How to Choose the Best Sleeping Pad for Camping and Backpacking
NEMOÂ Tensor All-Season Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad
$199.95 – to $229.95
With a 5.4 R-value, this NEMO sleeping pad offers greater warmth for 4-season use. Its durable construction is stable, supportive and quiet for a restful night's sleep.
Key Details
Insulated
Yes
Pad Thickness (in.)
3.5 inches
Weight
Regular Mummy: 14.1 oz.
Regular: 1 lb.
Regular Wide: 1 lb. 3 oz.
Long Wide: 1 lb. 4 oz.
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- Interior features the NEMO proprietary Spaceframe™ baffle design, which utilizes low-stretch fabric trusses to create stable support and offer just the right amount of give
- Inside each baffle are 2 suspended layers of ultra-thin, metallized Thermal Mirror™ film, which efficiently reflect body heat and contribute to the pad's overall 5.4 R-value
- The layers' floating construction eliminates the crinkling sound that many insulated air pads are known for, earning Tensor a reputation for peace and quiet under the stars
- Armed with premium, durable 20-denier nylon on top and 40-denier nylon on the bottom, the pad is better protected against punctures and tears
- Included Vortex™ pump sack provides easy and fast inflation, saves breath at elevation and minimizes moisture entering the pad
- Improved zero-profile, multifunctional, microadjustable Laylow™ valve offers customized inflation control, even in cold temperatures
- 3.5 in. of stable, cushioned loft for incredibly comfortable nights
- bluesign®–approved premium nylon fabrics shave grams while offering superior puncture- and tear-resistance
- Available in a wide range of sizes to easily pair with the rest of your sleep system
- Protected by the NEMO Lifetime Warranty
Imported.
View the NEMO Tensor Product LineView all NEMO Air Pads| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Sleeping Pad Type | Air |
| Sleeping Pad Shape | Regular Mummy: Mummy Regular: Rectangular Regular Wide: Rectangular Long Wide: Rectangular |
| Insulated | Yes |
| Insulation Type | Synthetic |
| R-Value | 5.4 |
| Repair Kit Included | Yes |
| Stuff Sack Included | Yes |
| Packed Size | Regular Mummy: 4 x 10 inches Regular: 4 x 10 inches Regular Wide: 4 x 10.5 inches Long Wide: 4.5 x 10.5 inches |
| Sleeping Capacity | 1-person |
| Ultralight | Yes |
| Pad Thickness (in.) | 3.5 inches |
| Dimensions | Regular Mummy: 72 x 20 x 3.5 inches 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 Mummy: 14.1 oz. Regular: 1 lb. Regular Wide: 1 lb. 3 oz. Long Wide: 1 lb. 4 oz. |
| Gender | Unisex |
| Sustainability | Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria Contains recycled materials |
Buying Advice
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Most Helpful Favorable Review
Almost…
Brett1 year ago
I was excited when I saw the specs for this pad. Some online reviews said it was comfortable enough, but there were more comfortable pads out there. This is absolutely true in my case as well. Having used and currently own many of the “top” pads this one was just not quite at the comfort level I’d prefer. Warmth is great, it could be used as an all season pad with a Nemo switchback foam pad underneath for all but frigid temperatures. Laying on my back there was some noticeable stiffness through the lower back area. Laying on the side was better, but not quite enough flex to let your hip sink in and align your back resulting in slight lower back pain the next morning. Deflating the pad a bit fixed this, but then a cold spot was apparent around the hips where it sunk in a bit closer to the ground. The Big Agnes Rapide SL, Boundary Deluxe, and Nemo Quasar all top this pad for comfort but also come with more weight and lower warmth. The updated Rapide SL is the closest match at r4.8 in warmth and a few ounces heavier, along with the packed size being about equal which is enough to remain as the king of the 3 season pads for me as it’s comfort more than makes up for the other slight differences. Surprisingly, the extreme conditions version of this Nemo pad didn’t have the same stiffness issues.
The All-Season is a great pad that has made impressive leaps in weight and warmth and may be a better fit for other body types, just wasn’t quite there for me.
Brett
WI
54 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
Terrible closure
EchoDust1 year ago
Connection between the pump sack and the pad, and the pad plugs come disconnected WAY too easy. I cannot even pump the pad all the way full without it all coming unplugged. It happened my first five times pumping the pad up even though I got more and more careful each time and had to finish blowing up with my breath. I have a previous version and NEVER had this happen. Will probably return this pad and go with a different brand.
