NEMO - Tensor Series

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.

Nemo Tensor Alpine is what I run it's good

This! I started buying tensors because they were the only reg/wide rectangle pads at the time.  They work great and are comfy enough for side sleeping for me. 

I have the Tensor All Season, my brother has the Rapide and I’ve had the Dura 3R in the past so I have a decent idea of what they’re like. For one thing those specs are off, the Nemo packs the smallest and it’s definitely lighter than the Rapide at the same length and width. I use 25in wide pads though. As for comfort, these are all comfortable pads, it’s really going to come down to preference. The Exped and BA have more of a vertical baffle feel while the Nemo is more dimpled. If I had to rank them I’d go BA, Nemo, Exped. But it’s close, they are all good. For durability only the Nemo and Exped list the denier, w Nemo being 20 top, 40 bottom nylon. The Exped is 20d poly which is not only the thinnest but Poly isn’t as strong as Nylon. The BA doesn’t say the material but it seems durable. All of them should sleep true to their R value, so Nemo would be the warmest, and I’ve heard the Rapide has complaints of cold spots but my brother never experienced that, though he hasn’t tested it when it’s been cold enough. I really like that Exped uses synthetic fill rather than reflective film as it will be more comfortable in summer. So maybe go w the Exped if you’ll do a lot of summer camping and either the Nemo or BA depending upon what’s more important, comfort & durability -Rapide or weight & warmth - Nemo. Also look into warranty terms, being in Germany the Warranty won’t be the same buying from either US company.

Tensor is the best all around UL pad. The S2S isn’t meaningfully more comfortable, none of the ultralight options are. Try it next to a pad like the Megamat Ultra that has vertical sidewalls and you’ll see what I mean by meaningfully more comfortable, but it’s much more bulky and about a pound heavier. I use mine on all my rafting/kayaking trips. For backpacking it’s the Tensor every time.

The Featherstone Calcatta is also supposed to be a good budget pad. I have a Tensor All Season, the lifetime warranty justifies the extra cost imo.

No the sleeping bag won’t help much. To get a significant bump in comfort you’ll have to jump into some heavier pads that are still compressible enough to bring backpacking. Pads like the Thermarest Neoloft or Exped Megamat Ultra. I have a Tensor All Season and find it comfortable, however my Exped Synmat 3D (older version of the Megamat Ultra) is definitely more comfortable. My brother has the Rapide SL which is similar to the Tensor in comfort.

I don’t think that’s a noticeable improvement in comfort to make the switch from the Tensor.

OP has a medical issue and if they can’t get by with an already comfortable pad like the Tensor, chances are they’re probably not going to do well with the Either light either, which is a marginal improvement at best in comfort. UL means being as light as possible while still being comfortable, it’s not necessarily just about sacrifice, but being smart with what you choose not to take. Both the Megamat and Neoloft pack reasonably small, and maybe an extra pound is well within their carrying capacity and worth it if they can sleep soundly. The whole point of UL was to make life on the trail easier, but if the camp experience sucks then what’s the point. A pissing contest on base weight? I think you might be confusing UL with the show Naked and Afraid. Because that’s your endgame.

Second for the Megamat Ultra. It’s a big jump in comfort over any ultralight pad. Depending upon how far I’m hiking I’ll bring it over my Tensor All Season which is a decently comfortable pad in its own right.

Go with the Tensor all season. It’s a buy once, cry once type of item. The cheap pads for half the price come with very limited warranties. Nemo has a lifetime warranty, and when it comes to air mats in particular, there’s a good chance you’ll have an issue at some point that you can’t repair. Nemo replaced my mat twice over a 7 year period, once for a valve issue and the other was the baffle failure that many of their older pads had. Each time I got the updated version. To me the warranty alone is worth the extra cost, just make sure you get it from an authorized retailer. REI is really nice because you can access your purchase information as a member making any warranty claim a snap. The All Season also happens to be the best overall pad for its blend of comfort, weight, durability and warmth. It’s R value will get you through most of the year on its own, and the full year when combined w a ccf pad if you dare to camp in the middle of winter.

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.

I think the Nemo Tensor Trail should be fine for you. I spent the last few years backpacking in the Ohio river valley (and elsewhere in the east coast and south) on a pad with a 2.5 R-value and was never once cold. I sleep notably warm as well, so I even used that pad down to 5F, but the reality is that winter in Virginia is rarely cold enough that this pad (especially if paired with a foam pad) would not be sufficient for you.

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.

Feels the same, except quieter.

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 think it is. I always clear my chosen tent spot of rocks, twigs, debris and such before I set anything up. My tensor lasted my hike over the span of two years and is still going strong. It definitely never hurts to have something under it for extra protection and piece of mind though. An added bonus is that it’ll stop your pad from sliding around in your tent if you’re not on a totally flat spot. I used a lightweight microfiber towel (my luxury item, I swam a lot) for that.

So my girlfriend and I have been through a couple different sleep systems for backpacking and car camping, and I figured I’d share what’s worked (and what hasn’t). **The old setup:** We used to run a pair of Big Agnes bags with pad sleeves that zipped together. It was great in theory—we could cuddle, and she could steal my body heat (I’m basically a furnace). Each of us had our own EXPED DownMat, which fit into our bags, but the problem was the gap that always formed in the middle. That little cold trench would wake us up and force us apart, which killed the whole “together” vibe. **Backpacking setup (current favorite):** Now we’re running a Sierra Designs Backcountry Duo 20F down bag (4 lbs 10 oz), and holy crap—it’s a game-changer. It’s like a hybrid between a quilt and a mummy bag, but zipperless. At the foot end, there are slots so either person can pop a foot out if they’re overheating without messing with the other. The top half works more like a comforter at home, which is a dream for me since I’m a side sleeper who likes to stick an arm out. I can just fold my corner down and sprawl without pulling the cover off her. Bonus: it’s got this little hand pocket in the corner that keeps your hand warm while you’re stretched out. Paired with two NEMO Tensor pads (78” x 25” x 3.5”), it’s insanely comfy. The pads fit perfectly in the sleeves (can even go up to 30” wide if you’ve got bigger ones). All in, the bag + pads are around 7 lbs, but honestly? It feels like we’re sleeping on a queen bed in the backcountry. I’ve never slept better outside. **Car camping setup:** For car camping, I use the same bag but swap the two NEMOs for an EXPED MegaMat Duo LW (78” x 52” x 4”). The Duo doesn’t slot into the bag sleeves (since it’s just one big pad), but it’s wide enough that the bag doesn’t really move. I rigged a simple strap through the head/foot sleeves to keep it centered, since the bottom of the bag isn’t insulated. Works great, super comfortable. That said, I’m thinking about upgrading to the Sierra Designs Frontcountry Duo Queen 20F bag. It’s synthetic, a little bulkier, but it’s designed for a single big pad up to 60” wide—basically a perfect fit for the EXPED. **Final thoughts:** The Big Agnes setup was fine, but the new Sierra Designs system feels like a massive upgrade—especially for side sleepers or couples who hate the “cold gap.” Backpacking version feels like a queen bed at \~7 lbs, car camping version feels like glamping. Honestly, I don’t think I’m going back. https://preview.redd.it/jjbie317nyqf1.jpeg?width=1857&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0e10676b44eb56cd5bb48b50e1f7dba11f45b541

Love my tensor all season. It checks all the boxes. Very comfortable

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.

Nemo tensor all season has a 5.4 r value, packs quite small, and weighs 16 oz which I think is certainly pretty light for that level of warmth

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)

I would probably not pick MEC products anymore, they have dropped in quality. So MH or Nemo for a sleeping bag. And since you’re a fellow Canadian, go for the higher R value, especially since your bag only goes to -9. The Nemo tensor is a good option here.

I swear by the Nemo Tensor large. The 25 inch one. I also have 2 pillows, a cheap gear doctor one from amazon that straps to the pad, and a Nemo fillo. I need these as a side sleeper to avoid having my neck cricked. I am also a fan of quilts. I have 2 from Zen Bivy. With this setup, I have had night on the trial that were better than nights at home. I move a lot when I sleep, and switch between sides and my back. This is the only way for me to get rest. Combine with an eye mask and ear plugs!

I tried both and went with the Ether Light XR. It came down to what felt good. I didn’t think the baffle design on the Tensor AS was comfortable or distributed weight well and much preferred the baffling on the Ether Lite as a side/stomach sleeper. I plan on upping the R value with a Z-lite pad if necessary.

Also a side sleeper, Nemo Tensor insulted and a sea to summit pillow worked for me! The trick for me was putting the pillow between my knees, and using a stuff sack of my puffy and hiking clothes as a pillow for my head. Hope you get it figured out! Keep trekking!!

My Nemo pad is more comfortable than my Purple bed 😂

If I ever buy another inflatable pad, it'll be a [Nemo Tensor Trail](https://www.nemoequipment.eu/collections/sleeping-pads/products/tensor-trail-insulated-ultralight-sleeping-pad). Of all the inflatable options, it's simply the best blend of comfort/weight (assuming you avoid cold temps like I do) The horizontal baffles on the XLite are nowhere near as comfortable

I've had a broken spine and pelvis so I researched and tested a lot for a sleeping pad. Any thick self inflating pad was either WAY too heavy, bulky, or had bad reviews... So I ended up with a Nemo Tensor. I know you prefer self inflating but I'd give this pad a try, maybe go to a store and lay on it. I find it quiet, warm, and supportive. I sleep all night and no body aches.

Looking at this one as well - although just the regular 25” wide version. I have a Nemo tensor and I’m not totally in love with it. For the size and weight, sure. But my wife and I just got back from a pretty short 3 day backpacking trip and I just couldn’t get comfortable on the tensor. I probably have 15-20 nights on the tensor and I’m just not sold. Typically a UL believer, but I’m really considering ponying up for the bulk and weight of this ultra mat - if it would result in better sleep. We have a mega mat queen size for our car camping kit, and it’s a dream. Haven’t used any other Exped mattresses yet, though

I just bought the regular sized version for the same pad and I haven’t used it much but I really like it so far. Doesn’t deflate by morning at all. Super easy to inflate and I find that it packs nicely into my gossamer gear gorilla pack.

Same. Love the 3R (not slippery, not noisy, vertical baffles and “rails”) but really jealous of the Tensor Elite weight. Now, if Tensor made the Elite in a 25”, I’d buy it in a heartbeat.

I second this! I recently switched to a zenbivy ultralight mattress, and I slept so comfortably, especially as a side sleeper. I previously owned a Nemo Tensor. It was okay, but I should have gotten it wide. I don't toss and turn, but my mind is more at ease if there's a little extra space, lol. That's a great idea using the nemo pad pump sack because the zenbivy pump sack does suck. I personally use a flextail pump for an extra 4.3oz, but I'll use the nemo pump sack next time!

I'm happy with my Tensor All Season

Sweet! I have a Nemo Tensor in the way myself

I went with the Tensor All season Long Wide after a week of research and checking over all kinds of pads and reviews. It's on the way as I type this. I wanted a comfy one but still needed lightweight

Extremely surprised no one has mentioned the NEMO Tensor All-Season Insulated pad, its got a 5.4 R-value, 3.5in (almost 9cm) thick, and the regular mummy comes in at 14oz (397g). I guess not the lightest but definitely worth the consideration. Also currently on sale for $150 USD at REI

I have one thats 3 years old with many months of use and still works great. Kinda pissed they keep improving it

I just spent my first night sleeping on a tensor elite. Loved it! 40F was the nighttime low temp and I was fine. It is comfortable but slippery. More comfortable than either an xlite or an uberlite for sure. I got the short version which weighed 7.5 oz on my scale. I added pillow attachment loops at a point that my Big Sky Dream Nation pillow slightly cantilevered off the head end and that worked great. The net effect is that it worked like a full length and I am 5’-10” — I wasn’t expecting that. A pleasant surprise all around.

Just make sure whatever you buy is actually ASTM tested for the R-value. So avoid Klymit for example. If it’s not ASTM tested, they can make up any number they want to. It’s night and day between my Nemo Tensor all-season and my Klymit Static-V Insulated

I have several tensors(elite, extreme, etc.) they are quiet on their own. In the tent is kinda grips the floor which makes and interesting sound when you move around. I'd test it both ways, but it's my favorite pad of all time fwiw.

Have you considered deflating it slightly? My tensor all season is too hard when it’s fully hard 😉

It's subjective. I just upgraded from a klymit static v. My top 2 choices were the nemo tensor or the thermorest neoloft. I went with the tensor. I've used it on 11 nights in the last month. Absolutely love it. My buddy preferred the neoloft but hasn't bought it yet. I also got the nemo filo pillow. Huge upgrade from the sea to summit air pillow I had before.

Nemo tensor wide + CCF underneath for me. With the pad a little bit under inflated. I like to sleep side ways and this is the pad that keep my top leg supported on pad instead of dropping on to ground uncomfortably

+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

I had the RAB ionosphere (4,8?), the yellow one of the same line. After about 40 nights of use, it would not stay inflated for longer than 2 hrs, checked it for leaks etc.  Got my money back and am now rocking Nemo tensor 4 season (we're now 4 nights in, we'll see!)

Agreed. I’m definitely a side sleeper and this one supports me very well. I would get the regular-wide size a second time around so that my arms don’t fall down beside me when I happen to be on my back at times.

Any of the Nemo Tensor line is great and not loud and Zen Bivy also makes really good pads as well. That will likely be the next one I buy.

I have both the Nemo tensor all season and ether lite. Honestly you can’t go wrong with either. I side and back sleep and they’re both comfortable. I tend to gravitate toward the Nemo just cause it’s a wide (the ether is the mummy shape) but I quite like both. The Nemo has a slightly higher R value if I recall correctly so there’s that.

I have a Nemo tensor all season and have used it throughout the year. No issues in the summer getting too hot. If you skimp on the R value, you’re gonna regret it come shoulder season

Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated and Nemo Tensor are both widely regarded as The most comfortable pads. I have or tried both and they're great.

I just moved to a Nemo tensor, lighter and warmer than the exped I had bf

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.

