How to Choose the Best Sleeping Pad for Camping and Backpacking
NEMOÂ Flyer Sleeping Pad
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Combine the thickness of an air pad with the plushness and durability of a foam pad, and what do you get? The lightweight NEMO Flyer pad, which helps you recharge after a hard day on the mountain.
Shop similar productsKey Details
Insulated
Yes
Pad Thickness (in.)
2 inches
- New manufacturing approach removes 60% of the foam yet tremendously increases thickness (by 290%) and plushness when inflated, producing a sculpted topology
- Plush open-cell foam offers a second level of security on the trail
- New technology allows for the first self-inflated pad to use 3D sculpting
- Horizontal coring retains a higher R-value with less foam, so you don't have to sacrifice weight or packed size for warmth
- Ultralight 20-denier soft-touch fabric set is pliable and comfortable
- Zero-profile, multifunctional, microadjustable valve for fine-tuning and fast inflation/deflation
- R-value tested to the new ASTM Standard (ASTM F3340-18), ensuring standardized comparisons for thermal resistance of heat loss
- This pad has an R-value of 3.3, which makes it best for adventures in cool weather; it provides moderate insulation from ground temperature
- Most sleeping pads we sell range from 1.0 (good for warm weather) to 5.5+ (for use in extreme cold); the higher the R-value, the more insulated the pad
- Includes a repair kit
- NEMO offers a lifetime warranty on this pad
Imported.
View all NEMO Self-inflating Pads| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Sleeping Pad Type | Self-inflating |
| Sleeping Pad Shape | Semirectangular |
| Insulated | Yes |
| Insulation Type | Open-cell Foam |
| R-Value | 3.3 |
| Repair Kit Included | Yes |
| Stuff Sack Included | Yes |
| Sleeping Capacity | 1-person |
| Ultralight | Yes |
| Pad Thickness (in.) | 2 inches |
| Gender | Unisex |
Buying Advice
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Most Helpful Favorable Review
So quiet!
Cornishrooster5 years ago
After using the Thermarest Neo Air anything would be quiet in comparison but this pad makes no sound at all. It's half the R value of the Thermarest so I'll still keep the Neo Air for the colder nights but this will be my three season pad. With my Exped Shnozzel pumpbag this pad fills up in less than one full pumpbag. The TR by comparison took over five full bags to get there. The other two things I love about this pad are the non-slip grips on the bottom and the ridges keep me from sliding around while in my bag. Worth the extra 9oz of weight over the TR Neo Air.
For the folks that had a hard time rolling this up there's a simple trick - With the valve open, tightly roll the pad from the bottom without folding in the sides, close the valve once you get to the top, now unroll the pad and fold the sides in and reroll again. I was able to get it just as compact as it was when I bought it with this trick.
Cornishrooster
Alexandria, VA
20 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
Does not self inflate
Jess2 years ago
Does not self inflate. When you try to roll it up, it wants to hold air. It takes almost an act of God to roll the thing up because of that. It's "okay" comfortable. The price point was nice especially getting it off clearance. Pretty big sitting off the pack.
Jess
PNW
5 people found this review helpful
Customer Images
taylorkinz
A bit clunky but I sleep great
2 years ago
First let me say, this thing is comfortable. I love my Nemo Flyer. I'm a side sleeper so I need extra support for the hips and shoulders. That being said, this thing takes up A LOT of room in your backpack. The photos next to a water bottle don't do it justice, it's bigger, much bigger. It's a lot a bit of a pain to deflate, ie clunky. Going to consider the Tensor as a replacement someday. You won't go wrong with this pad but you need to be aware of a few drawbacks. Also, haven't had any leaking issues like others have mentioned though sealing and unsealing is a pain and I could see how that could lead to long term damage around the valve.
Age:25–34
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'4"
Yes , I recommend this product
StevenA
Received free product
Fresno, California
Great lightweight pad for people under 5'8
5 years ago
The NEMO Flyer self inflating sleeping pad has been a comfortable, sturdy/well balanced with movement, and well made. The material of the pad is soft and I liked how both sides of the pad had anti-slip designs which helped the pad stay in place on the tent floor as well as the sleeping bag stay on top without effort. This pad is 2 inches thick and weighs 1 pound, 13 ounces. I previously used an REI 3.5 inch memory foam sleeping pad for car camping, and the nice comfort and ease of use is very comparable. Due to the self-inflating design, the pack down size is a bit bulky for lightweight backpacking however it would be perfectly adequate for shorter backpacking trips. I would consider this pad as being best for back and stomach sleepers, I tried both and had a solid night sleep. I am 5 foot 5 inches and this wide regular length was perfectly adequate for me. My wife has now also used this pad several nights and reported the same levels of comfort for stomach sleeping. Although I have not gotten a chance to test this mat in night temps less than 47 degrees, it kept me very comfortable at 47 with a light sleeping bag. It is important to note that this pad length appears to be on the shorter side so the regular wide may not be the strongest option for anyone who is taller than 5'8. The rounded edges had aesthetic appeal, but the absence of those corners because of the rounded top and bottom made it feel much smaller to lay on. Both my wife and I were very happy with this NEMO pad and highly recommend it as a reasonably priced, comfortable and functional option. I really liked how this pad used a multi-valve system which resulted in quick deflation, and also came with a small repair kit attached in the bag.
