How to Choose the Best Sleeping Pad for Camping and Backpacking
NEMOÂ Tensor Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad
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When you're on the trail, sleep isn't a luxury; it's a necessity. The NEMO Tensor Ultralight Insulated pad offers the comfort you need to rest well and get the most from your experience outdoors.
Shop similar productsKey Details
Insulated
Yes
Pad Thickness (in.)
3 inches
- Built on the NEMO proprietary Spaceframe™ baffle construction, this pad offers quiet, supportive comfort in an ultralight package
- Spaceframe baffles offer unparalleled stability and weight distribution using low-stretch, die-cut trusses that eliminate springiness
- This internal architecture also helps protect elbows and hips from poking through to the ground
- This insulated version utilizes multiple layers of suspended Thermal Mirror™ metallized film, resulting in a light, remarkably quiet sleeping pad
- Internal layer of ultra-thin film reduces convection currents and adds R-value
- 3 in. of quiet and supportive cushioning without the usual "waterbed" feel
- Included Vortex™ pump sack provides easy and fast inflation, saves breath at elevation, and minimizes moisture entering the pad
- Laylow™ zero-profile, multifunctional, micro-adjustable valve is flush to the pad and allows fine-tuning of comfort
- Features 100% bluesign®-certified, recycled, 20-denier polyester fabrics
- Packaging is made from recycled materials and is 100% recyclable
- NEMO offers a lifetime warranty on this pad
Imported.
View the NEMO Tensor Product LineView all NEMO Air Pads| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Sleeping Pad Type | Air |
| Sleeping Pad Shape | Rectangular |
| Insulated | Yes |
| Insulation Type | Synthetic |
| R-Value | 4.2 |
| Repair Kit Included | Yes |
| Stuff Sack Included | Yes |
| Sleeping Capacity | 1-person |
| Pad Thickness (in.) | 3 inches |
| Gender | Unisex |
| Sustainability | Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria |
Buying Advice
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Most Helpful Favorable Review
New valve design = fantastic
BottomlessBackpacks3 years ago
Received free productI had an earlier version of this pad and loved it, except for the issues I had with the valve. This new design is fantastic! It comes with an ultralight pump sack that is extremely easy to use and fast (the 2nd time using this pad it took about a minute to inflate). The new valve design also makes it easy to inflate and then close without losing any air.
Like the older Tensor pads, this one is equally compact and light weight. I used this pad in freezing temps (low 30's) and can vouch for its insulation--my sleeping bag doesn't have any fill on the bottom and I stayed plenty warm throughout the night. Compared to my Big Agnes insulated pad, the Tensor is lighter and more compact (and easier to inflate).
This pad is also extremely quiet, especially compared to other brands of sleeping pads I've used. The only drawback to this pad is the length--I have a short sleeping bag and this pad is too long to fit in the sleeve. I had to bring a silk bag liner to protect the pad from my dog's toenails.
Overall I'd highly recommend this pad--it's versatile and great for backpacking or car camping. I live in Colorado and camp year-round--this is a pad that I'd be comfortable using in both summer and winter!
BottomlessBackpacksReceived free product
Berthoud, CO
34 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
Easily punctured
Ross882 years ago
I have used this 18 nights since I purchased it. It now has 5 patches on it. I have spent 28% of the nights sleeping on the ground instead of this $200 sleeping pad.
Ross88
San Antonio
57 people found this review helpful
Customer Images
BottomlessBackpacks
Received free product
Berthoud, CO
New valve design = fantastic
3 years ago
I had an earlier version of this pad and loved it, except for the issues I had with the valve. This new design is fantastic! It comes with an ultralight pump sack that is extremely easy to use and fast (the 2nd time using this pad it took about a minute to inflate). The new valve design also makes it easy to inflate and then close without losing any air. Like the older Tensor pads, this one is equally compact and light weight. I used this pad in freezing temps (low 30's) and can vouch for its insulation--my sleeping bag doesn't have any fill on the bottom and I stayed plenty warm throughout the night. Compared to my Big Agnes insulated pad, the Tensor is lighter and more compact (and easier to inflate). This pad is also extremely quiet, especially compared to other brands of sleeping pads I've used. The only drawback to this pad is the length--I have a short sleeping bag and this pad is too long to fit in the sleeve. I had to bring a silk bag liner to protect the pad from my dog's toenails. Overall I'd highly recommend this pad--it's versatile and great for backpacking or car camping. I live in Colorado and camp year-round--this is a pad that I'd be comfortable using in both summer and winter!
Age:35–44
Weight:100–125 lbs.
Height:5'2"
Yes , I recommend this product
Scoutmaster Tech
Fort Worth, TX.