Best sleeping pad is a 1,000% subjective. Different pads will be comfortable to different people depending on their preferences and sleeping habits, and the most important thing is finding a sleeping pad that is comfortable for you to sleep on. Now, there are **objective** differences between sleeping pads when it comes to things like price, R value, weight, packability, durability, etc. Many of these qualities are going to be directly antithetical to each other (e.g. higher R values and durability are generally going to come with a weight penalty; lighter weights/more packable are almost always going to be more expensive as well as more delicate). You just gotta try to find the pad that feels comfortable to you AND has the best combination of those objective qualities that matter most to you. Personally I've settled on the Therm-A-Rest Neoloft as my 3-season pad and the BA Campmeister Deluxe as my colder weather pad. Those pads are bigger and heavier than a lot of options on the market but they are super comfortable for me to sleep on and are made from more durable materials (75D on the BA and I believe 50D top/75D bottom on the Neoloft) so hopefully the odds of me waking up on a flat pad on cold hard ground are greatly reduced. Although I do also own a Nemo Tensor if I ever feel like I need to go super light for some reason. I am lucky to be in a position to own several high-end sleeping pads to keep around as options for different conditions!

Get something with a super high R rating - higher than you think you need. Look for a baffling system that is either dimpled or vertical. For whatever reason, horizontal baffles don’t have a lot of “give” to them so they are less comfortable for side sleepers in general.  Therm-a-Rest Neoair Xtherm is probably the warmest pad out there (not the highest R rating per se but the most effective insulation system means it is still warmer than other pads with higher R values). It may not the most comfortable for a side sleeper because of the horizontal baffles, however. But this is the pad you want if you want to prioritize warmth. If you want to prioritize comfort, Sea to Summit Ether Light XR Pro will probably not sleep as warm but will be more comfortable for a side sleeper because of the dimpled baffling system. Nemo Tensor Extreme Conditions is also very warm and only slightly less comfy than the Ether Light.  Exped Ultra 7R is a bit heavier and bulkier but is very comfy for a side sleeper. It uses down rather than reflective film for insulation. So it won’t be quite as crinkly as a lot of warm pads, but I’m not sure if the down insulation is more or less effective in this application.  Big Agnes Campmeister Deluxe is quite bulky and heavy for a backpacking pad but is super, super comfortable and has a very respectable R value of 7.  The other big, bulky “luxury” comfort backpacking pads - Exped Megamat Ultra and Therm-a-Rest Neoloft - are great options for comfort but with lower R values so they may be less warm than you might want.  Other things to consider - even a well-insulated sleeping pad will only stay as warm as your body is able to heat it. The bigger the pad, the more of your body’s heat it will draw away from you. So don’t buy a massively oversized sleeping pad thinking it will automatically be more comfortable. For insulating purposes, something that is only as big as you need it to be will be more efficient for your body to keep warm.  Make sure you take advantage of all the usual strategies for staying warm in the backcountry: Use your Nalgene as a hot water bottle and keep it in your sleeping bag/quilt with at night. Do some jumping jacks or other activity to get your heartrate and body temperature up before going to bed. Make sure you are properly hydrated and getting enough food to keep warm. Etc. 

Nemo Tensor Extreme Conditions will be warmer than the All Season.  I find the Tensor series to be a bit more comfortable than the NeoAirs. But she’s already uncomfortable with the Tensor. I would consider instead the Sea to Summit Ether Light XR Pro, which has a high R value and most people have found to be more comfortable than either the Tensors or the NeoAirs. 

The three pads that tend to compete in this category (ultralight with 3 season insulation) are the Nemo Tensor All Season, Therm-a-Rest Neoair Xlite, and this S2S. Therm-a-Rest is the lightest but most people (esp side sleepers) find it less comfortable due to the horizontal baffling. S2S is the heaviest of the three but also arguably the most comfortable. Nemo is in the middle for both weight and comfort.

Nemo tensor has been great for me.

For the same weight at the BA pad you could get almost 2x the insulation with the Nemo Tensor Extreme Conditions UL pad. It clocks in at R-8.5 and weighs 17 oz for the regular mummy version. The catch is that you would be paying as much as you would for the Thermarest neoair xtherm. Once you get to freezing temps the extra insulation in the pad is quite welcome. Above 40 though, you could be fine with much less. I get very warm when I'm active but at night when I'm sleeping in the cold I get just as cold as the next guy.

If you’re looking for an inflatable, Nemo Tensor All Season or Therma-Rest Uber Lite? They’re more expensive but comfortable, light, and warm/comfy.

Tensor is great but is a tad loud imo. I still love it, I have the wide pad which I highly recommend BUT make sure it will fit in your tent before buying (most 2p tents aren't 50 inches wide).

Nemo Tensor All-Season. I brought it on a 3 month tour over the summer and it worked great. Very comfortable, no holes, packs small.

Yes, regular wide is the one I have. Wouldn't go back to 20" pads.

I have both the XTherm and Nemo Tensor All Season. The Nemo is more comfortable, so that’s the one I tend to bring. I’m a very cold sleeper though. If it’s below freezing, neither pad feels warm enough, so I need a CCF pad on top.

I went with Tensor. I run cold. It’s really warm, small/light. I find it’s also somewhat “quieter” - I move around a lot. I’m a side sleeper. Very comfortable. Those Klymit sleeping mats didn’t do it for me either, but I really like the Klymit pillows. I had issue with Klymit losing air in cold temps and Tensor has been awesome.

Nemo tensor with a classic foam pad underneath. The tensor has a micro adjust valve to that allows you to adjust the pressure to what works for your body. I think most people think pads should always been fully inflated (myself included for years). Using that micro adjust valve to release some air while you’re laying on the pad is a serious game changer. Allows the pad to contour to your body versus feeling like a hard bed.

This is great advice on the inflation level of the pad. I am a hammock camper and sleep with a Tensor pad inflated to about 70% when in the hammock. I sleep with the Tensor pad instead of an underquilt so I have the option to sleep in a shelter if the weather is especially bad of if I am coming into camp later than normal. The deflation of the pad when sleeping in the shelter greatly improved my sleep comfort.

All season pad was comfy and considerably warmer than other 3R pads I have had. Glad I upgraded.

Yeah. I don't regret getting a fancy Nemo pad because it's at least light and warm, but I've still never had a good night on one. 

I have the tensor and absolute hate it. I have patched 10+ holes and counting. That said it is absolutely the most comfortable when sleeping on your side or stomach.

I own all the pads you have listed, I would go with the Tensor All Season. You might also take a look at the new XR version of the Ether Light. I believe they updated this version with a more traditional mylar style insulation resulting in better weight and a higher R-Value. If it's anywhere near the comfort of the old version, it would be a solid option. You might also look at pairing any potential pads with something like the Gossamer Gear thinlight. It would add quite a bit of protection with around an additional 0.5 R-Value.

With the upcoming REI sale on REI and Nemo sleeping pads, I am considering upgrading. I have a klymit static V, and have never once slept well on it (2 trips). I don’t go backpacking much, but want to go more. Better sleep would make it more appealing. Obviously a sleeping pad can only get so comfortable. How much better do they get though? UPDATE: Went to REI to try all the different options. I personally found the Nemo tensor to be the most comfortable. My wife preferred the REI Helix. We both preferred the tensor/helix over the Exped Ultra 5r. We brought one of our Klymits with us, and it was a night and day difference. We ended up buying both the REI Helix, and the Nemo Tensor. We will try both over a trip this weekend, and exchange as needed afterwards (at the REI staff members recommendation). We can apply the price match policy once the sale hits to get the better prices.

Tensor was a dream. Slept like a baby 90% of nights and got some reason not at all the other 10%.

Rapide for comfort, Tensor All-Season for overall value and light comfort, xlite for UL and durability. IMO

I would suggest the Rapide SL over the Zoom UL, just based on reviews about R-Value. If R-Value is not an issue, the Zoom is probably the better option. I use the Rapide on short trips and my Nemo All-Season any other time, which is comfy if you slightly deflate it.

I have a previous back injury. I find the Womens S2S Etherlight to be the most comfortable, though the least warm. Next for comfort is the Nemo All Season, as well as the Nemo Tensor. In comfort, they are both just slightly less comfortable than the S2S. Both are warmer than the S2S. I have used the ExPed Hyperlight pad for about 40 nights. I believe this pad has been replaced with the newer version. Mine was a 2.8R value. For me, the warmth was equal to the S2S pad. It was not an uncomfortable pad. It just wasn't as comfortable as the S2S and Nemo pads. I tried the Thermarest NeoAir Xlite. My lower back ached when I used the pad. It just didn't have the support I needed. I wish I could use it as it has great warmth to weight ratios. I used the wide versio pads for each of these, though the Exped was a mummy MW version I would assume what is comfortable for me may not translate to you as your back injury may be different than mine. My injury involved the lower back. I have slept in a hammock a few nights and never experienced back pain.

I have a previous back injury. I find the Womens S2S Etherlight to be the most comfortable, though the least warm. Next for comfort is the Nemo All Season, as well as the Nemo Tensor. In comfort, they are both just slightly less comfortable than the S2S. Both are warmer than the S2S. I have used the ExPed Hyperlight pad for about 40 nights. I believe this pad has been replaced with the newer version. Mine was a 2.8R value. For me, the warmth was equal to the S2S pad. It was not an uncomfortable pad. It just wasn't as comfortable as the S2S and Nemo pads. I tried the Thermarest NeoAir Xlite. My lower back ached when I used the pad. It just didn't have the support I needed. I wish I could use it as it has great warmth to weight ratios. I used the wide versio pads for each of these, though the Exped was a mummy MW version I would assume what is comfortable for me may not translate to you as your back injury may be different than mine. My injury involved the lower back. I have slept in a hammock a few nights and never experienced back pain.

Two cents. I’ve had multiple Nemo tensors and they all leaked and tore beyond repair. Same with Uber lite which is quite low R value. Now I use Neoair Xlite NXT. It seems to strike balance between durability, r value, and weight savings. https://www.rei.com/product/241034/therm-a-rest-neoair-xlite-nxt-sleeping-pad

6' 2" and a bit heavier, also side sleeper. I have a Nemo tensor and REI mahma quilt and love them. 

I returned it to REI and got a Nemo

You've tested *all* of them? You find the Nemo more comfortable than an Etherlite XT? An REI Helix? An Exped? A Rapide SL? That doesn't compute for me. The Nemo is more comfy than a Neoair but well below all of those.

My Tensor squeaked loudly on my tent's floor I came up with a super light fix, the lightest gauge poly tarp painters drop sheet, cut to size. It's only 23g, \~ 1/3 the weight of a thinlight

The Nemo Tensor is a great choice. Especially if you're a side sleeper. I recommend supporting geartrade.ca too, they're a distributor out of Okotoks that carry a lot of speciality ultralight gear.

I took a Nemo Tensor with me, but after trying them both in various combinations, the foam mat was super comfortable by itself (and made less noise). If you already own one, bring it and make the decision yourself. I definitely wouldn't buy one for the trip. Another recommended item (if you're a cold sleeper) - a sleeping bag liner. I had a 20⁰ F Thermo-Reactor liner, and I was never cold - other climbers were cold.

The NXT xlites are much quieter...could not get a good night's sleep with the previous version. I have both the Nemo AS & latest xlite in wide...prefer the Nemo by a small margin (better comfort with small weight penalty).

I went ahead and bought the tensor all season i did more research and i liked everything abt it, payed 168.

I went ahead and made the purchase last night can’t wait for it to come in.

Nemo tensor all season sleeping pad, I realized the trade off that came with the ultra light options was greater then the benefit of less weight

The Rapide SL is easily the most comfortable pad I have used. I have an older version though where the insulation doesn’t work properly, so I can’t use it in cold or even cool weather. I believe they fixed this issue, if so I would 100% go with that one. I tried the Tensor all-season and absolutely hated it, which was surprising because I have heard rave reviews about it. It made my arm go numb, jammed into my ribs/side, I could only inflate it ~halfway to be comfortable, and it sounded like I was sleeping on a Doritos bag. However it is incredibly packable and lightweight. Unfamiliar with the Etherlite personally. I ended up with the Exped 5R, not as comfortable as the Rapide SL but miles ahead of the Tensor. EDIT: Mainly a side and occasional back sleeper.

The Nemo Elite pads have been discussed on this sub as a potential (even lighter) successor to the Uberlite. All the weights referenced are pad-only. [https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/1hwnj25/nemo\_tensor\_elite\_lightest\_pad\_ever/](https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/1hwnj25/nemo_tensor_elite_lightest_pad_ever/) [https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/1dv0yrp/nemo\_tensor\_elite\_2025\_a\_potential\_uberlite/](https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/1dv0yrp/nemo_tensor_elite_2025_a_potential_uberlite/) Your tables, your rules. Just thought I'd let you know.

I backpack a lot on top of motocamping and found that the Nemo Tensor UL mat is great. It retails for $180 on rei right now but it’s worked great in my opinion. It depends on what you want though. It’s expensive but the lightweight is noticeable when backpacking. I don’t know if it’s worth the splurge just for motocamping however. Ive used it for at least 75 nights though now and it’s held up. Smaller than most inflatables too.

Look also at the Nemo Tensor All Season - great pad, super comfortable. I have mine in regular wide. R5.4 I believe.

Nemo Tensor All Season. I have the regular wide, fantastic light and warm pad. If you read around, the BA isn't as warm as it says and the flextail (which I had) is cold on the sides as there's no insulation there.

The Flextail zero is probably the cheapest ASTM rated one, but its Black Friday so there are deals on the Nemo Tensor All Season right now - I've seen it for £140 which is a bargain. I have that pad, its great.

Buy once cry once. Get a nemo Tensor all season or a Thermarest Neoair - you can find both used on ebay for less than rrp.

Nemo - I have the same pad and its great. Very comfortable, light and warm.

I’ve had it about a year I think. I had the previous version too the insulated. Both in regular wide. Before these I had an Xlite and a S2S ultralight insulated. The Nemo is more comfortable than either for me.

Just got my regular mummy Nemo tensor all season and fully agree. 22" at the shoulder that tapers down to the same size as currently at the feet or even slightly smaller would be ideal for me

I used a Nemo Tensor previously for weight savings which sure works great in the back woods. Took it car camping once and was just miserable knowing I didn’t need the weight savings. Bought the megamat and it was a game changer for car camping. Never slept so good in a tent.

