Nemo Tensor Ultralight Sleeping Pad

Product Information

The Tensor EC borrows some core elements from existing NEMO pads, like one-way lay-low valves, and suspended Thermal Mirror metalized film. However, it employs a new baffle tech called Apex. Four layers of its thermal film are placed over trapezoidal trusses (flexible, vertical supports within the pad), as opposed to the common rectangular design. Additionally, its 40-denier nylon bottom resisted ripping against the sharp stone. Durability is always a fear of mine when testing ultralight pads. So this was a pleasant surprise. While sleeping on our portaledge, it deflected violent gusts of wind that endlessly whipped the bottom of the ledge, cocooning me in warmth. The Tensor insulated is one of the lightest mats for its R rating so is a good option if you are looking to travel in colder conditions but are still wanting to save as much weight as possible. The Tensor is inflated with air, and only air. It’ll leave you a little winded. More on sleeping pad types in our Guide.

The new film reduces how much body heat mixes with the air inside the pad, and how much the air inside the pad absorbs cold from the ground. The new construction upped the R-value of the insulated pad from 3.5 to 4.2 while keeping it at 15 ounces. The uninsulated pad went from an R-value of 1.6 to an R-value of 2.5 but held strong at 13.8 ounces. In NEMO-speak, the number is the width, and “R” means Regular, “L” means Large, and “S” means Short. We tested the 20R Mummy, but it’s offered in many other sizes, as you can see. Note that most sleeping pads have an R rating of 1.0 (good for warm weather) to 5.5+ (for use in extreme cold).That’s not to say you can’t snag some serious Zs atop this pad, though. Yes, it’s a bit narrow and falls on the slippery fringe of the spectrum. But it boasts a plush 3.5-inch height and isn’t near as “bouncy” as other models I’ve tested, greatly improving sleep.

In creating such a lightweight monster insulator, Nemo did have to cut some corners — namely in the comfort and useability departments. Warmth and an ultralight profile are prioritized here.An air pad with twist and pull valve usually takes this many breaths to inflate. You’ll be huffing and puffing. Were I to do the CDT or PCT again, this is probably the pad I’d at least ship ahead of me for the snow-laden Sierra Nevada, Cascade, and San Juan ranges. It would have turned many a shiver bivy into a warm, full night of sleep. From 2020, there is a new industry standard for measuring the R-value (level of insulation) of sleeping mats – ASTM F3340-18. This new standard is the sleeping mat equivalent to the EN rating for sleeping bags.

There’s no arguing this is an extremely comfortable pad. It’s warm, the baffle pattern nestles well, and the splay room is awesome. The hold-up factors are weight, maintenance requirements, and maybe price. Even if the Long/Wide and/or Insulated versions aren’t the best fit, NEMO’s Tensor line is absolutely a top-tier pad. The low-stretch trusses within the pad reduce springiness and provide a surprising balance of support and give, despite the four suspended film layers beneath you. I had some fears — particularly as a side sleeper — that the “suspended” nature of the Thermal Mirror sheets would lead to an uneven feeling. But I was pleasantly surprised at how stable it felt, even while tossing and turning. A superb blend of weight comfort and warmth, hits the sweet spot for this type of mat. The Insulated version of the Popular Tensor mat, this version offers a very good weight to R value rating so is perfect for colder conditions where every gram still counts. Nemo says: The NEMO dual valve system. The bottom valve only lets air in unless you put a little pressure on it, which allows the user to dial in the air pressure. NEMO Tensor Ultralight Insulated Pad Cons Part of the popular Tensor series the insulated version offers a solid 4.2 R rating that will keep you warm most of the year round.I was told never to settle on three things in life: my mate, my career, and my mattress. Granted my parents told me the first two and a mattress salesman told me the third, but I still find guidance in those words today. I feel like I’ve got the first two dialed in, but the “perfect” sleeping pad eludes me to this day. Can be too warm– It’s a great warm pad, but it’s arguably not usable in the summer. I spent a few 70-ish degree nights on this pad wearing basically nothing and still found myself drenched in sweat. Spacious– Even with a six-foot frame, I found this pad to have plenty of space. This is awesome for anyone who likes to splay out and has plenty of room for most people in general. All of this on a 20-inch pad feels a bit hindering. Pads with similar high R-values, like Exped’s Ultra 7R and Dura 8R allow you a tad more girth, affording a cozier, less constraining sleep. Remove the top cap to access the one-way valve, and pull the cap below out to swiftly deflate it. I’m generally not a fan of valves that sit on top of my pad, as they can rub against my head at night. But this one is about as flush with the fabric as it gets. I do find the valve location a bit annoying when rolling the pad up, however. With it on top of the pad, it’s difficult to get that last little bit of air out since you have to cover the valve on the last roll.