Comfortable, Light, Small - Recommended
2 years ago
I'm coming from a bad break-up with a Big Agnes AXL Insulated Long/Wide. I really should have listened to my friends and family (on this site and others) that told me the AXL would let me down. And it finally did. I thought I could fix it, I really tried. Some bonding here, a little mend there... but ultimately at 4:52am on a cold Sunday morning in February, it quit on me. It just left me there; laying on the cold, hard ground. All of the support and comfort - just GONE... in an instant. I was so depressed. This was to be my long time trail companion. Long walks along winding paths in the fall, relaxed naps under a canopy of shade trees, just so it could dump me on the ground 8 miles into the backcountry. Oh sure, I suppose I should be grateful for the good times we had, and at only 17 oz it was delight to spend time with. But that time is over, I've found something new. Something that friends and colleagues by the thousands assure me will treat me better. Welcome to the new Nemo Tensor Insulated L/W. Yes it's a little heavier than my previous engagement at 20.7oz, but it's also got a warmer personality @ 4.2R. So far it's only made it to 1 campout but with good results. My hopes are for a long-term relationship, something the AXL just couldn't give me. Time will tell, but the early stages of our courtship are promising. So the particulars: Dual valve system does make it quite a bit easier to deflate and stow since the entire valve comes out allowing nearly instantaneous air removal, especially when folding and rolling it up. Filling is also very easy - Nemo provides a pumpsack with the Tensor (and they should considering the price of the Nemo Tensor) and it's pretty good. However it's dead weight as it's ONLY purpose is as a pumpsack. My highly preferred alternative is the Big Agnes Pumphouse Ultra pumpsack/drybag. Nemo's attempt works great for the 1 thing it does. But for the added weight in my pack it's just NOT nearly as good nor as useful nor as light and multipurpose as the BA Pumphouse Ultra (https://www.rei.com/product/115082/big-agnes-pumphouse-ultra). I had to 3D design and print an adapter for the BA-to-Nemo, and it was totally worth it. You can find my adapter for free on Thingiverse if you need one (weighs 5grams). I've always paired my air pads with a closed cell foam pad like the Therma-a-Rest Z-Lite Sol or Nemo Switchback for added thermal support, pad protection and camp lounging. The closed cell Nemo Switchback was under my Big Agnes AXL that fateful morning in February and made the few remaining hours of getting back to sleep possible and relatively comfortable, considering the alternative. The pillow baffle is comfortable and I feel it contours better to roots and rocks you may be forced to sleep on. The advertising is accurate - I was able to get mine down to 3.25" x 7.25" @ 20.01oz End comments: The Nemo Tensor has a great warranty behind it, I hope I never have to use it. It is comfortable at 3 inches and a decent 3+ season R-Value of 4.2. Super easy to inflate and even easier to deflate. The pumpsack it comes with is fine for car and base camp, but if you're going for the lighter side of things and need to protect your down sleeping bag anyway - I'd highly recommend pairing it with the BA Pumphouse Ultra (NOT the Platinum).
Age:55–64
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:6'1"
Yes , I recommend this product
earthwinn
Received free product
Ironwood, MI
Light and Comfy
3 years ago
I've been a fan of NEMO pads for a while, but the new Tensor Ultralight Insulated is my favorite. It is light for a wide, insulated pad, warm enough for cold weather (though in really cold temps I use a NEMO Switchback underneath it), not as noisy as some competitors, and super comfortable. The pump sack works beautifully-took about 4 breaths to completely blow up the pad. I can't speak to durability yet, but I've had NEMO pads in the past and they hold up well, even though I'm pretty rough on my gear. The only improvement I could suggest is to make a wide mummy version of this pad some day.
Age:45–54
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'4"
Yes , I recommend this product
Robert
TX
Great pad
1 year ago
I bought this in store because it felt better and looked like it packed down better than all the other 20 pads they had on showcase. It's a pretty good pad, does pack down well it lightweight and comfy. It's easy to blow up and comes with alittle bag that helps. Would recommend, although the regular size is abit narrow so if you a bigger person maybe try the wide?