I used a Nemo Tensor extreme and it kept me very warm. Others with just the foam pad complained of cold but I had sleeping bag open like a quilt and was warm all trip. Folds down to the size of a water bottle and has a bag system to inflate so you’re not hyper ventilating trying to blow the thing up at altitude. The one thing I’d recommend anyone take (that or a pee bottle)

For backpacking, I have had a Nemo Tensor (I got it for $125) for a few years now. It's WAY warmer than cheaper pads, packs down to the size of a Nalgene, super light (~14oz). Even getting a good, actually insulated, inflatable mattress is better for car camping. I picked up a cheap queen size from Sierra Designs for like $60, and my butt is finally warm.

If you have one nearby, REI has sleeping pads blown up you can lay on and test out. Everyones body and sleeping preferences are different. Once you figure out what kind of baffles you prefer, finding a sleeping pad will come easier as there are so many options. Especially if weight isn't an issue. I have a Nemo Tensor. It has quilted baffles. Everyone loves it, and it hurts my back and hips so bad. I also have an Exped pad and one from Zenbivy with vertical baffles. I love these. They cradle my body better. Thermarest is super popular. Most are horizontal baffles. They don't look comfy to me but it seems like people sleep well on them. Sea to Summit and Big Agnes are other popular sleeping pad brands. What kind of temps are you expecting? You'll want to choose a pad with an R value appropriate to your camping needs. Most choose a 3 season with an R value between 2-4. I would stick on the upper end if you're a cold sleeper.

I have 2 winter setups. Lightweight is a nemo Tensor insulated with a thermarest z fold under it. With a 0 degree down bag I've been cozy into the teens. It comes in under 5lbs so it works in the backcountry or if space in the car is at a premium. My no restrictions set up is an exped megamat with a 0 degree bag and a patagonia macro puff quilt. The quilt over the down bag keeps all the condensation out of the down and in the synthetic insulation and gives me a warmed place to put stuff like layers or my water bottle that isn't in my bag with me. The down side is that it weighs over 10lbs and takes up a lot of space.

Nemo Tensor All Season, wide version. I'm a side sleeper and it trumps most therm-a-rest pads that I've tried, including the xlite. I've not tried their NeoLoft yet, it's undoubtedly more comfortable, but you will pay a warmth and weight penalty over the Nemo.

Nemo Tensor All Season ftw. Waaay more comfy thank Xlite. Not tried Exped mats but I have heard their warmth ratings can be a bit ambitious.

Sleeping bag won't do anything for comfort while laying down. A good pad is what you want. Sea to Summit Ether XT Light, followed by Nemo Tensor, are my recommendations. Pillows are more forgiving. Wife and I use the Therm-a-rest ones.

I have that sleep pad and enjoy it. Keeps me warm and is comfy, like how it’s wide

I started my through hike with the Nemo summer pad and quite frankly was cold so I switched to the all seasons and was never cold again for the minor increase in weight. I found it to be worth it and now use that pad for everything.

I think any of the inflation pads will be pretty similar (as opposed to self inflating that are typically thinner). So Thermarest NeoAir NXT, Nemo Tensor, plus those already listed. Circa 3 inches thick to allow the hip to stay off the ground, and a square shape rather than mummy.

Have you tried any of them? Your local REI would at least have the Helix. I too had that on my shortlist and when I tried it I didn’t like it, I found I bottomed out too easily when moving and side sleeping. Like when I laid flat I’d be a couple mm off the ground, but then shifting too much weight to my hips would have me touch the ground. Again, it was fine and pretty comfy when my weight was fully distributed. My point is go and try them. I ended up going with a Nemo Tensor.

I have a Nemo tensor long wide. I'm 6'1" 175lbs I like to incorporate a 1/8" gossamer gear closed cell pads under my Nemo for puncture protection. I inflate the Nemo as much as the inflation bag will allow. I'll also put my emptied pack under both pads where my knees will go and my extra clothes under the head. This elevates my knees and head for a much better sleep experience.

My 6 ft husband is happy with his Long Wide Tensor Insulated. He has not had any problems with leaks or seams, and it's large enough for him.

I sleep very comfortably on my XLite (old model). I would rate my husband's Nemo Tensor Insulated slightly more comfortable than the XLite, but the difference is not much. If I want to sleep as comfortably as possible, I switch to a hammock. I have never found any ground system as comfortable as a properly hung and adjusted 11 ft hammock.

I have an insulated Tensor (previous model) that I love. Also have a couple others that are fine. Setting up in a good spot (the slight slant on my last trip was brutal on my back) helps, and though I'm small, I find the cost/weight of the wide version to be worthwhile.

I have an older version of this one and also love it.

I would also pick an emo. I have one of the tensors, I think the insulated one so I can use it in snow. It's pretty comfy. I think I found another one of those (or very similar sleeping pad) at the resale section of REI, and ended up having to repair a half inch gas, but some sealant and tape over it, and it's held up fine. So OP, if you want cheap but good, consider if you're willing to repair gear that other people are getting rid of because of repairable damage.

Nemo Tensor Trail is the correct answer.

I was skeptical of the ones that local Moshi provided, and took my Nemo Tensor. Didn't need it at all. The sleeping mats provided are fantastic all around. And Altezza are faaaaaaaancy.

I have some experience with both the Neoloft and the Tensor .. I did a sagged bike tour last month with the Neoloft (not hauling the gear so weight is not an issue), and I backpacked with it this week. I normally use the Tensor for backpacking but my daughter had no warm pad so I let her take it this week. I find the Neoloft unbelievably comfortable, it's as good as a high-quality mattress on your bed at home. It doesn't need to be under-inflated like most pads, it's best for me with a pretty high level of inflation. If you are a side sleeper it's golden, there is no discomfort at all. I am mainly a back sleeper but I also like to move a lot so I rotate through positions before I fall asleep. The Tensor I find perfectly OK if I get the inflation level right, but its not good on the side so I usually just avoid side sleeping with it. Based on my experience the Tensor might work if you are a back sleeper, but its a definite step down and the Neoloft could be worth the weight penalty in the end.

I had durability issues with multiple attempts at the Tensor, but that was before they upgraded the materials somewhat. I kinda wanna try the new Elite just because of the insane weight.

I had a Nemo Tensor straight POP with a one-inch tear from a extremely tiny burr on the edge of my quilt pad strap!

they both kinda suck tbh try a nemo tensor, big agnes rapide, or sea to summit etherlite, or thermarest neo air

Same. Great pad.

I have the Nemo all season tensor. I enjoy it more than my thermarest and will be taking it despite the extra weight on my pct hike

Sorry, I meant as a comparison to a foam pad (since there’s a ton of suggestions for that). Love my tensor though as a big side sleeper and would recommend! 

Also a cold side sleeper. Got the Nemo tensor all season wide and I’m never going back to my thermarest (slides too much, I slide off, not as comfy). I’ve taken it to freezing temps and stayed cozy when my other friends were cold. Worth the extra weight. 

Yes it's a concern. It's filling a niche formerly occupied by the thermarest uberlite, which was recently discontinued presumably because of the prevalence of durability issues. It feels a bit more substantial than the uberlite. But if I were going to rely on it, I would make sure I had a patch kit and knew how to use it, and be more careful with site selection than normal.

15D vs 10D on the Nemo💀 (And they admit it got pinholes during testing)

Nemo Tensor All Season. Super comfy, light and small pack. Decent isolation.

I’ve got somewhere between 80-100 nights on my All-Season with no issues so far. Maybe over 100 now that I think about it. I use the Flextail pump, but I actually quite like the Nemo pump sacks. Very effective when used correctly. I’m also a side sleeper. It’s comfortable for me.

insulated nemo tensor long/wide. 5.4 R value

the z lite and nemo tensor combo has never failed me

I have the tensor and something I don’t hear many people mention is how dang loud it is. Every movement elicits a crinkle sound like you’re sleeping on a bag of chips. Super comfy though.

The Nemo Tensor line of pads is what you need. I haven't messed with the Elite (8.5 oz / regular mummy), but the Trail (13 oz / regular mummy) and Insulated (14.1 oz / regular mummy) have treated me well this year. If you want to get full-season use, just get the insulated—it has an r-value of 5.4 and is only \~1 oz heavier.

The Nemo Tensor line of pads is what you need. I haven't messed with the Elite (8.5 oz / regular mummy), but the Trail (13 oz / regular mummy) and Insulated (14.1 oz / regular mummy) have treated me well this year. If you want to get full-season use, just get the insulated—it has an r-value of 5.4 and is only \~1 oz heavier.

Just came back from 5 days in the wilderness at 10k feet and my Nemo Tensor had a slow leak as well. Floated it in a lake to look for bubbles and could spot nothing. Also taped up the valve and it still leaked. I took it on a short 3 day trip prior to that and really loved it, no leak. Returning it for another pad.

I have a Nemo Tensor, Thermarest NeoAir X-Lite, and an Exped Ultra. My favorite of the 3 is the Exped. I haven't used the Rapide, but I'd put it in the same class as the ones I have. At that point, they are all so similar, buy the one that is the most comfortable for you. $20-30 less or more at that price point isn't huge, and is 100% worth it for more comfort.

6'1, 260 lb side sleeper.... Exped Ultra 3R is my pad of choice for my climate, but they have some with much higher R-values. It's more comfortable, to me, than either the Nemo Tensor or Thermarest X-Lite.

I use mine with a GG 1/8 “ pad below and haven had a problem I came off a tensor wide long all season so it was a bit to get use to the narrow width (I am a big guy @ 6’2” 265lbs) It gets the job done and doesn’t weigh shit.

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 all season wide long has been my friend for a while now. 6’2”. 280lb side sleeper/roller

Co-sign on the tensor and the disco From a 6’2 280 lb I’m more a rotisserie hog lol.

Try the Nemo Tensor, the Exped pads, and the Big Agnes Rapide (heaviest, but thickest). You should be able to lay on all of these at an REI if you have one nearby. They should have all the most popular ones blown up and ready to try.

Love my Tensor Extreme!

I own 3 Nemo Tensors. They are fantastic.

Will depend on you. I've used mine down to freezing

I grabbed the Nemo Tensor all season wide just for the extra comfort the width gives me and I slept beautifully on my UK 300km thruhike of Coast to Coast, tried the Big Agnes and Exped ones but the nemo just felt best to me. My recommendation would be to find a store that stocks all and try them out in person as pads are a very personal thing.

I havent had any issues at all with it over mines lifetime which is just under a year with no leaks or punctures, and from what I hear from others, Nemo have very good warranty on their products and offer a limited lifetime warranty if there are issues

I've had a terrible time finding a sleeping pad that is durable. The Nemo tensor has failed on me twice now (the second one was a replacement). It slowly loses air, and so you are on a 3 hour schedule until you are reinflating it. Does anyone make a durable pad, preferably one with a high R value that I can take the sub-arctic on a month-long trip and not fear every night that I will end up on the ground?

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

Important not XT (old) but XR (New). It's thicker, warmer and considered as one of the most comfortable sleeping pads. As for the noise it's a good idea to test lie in the shop. I'd recommend the Mummy Large. Take also a look at the Nemo Tensor All season, even warmer and packs a bit smaller but is a bit thinner.

The Sea to Summit Etherlite Woman has been replaced by the new Etherlite **XR** which is warmer lighter and packs smaller. My advice would be to test lie in a shop - Thermarest NeoAir NXT - [Sea to Summit Etherlite XR](https://seatosummit.eu/en-ch/products/ether-light-xr-insulated-air-sleeping-pad) - [Nemo Tensor All Season](https://www.nemoequipment.com/products/tensor-all-season-insulated-sleeping-pad)

My tensor all season just sprung a leak through my gg 1/8th foam pad. The leak is so slow I haven’t been able to find it.

Wide is good unless you’re cold camping with a quilt. My cacoon gets breezy when I move with my wider pads

I love the etherlight, I’m a side sleeper and it really helps prevent my arm from falling asleep. The only downside is the bulk. It takes up a lot of space in my pack. When I’m out for long hauls I don’t have the room for it and switch to the Tensor All-Season.

I just finished spending a week on a Nemo Tensor and it’s cool so far. I got it on Marketplace used like new for $100. I came from a Sleepingo off Amazon and the Tensor definitely retains heat better and has much better support. It feels air mattress thick coming from the cheap ultralight pad. It’s crinkly. There’s survival blanket type material in there. That said I’m happy. Definitely not looking for a new pad.

I would go this route then... NEMO Tensor Extreme Conditions Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad. You should get the 4 seasons for just a little more weight. Plus it is 20% off at REI until tomorrow.

Buy once cry once. Thermarest, Nemo, Sea to Summit. They make the best small, lightweight, comfortable pads.

I have a Nemo Tensor Insulated (Reg rectangle) and absolutely love it. It's super comfortable, I haven't found it to be noisy at all, and it's quite light.

I can’t comment on the others but I have had a Tensor Insulated for a few years and absolutely love it. I’m a side sleeper and I’ve used it down to 30F and it gets the job done but that’s about its limit. If I were going to be in temps consistently that low I’d put foam under it.

No it has a good baffle structure. Amazing for its weight. I inflate it, then let bits of air out so that my shoulder is about an inch off the ground when I’m on my side and then it’s perfect for the night.

I'm taking the big agnes all day since I'm a side sleeper. The extra 1.25 inches of height over the neoair really makes a difference. Although, a good in-between is the tensor all season.

I love my Nemo Tensor and use it year round. As for bag I have a zenbivy light quilt that is great for temperature flexibility. Mine is rated for 25F and works for me late spring through early fall. The new 2025 ones have a 10F option which will extend the usability. In the summer you can just use it as a light blanket and then sinch it up like a bag when the weather cools.

I can't speak to the Exped, but I've used both the Nemo and the Rapide. The Rapide is noticeably more comfortable, heavier, bulkier. It's a lower R-value, and doesn't seem to live up to it's rating even. I'm not saying it's a bad buy. Nemo Tensor seems to be the best combo of comfort and weight I can find if I emphasize weight. If I'm emphasizing comfort, the Zen Bivy Flex Air is maybe 6 oz heavier, and is the most comfortable backpacking pad I've ever tried. It's absolutely superb. That said, I don't use it because of the weight, but I'll sure as hell slide over on to my girlfriend's mat when she gets up.