EchoDust
Norwalk, OH
18 people found this review helpful
Customer Images
MckMoose
Received free product
Fairfax, VA
Great sleeping pad; wee bit of a learning curve
1 year ago
This sleeping bad is great, as expected from NEMO. Its construction appears relatively sturdy and has a decent R-value for being an all-season. I will fully admit that it took me a couple minutes to sort out how to use the vortex pump bag, but a quick YouTube search or looking at NEMO's website can sort that for you. There's no magic bullet. The pump bag definitely improves the efficiency of blowing up the bag, but recognize that it will still take you a few minutes to get it fully inflated. I'd prefer this method while at altitude rather than hand pumps or blowing the pad up myself. The adjustment valves for your personal comfort are helpful, especially if you're a nit-picky sleeper, but I found that it had just enough give when fully inflated that I wouldn't have a problem side-sleeping. It was easy enough to deflate and roll up to its original compact state from original opening as well. I'm 5'11", and my heels just hit before the end of the mat, so that means it's good to go for me! The extra patches in the side pocket of the storage bag and the velcro strap for storage is a plus.
Age:35–44
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'11"
Yes , I recommend this product
thebrownmoose
Received free product
Las Vegas NV
Excellent Comfort and Warmth
1 year ago
I tried the pad out in upper 80s daytime and low 40s at night in the desert. I’m primarily a side sleeper yet occasionally sleep on my stomach and back when backpacking. I tried all 3 positions on this pad and had no issues - it’s extremely comfortable. It comes with a stuff sack, velcro strap, air pump bag and a repair kit. I like how the repair kit has its own pocket inside the stuff sack. Exception design on everything. I love the look and feel of the materials. The material didn’t irritate my skin. It took me 4-1/2 full air pump bags to pump the pad to full. The air pump bag is efficient and folds up with the pad. Sitting on the pad was comfortable until I tilted to one side and felt my hip bone touch the ground. Yet lying on my side, my hip didn’t touch the ground. The pad has a great weight distribution. The pad definitely makes noise especially when you’re on it. It didn’t wake me up or affect my sleep and definitely quieter than some other pads I’ve tried. The pad kept me warm at 40° with a 40° quilt wearing shorts and a T-shirt with no rain fly on tent. I slept really good on this pad and definitely a new favorite pad for me to use. I love the colors, accessories, lightweight, warmth and comfort.
Age:45–54
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'4"
Yes , I recommend this product
OKD2
Received free product
New York, NY
Comfy, quiet, and wide! No complaints.
1 year ago
I have no complaints about this sleeping pad. The best things about it are that it's wide (wider than other wide pads), warm, nice and thick, easy to inflate with the included pump sack, and it packs down so small and light! The other bonus is that it's QUIET! I didn't notice how loud my other pads were until I slept on this one. I used to sleep very poorly when camping, but a comfy, quiet, wide pad is such a game changer.
Age:25–34
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'3"
Yes , I recommend this product
Kacper
Incredible Sleeping Pad!
1 year ago
Recently got the Tensor Long Wide! Last one?? Love it, decided on the first night to sleep next to my bed on the floor instead. The pad fits very well with the Disco 15 long! Insulation is key, the pad kept me warm throughout my night at Sleeping Giant and had great support. Nothing I would change, I believe Nemo hit the nail on the head with this one! Perfect performance and great comfort. PS, Next thing in my chart is the Moonlite camping chair! Heard great things about it.
Yes , I recommend this product
Originally posted on nemoequipment.com
Mike H
Muskegon Michigan
Nemo tensor pad looking good so far.
5 months ago
Received my new regular size sleeping Nemo Tensor regular size pad. Initial impressions, very light and compact, the inflation valve is the best design I have ever seen, some crinkly noise but wouldn't consider it annoying . I inflated it with 4 breaths using the inflator bag the 2nd time I tried after realizing how to fill it with air. Don't blow air into it, induce air into kind of like a carburetor sucks in gas, blow breath near opening and it draws in much more air. Laying on cold concrete floor I could immediately feel the heat radiating back. I found it easy to repack into stuff sackSeems great for side sleepers on my back a bit uncomfortable. Would have checked out winter camping by now but for illness. In 2 weeks will be checking it out in winter camping in Northern Michigan. Only concern is lack of durability, will be taking backup pad just in case this time. A couple of trips I have been on in the past few years a pad failure could have ruined a trip, or worse. I am 70 year old 5' 9" 165 pound, 5 years ago camped at Pigeon River country for 2 nights,1 the first morning it was -10d F at 9:30 in the morning. Did not freeze.