Age:18–24
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'9"
Yes , I recommend this product
HGHall
Received free product
California
Comfortable, stable, warm
3 years ago
Overall, this is a great pad and a welcome departure from other lightweight pads that are less comfortable, less stable, louder, and a little less user-friendly. Sure, there are lighter pads, warmer pads, and more comfortable pads, but this one does a great job of combining them into a nice little Goldilocks package. 15oz for a size regular with 4.2R value is a good place to be. The only thing that gives me a little pause is the 20D floor, which I would not trust on bare ground. I've really spent a lot of time improving my sleep quality in the backcountry and this will probably become a part of my regular kit. What stands out the most is that it has good lateral stability, meaning the sides don't collapse when you move around. If feels wider than it is. It's warm enough for any 3 season trip and you can easily augment the warmth with a 1/8 or 1/4 foam pad. It's also pretty quiet, which is very nice coming from a pad that crinkles like a potato chip bag. IYKYK. The valve is great. It's fast and easy to use. The only thing I wish was that it didn't pop out quite so easily when disconnecting the pump sack. This brings me to this product's weak link-the pump sack itself. Luckily, it can be improved and would even be a great value add. Basically, my issue with the pump sack is that it only does one thing: helps you inflate the pad. That's great and all, but some simple design fixes could make it multi-function and a lot more useful. 1. Make the opening much wider. As it is now, it's only a few inches across, and the instructions tell you to 'blow into the bag', which isn't the point of using an inflation bag in the first place. Human breath is wet, and you don't want moist air inside a sleeping pad. It also makes it impossible to use the bag as a stuff sack. 2. Add a cap to the pump nozzle. This would make it so you could do a few things with it if you wanted. You could use it as a waterproof stuff sack if there was a stiffening collar at the top of the bag and some ultralight clips. If they wanted to get crafty with engineering, they could even put a shower nozzle option on it so you could fill it with water, hang it from a branch, and take a shower. Why stop there? It would be pretty easy to turn this into a pillow too with a valve closure system and clips at the top. You could put it inside a t-shirt or jacket and VOILA! You'd have a great multi-use item. You're welcome NEMO. :)
Age:35–44
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:6'0"
Yes , I recommend this product
Kadiddlehopper
Received free product
Bell, Mt. Missouri
Quiet!!
3 years ago
Got to test this bad boy out on a couple of 32 degree nights! I was warm 2 night, and the pad stayed inflated all night. The pump sack that comes with it works as expected. I’m 6 ft tall and a slim 230 lbs. I’m a side, back and stomach sleeper (I roll like a crocodile)and I never felt the ground. I was mostly impressed with how quiet it was compared to some of my other ultralight pads. It’s a solid choice for an ultralight pad. I will definitely be using it again.
Age:45–54
Weight:225–250 lbs.
Height:6'0"
Yes , I recommend this product
jRod
San Francisco
This pad needs serious updates.
1 year ago
Read all the 3 star and below reviews. They are as real as you read them. Mine deflated on the first night and I couldn’t locate where it was leaking. I did not puncture it anywhere as I use a groundsheet for my tent. This is the second NEMO pad I’ve used. I am now staying away from them. Thank goodness for REI’s return policy. The only plus about this sleeping pad is that it’s is very lightweight. Do yourself a favor. Invest in heftier pads for durability. Stay away from this one and the Uberlite from Thermarest. I’ve now moved on to an Exped 3R and its durability is far superior than NEMO’s. No leaks for me! The Thermorest NXT Max is another viable option.
Age:25–34
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'11"
No, I do not recommend this product
HikingHeather
Failed on the first night
1 year ago
It didn’t make it through a whole night. I moved and heard air gushing out. I woke thinking I had somehow bumped the fill valve. Nope. At about knee level I found a 1”x1” L wrapped around a dimple. I wasn’t wearing anything sharp. Just a simple merino dress. Worse the pad didn’t come with self sticking patches large enough. Thankfully I had my sea to summit patches in my first aid kit. I was never able to get the pad leak free, but I got through my trip. Nemo pads are a never again for me. The pad failed, the patch kit failed, and Nemo requires me to pay to return for a warranty decision. No thanks.
Age:45–54
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'1"
No, I do not recommend this product
Hiker
Hancock, MI
Failed during the first use
1 year ago
Burst the first use. I heard a whooshing noise after moving in the night. It was so loud I thought I caught the valve with my hand. No there was a 1”x1” L around one of the dimples. The repair kit wasn’t adequate to fix it. No self sealing patches. I have to pay to mail it to Nemo to find out if they will cover it. It burst on the top. No punctures. I got through the trip thanks to having the patches for my sea to summit pad and another hiker who had some tenacious tape. I would trust this pad or company for my future four season needs. Thankfully is was a short group hike in warmer weather.
Age:45–54
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'1"
No, I do not recommend this product
BSal
Seattle, WA
Poorly Made - DO NOT BUY
2 years ago
This is the second Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad I have owned. I owned the old model (with the quick release valve) and it worked great, however, this new model has a design flaw and is very poorly made. After just a few uses the sleeping pad developed multiple holes along the natural creases and divots (see picture). This holes are very small and usually just cause a slow leak but pretty much render the pad useless. Go with a different sleeping pad!
Age:35–44
Weight:225–250 lbs.
Height:6'4"
No, I do not recommend this product
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