I spent one night on mine in a shakeout last weekend. I used a 10° ZPacks regular bag. I wore Marino base layers AND down pants. AND a ghost whisperer down puffy. I’m female. I sleep cold. It went down to 25° F. I got the 5’3” version of the Elite. My impressions: * Not more or less comfortable than my thermarest xlite. * Slippery AF. Like an eel slippery. I was already prepared for this from the reviews and had put a bit of seam sealer on the bottom side. It definitely helped. I was on a cushy flat spot so unsure how this will handle real world slanted tent spots. I’ve added a bit more to the underside of my pillow. (It slid right off despite having a strap.) * I was FREEZING. It went down to 25° F. I brought a thermarest CCF pad and a second puffy as a “just in case”. A few hours in, I added pad under the elite and put on the puffy, I was still cold. I kinda don’t blame this pad. It was just a super cold night and there had been snow on the ground only 48 hours before. * the flat valve is a pain. I use the zero pump and getting everything connected properly took longer than blowing up the pad. I assume I’ll get better at this but I definitely prefer thermarest’s valve which is a no brainer. * the size is PERFECT!!!! I’m 5’5”. I like my feet to hang off the end slightly. I wish all the other companies would make this size. Why is it only a choice between 6 feet or something that doesn’t even support the knees??!? * I’d previously been using the regular xlite (pre NFT but with the fancy valve the introduced in 2020) which I’d manually shortened to 60 inches. **The Elite saved me 3 oz** over that. To me, that makes the Elite worth taking a risk on. * I’m obviously worried about its durability. However, I used the torso length uberlite for about a month on the PCT. It held up just fine. I only ditched it because it was just too short for comfort. So, I’m pretty nice to my pads. I’m going to give the Elite a go on the CDT. Fingers crossed. 🤞

Second this! It’s so much better imo. You really notice the difference in warmth and comfort. It sucks paying more upfront, but when you’re actually warm and comfy in the backcountry, you know it was worth it.

I find the Tensor the more comfortable of the two. Edit: I think the new Tensors are a half inch thicker than they used to be. (They are definitely quieter than they used to be)

I have a Neoloft and a Tensor All Season. (Current version) The Neoloft is extremely comfy as a side sleeper and is the quietest sleeping pad I’ve used as someone who moves around during the night. On hikes with lots of elevation or high mileage I’d take the Tensor to save the 10 ounces but I’ve carried the Neoloft on 15 mile days using a frameless pack without regrets and slept very well down to ~30 degrees Fahrenheit.

I just got the Tensor All Season from REI during their Labor Day sale. Fwiw, I have only spent two nights on it, but I slept great.

I just got the Tensor All Season from REI during their Labor Day sale. Fwiw, I have only spent two nights on it, but I slept great. It was definitely comfortable, and I could tell that it was quite warm. Overnight temps got down to about 50° and I had my bag unzipped. I was coming from one of the closed foam cheapie pads, so it was a big upgrade.

Side sleeper, I got the Tensor All Season and really like it. I hear really good things about the Thermarest Neoloft too, but it definitely leans a little more towards comfort than packability.

Nemo Tensor Extreme would be suitable…but hardly inexpensive. That said at those temperatures you shouldn’t cheap out.

I’m not sure there’s a best one per se, there are a lot of equality pads out there and the one that best fits you and your needs might be the right choice for you. My favorite is Exped but I love my Nemo’s as well. My personal opinion tho is that you have nowhere to go but up. After fifty plus years of buying and using outdoor gear I can say that I actively despise only one brand, Klymit. And that’s all I have to say about that.

I'm really skeptical of the advertised R-Value on these pads from Chinese brands. I think they have found a way to get a pad to test to a really high value, but doubt it will actually perform in the real world to that value (like the Zoom UL). The setup of the R-Value test is a little different than actual real-world use. JustinOutdoors tested a bunch of new cheap mid-to-high R-Value pads and I believe he reported that most seemed to perform below what was advertised. Do you even need R9 in the winter? I've never heard of anyone cold on an X-Therm and it's R7.3. Personally, I'm always carrying an R2 foam pad in the winter anyway, so I'd rather take the weight penalty and combine it with my Nemo Tensor AS for a total of R7.5, and the foam pad serves multiple functions (sit pad, pad to stand on when changing clothes or shoes, safety backup if the inflatable has a leak, etc).

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.) 

You made a good choice. Ended up getting the All Season via a warranty return (long story), and it's super comfy and durable. I've slept on it in temps that freeze my water and been cozy warm.

Took my tensor to the desert and was not careful enough and got holes within two nights. I realized in desert where likelihood of cactus needles being everywhere is high, just need to bring ccf and pair together. I used a tyvek ground sheet for a while then recently made switch to adding a thin light pad and ditching tyvek. Just picked up this new pad and will give my son the tensor. Ive had no issues with the tensor in the 3 years since After being careful while setting up camp. But I also am a weekend warrior and spend more time looking at my lighter pack than actually backpacking 🤷🏻‍♂️

I spend 40-50 days backpacking during the summers and use a Nemo tensor all season. I’ve been sleeping great since I got it, I’m a big fan. I also double up with a foam pad like others have mentioned. Imo the investment is worth it for good sleep.

I used mine for 40 nights, and it developed a leak around the valve. A support ticket, and two weeks later and they shipped a brand new one to me with no cost to myself.

Exped echo chamber on reddit. I tried exped and nemo and the zempire monstabed at REI. Found the monstabed the most comfortable. I say try them out in-store if possible.

I love my Tensor all season so much that I now own 2 😂

Lighter than the Nemo or Thermarest options, but thinner and less cushy feeling. Also nice that they come in wide variants.

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 have previous generation NeoAir Xlite and XTherm pads (with the older valve that looks like a small black cylinder protruding from the pad. The XLite has a bit of that "potato chip bag" crinkle which I think has gotten better in the newer models. In terms of comfort, my Nemo Tensor is WAY more comfortable, but my first Nemo Tensor failed when it kept getting little holes where the dimples are located. The NeoAir XTherm is AWESOME for warmth. I took mine on my Mt Baker climbing/mountaineering class in mid July 2024 and it was great there, and I didn't seem to mind the comfort as much. Maybe I was just tired at the end of each day and didn't care! I have a Kilos AeroCloud Ultra on the way to try and compare, which will probably be my wife's pad when we go to Iceland this summer to hike the Laugavegeur. She has lower back issues and keeping her on a comfortable pad is very important. We're always trying to strike a balance between comfort and weight for her gear. I think the Rapide SL is another good pick. Hard to know which of all these options are the best.

Car camping or backpacking? I'm a backpacker, and I really like the Nemo Tensor All Season. Get it in wide. My wife now has the Kilos Gear Aerocloud Elite and it's also a fantastic pad. She said it's the most comfortable pad we've tried so far (haven't tried the Thermarest NeoLoft). The Big Agnes Rapide SL also gets high marks. The Thermarest NeoLoft is supposed to be the bomb, but it's a bit on the heavy side for backpacking. Most of these except for the Kilos Gear can probably be found at REI, and they usually have a "test model" on the floor that you can put down and lie on to see how they feel. Yes, some of these are very expensive. Wait for them to go on sale, either during the Black Friday / Cyber Monday sales in November, or during the big sale that happens in the Spring.

Tensor All Season is garbage. First weekend trip and it leaked the entire time.

Trie the STS XT at REO and compared to other pads it is loud when moving around. In addition it is bulky when packed and has a lower R value. I also have the Thermorest a=x lite and prefer the Nemo All Season.

I love my xlite when I'm hiking long distance and love my Nemo Tensor all season for shorter trips.

Current best on market imo is the Nemo Tensor. 3.5 thick 5.4 r value and still only weighs 15oz. Uses 20D nylon and has been very durable for me

Nemo makes the best sleeping pads on the market currently. They test the best and have the best weight to r value ratio.

Same, but even with the leaking pad issue they sent 2 replacements one on 2 day and one overnight shipping as soon as I emailed. For that alone I’d recommend Nemo.

Nemo. I’m bigger and feel it was more comfortable and distributed weight much better.

They have crappy R values, though. Fine for summer camping, but in anything below 60F you probably need something beefier. For fall/winter trips I use a nemo tensor, and if it is below 50 I will add a foam pad under the nemo to achieve an R value of \~5. Foam is better than no pad, but not by much.

Try to search for nemo tensor second hand. Found one barely used for €120,- and best decision I have made

I love my tensor all season

I switched from the Xtherm to the Tensor All-Season last year and found the vertical baffles much better for side sleeping. The weight penalty is minimal for the comfort gain, though the Xtherm is definitely warmer if you're consistently in sub-freezing temps.

I’m heavyset and getting old with back injuries to boot. I sleep really well on the tensor, better than I thought possible in the woods.

Naturehike is not ASTM rated. Skip. The Rapide is a great pad but is a bit cold. If you want the direct replacement to this pad get the Boundary Deluxe, which is the new name for the Q Core Deluxe. However if you are going to go winter camping over snow go for a higher R value pad. Exped Ultra 5 Exped Ultra 7 Sea to Summit Etherlight XT Extreme Thermarest XTherm Nemo Tensor Extreme

Nemo. Lighter weight and a better R value. Now that Nemo has finally fixed the massive leaking problems they had on the 2022 and earlier pads I can recommend them. Lifetime warranty.

How about the Nemo Tensor? The All-Season has a very respectable R-Value of 5.4 and it’s generally regarded as being one of the more comfortable pads out there. The previous version had some QC issues, but I’ve heard only good things about this latest version.

I get about 30 days max out of a L/W Tensor, no matter how much I baby them. Super comfortable, and the warranty is solid, but they're trash. I bet I'm a dozen replacements deep and I don't even use it all the time. Been left sleeping on the dirt way too many times to ever recommend it.

I absolutely love my tensor all season. Not the very lightest but very comfortable to me and plenty warm enough in all situations. Spent 130 nights on it last year and would take it on my next thru without any hesitation.

A wide tensor all season. I know it's not actually super luxurious but in my current setup it's the only piece that adds significant weight for nothing but camp comfort. It's wider than it strictly has to be and warmer than what I need most nights but it's just so damn comfy and reliable and just provides me with peace of mind so it's worth it.

I used the Nemo Tensor and then switched to Big Agnes Divide. Thicker and got better sleep (side and back sleeper).

I switched to this last year and second this suggestion.

For -5C and durability I would personally take the Thermarest X-Therm mummy. R7.3, 440gr (although mine weighs 460gr in reality), and a 70D material on the underside. Anecdotally, I can feel the cold seep through my Nemo Tensor Insulated (R4.2) from around freezing.

Same here - Tensor Insulated down to about freezing when I can start to feel the cold seep through. The Tensor Insulated has been replaced by the significantly warmer Tensor All Seasons, and that would be my recommendation.

Same here - Tensor Insulated down to about freezing when I can start to feel the cold seep through. The Tensor Insulated has been replaced by the significantly warmer Tensor All Seasons, and that would be my recommendation.

After reading a lot of advise like this, I bought a rectangular wide pad for my thru hike (Nemo Tensor Insulated). When my partner joined for a bit with an X-Lite regular mummy, it turned out that she (5ft) much prefers the wide pad, while I (6ft side sleeper) sleep just as well on the regular mummy (even though I, too, often kick a knee up). Obviously she took the Nemo back home to save me some weight for the remainder of the trip. Just goes to show how personal these things are.

I have both pads, notice no difference in comfort, and sleep equally well on either one. Guess I’m just an easy sleeper - certainly after a long hike!

Both Thermarest and Nemo pads work for me, and I suspect many others would as well. Regarding shape, I think I actually need *less* space than someone who sleeps on their back. Regular mummy pads work great for me.

I started out with a wide rectangular pad (Nemo Tensor Insulated at 540gr), before realizing I slept just as well on a regular mummy pad (Thermarest Neoair X-Lite at 380gr) or even a torso length pad (X-Lite at 205gr). Too often people (including myself initially) think they need a wide rectangular pad for whatever reason.

>For people that move when they sleep, I’ll take all the width I can get And yet, for what it’s worth, it’s this kind of statement that leads many to get a wide pad even if they don’t really need it 😉 I frequently switch sides and yet found I can do this just as well on a regular (short) mummy pad. If you wanna drop your pack weight, you’ve simply got to try things out.

I'm a stomach/side sleeper and I've really liked the Nemo Tensor. That's an ultralight though and may be way more expensive than you need because of it.

Get the Nemo Tensor All Season and save weight and gain R Value. The bigger concern is the sleeping bag rating is not the comfort rating. So a S2S 32f rated bag will only be comfortable around 40-45 degrees. So if it gets down to freezing the bag will be cold and not the pad

I have one and it’s really comfortable. It is heavy and bulkier than the Tensor All Season so if I’m trying to save weight or hike big miles I’ll take the tensor and it’s only slightly less comfortable in my opinion. Big difference in noise of the pad though. Neoloft is quiet.

super impressed with my new wide, long, tensor.

I went from an OK REI inflatable to a NEMO tensor and then a Sea to Summit Etherlite XT. The waffle-looking baffles on the two latter pads were a huge improvement in comfort. I think the Etherlite is slightly more comfortable but I switched mostly for durability reasons. 3+ inch thick pad with the waffle pattern is the way to go in my book. Back feels better in the morning and I wake up way less often because some body part fell asleep.

I have a Nemo tensor all season I’ve been using for years. I live in NJ, so we get hot summers and cold winters, and it works great year round. I also sleep very warm, but the warmth of the all season pad isn’t bothersome in warmer months. It’s a great “one and done” pad.

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.

The measure of comfort for me is 4” of inflation. Below that and my hips hit the ground. Currently rocking a NEMO which is heavy (17 oz) but has been awesome.

The Nemo was warmer than the S2S I tried a couple of years ago. I found them roughly the same comfort. maybe I tried an older version of the s2s. Slippery wasn't an issue for me, but I can see how that could make a difference for some people

it found nemo tensor was roughly as comfortable (as a side sleeper) to BA and S2S pads, and last time I looked more warmth/oz than the others. All are an improvement of my old xtherm from a comfort / noise perspective.

I use a nemo tensor all season for most of the year & find it very comfortable (am also a side sleeper). Only negative is it doesn't work well with my Flextail pump. I've spoken to a few different owners of the Rapide in the past & the consensus was that the older version with the Primaloft insulation was warmer in practise, even though it's R value was lower. The new version swapped Primaloft for reflective foil, which made it lighter & more packable (& probably cheaper to make if I'm being cynical) but also colder in real world conditions. Of course everyone sleeps different & YMMV. Personally I'd see if I could find the old version on sale, if not I'd look elsewhere.

