NEMO - Tensor™ Elite Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad

I hate my NeoAir, I don’t find ThermaRest pads comfortable at all. I’d take a CCF over a Thermarest. For trips where I want an inflatable over a CCF, I just got a Nemo Tensor since they’re on sale at REI (25% off). At least in store, it felt a lot better than my NeoAir or CCF.

Comfortable, I have one now. Before I had a Nemo pad I returned and honestly, kind of wish I had kept it. Only downside was it took forever to inflate. Also, these things go on sale/get returned all the time. I’d look for one second hand if possible.

This inherently does not answer your question, because it is only R2.4, but I've been using the new Tensor Elite which packs to the size of my fist and weighs 7oz. I've used it on multiple 32F nights on shaded ground. I have used my torso-length 1/8" pad to supplement sometimes, but not all the time, and have not perceived a difference in warmth. I've mostly used it for grip. In summary, I've been impressed by it and would currently not consider anything else for a sub-20L pack system Edit: meant to say Elite, not Extreme

Yeah I'm kind of in the same position. It's about what you'd expect, it's comfortable within the limits of a short, regular width pad. It's very slippery. I've used it for about 10 nights, mostly in Grand Canyon, and it hasn't leaked yet. I'm pretty good at fixing sleeping pads, so I bought it knowing that if a leak is fixable I can handle it in the field, and if it's not fixable they will warranty it for me and I could ask for something different. Like I said I've used it in combo with 1/8 ccf because that's part of my pack but I don't think that's necessary. So, in summary, I'm skeptical of it but I have yet to be given a reason to believe it's a stupid product. It's a huge gain in comfort:weight ratio compared to my Xlite.

I have about 10 nights on one. It's comfortable and hasn't failed yet. It's very easy to use compared to Neoair because of the valves. It is definitely slippery and I sometimes use a 1/8" foam under it to mitigate this. I have yet to be cold on it, even with a few nights around freezing on shaded ground. I have a similar philosophy about its durability. I'm pretty good at fixing pads in the field so if occasional leaks are fixable I'm okay with that. If something stupid fails that's not fixable, I'll be asking for a different one when I warranty it. They are pretty great at customer service and if they are going to launch a product like this I'm not ashamed to hold them accountable

It's the quietest pad I've used, except for occasional little squeaks against the CCF I use under it

The Tensor Elite has thinner material than the Uberlite

Slightly more comfortable and completely silent unless you put it on something squeaky in my 10 nights of experience

I agree but also more slippery, and obviously less durable

10 nights here so I'll help -It is not noisy at all unless you put it on top of something squeaky. -It is quite slippery, moreso than a Neoair. I often struggle to decide between putting my 1/8" foam below (protection and grip) or above (body grip). I think ultimately I will stick to below and put some Seam Grip on top for body/sleeping bag grip -It's the easiest pad to inflate and deflate in existence IMO. This is because the valves are excellent, mine is the short version so it just doesn't take much lung time, the dump valve is wide open, and the material is so supple so you don't have to be careful about folding it nicely. I was actually struck right away by how all of these things contribute to its ease of use

I mostly agree with you. I was already carrying a Thinlight on 98% of trips even with a heavier inflatable. So that's actually why I decided to try the Elite. I personally got it for less than 200 as well.

nemo tensor. buy it on amazon.

I’ve got 2 BA pads for my kids but haven’t had any issues with them at all, but they don’t seem anywhere as nice as my Nemo Tensors. A buddy has an BA pad and did get it replaced via warranty.  With that said, my Nemo Tensors have been amazing and one of them lasted over 7 years. Got it replaced very easily with Nemo, too!

This pad is worlds more comfortable than the fully inflatables and it has a good r-value (5.1). I returned the Nemo tensor everyone loves so much and replaced it with this and I think it was well worth it. Yes, the weight and packability are worse, but I just can’t find an inflatable that is comfortable enough for me to think the weight/size savings are worth it.

Tensor Elite Short Mummy is 7.6 oz. With the stuff sack and patch kit it's 8.04 oz. With the included pad inflator that I doubt literally anyone will use, it's 10 oz. Source: I own it.

The released specs are exactly the same. Your assumption that "most" people will use all the extras that come with pads is flawed. At best I would include both minimum and full weights when available.

I've only slept on it for one night with a Thinlight underneath, where it got down to 35F and I felt the cold under the pad for sure but it was fine. A coworker that also bought the pad who is going on the PCT soon slept on it for a month indoors to test it out and had his rip open. He claims he just rolled over and heard it pop. [Here's a video of the damage.](https://imgur.com/a/lGLgBd3) I would *never* use it without a Thinlight.

I only use pads that are too short for me. I currently use an XLite Womens (66") and a Tensor Elite (63"). I like having my feet hang off the edge after a long day of hiking, it feels better. If I'm on a longer pad or in a bed, I will do the same thing.

I had a Tensor and it was uncomfortable for me as well. I’ve found Exped inflatable pads comfortable. My favorite right now though is the Neoloft.

I’m a side sleeper as well and I stopped using my Nemo tensor so much because of the potato chip bag noise effects heh. This past winter, I’ve used the Sea to Summit comfort plus. It is easily the most comfortable pad I’ve ever used for side sleeping. And inflates and deflates easily. Highly recommend!

Is it noisy? The tensor I bought a couple of years ago is still going strong but man it’s like sleeping on top of a potato chip bag. I’m a guy that moves from side to side so it can be a problem some nights.

Have you considered a camping cot? There are a lot of ultralight options now which are about the same price as a good sleeping pad for side sleepers. The only difference being is the weight, you’re looking at around 1.5kg for a cot bed which would be double the weight of a sleeping pad. For me, the extra weight is worth it for the comfort. For context I’ve tried Therm-a-Rest, Big Agnes and Nemo mats. If I’m going for comfort, the cot bed wins every time.

25 inches wide a must for me, ounces be damned.

It’s subjective, of course. While I’d agree the Tensor is no where near the most comfortable, I’ve found it to hit the sweet spot in terms of being comfortable *enough*, light *enough*, warm *enough*, etc. Every other pad I’ve tried excels at one thing while falling far short in another. (Etherlite: comfy but cold. Xlite: warm and light but uncomfortable and loud. Etc.) Tensor is good *enough* in my experience.

25 inch wide + short is something I’d be interested in. (Paired w/ 1/8 inch ccf)