NEMO  Switchback Sleeping Pad

$49.95to $59.95

Rugged, comfortable, versatile and lightweight—hallmarks of a closed-cell design—the NEMO Switchback sleeping pad even has a heat-reflecting film to keep the chill from creeping through.

Color: Skyburst
please select a Size
$59.95
$49.95
Quantity
Select size for delivery dates

Members get an estimated $5.99 (10%) back on this item as a part of your annual .

Treat yourself to new gear & clothing! Join the co-op to get a $30 bonus card when you spend $50. Details
To buy,  sign in as an REI Co-op Member or join now.

Features

  • Space-efficient design allows for 20% more thickness in a folded package that's smaller than the industry standard
  • Highly efficient hexagonal nesting pattern allows for taller, wider nodes, providing great plushness without increasing packed size
  • Taller nodes create 20% more space for uncompressed sleeping bag insulation, trapping more warmth around your body
  • Premium dual-density, abrasion-resistant Axiotomic™ foam offers a supple top layer for comfort and a resilient lower layer for premium support and years of adventures
  • Metalized thermal reflective film reflects heat back to your body and is durable, use after use
  • Use as a standalone pad for ultralight durability and comfort, or pair with another pad for extra insulation in extreme cold conditions
  • Packaging is made from recycled materials; please recycle it

Imported.

View all NEMO Closed-cell Foam Pads

Technical Specs

Best Use

Backpacking

Sleeping Pad Type

Closed-cell Foam

Sleeping Pad Shape

Rectangular

Insulated

Yes

Insulation Type

Closed-cell Foam

R-Value

2

Packed Size

Short: 20 x 5 x 4 inches

Regular: 20 x 5.5 x 5 inches

Sleeping Capacity

1-person

Pad Thickness (in.)

0.9 inches

Dimensions

Short: 51 x 20 x 0.9 inches

Regular: 72 x 20 x 0.9 inches

Weight

Short: 10.5 ounces

Regular: 14.5 ounces

Gender

Unisex

Reviews
466 reviews with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars

Ratings Snapshot

Product Rating

272 out of 309 (88%) reviewers recommend this product

Review this Product

Adding a review will require a valid email for verification

Average Customer Ratings

Ease of Use

Difficult to useVery easy to use

Product Weight

LightweightHeavy

Most Helpful Favorable Review

5 reviews with an average rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars
Good pad with one flaw
Traveler
6 years ago
Received free product
It is very good skipping pad on it's category. One thing that manufacturer didn't thought through though is that unlike similar folding pads from other manufacturers this one ends with sleeping side outward when folded. Since it's bulky most people end up strapping it to bottom of their backpack. That way it will be dragged through the dirt wet soil etc. whenever the bag need to be put off or be rained on. Then one ends putting it's precious sleeping bag on the same side. I don't see any reason why Nemo could not switch the panel layout so as the metalized bottom side protects the pad when folded. If they wanted it to look differently than competition no matter what they should add at latest some type of lightweight cover for it.
Traveler
San Diego, CA
240 people found this review helpful

Most Helpful Critical Review

5 reviews with an average rating of 3.0 out of 5 stars
Not without flaws
Funkmeister
2 years ago
Received free product
I purchased this to replace a similar item; the previous one had >150 nights on it and I thought I'd gift the well-used one to my sister's dog. My first hike with this was a Long Trail (Vermont) hike. For those with many miles on their bodies, this alone was not adequate. I am a rotisserie sleeper (I frequently toss and turn from side to side, back down, and belly down). I do not use a hammock. Every morning I woke with sore hips due to the lack of cushioning. I solved this by adding a Therm-A-Rest short pad, and it solved the problem perfectly. Most users will consider this a one- and two-half season pad. It's R-value is inadequate for chilly early and late-season use. However, the addition of a short inflatable pad makes it useful for colder nighttime temps. One of its biggest issues is that one usually carries it on the outside of the pack. Being exposed to inclement weather makes is unusable until it is wiped free of moisture. Much of where I hike (Northeast US) has plenty of precipitation, and I usually took about 20 minutes to wipe every divot--both sides--free of rain. For some, this could be a deal-breaker. On the bright side, it is impervious to puncture issues. A hole of any size does not affect the comfort or warmth. So, it's not perfect. Old people like me will probably find it too thin for a good night's sleep. But for the price and durability, I will recommend it with the mentioned caveats.
Funkmeister
RI
79 people found this review helpful

