They supposedly used less material forming the baffles. Durability is a huge question mark, their original tensor baffle design commonly failed at the welds, so we’ll have to see how this performs but if it’s as good as the current Tensor’s, it should replace those models. All they need is a 4 layer version to replace the Extreme.
I find the "race to the sky" with thicker and thicker pads to be going the wrong direction, and would prefer pads no more than 3" or less. Four inches is just silly and unnecessary for most of us. With a mid-tent getting one's self closer to the ceiling isn't the right idea either. Hell, I'm 64 years old and still occasionally use a ccf pad (when you reach my age you'll understand). Pad thickness isn't and shouldn't be the sole arbiter of how well one sleeps. Pad construction matters.
As a couple here have pointed out, a sleeping pads weak area is its sidewalls. That's why if you use a thin ccf pad in conjunction with an inflatable, the ccf pad goes on TOP of the inflatable, not underneath as is usually mentioned on this forum - that's completely backwards and incorrect. The ground maintains its temp pretty consistently, but the air temp is what one needs to be thinking about, and how it is "invading" the sidewalls of the inflatable. The ccf on top helps mitigate this "cold seep." The higher the sidewalls, the more surface area, the more pronounced the "cold creep."
As to this new pad, it's obvious its construction is different than the All-Season... its baffles tend to make its chambers look like they run horizontal like many of the Expeds, rather than the "quilt pattern" of the Tensor. Not everyone will prefer that for sleep comfort. I don't.
The theoretical .08 higher R-Value of the Eclipse, its one ounce heavier weight and unknown durability, despite a lower price, are not enticing to me - I also don't need or want a 4" pad. The Tensor is a known quantity and the bugs have been worked out.
HYOH applies however... :)
Like others mentioned I would look into the eclipse cheaper than the tensor and warmer than the rapide, it’s pretty much a copy of the rapide by nemo but warmer. I have tried all of these except the tensor although did try it at REI, rapide wins of these but the zenbivy flex air it’s the absolute best
I got an eclipse and spent 2 nights on it. It doesn't crinkle at all. Very quite and comfortable. I was warm in thin leggings and t-shirt and felt no cold spots. First night low was 38°, second night was 36°.
The eclipse isn’t loud. I’ve been testing it out and it doesn’t really make any sound at all. My buddy has a thermarest xlite and it crinkles so loud I can hear it from 20 feet away
99trey