Agreed. The only other pad that's more comfortable is the Campmeister Deluxe or Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft, but they pack about twice the size of the Rapide SL, but still smaller than those dang self inflating pads.

Check out the sleeping pad comparison chart I posted. It's a quick reference for pack size and weight across multiple brands. The best 2 light air pads that are still comfortable: Big Agnes Rapide SL NEMO Tensor (any version really) I personally prefer the Rapide SL but my wife really likes the Tensor. Both available in 20x72 up to 25x78, I always recommend at least a 25" wide. Both insulated and smaller packing that the other that may offer more comfort or insulation like the Big Agnes Campmeister Deluxe or Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft. Maybe not as small as some cheaper Amazon pads or the infamous Klymit static V but guaranteed more comfortable. They also have lifetime warranty which I know doesn't help you in the woods, but does protect your investment in the event there's a leak you can't find. The Big Agnes zoom is too crinkly like all the Thermarest air pads are. The Sea to summit etherlight packs too big for what it is and the external material is super squeaky on a tent floor.

For car camping, I love my Exped Megamat. It's probably the most comfortable sleeping pad out there, I sleep better camping than I do at home. I used it a ton when I was 300+ lbs, it held up just fine. As far as backpacking, I have a Nemo Tensor that has worked well at my current weight, around ~280lbs.

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.

Best pad I’ve ever slept on. Returned a tensor after it failed on first use. The extra weight is well worth the higher durability and extra comfort IMO.

The Nemo Tensor is quite comfortable imo. The real answer is that comfort is pretty subjective, and the best route is for you to go to REI or similar and lay on a bunch of different pads.

From my own experience, I was used Big Agnes pads for a while but had terrible luck with them. I had two of them get holes in them, could entirely be my fault but annoying nonetheless. I recently switched over to the Nemo Tensor and wow, it’s insanely comfortable and super warm. Packs nice and small too, so far, I’m really happy with it. I’m also a side sleeper and between that pad and a quilt, it was a nice nights sleep.

I bought a Nemo Tensor last season and love it. I went with an extra wide and it’s been fantastic. I’m a side sleeper so the little extra space has been great.

I actually went from the Klymit V to the Tensor trail wide and it’s a game changer imo. Super comfy pad.

Wide Tensor Trail gets my vote. Very comfy.

Don’t go self inflating if you want that much height. Car camping, yes, any of the massive, tough, heavy self inflating mats will be fine.   Go to a camping/bushwalking shop and try a Nemo tensor insulated (wide). Fill it up then let out juuuust a bit of air. You can put a closed cell foam mat underneath if you can’t get a balance between a comfortable shape and your hips touching the ground.  Sea to summit are also comfortable but don’t insulate as well.   Also - I know you know this - it’s easier if you can lose a bit of weight. I find it much less comfortable sleeping on the ground after gaining weight. 

I have the tensor AS and I’m really happy with it. I can sleep through the night without any problems. I have never tried the XR but I have tried the XT (previous version) and I found it a little “waterbed” feeling. A fully inflated tensor almost doesn’t feel like an air mattress and if slightly deflated it is still very stable and also very soft. But you seem to suggest that it’s the other way in your experience. In the end probably comes down to personal preference. Try to go to a retailer where you can test them side by side, try them at various pressure levels (note that R value drops when not fully inflated) and see which is more comfortable for you!

I have the tensor AS and I’m really happy with it. I can sleep through the night without any problems. I have never tried the XR but I have tried the XT (previous version) and I found it a little “waterbed” feeling. A fully inflated tensor almost doesn’t feel like an air mattress and if slightly deflated it is still very stable and also very soft. But you seem to suggest that it’s the other way in your experience. In the end probably comes down to personal preference. Try to go to a retailer where you can test them side by side, try them at various pressure levels (note that R value drops when not fully inflated) and see which is more comfortable for you!

19 oz/538 g is heavy. You’ll have to sacrifice elsewhere to make up for this. The Nemo mummy pad with practically the same R-value is only 13 oz, 30% less. 

I started on the old school thermarest shortie, then a full length, then switched to a big agnes inflatable--which i liked but went through two of them with bad valves. Switched to a nemo a couple of years ago, and love it. It's a little "crinkly" sounding, but otherwise well worth it. Good choice :-)

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.

I have that one and love it - especially as a side sleeper.

Sea to Summit EtherLight XT Insulated. I also have a NEMO Tensor Ultralight but find it too thin for side-sleeping.

So cool that they offer those in wide and long sizes. They're already thick and that extra room is really nice.

Yeah. There is a little difference. A lot of times with pads you're paying for weight, how small it compresses and the R value (warmth) you get from that. But sometimes you can also get the comfort. If you're looking I might check out the Nemo Tensor. They've got a few different models but I think they're all 3.5 inches thick. I think that's at least an inch thicker than than the Klymit. They also come in wide and long sizes. The extra width, while it's a touch more weight, is really nice. But if you don't get out a ton I can't say if the extra cost is worth it. If you do, or find something on a sweet sale, it's a solid investment and will probably be more comfortable.

Cool. And no. I've never had one one issue and it's been out a lot. The one thing I am careful about is clearing my site of anything that might puncture the floor or pad. But I've never felt the need to baby it. For the thickness, weight and pack size it's really worked well for me. I'll go back to it when/if it fails.

I might check out Nemo pads. I have the the UL insulated and really like it. 3.5" thick, comes in wide and long sizes, R value is 5.4, weighs roughly a pound and it's quiet. I clean my site but haven't had a puncture over the four years I've had it. Here's a deeper dive in to that one, and some others, that might help. I think OGL does a really solid job with their reviews. They give you the good and bad. [https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/camping-and-hiking/best-sleeping-pad](https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/camping-and-hiking/best-sleeping-pad)

have you used an air mattress before? its different and of course you have the worry that you could pop it during your trip. i dont find it that long to deflate and roll up that said i use a nemo tensor and have been happy with it. whichver way you go consider getting a wider one like 25" for more comfort.

whichever air mattress you choose, try to get one that is not noisy when you roll around. some of these sound like you are crunching a chips bag all night, is noisy for you, but anyone near you as well. ive used both and found that the air pads are easier to sleep on your side. and honestly the space saving is so large. i used a nemo tensor, if you can afford the space get the wide pad, the extra few inches are worth it. as far as reliability, will you be near towns that you could replace it if you could not repair it? otherwise make sure to always clear our campsite of debris, use a groundsheet to protect againt punctures.

The NEMO Tensor is a quiet pad. No potato chip bag crunchy noise

I own and use both. Both are now backups to my therm a rest neo loft bc that big boy is like sleeping in a real bed and is worth every ounce. But between the Nemo and ether light I’d say the Nemo is lighter and comfy, but the ether light is a tiny bit thicker and more comfortable, and the ether light is also more durable. My Nemo is still functional but I did have to patch it up once.

I sleep amazing in both my exped mat (I don’t remember the name, it’s a discontinued ultralight double pad) and my memo tensor. Mind you, two things that seriously improve how I sleep is whether I use a pillow (a bunch of clothes in a sack works best for me), and whether I end up putting something under my knees. But yeah I’ve gotten 12h sleep nights backpacking with them.

I love my NEMO Tensor.

I upgraded from an older therm-a-rest to a Nemo, it is thick, warm, and comfy but noisy! Here is a good source of info, but they don’t consider noise an issue, so you have to look around if that is a consideration. https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/topics/camping-and-hiking/best-sleeping-pad

Not self-inflating and won't accommodate your dog width-wise but hear me out. I'm the side sleepers of side sleepers. If it's not paramount that it can accommodate your dog width-wise and you're ok with taking 5 deep breaths - I know you're a big guy so I understand if that's not a possibility - look into the Nemo Tensor. They come in different lengths for bigger people. I'm a bigger guy (250 pounds) and a side sleeper as I said and the Nemo Tensor is amazing for me. It won't accommodate your dog width-wise but he could probably sleep between your legs if you really wanted him to. It comes with this "vortex" bag that will inflate the pad really quickly. I'm amazed at how well it works. 5 or so breaths and it's filled. It's extremely light and compact, basically the size and weight of a water bottle. It is the most comfortable inflatable mat I've ever slept on. We have frequent "yard camping" trips in our bumpy front lawn and I honestly get as good a night's sleep on this as I do on my bed, side sleeping and all. It's a bit more expensive but if you're an REI member (and if you're not and one is near you sign up if only for this purchase, I think it's $20) get this. If you sign up you can return it no questions asked. As a side sleeper I was searching for the best mat and this is it.

Looking to upgrade my sleeping pad in a 12L 3-season overnighter kit, so optimizing for packed size. I know about therm-a-rest 3/4 pads, but I've had issues with nerve compression due to the baffle design, making it really hard to sleep. If there's nothing better out there, I can try to make it work. Its specs are hard to beat... I've been eyeballing the new S2S XR pad. Seems to pack even smaller than their shortest UltraLite pad (the orange one.) Weirdly the small and regular have the same packed size listed on the S2S site. Heavier than the x-lite but pretty packable, comparable r-value and I could actually sleep on it. Any other pads people would recommend? Really aiming for >3 R-value minimum so I can get 3 season usage. Thanks Edit: Ordered the Tensor Elite Short to couple with a torso-length GG thinlight. Technically that's two pads and not one, but being able to just throw the thinlight on the outside of the pack makes that a non-issue, plus I get the various uses it provides. We'll see if I regret my decision...

this is probably what I'm going to end up going with. ordered the tensor elite short and an S2S XR short to compare. S2S is heavier and bulkier but still pretty small with a better r value and durability. although at 12L it probably won't win out over the tensor

I do have an Xtherm NXT for my bigger 4 season setup. but the tensor elite looks pretty cool at a ridiculous 7oz and tiny packed size. but it's pretty low R-value at sub 3

I really like my tensor all season pad. for backpacking you want a light bag. down is generally lighter, more packable, and more expensive than synthetic. for those temps I'd get a 25f rated bag and bring an extra blanket and hand warmers / hot water bottle if you're at the low end.

I second this. also putting my vote in for the tensor all season. very comfortable as a side sleeper myself. pretty lightweight, good r value.

I side sleep and am getting older. I love my nemo tensor all season. get the wide version and make sure you inflate it all the way. I'm 6'1" 205 lbs and don't sink through it.

nemo tensor all season imo.

packs small (nalgene sized), light, very comfortable. the pump sack is easy to use and doesn't take long to fill it. I take care of my gear so I can't say how much abuse it can take but it seems well built. I'm tall so I have the long which is also wide, but if you're willing to sacrifice some comfort the regular is lighter.

I have a NEMO tensor and would second this, totally reliable.

I get that. My tensor sprung a leak on its first week of use 5 years ago. Patched it and never leaked again surprisingly.

I like my Nemo Tensor Trail

I’m 6’7” and have the Nemo insulated all season long/wide. Minimum Weight 1 lb 4 oz / 580 g Packed Weight 1 lb 7 oz / 664 g Packed Size 10.5 x 4.5 in dia / 27 x 11.5 cm dia R-Value 5.4 Thickness 3.5 in / 9 cm

The tensor is an absolute game changer of like me you've been on CCF for years. Really great pad

I’m going to add that bringing some kind of repair kit for an inflatable mattress is something I wish that I had done. I had a nemo tensor that has popped twice, once a complete unrepairable blow out because I over inflated, and the other time I’m going to blame my dog for (but mostly myself because I used an inflatable with a dog in my tent.) I did carry the included patch kit with my mattress, but it came with 2 patches and I had 3 holes. My brother suggested wrapping some gorilla glue tape around my trekking pole for emergencies like this, I’m going to test it out with my busted pad just to see if it would work. Side note, if anybody reads this and has a suggestion for an indestructible sleeping pad that gives more cushion than egg shell foam, I’d love to hear it. I’m a side sleeper and a princess, so if there’s a unicorn pad out there, let me know. If someone invited an inflatable/hybrid foam, I would give you my money immediately. Like right now, I would skip my mortgage payment and give that money to you.

Went from Tensor to a S2S Etherlight and it is even better. The extra 1/2” of thickness makes a lot of difference if you’re a side sleeper (or heavier)

That’s what I did also. Went from crappy Amazon pad, to x-lite, to Tensor, to Etherlight. Each one was leaps and bounds improvement over the previous.

Currently heading Nobo in Julian. I have both the 1/8 foam pad and my Nemo Tensor All Season pad. The 1/8 pad provides protection against numerous sharp objects in the desert and is fantastic for siestas in the middle of a hot day. Take both.

Nemo tensor. I went with the alpine long wide.

I’ve had the Nemo tensor for a couple years. Love it. And I think they’ve even made some slight improvements since then. It uses an inflator bag and inflates easily/quickly. Packs small, light weight. And pretty quiet. And down the road you can grab a FlexTail Zero inflator, if you prefer. It’s really nice just pushing a button and coming back a couple minutes later to fully inflated pad. Like others have said, recommend getting the wide version for comfort. Really makes a difference. It comes with some patches but I’ve never needed them. Just be careful with it and it’ll last a long time.

I did that with my couple year old Nemo Tensor on my ‘22 hike. The Tensor of that era had a reputation for being a bit fragile. I did over 1800 miles with it on the GG ⅛” pad and had no leak issues. I’ve used it for a few years since then and only developed a slow leak this summer. I really think the ⅛” pad helped!

I have a Nemo Tensor Ultralight, which isn't self inflating, but then I picked up a cool little 1.2 oz pump off Amazon that inflates it in no time. FLEXTAILGEAR Zero Pump 1.2 oz Portable Air Pump for Inflatables, Ultra Mini Electric air Pump Air Mattress Pump, Rechargeable Air Pump for Pool Floats Air Bed Air Mattress I'm pretty happy with this setup.

I have the Nemo Tensor, and it's pretty decent. The big thing I didn't realize for too many years is you're not supposed to fill an inflatable pad completely, nowhere near full. Learning that was a game changer for comfort.

As a side sleeper, I like the Tensor Extreme a lot too. I first got the NeoAir NXT but I kept waking up several times per hour every night because the pad was causing discomfort. With the Tensor, I haven’t woken up once like that. Fully worth the couple hundred grams.

True. I had one less-than-ideal tent spot on a recent trip because the terrain was simply not flat anywhere. I had a small incline from feet to head (not so bad) but also a slight incline left to right. Despite this, I slept well on the Tensor. On the NeoAir I would have been sliding off the mat all night. Of course, on a closed cell foam the sliding is probably a non-issue.

