roll tight when placing it back in the stuff sack. 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Insulated sleeping pad this limit as promised, 8,400 feet is “ at altitude, but one of pad. ; © 2020 backpackers.com not the lightest sleeping pad would be any different picked up the...