Customer Images

Kabulkate
Gilgit Baltistan & Hindu Raj mountains N Pakistan
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

The best backpacking mat you can get

2 years ago

I chose this mat after noticing that everyone on the Pacific Crest trail had one. I took it backpacking in N Pakistan this summer. I used it to sit on or stretch out on after a long days hike. Unexpectedly, it became a big hit with the shepherds who all sit on the ground. I got the long one even though I’m short and it was so comfortable to have the extra inches. I also got one for my friend/guide Aslam. He said he has a better mat now than most of his clients.

Age:55–64
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'4"
Yes , I recommend this product

Product Weight

LightweightHeavy
Helpful?
Caoran
Seattle
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Delivered on all the promises

6 years ago

I took this pad out on a beach hike in Olympic National Park near the rainforest. It was cold, wet and foggy. The ground I slept on was sandstone or wet sand with roots showing through. Because it was much bulkier than the inflatable I usually use I packed it on the outside of my pack but under the brain. It misted frequently so the pad got wet, but it shook right off before I put it in the tent. It was comfortable on all the surfaces and despite the temperatures getting in the mid 30’s I never felt the cold ground, not even when it was wet. I slept like a baby on it and have no complaints.

Yes , I recommend this product
Helpful?
BostonBecks
Massachusetts and Michigan
Rated 1.0 out of 5 stars

Buy If You Don’t Like Your Hiking Partner

1 year ago

Cocooned in my bag on Isle Royale my son comes into the shelter the first night and I roll over in dismay to see what on gods earth he’s doing as instead of bird night song the shelter is now filled with a cacophony of squeeking squeeling plastic horror. It’s this Nemo sleep pad. This occurred every night for 10 days, even worse in our 3 person Big Agnes where we were closer. When in a group my son sleeps with earplugs in so he didn’t know until the second night when he kept them out to see what I was talking about. He was laughing so hard it made me laugh, that was wonderful. He said he “was thankful for earplugs” and went to sleep. My thermarest does not do this so we’ll be switching to a sea to summit inflatable for him, or one like mine. 10 days of squealing and squeaking (the pitch and constancy was unreal) every time he moved at night was quite awful.

Age:25–34
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:6'0"
No, I do not recommend this product
Helpful?
Jackie
St. Paul, MN
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Dog needs mat

4 years ago

I needed a mat that would not be punctured by my greyhound's claws, as she requires a sleeping mat for packpacking (or she pushes me off of mine). This mat has become a best buy, because I can strap it on the the bottom of my pack and Sweet Pea is able to relax on breaks and sleep at night so much easier.

Age:Under 18
Weight:Less than 100 lbs.
Yes , I recommend this product

Ease of Use

Difficult to useVery easy to use

Product Weight

LightweightHeavy
Helpful?
Anonymous
Phoenix, AZ
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Switchback delight

4 years ago

Recently, I purchased a NEMO Switchback sleep pad at an REI Garage Sale, thinking that I would use it as a cold weather buffer between the ground and my sleeping pad. Since buying the Switchback though, I have found that it is the "Swiss Army Knife" of pads. It can be used by itself as a ground pad on warm weather hikes (saving me weight); it can be used as a sit pad on rough terrain (saving my butt); and it can be used as a "nap mat" for those mid-day lunch stops where a little down time makes the whole day better (saving my sanity). I can't think of a reason I would ever backpack again with out taking my new favorite piece of equipment. Thanks NEMO!!!

