NEMO - Quasar 3D Lightweight Non-Insulated Sleeping Pad

I love my quasar, but I’ve also never had it get a hole on a trip

I prefer the quasar sleep pad to the STS option - but that’s a personal preference thing. Sleeping bag or quilt definitely isn’t something to skimp on. When I first started, I bought a sub 150 sleeping bag and quickly found out its “rating” wasn’t even close. Wife and I were in the same boat years ago. We went “cheap ish” with gear and quickly realized we wanted to upgrade certain things. Looking back - we wished we just went with the good gear from the get go (of course, if funds allow) - because we ended up rebuying the gear we actually wanted shortly after, and spent money on the “cheaper” gear that we didn’t like that then felt like a waste. We would have saved money if we just bought the nicer kit in the beginning.

How much weight is too much for you, though? I’m a larger guy (230lbs) and find the tensor uncomfortable. It’s usable, but I don’t sleep great on it. My wife has the quasar and it’s way more comfy for me. Recently, I said screw it and tried an Exped Ultra mat. It’s quite large, and has some weight to it. BUT I sleep better than I ever have in the backcountry. So it’s my luxury item - and I’ll gladly carry the extra weight for the improved sleep I get.

I totally recommend the quasar. I think it’s a great balance of size, weight, and comfort. My wife is a side sleeper and loves it. The extra thickness definitely helps if you are a side sleeper. She’s small. Loves the quasar. Hates my tensor - just for the side sleeping. For what it’s worth!

Hah...I do overnights with the same tent. Nice and roomy at least. Good news, it's not just huge it's also heavy! I did go with an on sale Nemo Quasar 3d pad. That helped weight and space some.

I’ve got one of their ultra lite pads. It’s the most comfortable pad I’ve used that wasn’t self-inflating. I’m a side sleeper and prefer it over both my nemo quasar and nemo tensor.

Get something with 4 inchs of thickness. Us big guys need that level or near to it of thickness. Nemo Quasar is close, same with Big Agnes Campmeister. I have the Thermarest neoloft and love it. I'm also a big guy. Thermarest and definitely the Campmeister are good for those temps.

Megamat is wonderful but it's not fitting in a backpack, you'll have to take a second trip for it. It takes up a lot of space in the car even.  I think you should check out the nemo quasar or (only during an REI sale) the REI helix. Something about the honeycomb pattern is really comfortable. 

It’s not lightweight, but I’ve got the Nemo Quasar 3D and upgraded to the Zenbivy system with my sleeping bag.  I’ve used the Nemo in Scotland last year and it was a game changer to my previous mattress simply due to the height. I got the Zenbivy in November, so I’ve only tested it at home, but it was lovely! Full set up test in April!  I’m an active female plus-size side sleeper, so I need space and height. 

I’ll second the trip to REI to test out sleeping pads. It helped us settle on the Nemo Quasar. I have a bad L5/S1 disc and I sleep like a baby on both my back and side.

I camp a lot with 2 large dogs (75 and 90 pounds). We use a Coleman double high air mattress or Coleman cot with air mattress when camping near the car. Been using the same ones for the last 4 years with no issues. Tried an intex air mattress once and was on the ground by morning. For hike in sites and backpacking I use a Nemo quasar and love it. Good r value, lightweight, and comfortable. If camping near the car you may want to look at Exped megamat. Ridiculously comfortable. For a knock off look for Lost Horizon brand on Amazon. It’s a foam and air combo and very popular. When it’s time to replace the air mattress on the cot that is likely what I’m going with.

I’m fine side sleeping with a Nemo Tensor All Season. My wife uses a Nemo Quasar, which is definitely more comfy, but also colder and takes up more pack space and weight.