Just recieved my tensor elite today. Pretty impressed. It feels way more durable than uberlite. But it's slippery as hell. That is my only gripe. For 8.5 oz though I'm not complaining. The pack size is also pretty remarkable. It's literally the size of a coffee cup.

I highly rate the nemo tensor (3.5"). I used to use a sea to summit etherlite xt (4") which was really comfy but heavy and had 3 of them with plastic weld multi-failure. I've tried thermarest neoair xlight nxt (3") and i hated it, felt like sleeping on a puffy bag of chips and unstable. For the pain you're feeling though, most mats are similar and the decider is getting a mat thick enough that you can deflate it so soften the pressure. Deflating the mat a bit if i'm going to sleep on the back helps with back pain and general pressure by increasing contact area. Raising the feet also helps, usually i put spare clothes under the feet. Choosing a sufficiently large/wide mat too.

That's the 2022 version of Tensor, the 2024 ones seem working fine, for now.

Pinhole is actually better than tearing off of internal baffles since it's much easier to repair. I worry more about the leaking point you cannot easily figure out and cannot be patched in wilderness.

That's the 2022 version of Tensor, the 2024 ones seem working fine, for now.

I am a fan of the NEMO Tensors

We use a normal.air mattress about 11" tall I think. And then we put a foam mattress topper on it. It's not thick like memory foam (not hot like memory foam either) it's not Anton of cushion. But it's enough to not feel like a plastic airbed. I find it quite comfortable, and I'm a 6'4" guy over 40, which usually means normal people gear is under-engineered for me. I have nice Nemo tensor sleeping pads, but I'd take this setup way over any sleeping pad I've ever tried. With the right inflation (just enough give) I sleep about as well as an average non-luxury mattress. Definitely need to bring decent pillows from home though. Pillows are most important for me as a side sleeper.

I have the same one for all the same reasons, and I love it. It’s a great pad and very light. One thing I quickly changed my mind about, though, is the pump sack. After a friend brought the Flextail ultralight pump, I’m never going back. There’s nothing I want to do less than inflate my mattress after a long day of hiking. I still need the bag for that last little bit of oomf after the pump gets done, but it saves so much time. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with the mattress. It has solved all my problems, and I sleep the same way as you. I pair it with a Zenbivy and I sleep like a baby.

The ones with the old valves were usually well below advertised weight too. My old one was 208 grams. I do think the extra length on this Nemo one would be a pretty big improvement to sleep quality over the short xlite.

There is some mis-stated info about the Rapide primarily from a Justin Outdoors video where he claims the mylar sinks. Firstly the initial Rapide SL didn't have mylar and was commonly found to be cold for it's R value. They updated it adding mylar foil to the top and bottom of the pad so there are two layers. If you shine a light just right you could easily fool yourself that there is only a single sunk layer of mylar but there are indeed two permanently attached to the top and bottom surfaces. I've used my new Rapide a fair few nights and have been fine. Coldest so far was 36F with a quilt and stayed quite toasty. I don't think another 6 degrees will change my opinion much. Temps in the low 20s or teens might but that's just hearsay for the moment. The Rapide can also be gotten quite cheaply. I paid about $140 for my long wide on steepandcheap. Tensor all season is definitely a top pick for r value and weight though. Pretty sure it's multiple ounces lighter than a Rapide.

I have a Thermarest Pro trail Lite that seems to work well. I have probably 2000 miles on it. I use a close foam mat under it too. I have a Nemo Tensor that I am going to try this season. I got it out of the discount / return bin at REI for like half price.

Got a Nemo Tensor AS(wide) out of the return bin at REI for like 40% off. It was an upgrade I didn't know I needed. I completely forgot I was sleeping on the ground. So far it has also survived my dog (40#) walking across it 😬. We try not to let that happen. I sleep on my side and stomach.

I love my Tensor All Season (wide).

I used to have 3 Nemo tensor. One of them blew up while inflated inside the car crossing the Eisenhower Tunnel in Colorado (+11,000 feet). It was my fault, just be careful. Got the REI Helix after that, which is much more bulky but comfortable to sleep (wider and greater R value). Bottomline: Nemo Tensor is more packable but delicate, Helix is more comfortable and warm but less packable.

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!

I had the same problem with the rapide so switched to a Nemo Tensor and as long as I don't over inflate it I sleep like a baby

My dog destroyed two Tensors but Nemo replaced them. Other than dog claws though I haven't had any issues.

Oh yes for sure the noise is a lot better now. I got to test it in store as well as the Nemo Tensor All season but they both had more of that chips bag sounds than this one :)

Never used one before but did a lot of research and won (to me) over the Nemo Tensor All season and Big Agnes Rapide SL

Indeed it isn't. It was my first branded pad and is really user friendly. The Tensor is quite small but also taller than this sea to Summit one.

Nemo Tensor. If you're willing to sacrifice a little R value, the Tensor Elite is tiny (and comes in small mummy so even smaller) with R-2.4. Otherwise the all-season or extreme conditions one. I use the extreme conditions most of the time and can get away with an ultralight quilt

Nemo Tensor. If you're willing to sacrifice a little R value, the Tensor Elite is tiny (and comes in small mummy so even smaller) with R-2.4. Otherwise the all-season or extreme conditions one. I use the extreme conditions most of the time and can get away with an ultralight quilt

I dont know anything about the sea to summit pad you're looking at, but I've used thst exact Nemo pad extensively for 3 years and it has been great.

Mine is all season.

Just got the nemo all season and spent 8 nights in a row on it. Very comfortable and well worth the investment. Not as tricky to inflate as what someone else commented. Three quick breaths in the pump bag, repeat about 6 times and it’s inflated. If you move around a lot in your sleep you’ll bug whoever you’re with. It’s a little loud, but if you don’t move much the noise won’t be a problem.

I am 6ft tall 220lb. I use a nemo tensor all season pad long and wide model. I am a side sleeping swapping from one to the other often. I find it works well for me.

I've been using the nemo tensor all season pad. It has an r value of 5.4. I've used it on below freezing nights and it has worked well for me. It also packs down really small.

In November I went to a store and blew one up new and laid on it on the showroom floor. It was comfortable but sounded like a loud squeaky balloon. Every time I shifted weight or switched sides it was loud. Even someone walking by looked at me and said “that’s really noisy”. Because of this I bought the Nemo Tensor which is much quieter than the Sea to Summit.

I never ever regret spending decent sums of cash on my camping gear - it’s an investment in my hobby and it lasts me years to decades cause I take care of it. If I’m backpacking my primary concerns for a sleeping pad are weight, pack size, R-Value and comfort. A pool float isn’t going to be as insulating light or pack down as small as my Nemo Tensor so it would be an automatic no for me. But if it works for you then go for it.

I had a Nemo inflatable Cosmo Lite pad from 2015 that was leagues better than my old thermarest self inflating foam pad. But that Nemo pad was only the 20R rectangular version which was fine but I prefer wider. This year I upgraded to a 2024 Nemo Tensor Regualr wide 25” pad - only used it in the house a few nights and think it’ll be great. I had a whole excel file going and the Nemo Tensor kept coming back as the sweet spot on price, weight, pack size and R value no matter how I sliced it.

Beofre I bit the bullet and got the Nemo Tensor I'm Not Asking Extreme edition, my solution of for slippery sleeping pags and adding that extra bit of winter warmth was to use a car visor screen aka Reflectix. (The Thinlight is even better for this) Ultra light weight, and using it under another mat keeps it from being clammy. Makes a very durable sitpad/nap mat/camp lounger too in camp.

I have the Tensor All-Season and the Extreme, both in wide. I am a fellow chilly side sleeper. I often hike in the shoulder seasons and use the Extreme the most, but I got the All-Season for my husband and it is nice in the summer for me and a little quieter. I don't find the Extreme to be all that bad though, quieter than some of the Thermorests have been for sure and I too didn't trust the cold rating on the S2S mats. I think you'd be fine with either Tensor pad. I find I can get away with a lighter quilt with the Extreme, so the weight is a wash for me. What makes the most comfort difference to me though, is a pillow and my current fav is just the cheap Trekology one, with whatever spare clothing I have tucked under it for more height. (I don't carry enough spare clothing to make a pillow out of since I generally wear my puffy to sleep)

I have the Tensor All-Season and the Extreme, both in wide. I am a fellow chilly side sleeper. I often hike in the shoulder seasons and use the Extreme the most, but I got the All-Season for my husband and it is nice in the summer for me and a little quieter. I don't find the Extreme to be all that bad though, quieter than some of the Thermorests have been for sure and I too didn't trust the cold rating on the S2S mats. I think you'd be fine with either Tensor pad. I find I can get away with a lighter quilt with the Extreme, so the weight is a wash for me. What makes the most comfort difference to me though, is a pillow and my current fav is just the cheap Trekology one, with whatever spare clothing I have tucked under it for more height. (I don't carry enough spare clothing to make a pillow out of since I generally wear my puffy to sleep)

I find that works very well (with gossamer gear thinpad and tensor) and if you bring an emergency mylar blanket to throw under that, it works better than an all seasons pad IMO. Also little things like pushing a bunch of leaves under your tent spot can do wonders. Backpacking brands are like any other company in capitalism where their sales success depends on convincing you you needs 10x different types of soap to be clean, 5x different types of jackets to be warm..etc I did a major and successful downsizing to 1 tent, 1 sleeping bag, 1 air mattress, 1 backpack... i could go on. It worked well across all seasons in the mid-atlantic which gets a lot of different types of weather.

I did a 500 mile tour with a exped sleeping mat a little bit bigger than yours. I rolled a 3/4 Dow rod in the middle and strapped it long ways on my rear rack. I slept awesome but it was very cumbersome. For my upcoming tour I purchased a long wide Nemo pad. Since I am 6’4” and a side sleeper it is a constant battle of functionality and comfort.

If packed space is that much of a premium, I would go with the Nemo tensor elite (packed inside the 12L), with a 1/8” thinlight CCF pad on the outside. The Nemo elite is ridiculously small when packed down. The addition of the CCF gets you to right around 3 r value and adds in some protection for the pad and some flexibility if the pad ever happens to bust.

I would try either/both of the exped ultra 3r or 5r (I would get the 5r if you plan to spend many nights below freezing), and also the nemo tensor trail or all weather. I’ve used both and I like both of them. Some people prefer the vertical baffles of the ultra series, while some prefer the flatter surface of the tensor. I’m also 6’2 and 215, by the way. I find a 72”x25” pad perfectly acceptable since I sleep on my side with my legs somewhat bent.

I would try either/both of the exped ultra 3r or 5r (I would get the 5r if you plan to spend many nights below freezing), and also the nemo tensor trail or all weather. I’ve used both and I like both of them. Some people prefer the vertical baffles of the ultra series, while some prefer the flatter surface of the tensor. I’m also 6’2 and 215, by the way. I find a 72”x25” pad perfectly acceptable since I sleep on my side with my legs somewhat bent.

I'd say it depends where you live and will it get cold at night. I had the Klymit for a number of years and works well if the air pressure doesn't change at night. If you live anywhere where it gets cooler, it will deflate during the night. I live in the Yukon, and recently bought a nemo. It works super well even in the winter and packs small and light. Otherwise, look for something with a high r rating. A cheaper option would be to get a z-lite thermarest to use under your klymit mat. They are bulky but super light, rated r2, and you can strap outside your bag. Personally, I'd only use the Coleman for car camping.

I have the tensor too and have to deflate it quite a bit to get comfortable, and yeah sometimes a foam pad just feels better. I have an old hybrid type (Rei air rail) that I find to be SUPER comfortable. In the winter, I generally use an x-therm and find it comfy enough and toasty warm. You could try putting your foam pad on top of the tensor, and that might get you closer to what you’re looking for. It’s how I’ve used it in winter bc in my experience, the tensor is a chilly pad.

I've used the Tensor All Season for 2 years now and it's waaay quieter than the XLite while still being super comfy for side sleeping.

Given your specific situation, I'd highly recommend the Nemo Tensor All Season. I've used it for 2 years now and it's the perfect middle ground - super comfortable for side sleeping but still only 19oz. The horizontal baffles don't create that "bouncy castle" feeling that some pads have, and it's MUCH quiter than the Thermarests. Definitely worth trying at REI before commiting.

I had a rapide sl but now I have a Nemo tensor which I find more comfortable and it's lighter

They do 3 versions. The one I've got is 4.2 r value which is great for 3 seasons. They do a winter one as well+ a 2 season one

I'm a 54 year old male who's got pins and a plate in his back and side sleep on a Nemo Tensor perfectly

I have the older version that isn't as thick, so the new ones are probably even more comfier. I've used mine on multi day hikes and always had a good night's sleep

Mine was the old version called tensor insulated with a r-value of 4.2. They now make 3 versions, Tensor trail, all season and extreme. The all season version is the best for all year round unless you plan on using it in minus 5 and under, then you'd want the extreme. Hope this helps

The Thermarest NeoAir is indeed lighter. At just 12 ounces the semi-mummy arguably the best quality sleeping pad in this range and weight. But it's also not cheap. The NeoAir Xtherm is the cold weather version, R 7.4, and 16 oz. The Nemo Tensor Extreme is rectangle, R 8.1, and 18 oz. Both the Thermarest and Nemos are quieter than they were in the past. Also, the more you use them, the more quiet they get. Agree the Thermarest pump sack is the worst of the bunch, no question, but I've gotten mine to work enough. The Rapide is usually warm enough for most people 3 seasons, and the reason to buy it is indeed it's thickness, and the sides being raised. Agree the Exped 5R is good for most people. It's a simple, comfortable, rectangle. R 4.8, and 1lb 4 oz. That's certainly heavier than the Thermarest but $50 cheaper.

These are two very high end backpacking sleeping pads. Xtherm is going to be warmer. It also has a slightly thicker bottom fabric. This is built to even handle sleeping on the snow, so warmth shouldn't be an issue. It costs more though. Or were you thinking of the Nemo Tensor *Extreme*? Which is even warmer than the Neo-Air Xtherm. While I like the valve on the Thermarests, I like the pump sack a lot more on the Nemo. If you shop at REI, they have a sale coming up from November 14-24.

