How to Choose the Best Sleeping Pad for Camping and Backpacking

With a body-cradling design, the NEMO Quasar 3D Lightweight Non-Insulated Sleeping Pad keeps you centered on the pad during the night. It's packable, durable and weight-conscious for backpacking.
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View all NEMO Air PadsBest Use | Backpacking |
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Sleeping Pad Type | Air |
Sleeping Pad Shape | Rectangular |
Insulation Type | Synthetic |
R-Value | 1.8 |
Repair Kit Included | Yes |
Stuff Sack Included | Yes |
Packed Size | Regular: 4 x 8 inches Regular Wide: 4 x 9 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 |
Weight | Regular: 1 lb. 4 oz. Regular Wide: 1 lb. 8 oz. |
Gender | Unisex |
Sustainability | Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria Contains recycled materials |
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I bought this after have issues with the Tensor.. Tried few different ones Long wide etc. And Had no Luck SO found the Quasar...And love the durability ..But still learning Proper inflation Which I have to say I would be happier with A tensor with 30d material than 20. I weigh 230 and use the mat every night since Im a world bicycle traveler.. worldadventurecyclist.com . I Find The Quasar Durable , good colors But wish the 3D design was a option I would do better with a regular shaped mat. ( with out the head raise). Over all Im still using it now warm and dry and haven't slept on the ground ! ++
Just used it on a backpacking trip, we did the triple Crown and the very first night it thunderstorm and unfortunately water got into my tent and pulled at the very bottom a lot the sleeping pad manage to keep me dry and comfy.
So happy with this pad. Most of my camp sleeping has been on self inflating pads and I was concerned an air pad would be uncomfortable. Totally not the case. After working on the right amount of inflation, I think I really have it dialed in for my comfort needs. I’m a side sleeper with bad back. I also have the roamer if that gives you an idea of my comfort needs. I spent a week on this pad at summer camp using an inflatable pillow with an elastic strap to keep it in place. I’ve also used it on a few quick weekend campouts. I really enjoy and sleep well on this pad.
Wow we have come a long way from foam sleeping pads for those who want comfort and need to carry light. This is a great sleeping pad. I’m not light, but it holds me well and I don’t bottom out. I love the options for size and insulation. Went with the wide non-insulated. Im bike touring Nova Scotia and so far it’s been a great choice. A few things I’d like: more curvature on the sides for us side sleepers. There’s some but more would be better. And to be very fussy, I’d like to chose what side to inflate it from.
Awesome pad!! I've been using the old version of this one, the Cosmo 3D insulated, for 5 years now and I love it. It's quiet, comfortable, especially for a side sleeper like myself and it's been bombproof, I've not had a problem even after 150+ nights on it. Before I got this I was starting to feel my age (mid 50's). Sleeping in the tent wasn't that comfortable, I woke up with a sore back, sore hips and just couldn't manage a good restful night of sleep, I was starting to think my nights of sleeping in a tent may be coming to a close. This pad changed all that, sleeping on this I once again had a solid pain free night of sleep. Woohoo!! This was a game changing purchase. I have very few pieces of equipment that every time I use them I think " I'm so happy I bought this", this pad is one of them.
I bought the Nemo Quasar to use for camping, and also as a guest mattress on a cot. I found the mattress to be very comfortable and it seemed to hold the air well over a couple of days. However I did NOT like the pump sack inflation bag and inflation process. I'm 60+ and somewhat fit, but had to blow the sack up 5 times (at least) to fill the mattress...no fun at all at night when I had already had a busy day! I think it would be easy to lose, forget, or rip the pump sack, for me anyway. Using the dump valve to remove the air from the mattress was OK, but it was a bit hard for me to pull the valve out...so I am afraid that I'll damage it with repeated use. I am going to return my Quasar and get a self-inflating mattress, or one that I can use an old-fashioned hand pump to inflate. But, the mattress is very comfortable.
Hello, Glad the pad is working for the sleeping portion! Happy to offer some tips on how to use the Vortex inflation pump sack. If orient your head at least 6 inches above the opening, ambient air will also fill the sack rather than just the air from your lungs. Check out our video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQfzaaVKlYc&feature=emb_imp_woyt
This is the best pad I have ever slept on, and I've slept on a lot of different pads. Dialing in the pressure is a breeze, the subtle curve keeps you centered, and the inflation bag is way better than I ever though it could be. Overall packed size for the regular wide is very reasonable for short backpacking and is great for car campers. This isn't an ultralight, but it's not trying to be. Would highly recommend to anyone.
I just took this on a couple night trip on NC part of the AT. The other 3 guys joked about how awesome the pad was compared to theirs! I slept great both on my back and my side and never touched the ground. Highly recommend this product. Can’t speak to its longevity; however, this is a very comfortable, compact sleeping option for the trails.
We bought the double to throw in our backpacking tent and we have been loving it! We've used it 2 or 3 times and it has offered the best night's sleep of any pad I've ever used. It is myself, my wife and our toddler sleeping on the pad and you can barely feel motion from the others when they turn over. Very warm too!
Finally allowed myself to upgrade from the basic flat thermarest of the 90s. I loved the story behind the brand Nemo and thought I’d give it a try. It didn’t disappoint! Supportive, comfortable, and I didn’t wake in the morning half on. Not the easiest to inflate but then I’m not the most patient person either.