How to Choose the Best Sleeping Pad for Camping and Backpacking

Think of it as the chaise longue of sleeping pads. With a slightly elevated head baffle and curved, body-mapped baffling, the NEMO Quasar 3D Insulated Air pad keeps you comfy, even on uneven terrain.
$19
10% Reward
on this and every eligible full-price item*
+
$30
Bonus Card
valid for 60 days after joining*
=
$49
Value
Keep shopping
Imported.
View all NEMO Air PadsBest Use | Camping Backpacking |
---|---|
Sleeping Pad Type | Air |
Sleeping Pad Shape | Rectangular |
Insulated | Yes |
Insulation Type | Synthetic |
R-Value | 3.3 |
Repair Kit Included | Yes |
Stuff Sack Included | Yes |
Packed Size | Regular: 8 x 4.5 inches Regular Wide: 9 x 5 inches Long Wide: 9 x 5.5 inches |
Sleeping Capacity | 1-person |
Pad Thickness (in.) | 3.5 inches |
Dimensions | Regular: 72 x 20 x 3.5 inches Regular Wide: 72 x 25 x 3.5 inches Long Wide: 76 x 25 x 3.5 inches |
Weight | Regular: 1 lb. 9 oz. Regular Wide: 1 lb. 14 oz. Long Wide: 2 lbs. 1 oz. |
Gender | Unisex |
Sustainability | Contains recycled materials Product meets the bluesign® criteria |
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
As a side sleeper it is far more comfortable than my nemo tensor. Added thickness and the shape keeps your hips and shoulders off the ground and in the middle of the pad. It’s well worth the extra bulk in a pack for the extra comfort. It’s slightly heavier than the tensor but it’s negligible, the big factor for most will be the added space it takes up in a pack. For me it’s worth it, the vast majority of the time. I’ll keep my tensor for occasions when I need the extra pack room but other than that, this will be my go to pad. R values are very close between the two so it’s a non factor for me when deciding which pad to take on a trip
I just finished the JMT last week with this pad. Not a single issue. It's thick, warm and very comfortable. I'm a side sleeper, and toss-n-turn quite a bit, but neither was an issue on this pad. I have another pad that has a higher R-value, lighter, but this one is much thicker and quieter. I highly recommend it, and plan to use it on future thru-hikes hopefully for years to come.
Took this on a 5 day self support kayak trip. Excellent balance of weight to comfort. Both of us are side sleepers and this pad did great. packs small enough for our whitewater boats and is not too heavy. Thanks NEMO
We were using one of those cheap Intex sleeping pads for awhile, but that thing was so uncomfortable and bulky that my wife and I needed something else. We initially settled on a self-inflating pad, but it just didn't work out for us. Based on reviews, we landed on the Nemo Quasar 3D. We wanted something that was decently portable since our car camping equipment was slowly growing. We also wanted something that would also insulate us from the ground, and also something that was comfortable. It was a bit spendy, but all-in-all it is perfect. Coupled with our sleeping bags, we were exceptionally warm. It was also very comfortable (for us). The only negative is that we should have gotten the wider version. If you like to roll around, something a bit wider is probably what you will need. Once we got used to it (2 nights or so), we found the Nemo Quasar 3D to be perfect. So far we have used it for about 40 days and no issues.
Female stomach sleeper here. Previously used a Powerlix ultralight sleeping pad because it was very light, had an R value of 4.4, and was easy to self inflate. Like any cheapish inflatable it began to lose air causing my boobs to smoosh uncomfortably right onto the cold hard ground. Was looking for an inflatable over 2” thick that was durable, light, and waterproof. This tics the boxes…I’m a happy camper..(que the drum and cymbal noise) Got the regular size though and do wish I would have gotten the wide so I could roll without concern.
I did a lot of reading and comparing before buying sleeping pads because I knew of we were going to enjoy backpacking, we had to be comfortable at night. We are in our 40s and in good shape, but my spouse and I have each had back and neck surgeries. We were not going to skimp on cheap sleep system, but I was still highly skeptical we could find something that met our criteria. After a dozen nights of sleeping on this pad, we are both surprised and impressed how well this pad suits us. The ground underneath hasn't always been smooth, and the 80 pound dog has helped himself to the pad (with sleeping bag on top) a few times (not recommended, but it happens). Nothing we have thrown at it so far has prevented the pad from giving us a good night rest.
Great lightweight 3.5" air sleeping pad. It is quite comfortable and quiet. I thought the inflation bag was a little more challenging with the narrow opening versus others with a wide full bag width opening. It is easy to inflate in the house or a stand-up tent. A little more challenging while in a backpacking tent. But, take your time because it does work and saves you from getting dizzy. I am a side sleeper and it helped tremendously. If you over-inflate the pad it gets firm and hip pain can develop. Make sure you adjust the air level/pressure to your comfort. I gave it 4 stars only because I prefer the type of air valves that can screw open to slowly adjust the air level during the middle of the night without having to sit up.
Used the Nemo Quasar 3D on my camping trip this week and had best nights sleep since I started camping again. I had used a thinner inflatable the previous 2 years and it wasn't as comfortable. I'm a Side Sleeper and I got the Regular Wide and had no issues with sliding off or overhanging the pad. I'm 66 so comfort is important to me and the Nemo Quasar 3D meet all my expectations.
I'm a little on the "bigger guy" side, so I was a little concerned about how well this little air mattress would work for me. Honestly, it's been absolutely fantastic. I swear, I often sleep better in my tent on this air mattress than I do in my king-size memory foam bed at home. I'm not a backpacker, so I don't need the most ultimately tiny, lightweight pack volume, but I do a lot of motorcycle camping, and for how little space and weight this thing takes up, it works really surprisingly well. I was very pleasantly surprised at how comfortable it is.
I've offloaded all of my other sleeping pads after getting this one. It's so comfortable that I'll even lug it to situations where I know I'll be sleeping on a couch as sometimes this is more comfortable. Rolls up to a pretty compact size, slightly larger than a Nalgene. I just pushed the limit of mine in a 20 degree overnight. It was sapping a little bit of warmth, but still held up really well. Probably my favorite piece of gear in my bag.