I’d go to an REI and try them. They sell the Nemo and the EXPED and also sell therm-a-rest, S2S, and big Agnes. All are great options But if comfort is not a factor at all, I’d go with the best price to weight ratio. Personally, I’d pick the Nemo. The lower r value one doesn’t sound like it’ll work for you, and i personally wouldn’t mess with the flextail. They’re an electronics brand and that pad isn’t tried and true like the Nemo.

It’s a “you can only pick two from comfort, weight, practicality” situation IMO. Take a look at NEMO Equipment Tensor All-Season Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad. It’s expensive, it’s inflatable, and you have no color options but it’s super small when packed, light, and an amazing R value for cold weather camping.

I have a Nemo bag and pad and have been quite happy with them both. Particularly if you're a side sleeper or otherwise restless, the Nemo spoon-shaped bags are great. They're not the lightest but they're light enough if you need that comfort. I suggest adding the Big Agnes Rapide to your list of potential pads.

I just switched to the Tensor All-Season this month. My problem with the Rapide SL was the volume of squeaks while I tossed and turned. It was embarrassing that other campers could hear me. It was very comfortable though but quite cold for 4.8 R value.

I've only tested it in my living room so far but it seems to be much quieter. Still a little noise but not enough to bother me or anyone else.

I would add an inflatable pad on top of your closed cell. Honestly, any of the common ones are going to be fine temperature-wise with the right bag and appropriate clothes, but I upgraded to Nemo's [Tensor Extreme](https://www.rei.com/product/228437/nemo-tensor-extreme-conditions-ultralight-insulated-sleeping-pad) a season ago and have been a big fan of the warmth.

I was not hot. Rainier June 2024. 15 is good for the other peaks you mentioned, but if you go with a 15 for rainier I'd get a high R value inflatable pad (like the Tensor Extreme I mentioned in another comment) to compensate.

It’s definitely subjective, but there are some design elements that contribute to a pad’s comfort. I have a bad back and I’m a side sleeper. I typically get 3-4 hours of sleeping on the trail. I’ve tried both the MSR neoair xlite and xtherm, Nemo tensor all season, Big Agnes Rapide and the klymit static V. I recently purchased the REI helix long wide pad and I’m now sleeping 6-7 hours on trail. I’ll gladly take the weight penalty for better sleep. Justin Outdoors has several sleeping pad review and comparison videos that are worth watching.

I have a Nemo tensor. I'm a side sleeper and can't fault it.

I've got the Tensor all season and I've done some camping with it at pretty warm summer temps, and it's never felt too hot during the summer, but ymmv. IMO during summer a better temp management strategy to avoid getting too hot is to use a quilt.

I have the Nemo tensor all season regular wide and it works great for side sleeping

Can't say long term but I just replace my sea to summit pad with a Tensor All season. Very comfy just about to leave on tour with it.

It's so funny, I hated the Rapide. I found it to be too thick and felt really unstable on it. I like the Tensor though.

I’ve had Thermarest, BA, Exped and Nemo Tensor and the Tensor is the best for me. Not as light as a NeoAir Xlite, but still respectable- I have a regular wide, more comfortable and I think warmer than any you mentioned. The REI Helix is also worth trying. Maybe buy both online and return the one you don’t like. If you don’t take it outside it would be considered a new return with tags and original packaging.

The comment from holdpigeon about closed cell foam (CCF) is correct. CCF is very insulating for it's size, and cheaper, and won't get a hole and deflate. Mountaineers use CCF for a reason. An inflatable air mattress is going to be thicker and possibly more comfortable for you; I have been very happy with the Nemo Tensor I bought a couple years back. Watch some gear review videos on Youtube. Enlightened Equipment quilts are probably my favorite, although many companies make quilts. A more extensive sleep kit would be something like the Zenbivy line. I do like the sheet, the rest is just a quilt on top that attaches to the sheet. You could certainly buy only the sheet to fit to your pad. (You can use any rectangular pad with the Zenbivy.) This is optional, but it feels good because you don't stick to the pad as much. But it adds weight. With backpacking, every luxury item in camp is also a weight penalty in your pack. Saving weight usually means paying for lighter/less durable gear, and/or just not bringing more than you need.

I'm shorter but also fat af. Nemo Tensor regular wide is the best night's sleep I've ever had on the ground in the woods.

I have the Tensor and Ether Light XT. I find the latter more comfortable. There's a significant difference in packed size between the two, but iiuc the XR is significantly smaller than the XT.

I'm a back sleeper and find that the dimpled baffling systems on the Helix and S2S pads tend to be the most comfortable. Nemo Tensor is the next most comfy, and Thermarest horizontal baffles are the least comfortable for me. Can't comment on the Expeds as I haven't tried them.

My Tensor Elite weighs 9.1oz by itself on my scale. Is yours 8.5?

Love my ultralight Nemo pad, and when I ultimately punctured it, the company sent me a new one no questions asked.

[Similiar] I've been car camping for the last month using NEMO tensor EXTREME. I've REI replaced once and am now (again) chasing a slow leak. Seems to make it half way through the night 🌙 before my winds needs to 😮‍💨 blow. Soapy spray down check ...&can't find the slow leak. 🐌 i don't know what sharp object is in my VW TDI wagon to have repeat problem. Used sundry other pads. Would also love to hear of one that lasts as long as Darwin's

Ha, same. Started with the 'ol cheapo Klymit Static V, moved to the small mummy Therm-a-Rest XLite NeoAir for a couple years, then figured I'd get a wide to see if that helped with side sleep comfort so my butt and knees weren't off the edges (& went extra warm because may as well eliminate redundancies) with the Therm-a-Rest XTherm in reg wide. No dice. Tried a friend's Nemo Tensor, and wasn't for me. Tried the large women's Sea to Summit Comfort Light Insulated air - dimples felt odd and was too thin; no better than my old mummy xlite for overall comfort even with the wider shape. Running out of budget to throw in for the S2S Ether Light XT test and given my experience with the Comfort Light, wasn't convinced it was the move. Still haven't tried vertical baffles like the Expeds, and maybe that'd do fine, but instead just went all in on the reg wide chonky Neoloft... and good god. With that soft knit stretch top, slept a like the coziest dreamy log for 8.5 hours first time I took it out (and then 6 the next, but only thanks to a disruptive woodpecker. Nature!) I hesitate to mention/recommend it here as it kinda undermines the whole forum topic (ultralight) with its extremely-not-ultralight weight. But packs just as small as my reg-wide XTherm and as a bike camper, pack size matters more than strictly weight so I'm sticking with it.

same! I thought all pads sucked when I only had the static v. Upgrading to the Nemo tensor all season was a complete game changer.

I had the kylmit Flying V as my first sleeping pad. Pretty weak and actually got me into hammock camping for sleep reasons alone. Now married so hammock camping is not done solo, I upgraded my pad to an all season Nemo tensor. Absolute game changer and the kylmit doesn’t compare at all. The Nemo is lighter and smaller as well. Pricey but well worth it imo

I started with Nemo tensor insulated pads and the BAs are definitely more quiet. I find they’re more comfortable as well.

Tensor is nice and quiet, and for me at least quite comfy with a little air let out. Between my wife and I we have three versions, and if you’re really going to go down to 30F I’d say get the xtreme version. The summer and all season version will help down that low, but are noticeably colder sleeping at those temps.

I’m a hot sleeper too but find my tensor trail is too cold below 35F, which is when I switch out to the Tensor Extreme. If you only want one pad, I would suggest the all season. It’s not going to make you warmer than the trail in warm conditions. My wife has the all season and I‘ve borrowed it a few times to test this specifically.

I’m a hot sleeper too but find my tensor trail is too cold below 35F, which is when I switch out to the Tensor Extreme. If you only want one pad, I would suggest the all season. It’s not going to make you warmer than the trail in warm conditions. My wife has the all season and I‘ve borrowed it a few times to test this specifically.

I’m a hot sleeper too but find my tensor trail is too cold below 35F, which is when I switch out to the Tensor Extreme. If you only want one pad, I would suggest the all season. It’s not going to make you warmer than the trail in warm conditions. My wife has the all season and I‘ve borrowed it a few times to test this specifically.

I've had various Nemo Pads for the last 12 years. All of them are solid. I recently got the Tensor Extreme with an R-value of 8.5 and super happy with it. Doesn't even crinkle like the Thermarest ones. Nemo has an amazing warranty program as well. I've not had to use it on any of the pads, but did on a pillow. Replaced immediately. [https://www.reddit.com/r/TheBackpackingList/](https://www.reddit.com/r/TheBackpackingList/)

Honestly just ball out and get the Nemo Tensor Extreme. A sleeping pad can’t really be too warm considering you can just vent from the top, so higher R value will be more versatile for Canadian weather.

Yeah - I bought a Klymit has it is talked about as a competitor to the bigger names. Laid on it one time, sent it back, and happily sleep on a Nemo Tensor Elite.

Yeah - would be fine. Straps are adjustable and corner slots are pretty big already. On my Nemo Tensor, it’s quite loose so I imagine it could likely take up to 6” or so. With that said, I don’t think you require something so thick to be comfortable.

I really like my tensor, great pack size too! Not very quiet though.

NEMO all season. Comfy. Warm. Quiet enough. I like the wide, but not really "ultralight" then, but that's my extra luxury ounces. I'm a side sleeper. Use down to 25'.

I have the tensor and the REI higher R value version. The tensor rolls up smaller than a 32 oz Nalgene- they're both great for comfort, warmth, and space in pack.

Are you super confident in its durability? I’ve had 2 nights with it and love it, but every time I roll it up I get just a little worried lol

Not for backpacking, but I love the exped megamat for my car camping. I've never tried their backpacking pads but just based on the megamat I would be tempted to try it. Currently have an aging Nemo pad for backpacking that I will at some point need to replace but with a toddler at home we are just car camping for now.

The Tensor gets high marks on build quality. I’ve owned one that has been on many trips with me. If noise is a dealbreaker for you, definitely listen to the people who say it is loud. It is. By any sleeping pad standard. I’m a side sleeper and tend to get on better with slightly thicker pads. But at $80, the Tensor is a steal.

Expensive just gets you better r rating and lighter weights. Not so much durability IMO. I like the Nemo Tensor All Season pad in regular wide. I’m in the 100KG+ club and side sleeper as well.

As both my Nemo Tensors already leak, I definitely don’t want a thinner material. And no wide version. I’m out on the Elite.

I actually cross-shopped these three pads earlier this summer, and tried each one of them. My thoughts below: Packed size (smallest to largest): \-Nemo \-S2S \-Big Agnes Actual measured weight (lightest to heaviest): \-Nemo \-S2S \-Big Agnes Comfort (most comfy to least comfy): \-S2S \-Big Agnes \-Nemo I settled pretty happily on the S2S. It's significantly more comfy (IMO) than the other two. The other two have a slippery surface that makes the last 1" on each side unusable since you slide off it anyway. Even the Big Agnes, with it's raised outer baffle, doesn't help as much as you'd think since it's so slippery. For reference, I'm a side sleeper and move around quite a bit throughout the night. The S2S surface has more friction, is quieter, and just isolates movement overall a little bit better than the other two. I couldn't compare/contrast actual warmth since I've only taken them summer camping.

LOL, yeah I dove pretty hard into upgrading my sleep system this year. I tried the rectangular reg/wide in all pads. I settled on the S2S and love it. I used the Nemo several nights as well as the S2S several nights. The S2S is way ahead of the Nemo in terms of comfort, with only a slight penalty in weight. Packability is pretty similar, with a slight nod to the Nemo. You may be thinking of the previous gen S2S "XT" pads, which were not very packable, slightly heavier, colder, and maybe louder? The new "XR" version is fantastic. Big Agnes was another step up in bulk and weight, and I just couldn't justify either when the comfort wasn't as great as the S2S (which surprised me). I never camped with the Big Agnes, only tried it at home.

have you tried NEMO Tensors? Trail, Trail Ultralight, or Extreme Conditions - all pack down to 10x4in, 1lb 1oz to 1lb 4oz. 3.5in thick so very comfy for me as a restless side sleeper with hip problems! smaller/lighter than the sea to summit Ether Light XT Extreme i was using.

have you tried NEMO Tensors? Trail, Trail Ultralight, or Extreme Conditions - all pack down to 10x4in, 1lb 1oz to 1lb 4oz. 3.5in thick so very comfy for me as a restless side sleeper with hip problems! smaller/lighter than the sea to summit Ether Light XT Extreme i was using.

have you tried NEMO Tensors? Trail, Trail Ultralight, or Extreme Conditions - all pack down to 10x4in, 1lb 1oz to 1lb 4oz. 3.5in thick so very comfy for me as a restless side sleeper with hip problems! smaller/lighter than the sea to summit Ether Light XT Extreme i was using.

Nemo tensor. Hands down no regrets, I sleep really well on it. Also recognize that Nemo has life time warranty. If there is a leak or something, you can get it fixed or replaced.

I'm 6'2 250. I use Nemo tensor long wide. I sleep like a rock.

I use Nemo tensor for backpacking and I sleep on my side. It's pretty comfortable. Pro tip.. 2 pillows. I have a thermarest and a sea to summit pillow for the height with I sleep on my side.

Hi, which Nemo tensor? I have the all season one that's 5+ on the R value, so does my wife. We have used it in below freezing temps and were warm! It's very very well insulated. I sleep really good on it as well. We primarily use it for backpacking.

At 80 bucks? It's a great deal. If anything, drop into any big box stores like REI or sports basement. You can check one out for yourself. Its not that loud for me but everyone is different.

I’ll second this. While a bit on the heavy side if you are backpacking, it isn’t prohibitively so. I’m old now and I value comfort/sleep over a few ounces. The spoon shaped bags by Nemo are comfortable and perform in the cold, and the price is decent for a quality bag. I also view the Nemo Tensor All-Season as the best all around sleeping pad on the market. There are a couple options considered a bit more comfortable (namely Rapide SL and Neoloft) but they can’t hold a candle to the warmth, packability, and weight of the Tensor. It checks all the boxes (except inexpensive I guess).

The Nemo Tensor I’ve had for about 4 years and it’s held up well.

