When it involves sleeping pads, hikers prioritize consolation, weight, and packability. I’ve slept on numerous sleeping pads over time, and it looks as if you’ll be able to by no means examine all three bins. I’ve had a ton of light-weight and packable pads, however at all times awoke sore. I’ve had snug pads which are light-weight, however they at all times take up a ton of area in my pack.
After years of looking — and principally giving up hope that the proper pad exists — I’m comfortable to say that I lastly discovered a pad that may do all of it: the Nemo Tensor Path.
Nemo Tensor Path At-A-Look
Photographs by Colleen Goldhorn Artistic Co
Worth: $179.95
Weight: 13.0 oz (common size, mummy form)
Packed Measurement (in): 10 x 4
R-Worth: 2.8
Materials: Bluesign-approved recycled nylon ripstop + Bluesign-approved nylon taffeta
Supposed Use
The Nemo Tensor Path is designed for thru-hikes and backpacking journeys.
Circumstances of Evaluate
I examined this sleeping pad on late summer season and fall backpacking journeys in western Montana. The pad was used on heat summer season nights, in addition to fall nighttime temperatures hovering round 30 levels.
Nemo Tensor Path Options
Photographs by Colleen Goldhorn Artistic Co
- Out there in rectangular and mummy-shape (broad accessible for each)
- 3.5-inch thickness is nice for facet sleepers
- 2.8 R-value
- Vortex pump sack assists in inflating pad
- Quiet materials eliminates “crinkle” sound that many ultralight pads have
The Dreaded Sleeping Pad Crinkle
My pet peeve is a sleeping pad that makes the notorious “crinkle” sound when tossing and turning. Not solely does this sound disrupt your individual sleep, nevertheless it’s a fast method to annoy your neighbors at camp too.
Completely happy to report that the Nemo Tensor Path is extremely quiet to sleep on. Truthfully, although, even when it did have a slight noise (which I’ve but to seek out), this pad is so snug that tossing and turning was at a minimal.
Thickness
I liked the insane 3.5-inch thickness of this pad. Being elevated a bit off the bottom was a pleasant contact and saved me hotter at night time. The additional top additionally helped with facet sleeping and gave my hips a snug place to sink into with out hitting the bottom. I critically had a few of my greatest backcountry sleeps on this pad.
All-Round Consolation
Many inflatable ultralight sleeping pads are comparatively skinny and uncomfortable to sleep on — particularly for facet sleepers. Nonetheless, I used to be thrilled at how snug this pad was total. I used to be in a position to change positions as I fell asleep and had just a few nights the place I didn’t get up in any respect (which is comparatively uncommon for me whereas tenting). General this pad can’t be beat for the weight-to-comfort ratio.
Pump Sack
I discovered the pump sack difficult and clunky to make use of, and oftentimes simply blew up the pad myself. I’ll say that with out the pump sack, this pad takes fairly a little bit of breath to inflate, which turns into much more of an issue at increased elevations.
Lifespan
Though I’ve not had any points with leaks, I noticed quite a few opinions that talked about leaks arising fairly early within the product’s life. Nonetheless, I additionally noticed just a few through hikers say that the pad was in a position to final their complete journey. As with every piece of drugs, the lifespan will rely on how properly you deal with and preserve the merchandise.
Photographs by Colleen Goldhorn Artistic Co
How To Decide Which R-Worth Is Proper For Your Journey
One of many largest components to think about when selecting a sleeping pad is the R-value. Basically, R-value is the score of how properly a sleeping pad insulates the person throughout totally different temperatures. Sleeping pads with a better R-value can be heavier, however they’ll hold you hotter within the winter. Decrease R-value sleeping pads are lighter and extra ultimate for summer season temperatures. Usually, R-value solutions seem like this:
Summer season Backpacking: R-value of 1 to three
3-Season Backpacking: R-value of three to five
Winter / 4-Season Backpacking: R-value of 5+
After all, there are various components that decide how heat you keep whereas sleeping within the backcountry. Issues like your sleeping bag, the garments you put on to mattress, your tent, and the way properly your physique adapts to totally different temperatures all play an element.
Nonetheless, the R-value is vital as a result of your sleeping bag typically cannot hold your entire physique heat. Whenever you crawl into your bag for the night time, you naturally compress among the down whereas laying on it to sleep (this concept is why quilts have change into standard). Due to this fact your sleeping pad acts as your main protection towards the chilly floor.
Nemo Tensor Path Professionals
Photographs by Colleen Goldhorn Artistic Co
I like so many issues about this pad. I’ve by no means discovered a sleeping pad that I had no complaints about, and I’m so excited that Nemo hit the nail on the top. This pad is a sport changer for getting good sleep within the backcountry and being well-rested for giant mileage days within the morning.
Insanely snug: I’ve by no means slept so properly within the backcountry as I’ve on this pad.
No crinkle: As talked about earlier than, this makes for a greater night time’s sleep for the pad proprietor and everybody close by.
Light-weight: 13 ounces is good and light-weight for a sleeping pad, particularly contemplating how thick and comfortable this one is.
Packs up small: Pack area is at a premium for many of us, however the Tensor Path will solely take up about as a lot area as a Nalgene when rolled up.
Nemo Tensor Path Cons
Photographs by Colleen Goldhorn Artistic Co
I actually love this pad and might’t discover too many negatives to say.
Little bit of a ache to inflate: Each with the pump sack and along with your breath; the truth that it’s so thick means it takes quite a bit to explode
Sturdiness questions (from others): Sure opinions point out leaks within the product after a restricted variety of makes use of. Nonetheless, I’ve had no leakage points even after heavy use over the previous few months. As with every inflatable, it’s each costlier and extra susceptible to break than a foam pad.
Nemo Tensor Path General Worth
Photographs by Colleen Goldhorn Artistic Co
General, I like this pad. It’s insanely snug, and I’m not exaggerating after I say I’ve had a few of my greatest nights of backcountry sleep on this pad. It’s a little bit of a ache to inflate, however this looks like a small value to pay for night time’s sleep on a light-weight pad that simply suits in my pack.
Though I’ve given this pad a ton of use over the previous few months with out difficulty, quite a few opinions point out the potential for early-lifespan leaks. Nonetheless, my expertise with this pad thus far has been insanely constructive, and I might positively suggest it to anybody seeking to improve their consolation within the backcountry.
Store the Nemo Tensor Path Ultralight Sleeping Pad
Comparable Sleeping Pads
NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad
- MSRP: $210
- R-value: 4.5
- Weight: 13 0z
Nemo Tensor All-Season Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad
- MSRP: $200
- R-value: 5.4
- Weight: 16 0z
Sea To Summit Ultralight Air Sleeping Pad
- MSRP: $139
- R-value: 1.1
- Weight: 13.9 0z
The Nemo Tensor Path was donated for the aim of assessment.
Featured picture: Colleen Goldhorn Artistic Co
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