Nemo Tensor Ultralight Sleeping Pad

Product Information

Two Layers of Thermal Film Insulation– Thermal Film Insulation is lightweight and quieter than the competition. It is a 1 person sleeping pad (doubles Sleeping Pads and double sleeping bags do exist) and comes in 3 different size versions – we tried the medium one. Apex™ baffle design suspends more insulating layers than ever before, strategically spaced for the highest R-value possible — 8.5. As a founding member of the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) Climate Action Corps, NEMO has set aggressive goals for making more climate-friendly materials choices. The Tensor now uses Bluesign-approved, 100% recycled, luxury polyester on the top and bottom.

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.

Review: Out and About With the Tensor Ultralight Sleeping Pad

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. Its stand-out feature is its highly impressive 8.5 R-value, which makes the Extreme the warmest mat on the market and the mat with the best warmth-to-weight ratio. The regular mat, which weighs just 507g, outperforms other mats of a similar weight, some with R-values of less than 4, putting into perspective just how light and warm this mat is. Through thermal modeling, NEMO engineers figured out how to interlace a piece of plastic TPU film throughout the pad to choke off the convective currents. (Previously, NEMO used aluminized film.) 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. Weighing in at just 1lb 2 0z (the medium-sized version) this by far amongst the lightest sleeping pads we have carried.

Improved zero-profile, multifunctional, microadjustable Laylow™ valve offers customized inflation control, even at -20° F and below. 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.Heavy– 21 ounces is kind of a lot for a “lightweight” sleeping pad, insulated or not. It’s 9 ounces (over half a pound) heavier than the ultimate standard Neo-Air Xlite and 6.5 ounces (over a third of a pound) heavier than the Insulated Mummy version of the Tensor.

You’ll find the NEMO Tensor 20R in hot competition with many pads, including self-inflating pads and air pads, but we found it’s unique and dialed-in features top notch, while also being competitively priced. The thermometer on my watch read 25 degrees Fahrenheit for most of the night. My sleeping bag was rated to 20 degrees, but the Tensor is only rated for 30-40 degrees. (NEMO doesn’t use R-Values, but general temperature ranges). My legs were cold, and my frustration grew as I realized I had misjudged the weather.

Conclusion

The architecture of the design also helps to protect elbows and hips from poking through to the ground. Metalized film in sleeping pads isn’t new. The effective, compact, light solution minimizes heat loss but usually means dealing with a loud, crinkly pad. 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.

Spaceframe™ baffles offer unparalleled stability and weight distribution, using low-stretch, die-cut trusses that eliminate springiness. 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 short: The NEMO Tensor Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad proved to be both comfortable and warm, but the most obvious advantage was quietness. NEMO’s unique Spaceframe baffles allow suspension of two layers of an aluminized film within the air space of the pad, separating them from body movement. It provides silent nights and excellent support. NEMO Tensor Sleeping Pad Construction 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. The Nemo Tensor is made from 100% bluesign®-certified, recycled 20-denier polyester fabric. The fabric has a fairly tough feel and it won’t puncture easily if you take care of it. Nemo Tensor Insulated range – superb blend of weight comfort and warmth, hits the sweet spot for this type of mat. This ultralight sleeping pad is insulated. It has an R-value of 2.5 meaning it provides moderate insulation from ground temperature. Therefore the Nemo Tensor is designed for camping in colder temperatures and may feel too warm or clammy for summer use.