Comfort is great- I got the insulated wide/long version. Can’t go wrong. For car camping I use Exped mega mat which is like a bed

Do you have a max budget? Do you have a good sleeping bag to pair it with? Any of the modern inflatable pads will fit in your bag unless you've brought enough other stuff to cross the continent on foot, lol Here's our experiences, though not a comprehensive review of everything on the market. TLDR probably get you an Exped Ultra 5R. Nemo Tensor: I am a flopper and tended to roll onto the edges, which made them collapse and dumped me onto the ground. Pad is comfortable otherwise. It does make quite the crinkly sound when moving. Exped Ultra 3R: probably a bit cold when temps are approaching the lower end of your range. Large side baffles (like the Big Agnes you linked, I think) keeps you from flinging yourself off the pad. Thick and comfortable. Fantatsic pump sack inflates the thing in like 20 seconds. Was entirely too cold for us where it gets colder than your range. Side note, it was paired with a Big Agnes sleeping bag which was horrible. Terrible bag. Exped Ultra 5R: all the pros of the 3R but warm enough! Great pad, my wife's current go-to. Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite MAX: or whatever the yellow rectangle \~5R one is. Lacks the side bolsters of the Exped and is thinner, but is very comfortable and IIRC lighter. Another great pad, my current go-to. Pump sack is beyond useless, too porous and leaks air instead of blowing into pad. I just blow it up by mouth. Generally, I've found we prefer rectangular pads. If you're with someone else and you both have rectangular pads - make sure they fit in your tent! Many tents are tapered and your feet will overlap which is super annoying

The Tensor has a slightly higher tendency to squash at the edges and dump you off if you flop over there, at least in my experience with a different Tensor. Both are great though!

big agnes rapide is the most comfortable, nemo tensor the second.

4.3 lbs is heavy for a sleeping pad imo. I like the Nemo tensor it is expensive but wieghs 1lb and sleeps great. I go multi day hiking trips so I've got pack weight as a concern. If you're just camping in a campground or pull up site, I would go for the most comfortable pad you can find or a small blowup matress.

I took my Nemo Tensor, my tent mate didn't bring anything. While we both had problems with the cold (being an extra nalgene for hot water), I never complained about the ground. I'm a side sleeper for reference.

I currently use an xtherm for solo trips. Those are as noisy as can be. Great warmth to weight, but not a solution for you if you are sound sensitive. It's much louder than the sea to summit etherlights (if that's what you have). I also have an exped dura R5 duo, for me and the kid / me and the wife. As far as I'm concerned that thing is silent. It is however on the heavier side. They don't make their ultra series in an R5 version (which I want) for double sleeping pads, hence I went with the dura, but for your solo needs it could be an option. So I would look an exped ultra if I were you. Or alternatively the nemo Tensor (whatever level of insulation that fits you). Don't have it myself, but I gifted one to a friend not that long ago, that I have then tried. It wasn't noisy in itself, but I was trying it in a wood shelter, so I don't know how noisy it is against a tent fabric. Another solution to a think foam pad under the main pad could also be silicone. Not something I have tried myself either, but when people complain about sliding around on their pads in their tents, it's often recommended to use small daps of silicone on the tent floor or pad underside, to stop the two from sliding across each other. That might limit the noise a bit further to.

For me, only the S2S Ether Lt XT and the Nemo Tensor work. Horizontal baffles are a nightmare with the "slipping off" feeling and movement! I sleep on my side and stomach and sometimes back, and those two work great.

For me the S2S works where others don’t work. I find horizontal baffles extremely uncomfortable … it feels as if anything closer to the edge falls down and doesn’t give any support. So for me the S2S works for longer trips and for shorter I use a short version of the Nemo Tensor.

Agree. I have Nemo tensor and S2S Ether Lt xt because I find horizontal baffles very uncomfortable.

Using a Nemo Tensor short. It’s sufficient if it goes to your knees … on my side I curl up and on my back I put my feet in my backpack. Whatever you use for a pillow should be off the pad anyway.

Despite the comment below, I'm with you. I used a S2S inflatable pad on the PCT and it was fine (needed one replacement). I have since experimented with just taking the Switchback for longer and longer trails. And it's fine, especially after I hacked the pillow attachment so it stays put ... love it. Just back from a 3 day trip where I though I should try my Nemo Tensor Insulated pad again ... and regretted it. I didn't sleep any better, the moving around is more difficult (to stay on it) and of course the setup is more difficult (and more susceptible to damage). So, back to the Switchback it is!

Loving my WM Ultralite (rated to -7°C) and my NEMO tensor all-season mat (r-value of 5.4) set up. The bag is a bit warm for me / needs to be unzipped above 20°C, and I found my set up to be a bit chilly one -25°C night when sleeping in a very drafty kitchen shelter once our fire died back. I’m not sure I’d recommend this exact set up for consistent -10°C trips, but I’ve appreciated the quality and low weights of both products and, as others have commented, I would encourage you to check out other products by both WM and NEMO.

The Tensor AS and Ultra 5R are great pads for the canadian rockies. Both might be slightly cold depending on where you're going in mid-may as there can still be snow on the ground or the ground could still be frozen even if the snow has melted. I find frozen spring ground as cold as snow in the middle of winter. I'd look at a Neve Waratah quilt. The Waratah -8C is $353 CAD.

I've spent 5 nights on the Tensor Elite and wanted to share some initial thoughts since there isn't much information out there and my testing yielded some results I found interesting. Here are my thoughts in no particular order but numbered in case someone has a question/comment about a specific point. 1. My size regular pad came in 14g over spec at 254g compared to the 240g advertised (no stuff sack or dodads). 2. I did not feel any heat-loss through the pad down to 2C/35.6F (with a 30f zpacks solo quilt, boxers, and an OR echo t-shirt). 3. The 20in width was noticeably narrow after spending most of the last couple of years on 25in wide pads. That being said, it wasn't as big of an issue as I thought it would be due to the next point. 4. Comfort is really good for the pad. It is more comfortable than I expected by quite a bit. I only woke up a couple of times to shift positions each night I used it. Two reasons for the comfort: 1) slightly dimpled horizontal baffling helps with pressure relief and 2) the lightweight materials have quite a bit of stretch/give to them which helps with pressure relief too. 5. Durability will be a question mark until more pads are used for more nights. The shell material is thin and the TPU to hold air in is thin, which is what led to issues with the Uberlite. But maybe Nemo did some magic to make the materials more durable than the Uberlite.

It was really cool to see Steven test this. There are not many people outside of the big companies with resources to be doing this. It reinforces observations I have had with pads since the new ASTM standard first came out. I think the big takeaway was that the tests reinforce how much the current r-value testing system gets completely messed up by convective heat transfer. Because rvalue testing happens at room temperature, pads without methods to reduce convective heat transfer potentially perform better than if they had methods to reduce convective heat transfer. The room temp air is helping the pads "combat" the cold plate underneath the pads. This is made more of a factor by the fact the plates that sandwich the pads usually only take up a fraction of the pads surface area. Stevens testing reinforces what I have also been seeing in the field while testing dozens of pads in every temperature possible. Pads like the Xtherm (with good convective heat loss mechanisms) outperform pads like the Tensor XC (minimal convectove eat loss mechanisms) even though the Tensor XC has a higher tested rvalue. I think a good quick and dirty method for testing convective heat transfer is the deflation test. Open a fully inflated pads dump valve and see how quickly it deflates. You could start trying to push air out too by rolling it. You'll notice pads like the Xtherm are a lot harder to get air out of. Companies are designing pads for the testing standard, which is going to bite them in the butt since it's essentially wasted R&D with more info coming out about how rvalue can be a good place to start but is kind of garbage. edit: To answer your question, you will sleep warmer on a CCF pad of an equal ASTM tested r-value inflatable pad due to the issues with the testing standard. CCF does phenomenally at reducing convective heat transfer.

I went through the same narrowing process about 2 years ago and landed on the Nemo Tensor. I’ve never felt it is uncomfortable to sleep on, but that seems highly subjective. What I have certainly noticed is the warmth, and that is enough to make me say it’s the best option. It really is very warm even on frozen ground. I’ve used it a handful of times when the overnight low temp was in the 10s/20s F, and I have never felt a chill from the ground while sleeping on the Tensor, so I would for sure recommend if you expect to use it in any later fall/winter contexts.

Side sleeper checking in... In my search for something more comfortable, I tried the Zenbivy Ultralight mattress and I've been super happy with it however I sleep but mostly on my side. It's quiet too. My previous pad was the Nemo Tensor and it works pretty well too but I feel the zenbivy is easily more comfortable for me. Only negative is the pump sack that comes with it. It's surely convenient also being the stuff sack but it's small and I don't use a stuff sack for my pad anyway so I just use the pump sack I got with the tensor.

I had previously only used my z-lite pad and finally decided to get something kore comfortable. I got the non-extreme Tensor and it’s super comfortable and noticeably warmer than just the foam pad. I’ve also stacked the two to protect the tensor from pops and add more insulation. If i decide to do hardcore winter camping I’ll def get the extreme. I also tried a bunch of inflatables at multiple stores and found the tensor to be one of the most comfy in it’s weight class.

I haven't used the new Nemo Tensor AS, but I do own an Exped 5R, BA Rapide SL, and an old regular Tensor. The Exped is definitely the most comfortable of the three--something about the vertical baffles just feels better, especially as a side sleeper. The material feels nicer/sturdier too. It's also a bit quieter than the tensor or rapide. One downside though is that it's pretty thick when rolled up, so it does take up decent space in my bag.

Closed cell foam pads like that are awesome but they unfortunately dont work too well for side sleepers (i mean they can but not nearly as comfy as a inflatable pad). I personally use a nemo tensor elite and a 1/8” foam pad combo and even together its only about 10 ounces which is still less than a switchback and vastly more comfortable.

Nemo fillo pillow (lifetime warranty), Nemo all season pad (lifetime warranty), I used to use thermarest air mattresses but switched i still like them too , I have mediocre mec zero sleeping bag i use atm which i need to upgrade too a smaller lighter quilt,...

The nemo tensor extreme has done me very well as a side sleeper. Edited to add: didn’t pay attention to see this is the ul sub and obv at 1lb 6oz this is NOT an ul suggestion

I’ve loved my Nemo tensor for the end of my trip. Ridiculously small, and has survived many nights so far.

I would personally recommend an R-value of at least 6 for -10C. More is better. Most people underestimate the effect the pad has on the overall warmth of their sleep systems, and don't get the most out of their quilt because of it. It's better to go with a warmer pad and a lighter quilt than vice versa, because you can always supplement your top insulation with clothing, but that stuff all compresses under you, leaving the pad as basically your only bottom insulation no matter how much you wear. R-6 would be a solid CCF foam pad approximately 4cm thick, weighing about 880g, and it would be extremely bulky. [Oware](https://bivysack.com/shop/ols/products/foam-1-slash-2-thick-closed-cell-ultralight-sleeping-pads-white) sells some 1/2" CCF pads as a starting point. (If you're not in the US, you can probably find the same stuff from another retailer.) You could theoretically stack 3 Switchbacks, but pads with the "open egg crate" design don't add warmth quite as well when stacked as a solid foam pad does, because when they nest, you don't triple the benefit of the air pockets they're designed to create. Or you could just by a Nemo Tensor Extreme at R-8.5, which is 472g in the mummy version, and be all set even if the temp drops below what you're expecting. This is probably the cheapest, lightest, and warmest option. tl;dr- inflatables are just better for very cold weather

A pad cannot really make you "too hot", because warm air rises. You can always dump extra heat by venting or hanging a leg out of your top insulation. For reference, the mattress/box spring combo you sleep on at home is like R30+, and you're sleeping in a 68-74F room. If a mattress could be "too warm" you'd be getting heat stroke in your bedroom every night. (Giggity!) The Nemo Tensor Extreme is R 8.5 and 17oz in a regular mummy. I thought it was overkill too, until my wife bought one and I tried it out. It's 2oz heavier than my Tensor, for a 100% R value increase. Best pad on the market.

It's pretty simple: Your pad can't really be "too warm". Heat rises, so you can always use a lighter top layer (or less coverage with a heavy top layer) to regulate your sleeping temperature. You never want conductive heat loss to the ground to be the thing keeping you cool, and it's very much not weight-efficient to go thin on your pad and heavy on your down. You're generally also carrying down clothing in winter, which can be used to supplement top insulation, but, very importantly, NOT bottom insulation. A high R-value (R-7 to R-9) inflatable pad is only an ounce or two heavier than a 3-season, so if you plan to hike in cold weather (freezing or below) get a Nemo Tensor Extreme, (or something similar from one of the other manufacturers) and save weight on your quilt. Every 10-degree step in high-end UL quilt insulation is about 3 oz, so: \- a 17oz R-8.5 pad with a 30F degree quilt and \- a 14oz R-2.8 pad, with a 20F quilt are pretty much the exact the same trail weight, but you'll sleep warm *much* more reliably with the first setup, and you can easily supplement the quilt with the puffy you're already carrying if you need to. >!*(If you care where I'm getting these numbers, I'm comparing the Nemo Tensor line in reg/mummy, and using Hammock Gear's Burrow UL in the standard size, width and fill as benchmarks. Yes, you can get lighter than each of these options if you have deep pockets, but the relative tradeoff is going to be the same)*!< A CCF pad for cold weather would need to be so thick that it would be ridiculously bulky, and also much heavier. (For example, an R-6 CCF pad in regular 72 in. length would be approximately 1.5 inches thick, and would weigh about 31oz. It would be over 18 inches wide when rolled up in a spiral. If you're only hiking at times and places where you're sleeping at 40F and above, run whatever you're most comfortable on. Inflatables and CCF are about the same weight between R-2 and R-3 (what I would consider 2.5-season), and if you can stand having less cushion, you can save a lot of weight in the summer with a Thinlite CCF under the R-2 mark. What a lot of people suggest (and that *doesn't* actually make sense unless you've already invested in gear and just want to keep it cheap) is supplementing a 2-3 season inflatable with CCF for the winter. You're basically using each style of pad in the worst way possible. You'd be lighter and more comfortable just buying the warm inflatable, because you'll get more out of your down in all situations with it, and having a separate, cheap, super light CCF pad for the summer. tl;dr- if you hike in winter, get a high R-Value inflatable. If you don't, it doesn't much matter whether you go inflatable or foam. Get whatever you sleep best on.

If you’re considering a neoloft, another thing you could consider for about the same weight is an xlite or tensor with a zlite or switchback underneath. The CCF pad will protect your inflatable, prevent you from bottoming out when sleeping on your side, and makes for a really nice sit pad. Also you have a backup pad if the inflatable fails.