Age:65–74
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'9"
RSCOLO
Received free product
Centennial, CO and Kremmling, CO
Great lightweight high R value sleeping pad
1 year ago
Received the product packaging in great condition with no damage. Once I opened the Nemo air sleeping pad and found the vortex pump sack included with it. I used the pump sack to inflate the pad it took three full sacks to get to the level I liked, but is a nice, included feature. Once inflated I noticed that it is much quieter than my old air pad it also filled up much easier. I am a side sleeper, and this pad did a great job of keeping me comfortable. I use a sleeping bag that the pad fits into and there is no filling on the bottom side, so the 5.4 R Value is great for the weight and size of this pad. I know it is small but the stuff sack has a small pocket inside to hold the repair kit. This is a feature that my previous pads did not have which made it easy to lose the repair kit or constantly putting it back in the stuff sack each time. I also liked the low profile valve which kept it out of the way or even knowing it was there when using.
Age:55–64
Weight:200–225 lbs.
Height:5'8"
Yes , I recommend this product
detail oriented
The great forested ATL
DJ scratching loud
9 months ago
Do I love NEMO? Of course. Their Dagger 2 tent and their amazing Disco spoon for side sleepers - awesome. But the Tensor…sigh…loud and slippery. Put up against the cheaper Exped Ultra 3 R, the tensor is more slick and much more loud. I use an insulated air pad on a Helinox lite cot and have to wake up multiple times in the night to reposition the Tensor. On the bright side - it’s very light, packs small, has excellent adjustable debt, and a higher R-value than the Exped. If I was forced to keep it, I would glue small Velcro circles on the corners to keep it in place and (for car camping) cover it with a small flannel sheet to reduce the DJ-ish sounds.
Age:45–54
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:6'0"
Yes , I recommend this product
Emily G
USA
Small size comes at a cost
1 year ago
First of all, when they say ultralight they mean ultralight. For such an essential part of my camping gear, it takes up the smallest space in my bag. I did a lot of research before purchasing this, and at over $200 I needed to make sure that budgeting for this was going to be worth it. I am not a backpacker, but part of my job is traveling (sometimes internationally) for field work, so extra space is indispensable for making sure I have room for research equipment. However, that small size does come with trade-offs. Here are my thoughts after two uses: Pros: * Takes up such a small space in my bag, making it easy for travel * The warranty offered by NEMO, as well as the included repair kit, provide peace of mind * With a breeze and the included pump sack, setup took about 5 minutes * No strong chemical smell Cons: * There are more comfortable sleeping pads out there * If you want to sit on this instead of lying down, you will find limited to no support * Unless you're using a vacuum to suck all the air out, be prepared for it to take a few tries to get it back in the bag. The original packaging has it with no air inside, and it took me about four or five tries to finally get it even and back in the bag. It is possible, but requires practice. (Or you can just buy a slightly larger stuff sack.) Bottom line: If you need space, go for it. But make sure you practice rolling it up and putting it in the bag before Comfort: 4/5 Ease of Use: 4/5
Age:25–34
Weight:200–225 lbs.
Height:5'9"
Yes , I recommend this product
AngelB
Daphne, AL
Perfect for Side Sleepers
9 months ago
Yes, it's loud. If I could give it 4.5 stars I would, but I rounded up because of its weight and how comfortable it is. It's tough to find something comfortable for a side sleeper so that I don't feel my hips and shoulders digging into the ground, but this pad is thick and doesn't deflate throughout the night. I tried multiple pads over the past year before declaring this one the winner. I've probably slept on it 20+ nights, in the heat and the cold, and I've never been disappointed. I have a mini air pump that helps with the inflation, so setup and packing up are a breeze.
Age:35–44
Weight:100–125 lbs.
Height:5'2"
Yes , I recommend this product
Gates
Los Angeles, CA
Something happened between this model and the olde
10 months ago
I don’t know what exactly what happened, but I have an inkling. I had the older model which I loved. So well engineered, so light, so comfortable. All of that is still true except the comfortable part. I can’t get a good night’s sleep on this thing. I think what happened is: The older model had sort of pockets or pods of air, kind of like an egg carton, which allowed it to mold to your body when you side slept (as I do). This is just a big air bubble. There’s no give. I tried to under-inflate it and that helped some, but it’s a guessing game, and it’s hard to make adjustments. I was up in Sequoia, and slept on the ground last night and had a better night’s sleep than on this thing. I’m super bummed! I think Nemo is a thoughtful company, but I can’t recommend this for the price.
Age:35–44
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:6'0"
No, I do not recommend this product
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