NEMO - Tensor Non-Insulated Regular Wide 2023

+1 for the Nemo Tensor. After trying 5 or 6 different pads, I tried a Tensor. Within 3 seconds of laying on it, I knew my search was finally over

I also recommend the Nemo Tensor 25". I've tried half a dozen expensive pads and the Nemo Tensor is better, by far. A good quality pillow goes a long way to increasing sleep comfort. I can't remember the brand I have, I've had it for 4 or 5 years, but it's got a soft microfiber cover and an elastic strap that goes around your pad to keep it in place. This is much more comfortable than a stuff sack with a pants and shirt in it. Or your backpack, which is what I used to use. It's well worth the little bit of extra weight IMO

I've been using my Nemo Tensor for 6 years. I had to patch a small pinhole (it was entirely my fault that the hole got there) 3 years ago. It's still going strong

Nemo Disco!!! I describe my sleeping style as rotisserie chicken—constantly turning. I had an REI Magma. Hated it. Swapped for Nemo Disco after the Smokies and never looked back. Okay. I just saw that this is about sleeping PADS, not bags. Leaving that top part because I’m lazy. Nemo Tensor Wide. Must must must get the wide. I started with the regular and it was too narrow for all my turning. Wide was a game changer.

To be fair I use if for my fast packing trips if I am just backpacking at a normal pace I go with the bigger tensor I’m doing the foothill trail in may 77 miles in 5 days and I am taking the big one… still at a 9.5 base weight but my fast packing weight is 8.5. In September I am going 110 miles also in five days and that will be the lighter setup.

Nemo Tensor pads are good for side sleeper. I am 190cm and use the long/wide version.

I sleep like a rotisserie starfish, and definietely second the Tensor Wide (and long, if you're tall. Me? My 5'6" frame wishes they made a short wide version.) 

Nemo Tensor. Not self inflating, but they blow up fast with the bag included. I'm a side sleeping and need the 3" it provides.

Yup, I'm 62 and it is wonderful.

Oh me too. I love the Nemo Tensor. As a side sleeper, that thick mattress is the only thing that works. I have the 25 inch as well. Wide enough for a side sleeper too.

I'm a hot sleeper fyi and I've stuck with my trusty NEMO Tensor non-insulated in regular wide (an older version at this point). They never let me down and they're fairly quiet if you roll around much. Ive used them for 3 season use in Florida (which for me is reversed; I used these in Fall, Winter, and Spring lol) And there are different r-value versions out now in 2025. But I've gotta admit the sleeping pad market has gotten much more competitive as of recently.

They're all good pads. I find them all comfortable in their own ways. Exped has the nicest fabric, but it's also the thickest which I don't really like. The Nemo tensor is the overall most comfortable, no nonsense, best of all worlds. The Xlite is my favorite however. I like the horizontal baffles. The new NXT version isn't as loud as its predecessors. The mummy shape is tapered in the perfect places unlike Expeds mummy pads, I prefer it over rectangular ones.

ccf pad cut down to size for the doggo, and an inflatable pad (xlite or tensor) for you next to it -- or get used to sleeping on ccf pads too if that wouldn't be good enough and she couldn't be taught to accept it

I'm actually a stomach sleeper and find the xlite very comfortable for that, although the noise is definitely an issue when sleeping without a thin pillow. I do think the tensor is slightly more comfortable, but I have to get the air pressure just right, more-so than the xlite. Interesting we have different experiences like that!

Yeah, that's definitely the best pad for you currently out of everything available. I'd argue most pump sacks aren't worth their weight though, but you can use the exped shnozzle on the tensors (they are known to wet out, but I haven't had an issue with mine). Or make something similar to a schnozzle with a trash compactor bag and 3D printed piece. Or the pad pal is 8g.

Trail: 2.8R @ 17oz vs All Season: 5.4R @ 19oz. You might be able to save 2oz but doesn't seem worth it.

For sure. The tensor pump sacks weighs 2oz, so if you can use your pack liner as the pump sacks too, you'll save that extra weight.

Solid start. Great choice on the bag, the Nemo pad and sleeping bag and stove. I have the same style stove and the big round end like the one you got vs the jet is definitely the way to go. For the sleeping pad I would make sure the long will fit where you need it. Definitely get the wide but I have the standard/wide and I’m 6’2 and it’s perfect. If you are above 6’2 and it will fit in your tent go with the long. Also, get a Nemo switchback to go under it. It acts as sorta a boxspring and make your night wayyyy more comfortable. For the sleeping bag I would recommend looking into quilts. If you are going to go the sleeping bag route the Nemo is the only way to go. However I had a Nemo sleeping bag and swapped it out for a quilt and never looked back. For the tent I would also recommend a trekking pole tent. Look into the Lanshan 1 or 2. I have the 1 and absolutely love it. Get the standard Not the pro!