How to Choose the Best Sleeping Pad for Camping and Backpacking

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Get a good night's sleep in the backcountry with the short-length NEMO Tensor insulated sleeping pad. The stable, lightweight design was updated with 2 layers of metalized film to deflect the cold.
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View the NEMO Tensor Product LineView all NEMO Air PadsBest Use | Backpacking |
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Sleeping Pad Type | Air |
Sleeping Pad Shape | Mummy |
Insulated | Yes |
Insulation Type | Synthetic |
R-Value | 3.5 |
Repair Kit Included | Yes |
Stuff Sack Included | Yes |
Packed Size | 2.5 x 8 inches |
Sleeping Capacity | 1-person |
Ultralight | Yes |
Pad Thickness (in.) | 3 inches |
Dimensions | 48 x 20 x 3 inches |
Weight | 9.3 ounces |
Gender | Unisex |
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I like this pad because it is so small, light, and comfortable. I should have picked the regular pad instead of the regular mummy model as I think it tapers too much at the feet so that isn't as comfortable and the one ounce difference isn't enough to make it worth it. Other two suggestions are that I think it'd be good if the nylon felt a little more durable so I wouldn't be as worried it may get punctured and you have to remember to hold the tab for the inflation valve when you disconnect the inflation bag so it doesn't let the air out. Otherwise, this is a very good pad and I recommend it for backpacking!
Weight is great for such a high R-value, and works well with a quilt. Darn comfortable and provides a great nights sleep. Also tough as nails. My wife uses one for sleeping, and our husky/malamute mixes each have their own so they're not sleeping on the ground. They're 60+ lbs each, and we have yet to see any wear issues. Love this product.
Blows up super quick with the pump sack and deflates just as easily. Very warm and comfortable. I was a bit confused at first on how to adjust the fill level without deflating the entire pad, but it is just a simple push of the center of the valve to dial in your firmness level. Packs down SUPER small.
Bought a Tenor for bikepacking as reviews suggested it was light weight, compact and quiet. It has completely lived up to all these. I've used it once so far and had a great nights sleep on it. Have not used it often enough to see how it holds up over time but it seems very well made.
Warm, light, compact, easy to inflate, a high quality addition to my gear. I am 6’3”, but have always preferred weight saving shorty sleeping pads, using my pack under my legs or a foam pad when it gets cold. Pad kept me warm on a 2 nighter on the Long Trail in VT with temps dropping to freezing. The three inch inflated thickness provided comfort sleeping on my back and side. Nemo eliminates any needless weight without sacrificing comfort packing to the size of 1/2 a burrito. Pad inflates in 3 minutes with the included inflation bag. Very pleased with this purchase.
I had an older version of the Tensor Nemo (Insulated) and loved it so much I bought this new version for my Dad, complete with the pump sack. When I saw the ease in which he was able to inflate his sleeping pad after a long day in Alaska, I quickly bought this sleeping pad for myself as well and it's been one of my best upgrades to date. No potato chip bag sounds if you roll around, it's compact, lightweight, COMFORTABLE, and the insulated sleeping pad is seriously worth it. I highly recommend this sleeping pad to all of my friends - and to you as well!
I purchased this sleeping pad for bike packing in Scotland. Required features are light weight, small packed size, insulation, and comfort. This pad checks all the boxes. Due to Covid, my trip is delayed. I have tested it at home. Inflated 30 days ago, sleeping on it for 24 nights. Very comfortable; pad has maintained inflation level with no need for additional air. I am certain this pad will perform as needed in the Highlands. Very happy with my choice to purchase the Tensor Ultralight pad. Considering buying a NEMO Dragonfly bike packing tent next.
Fantastic pad in terms of features for weight/size. Flat valve is much more comfortable than the old version, but can leak more easily if you don't make sure that it is completely sealed. Insulation held up well even when sleeping directly on ice. Very comfortable and the size/weight makes packing it a breeze. All of the Tensor pads could benefit greatly from anti-slip coatings on the bottom. They slide all over the place on sil-nylon or DCF tent bottoms and if your camp has any slope at all you will slide all over during the night.
I have yet to use this one. The first one I bought I loaned to a friend for her Mt Rainier climb and she liked it so well I sold it to her. The pad looks great but there is a 3+ oz wt difference between the stated wt of 9 oz, and the weight of 12.3 oz I got on my accurate scale. I weighed the pad, stuff sack and the air bag for inflating. Disappointed at a 12 oz wt. Will have to see how it works when I take it out.
I finally got rid of my REI pad, and went with this pad. I am 5'3" and weigh 170 lbs, so this size is perfect. It is so tiny, I am totally looking forward to taking it on future backpacking trips. It comes with a tiny repair kit (if needed) and a little baggy to help you put air in your pad (so no need to huff and puff air in). I haven't taken it out in cold weather yet, but I am planning to do Rim-to-Rim at the Grand Canyon in mid-October, so I'm sure it'll hold better than my old one.