Age:65–74
Weight:225–250 lbs.
Height:6'0"
Yes , I recommend this product

Ease of Use

Difficult to useVery easy to use

Product Weight

LightweightHeavy
Helpful?
Articus
Rated 4.0 out of 5 stars

More comfortable than you'd think

5 years ago

I purchase this pad as a lightweight and affordable option to an inflatable sleeping pad. I am 6'1" and 175lbs and I fit on this pad perfectly fine with a 30° mummy bag. This foam pad is a lot more comfortable than its competitors, but not nearly as comfortable as an inflatable pad. I would recommend this product for those who want a light and affordable option and needs 2-3 season insulation. the only drawback I have with these types of pads are that: they have to be lashed outside of the backpack, and most packs have a horizontal flashing point, making it quite cumbersome and making it possible to get the pad caught in some thick brush.

Yes , I recommend this product
Helpful?
Sheri V
California
Rated 4.0 out of 5 stars

Lightweight, questionable durability

4 years ago

I used this pad for 3 nights while backpacking in eastern Sierras. I had it strapped to the bottom of my pack and slept inside a tent, so it was mostly protected. Comfort--not bad for being super thin. I am a side sleeper, so it's not going to work for longer trips, my shoulders were sore in the mornings, but it did give decent padding to my legs and hips Weight--hand's down, super light. No complaints here. I have the short pad (between my pillow and backpack at my feet, my 5'4" self never touched the tent floor), 10.5 oz is fantastic Cost--got it on sale around Thanksgiving so $35 bucks is great Warmth--surprisingly good!!! Nights were in the 40s, I have an EE 20' quilt, and with baselayer, fleece top, rain pants, wool socks, and a headband over my ears I was quite comfortable. The last night I stuffed the quilt and myself in a thin synthetic bag liner and I was happily toasty, even. Silver side down, orange up, works great Durability--after only 3 days, wear and tear is already evident. Clear compression where my straps held the pad to the bottom of my pack--and it was tight enough to not move around, not cranked as tight as it could be. Also, the edges of the mat and "nodes" are already showing some wear. I'm sure tougher thru hikers wouldn't worry about this, but I do appreciate comfort enough that I imagine a few more weekend trips will downgrade this pad for me to only being used with a second pad on top... And really, for me, that goes against the point of being a convenient, light pad. Overall--I'll use it until I can't use it anymore and appreciate having an extra season before having to break down for a $180+ UL inflatable pad. Worth buying it (on sale!)

Age:35–44
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'4"
Yes , I recommend this product

Ease of Use

Difficult to useVery easy to use

Product Weight

LightweightHeavy
Helpful?
Leticia
Little Rock, AR
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Warm and multiple uses

6 years ago

Just used this pad in 39 degree weather and at first I had it and a Sea to Summit Comfort Light inflatable on top. The Sea to Summit was too crinkly for me so I pushed it off and laid on this alone. It did not have enough cushion for my tired girl hips, but it was warmer than with the comfort light on top! We were on stiff, rocky ground full of thorny twigs underneath so it may do better by itself in other terrain. My buddy had one too and was very glad she didn't have to lay her inflatable directly on the bottom of the tent. I am excited to try it on my hammock as well, and of course, it makes a great camp seat (especially folded up) and windscreen. I am very happy with the pad.

Helpful?
hikinghan
Denver, CO
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Warm and Comfy

6 years ago

I just used this pad the last few days on a section of the Continental Divide Trail. It was a definite improvement from my well worn old thermarest. The temperatures dropped to the 30s (though it was hard to tell exactly) and I was toasty. I also camped in a spot with a lot of rocks under me and didn't feel a thing. I was debating between this and the popular thermarest z-lite (which a few friends have and have told me that's its a great pad). I decided to go with this pad because I read it has a little more cushion and the ridges are larger. I'll have to see how it stands up to more use, but for now I'm pretty happy with it!

Yes , I recommend this product
Helpful?
AINH
New Hampshire
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Just what I expected, nice quality

2 years ago

As expected for a foam sleeping pad. I got this for two purposes. It will be an extra under layer in my hammock for colder weather, and also the pad I take with me when winter day hiking in the White Mountains. Comparing this to my thermorest, It is a bit smaller and feels a bit firmer. An added bonus is supporting Nemo, which is a local business.

Height:5'7"
Yes , I recommend this product

Ease of Use

Difficult to useVery easy to use

Product Weight

LightweightHeavy
Helpful?
1 - 10 of 466 Reviews

Questions & Answers

Loading Questions...