I caught this fellow hiker coming around a bend and boy does he make a great prop! SHAPE - Many backpackers choose mummy-shaped sleeping pads to save weight, but some sleepers get better rest on fully rectangular pads Those who like to sprawl out while sleeping, AKA “the starfish,” will probably get more enjoyment out of a rectangular pad. - John Muir. I decided to get a bigger, more confutable pad and the Nemo Cosmo Insulated looked as the best option for my needs. Adventurer and vagabond. The Nomad Camping Mattress Insulated pad is more a mattress than a … Our testers loved sleeping on it! The Tensor Insulated is also available in a longer and wider size if you prefer a larger pad. Where it differentiates itself from other pads is its large side rails that help keep users centered in the middle of the pad. They said it was a mistake on the web site and that they don’t sell the insulated version. We’re proudly donating 100% of our revenue from today to the following organizations to address social justice and policy change. The Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated is one of the best sleeping pads for side-sleepers thanks to the slightly thicker side rails. Over the last ten years of hiking, camping, and backpacking, I’ve tested out over a dozen sleeping pads. The Tensor Insulated is a top-quality pad with great specs and aggressive weight savings. The XTherm has the same slight crinkle sound as the XLite, but again, its considerable strengths outweigh this small downside. The main downside with air pads is that they can puncture in the field, so you’ll always want to bring a repair kit. The ultralight thru-hiking crowd may turn their nose up at a pad weighing more than a pound, but our testers felt that there is a strong argument to be made for the Nemo Astro Insulated pad for those looking on the more comfortable and luxurious end of the spectrum for backpacking. This is a sleeping pad made with backpackers in mind and it’s extremely lightweight yet very comfortable. Getting in some quality Zzzzs refreshes your mind and body and sets you up for an awesome day on the trail. 5 5 out of 5 stars from 1 reviews 5 1. R-values of 4-6 are good when the temperature drops around or below freezing. Almost all the pads we list above come in a wide size option. "Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. This is not an extreme cold weather sleeping pad. If you found this guide helpful, please give it a share on social media! Most pump sacks can double as a stuff sack, and some of them can be used as a dry bag as well. I update this post pretty regularly as we are constantly testing new gear so as well as the six examples above, there are few other sleeping pads included as honourable mentions in this review roundup…Over the last ten years of hiking, camping and backpacking, I’ve tested out over a dozen sleeping pads. Even for a 6 foot, 180 pound dude, this backpacking pad will keep you toasty warm. Lightweight backpacking video guides and reviews of the best ultralight tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, stoves, and more. Pump sacks make it much easier to inflate an air pad. $84.95 - $119.95. The NEMO Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad is a lightweight insulated air mat that’s available in a wide variety of lengths and widths. As an organization, we feel this issue is too important to remain silent and do nothing. Invest in an eco-friendly travel backpack for 2021 and help preserve the environment. Check out our full review of the UberLite here. Sea to Summit’s new “Pillowlock system” on the Ether Light is designed to help keep your S2S Aeros pillow (not included) in place throughout the night. Best sleeping pad for 4-Season backpacking & cold sleepers: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm. Great sleep in the backcountry can be surprisingly tough to come by. See the NEMO Cosmo 3D Insulated Air Sleeping Pad. The NEMO Tensor is a sleeping pad that hits nearly every mark well in an overcrowded field. The higher the R-value, the warmer the pad. The best self-inflating air mattress uses an air valve to suck in air and expand to create a comfortable airbed. Even the best sleeping pad needs air! With an R-value of 3.2 and a durable build, the Ether Light will be a great fit for most 3-season backpacking trips. The sleeping pad comes with a stuff sack for easy packing; compressed it measures only 9 x 3 inches. When cutting down on your general carry weight – shaving off a few ounces (or more) by going with an ultralight sleeping pad option is a good option for backpackers looking to prioritize an ultralight approach. The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite (back) and the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm (front) have a good balance of warmth and low weight. Unlike many pad companies, NEMO makes the Tensor in several shape and size options, including mummy, rectangular, and the elusive regular/wide model. With an R value of 3.5, I still would not recommend the Tensor for winter camping. BOTTOM LINE: Similar to the Big Agnes AXL listed above, the Exped SynMat HL is one of very few pads that can compete with the specs of the Neo Air XLite. Whether you are hiking, camping or off on a longer expedition, a good nights sleep can make all the difference before a new day. OK, first things first, this sleeping pad comes in several different sizes and the best size for a tall or larger adventurer is the wide long size. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. Designed to give you three full inches height when sleeping on the ground, it uses unique baffling and valve closures to offer a premium ultralight sleeping pad experience. If you are looking for the camping version of a “love nest”, look no further. The Thermarest Ridge Rest Solite Sleeping Pad deserves an honourable mention thanks to its innovate new technology that reflects heat back to the user. This cheaper version of the Thermarest Solar Pad is a good bet. I hike, camp and backpack a lot. This is especially important if you’re a side sleeper. The Tensor also comes with a convenient pump sack, which makes inflation fast and easy. 10 oz.). If you’re looking for a lightweight air bed, the die cut foam of the Pro Lite makes it easy to pack and carry from camp to camp. Considerations include ease of inflation, weight, compactness, insulation and R-Values, length and shape of your pad. When it comes to getting bang for your buck, Kylmit makes the best value sleeping pads. The best portable sleeping pad is one with the minimum possible dimensions. R-values of 2-4 are good for most 3-season backpacking conditions. I traveled extensively with the Thermarest Neo Air myself. Best ultralight sleeping pad for summer backpacking: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite, Best ultralight sleeping pad for 3-season backpacking: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite, Best quiet, comfy & convenient sleeping pad: NEMO Tensor Insulated, Best sleeping pad for 4-Season backpacking & cold sleepers: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm, Best closed-cell foam sleeping pad: NEMO Switchback, Best budget-friendly sleeping pad: Klymit Static V2, Warm & durable pad that works well for side sleepers: Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated, Comfy & durable sleeping pad for 3-season trips: Sea to Summit UltraLight Insulated, Thick, cushy pad that’s great for side-sleepers & tosser-turners: Big Agnes Insulated Q-Core SLX, Affordable lightweight sleeping pad for backpackers on a budget: REI Co-op Flash 3-Season Pad. The pad itself is super comfortable, delivering three inches of padding and an easy to use pump sack, which provides for faster inflation/deflation. With a layer of Primaloft synthetic insulation, a heat-reflective metallic film, and baffle construction, Nemo Equipment's Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad might just give you the coziest night of sleep you've ever had in the backcountry, but it's still not gonna stop your tent mate from snoring. Best Ultralight Backpacking Sleeping Pad Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Uberlite: $155-225. This means that if you book your accommodation, buy a book or sort your insurance, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. In my humble opinion, these are the most impressive sleeping pads on the market…. We’ve been buying lightweight sleeping pads online for years and we’ve yet to have any problems. What Should I Look For in a Sleeping Pad? Is this the lightest inflatable sleeping pad in the world? No but it’ still a good one. Air pads, like the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Uberlite are more comfy than foam pads. If you’re on a budget and looking for a backpacking sleeping pad, you can go with the non-insulated Nemo Astro, but the insulated version would be too bulky for backpacking. Every adventure you go on is different. Answer: Some people get light headed when they inflate their sleeping pads. Add Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad to. Best ultralight summer sleeping pad: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Uberlite Best ultralight 3-season sleeping pad: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Best 4-season sleeping pad: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm Best ultralight foam sleeping pad: NEMO Switchback, The Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm is the best sleeping pad for cold-weather adventures, WARMTH - The R-value of a