Age:25–34
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'5"
Yes , I recommend this product
Markng2
Los Angeles
Awesome pad
3 years ago
After using it for a year or so, I am finally writing a review of it. Great for car camping, very comfortable for side sleeping (I am a side sleeper.) I had two of these, one started to leak and i could not for the life of me find the leak. So REI replaced it for free. Weight is not an issue for car camping. I've read folks taking it to the trails and backpacking with it. I camped in 0F with this item and slept pretty warm with just a blanket underneath the pad. It would be 5 stars but my issue is packing it back into it's bag. It almost always gives me a good fight, never really fully deflating. Otherwise, GREAT PAD!!
Age:25–34
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'6"
Yes , I recommend this product
DukesDozen
Wisconsin
Great build quality but I wake up sore
4 years ago
The downsides to this sleeping pad are purely subjective. Objectively, the pad is built well, lightweight, easy to fill and pack and the small non slip circles on the underside of the pad are effective in keeping the pad from moving around. Subjectively, I haven't had a good night sleep on this pad. I am a bigger guy (6' - 260lbs) who usually hammock camps so I am accustomed an extremely comfortable and restful sleep. Every time I have had to go to ground and I break out this pad, I am extremely stiff and sore the next morning. I wish it worked for me but it's back to the drawing board to find something that works for me when I can't hang for the night.
Age:35–44
Weight:250–275 lbs.
Height:6'0"
Yes , I recommend this product
Kevin
Received free product
Las Vegas, NV
Comfortable, but not perfect
5 years ago
I’ve used this sleeping pad for single nights as well as a couple of weekend camping trips. First, this pad is very comfortable and doesn’t make a lot of noise (which is big for those of us who move a lot in our sleep). The self inflating feature could use some work. It does not fully inflate, but it definitely requires much less blowing than standard pads. After leaving it open, it takes about 30 seconds of blowing to get it fully inflated, which isn’t bad at all. Unfortunately, I had to do this every night, as it would naturally deflate a little bit from night to night. The pack size and weight prevent this from being a great backpacking option, but this will now be my go-to pad for car camping!
Age:35–44
Weight:200–225 lbs.
Height:6'0"
Yes , I recommend this product
Cornishrooster
Alexandria, VA
So quiet!
5 years ago
After using the Thermarest Neo Air anything would be quiet in comparison but this pad makes no sound at all. It's half the R value of the Thermarest so I'll still keep the Neo Air for the colder nights but this will be my three season pad. With my Exped Shnozzel pumpbag this pad fills up in less than one full pumpbag. The TR by comparison took over five full bags to get there. The other two things I love about this pad are the non-slip grips on the bottom and the ridges keep me from sliding around while in my bag. Worth the extra 9oz of weight over the TR Neo Air. For the folks that had a hard time rolling this up there's a simple trick - With the valve open, tightly roll the pad from the bottom without folding in the sides, close the valve once you get to the top, now unroll the pad and fold the sides in and reroll again. I was able to get it just as compact as it was when I bought it with this trick.
Age:35–44
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'8"
Yes , I recommend this product
Oscar Z
VA
Nice design, but leks
3 years ago
I have never used Nemo products. This is a nice design; the ridges make it comfortable as they allow to latch an elbow or an ankle. But, alas, it leaks. I bought this pad after years (10+) of Thermarest and REI pads. It had a pinhole on top (clearly a defect in the fabric. Had to drive the next day 40 miles (and return) to buy glue. I returned it and bought another one. Used it a few nights and it was OK. Just the other day on my second camping trip with this pad, again, a leak. I use a footprint (four layers terp). I have been camping all my adult life. But this pad leaks. The valve also leaks, you must wiggle a bit. I am returning the second one and walking away from the brand.
Age:65–74
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'9"
No, I do not recommend this product
Lil G
Los Angeles, CA
A Fine Pad
4 years ago
I bought this pad a little over a month ago and tried it out on the Trans-Catalina Trail (3 nights). I'm pretty fussy when it comes to my sleep system, and I've loved my Nemo spoon-shaped bag, so I thought I'd give this a try. I've had three inflatable sleeping pads in my life, and I'd rate this one as second best. It inflated well, but not quite as much as I'd hoped. I used another brand of pump sack to force a little extra air into it. For being mostly self-inflating and also using foam, its compactibility and weight are impressive. I like the quietness of the material as well. Not a bad pad at all, but for me it was just good, not great.
Yes , I recommend this product
Originally posted on nemoequipment.com
Peterson
Received free product
Leavenworth, WA
Good Pad, But Probably Not for Ultra-Lighters
5 years ago
Used this pad twice since receiving it. Once car camping, and once on a two night climbing trip on snow (Mt. Clark). Both times I used it on top of my closed cell foam pad so using it by itself may yield different results. On first look, it doesn't seem to inflate fully and it's a bit difficult to use your mouth to add more air given the valve design. However, it was surprisingly comfortable at it's normal self-inflation level. The valve also is large enough that it was very easy to pack/deflate the pad. It is a bit large when packed and certainly not an ultralight pad, but it delivered a nice comfortable good nights sleep. I got the long/wide pad (I'm 6'3"/200 lbs) and it was a good size for me.
Age:45–54
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:6'3"
Yes , I recommend this product
AINH
New England
Loved it until it left my hips sore for 2 days
4 years ago
The flier was extremely well-made, warm and easy to use. The length, width and mummy shape were perfect. I really wanted to love it. I am a dedicated side sleeper with an hourglass shape and 25 extra pounds of curves. I like a very firm mattress (85 sleep number). Unfortunately, I woke up several times with hip and shoulder discomfort. 2 days later my hips still ache. I believe, even though I was very comfortable at first, my hips and shoulders must have been bottoming out. Sadly I am on my sleeping pad search again.
Age:45–54
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:5'7"
No, I do not recommend this product
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