sleeping pad measures how well it will insulate your body from the cold ground. They’re built with thicker materials than most lightweight pads and are also slightly wider than the standard pad size. Our top Ultralight summer pick - the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite. Here are some of the reasons you can trust us: Our choices are completely independent and based on personal experience. We agree that it’s a bit noisier than other pads, but it’s really not that bad. Using the NEMO Switchback under the Nemo Tensor Insulated for extra warmth. I only link to stuff I’ve actually used and never endorse products or services that are not up to scratch. The Tensor also comes with one of the best pump sacks on the market, which makes inflation fast and easy. We own and field test every product we recommend, which is sadly not the norm. The well-designed zero-profile valve on the Tensor allows for quick inflation/deflation and micro-adjustments. The NEMO Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad boasts 3" of thickness for the ultralight backpackers who don't sacrifice comfort in the backcountry. They’re essentially stuff sacks with an air nozzle in the bottom. The Nemo Tensor Insulated sleeping pad has an R-Value of 3.5. Our Verdict. Available prices From $229.95 to $259.95 $229.95 – $259.95 Limited time offer Compare. The Nemo Tensor 25L sleeping pad is also available in a mummy shape (Tensor Mummy) and with insulation layer (Tensor Insulated). Best budget-friendly sleeping pad: Klymit Static V2. Its “air sprung cells” do a surprisingly good job of mimicking the feel of a normal mattress. If you are planning on camping regularly, you should definitely pick up a decent backpacking sleeping pad before you hit the road. Offering quieter, more supportive sleep at a tiny packed size, Tensor™ ultralight sleeping pad stands apart as the ultimate backcountry adventurer’s best friend. the BEST BACKPACKING SLEEPING PAD THERM-A-REST NEOAIR XLITE. So a pad that inflates quickly can come in handy. Comparing packability of the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir UberLite and the NEMO Tensor Insulated. That said, the STS Ultralight Insulated pad delivers an all-around great three season performance for the price. The NeoAir Camper Duo is also not a cold weather pad – so stick to late spring through early fall adventures only (unless you are using it inside of a camper van or something off of the ground. New videos, trip reports, gear reviews, inspiring stories and more. See our full review here: https://www.cleverhiker.com/blog/outdoor-research-helium-rain-jacket-amp-pants-review, Need a gift for the outdoorsy person in your life? Our reputation is our most important asset, which is why we only provide completely honest and unbiased recommendations. If your pad springs a leak and you don’t have a way to fix it, you’re going to be one unhappy camper. This was one of my favorite shots from the hike. We’ve logged over 10,000 trail miles and test outdoor gear for a living. Read more... Then you'll love our biweekly newsletter. Delivering a cushy 3 inches of padding, this self-inflating sleeping pad is also built from 30-denier stretch-knit top fabric, which is going to deliver a slightly more durable performance over lightweight pads. The Nemo Tensor sleeping pad line offers a variety of shapes (as well as insulated and non-insulatedmodels) to address the needs of a wide range of sleepers. Some may be short, and cold – so you need to focus on warmth. Campaign Zero We love backpacking, international travel, useful gear, and all things nature. Ships right to your Canadian address. We absolutely love how light, compact, quiet, and comfortable the UberLite is. Now I have always had mixed feelings about double pads. See our full review for the Klymit Static V2 for more info! Our goal is to help make your adventures as rewarding and enjoyable as possible, and to inspire you to plan your next excursion. An included Vortex pump sack makes it easy to inflate, while also minimizing moisture build-up to extend the life of the pad. We’re lifelong learners and we’re always open to constructive criticism. Save the world, one backpack at a time. The Flash is slightly warmer than Sea to Summit's Ultralight Insulated Mat, but it’s not quite as wide around the shoulders. Its lightweight design is stable and packable, updated with 2 layers of metalized film to fend off the chill. Pretty much all of the mainstream gear testers have showered the Xtherm with rewards for the duration of it’s life. For the sake of transparency, some of the links in our content are affiliate links. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. I hiked with the smaller version of this pad on the Appalachian Trail, and though not an ultralight choice, I got excellent sleep night after night – which makes it worth its weight in gold. The Klymit Static V2 is one of our favorite budget-friendly backpacking sleeping pads. BOTTOM LINE: The Big Agnes Insulated AXL is a comfy and quiet ultralight pad that packs down very small. REPAIR KIT - If you decide to take an air pad into the wilderness, make sure to pack a small repair kit. That said, the Tensor is equipped with 2 layers of suspended metalized film that provides extra insulation to 10 – 20°F – which is kind of a big deal! We're Dave & Annie, the outdoor adventurers behind CleverHiker. THICKNESS - You'll want a pad thick enough to adjust its firmness without bottoming out, but not so thick it feels like a pool float. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn." At the end of the day, you’re also going to be tired. $225.40. It’s also relatively affordable, has a good valve system, and inflates/deflates quickly. You'll be turned on to new videos, trip reports, gear reviews, inspiring outdoor stories and much more. We recommend buying your top choice, testing it at home, and returning/exchanging if it doesn’t feel quite right. THICK, CUSHY PAD THAT’S GREAT FOR SIDE SLEEPERS & TOSSER-TURNERS, PROS: Comfortable/thick, supportive, durable, quick deflation, side rails keep you centered on pad, pump sack included (we prefer the upgraded Pumphouse Ultra, though), CONS: Narrower profile than other pads, slightly heavier/bulkier and not as warm as XLite. While the AXL is competitive with the NeoAir XLite in weight and warmth, we still prefer the XLite for its superior durability, quicker deflation, and lower weight. SEA TO SUMMIT Comfort Light Insulated Sleeping Pad - Women's. The NEMO Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad is an engineering marvel. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. The main knock on the XLite is that it makes a crinkle sound when you shift around on it (the heat reflective material increases its warmth). Close, 10 Best Sleeping Pads (MUST READ! Before buying a sleeping pad, it’s a good idea to think about the following key factors to help you choose the right one. This time with the Comfort Plus SI sleeping pad. We live for outdoor adventure, and we take these guides very seriously. A pad with a 5+ R-value (or you can add a foam pad under your air pad) is great for cold sleepers or sleeping on snow. In both insulated and non-insulated versions it has a respectable weight for an air pad, has 3 inches of cushion that’s dispersed very evenly through the quilted baffles, and is nice and quiet when you roll over. That is not at all the case with the NEMO Tensor (2019) Ultralight Sleeping Pad. For increased warmth, the Flash is also available in an all-season Thermal model. LENGTH - Your hips and shoulders are the biggest pressure points for sleeping pads, so it’s important to use a pad that will give you comfort in those areas. Overall, reviewers have given the Xtherm a 4.7 star rating and we put together our own in-depth Xtherm review here. Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra (wide long), Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Camper Duo Sleeping Pad, Stuff sack, dry air pump and patch kit included. This adds no cost to our readers and helps us keep our site up and running. I spend several months every year camping out in the woods or mountains, most recently in Pakistan, and I’ve used quite a few different sleeping pads over the years. It’s also built with thinner materials, doesn’t come with a repair kit, and has a slight crinkle sound like NeoAir pads. Check out our full review of the Tensor here. In this section we’ll try to quickly highlight each pad's main strength and explain why it didn’t make the cut. We treat our recommendations as if they were for our family and friends. PROS: Extremely lightweight and compact, thick/cushy comfort, outer tubes keep you centered on pad, pump sack included, CONS: Expensive, slightly less durable than some pads, valve design not as good as some pads (slower deflation). The Ether Light XT Insulated (view women’s specific version) is one of their lightest and thickest insulated sleeping pads yet. But that’s not always the case. You need to understand how well you’ll fit onto your sleeping pad based on its dimensions compared to your own dimensions. On a long hike, make sure to pick up something that you know will last and with the appropriate R-value – which is how sleeping pad manufacturers measure the insulating capabilities of a mattress. A backpacking sleeping pad rated to -20F that weighs only 24oz???!!! BOTTOM LINE: Therm-a-Rest’s NeoAir UberLite is yet another excellent product innovation from the most trusted name in sleeping pads. In general, sleeping pads with R-values of 0-2 will only work for warm weather trips. If you have more questions or a suggestion, we’d love to hear from you! If you’re a cold sleeper or you plan to backpack on sub-freezing, snowy trips, we recommend bumping up to the XTherm. Trail-tested recommendations on the best lightweight sleeping pads for wilderness backpacking. The insulated model uses Primaloft insulation and is warmer, but also heavier than the 25L model. PROS: Extremely durable (won’t pop/leak), very affordable, easy to use (no inflation/deflation), doubles as a camp seat, CONS: Not as comfortable as inflatable pads, bulky to pack, not recommended for sub-freezing temps (best for summer use). can puncture air pads, so always check your sleeping area before setting up camp. © CleverHiker.com 2020 - Privacy Policy - Terms of Use, We stand in solidarity against systemic racism, discrimination, and violence. That’s another story. The NEMO Switchback has been approved by our spokesdog, Eco. I have had positive experiences with Nemo tents and sleeping bags as well, thus I a a big fan of NEMO gear in general. The good news is, it’s the year 2020 and there are plenty of options for great camping sleeping pads. Nemo Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad Review If you’ve ever slept on the newer style inflatable sleeping mats (as opposed to the traditional Thermarest self-inflating or foamie styles), you’ll know that one of the biggest issues is a noisy one. 1 color available. The Nemo Tensor™ Ultralight Insulated Mummy Sleeping Pad is one the lightest pads on the market, it includes 8cm of stable cushion loft comfort, and packs down neatly to around the size of a water bottle. ... NEMO Equipment Inc. Astro Sleeping Pad. The most awesome thing about this air mattress is the ‘internal stabiliser’ that makes sure your weight is distributed evenly while you snooze. Foam pads and inflatable pads models compared for Klymit, Sea to Summit, NEMO, Exped, Big Agnes, REI, Therma-Rest and Gossamer Gear. BOTTOM LINE: The Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XTherm is a warmer version of the XLite pad listed above. This is a fairly heavy sleeping pad but it is super comfortable and 4 inches thick… If you have chronic back problems or a bigger person, this is a sleeping pad which can provide you with some next level comfort. CONS: Heavier and bulkier than some others, have to blow up the side rails by mouth, a little thin for side sleepers. Social media is great, but our bi-weekly newsletter is a much better way to stay in the know. Best sleeping pads for side sleepers: Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated, Big Agnes Q-Core SLX, and Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra, NOISE - One of the most common complaints among air pad users is the crinkly noises they make. The lighter your backpack, the more comfortable your hiking trips will be. This pad has a preposterous warmth-to-weight ratio and a more durable bottom layer of fabric, making it clearly one of the best pads on the market. ⬆️ Link in bio, Crisp rushing water and distant snowy peaks in the Wind River Range. The main question to ask yourself with this pad is: how often do you backpack in sub-freezing temps? From cheap sleeping mats to backpacking sleeping pads, we’ve got it all. NEMO Equipment Inc. Astro Sleeping Pad. Nemo Tensor Ultralight Sleeping Pad 4.7 out of 5 stars 204. The NEMO Tensor Alpine Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad is a four-season sleeping pad, that’s comfortable, ultralight, quiet and compact. Write a review (0) SEA TO SUMMIT Comfort Light Insulated Sleeping Pad - Women's. We fully understand how tough it is to find trustworthy gear advice, and that’s one of the main reasons we built CleverHiker. We travel to industry trade shows to learn about upcoming product innovations. We have something here to suit all trips, all sleeping types and all budgets. The Ultralight is made with thicker materials and is more durable than the average air pad, so it’s a great choice if you often camp in rocky areas or are particularly hard on gear. Lengths and widths weight, compactness, insulation and is warmer, but it s! Light, compact, quiet, comfy & convenient sleeping pad boasts 3 '' of thickness for duration! Dozen sleeping pads & V2 is their low R-value, which makes inflation fast and easy Insulated, fully up... Best quiet, comfy & convenient sleeping pad on the market below freezing,! Invest in an eco-friendly travel backpack for 2021 and help preserve the environment your! All trips, all sleeping types and all budgets of 5 stars 204 can handle, sleeping pads an. Of my favorite shots from the most trusted name in sleeping pads ( MUST READ addition, at inches! 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