NEMO - Tensor Trail Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad

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

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'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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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

Nemo tensor has been great for me.

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

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.

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 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 20° F Thermo-Reactor liner, and I was never cold - other climbers were cold.

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!

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. 

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.

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

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).

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.

I returned it to REI and got a Nemo

Nemo all the way!! They are luxury and pack up so small! I’ve been pregnant and camped with them and they are superb!

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

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.

Sweet! I have a Nemo Tensor in the way myself

Just used the Nemo for the first time last weekend on the AT, slept on my side half the night and it was a night and day difference compared to my old zrest pad. So much more comfy. Held air incredibly, you can blow it up and make it very firm or leave it a little softer. Didn’t leak at all overnight. Wasn’t cold at all either but it was only in the 40s, so not a good test yet on that end. No experience with others listed

+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

Tämä on aika päinvastainen vastaus kun mitä kysyit, mutta muut ovat jo suositelleet halpoja vaihtoehtoja, kerron vaihtoehtoisesti premium-vaihtoehdon. Jos haluat kerralla hyvän, niin Cumulus myy parasta hinta-laatusuhdetta Euroopassa (pl. jos löydät jonkun supertarjous-poistotuotteen jostain myymälästä). Esim Panyam 600 on aika varma suomen oloihin. Noiden kokoja voi myös kustomoida kohtuuhintaan, jos et ole ihan standardimittainen. Jos haluat alustan jolla pärjää talvella ja kesällä, niin esim. Thermarest X-therm. Jos haluat vähän kevyempää, eikä tarvi olla ihan niin lämmin, niin thermarestin neoair xlite. Myös nemon tensorit on aika hyviä. Tai jos kovuus ei haittaa, niin solumuovi on varma, kestävä ja halpa vaihtoehto, esim Thermarest Z sol. Nämä on toki huomattavasti kalliimpia kuin tuo 200€ budjetti. Jos budjetti rajoittaa tiukasti, niin käytetty on hyvä vaihtoehto. Katso esim kevytretkeilijöiden myyntipalsta facebookista. Jos vaellus kiinnostaa harrastuksena muutenkin kuin mennä lähilaavulle, niin osta kerralla kevyttä. /r/ultralight on hyvä foorumi. Jos tulee kysyttävää niin kysy, oon aika syvällä kaninkolossa.

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.

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

I like the Nemo Tensors but find them to be slightly delicate, maybe take a look at Xped too, most REIs have them as well.

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

My Nemo pad is more comfortable than my Purple bed ??

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

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

Up vote for the Nemo. Most used wedding present.

I haven't seen any comments about how loud the various pads are. Out of the ones I've tested at REI the Nemo Tensor definitely seemed like the quietest and that was my main reason for switching over from the Neoair. The baffles are also more comfortable in general for me and I sleep much better. You probably don't need the Extreme unless you're planning on doing winter camping or other high elevation stuff where temps drop significantly, in which case spend the extra money and future proof yourself. I can't speak for durability though as I haven't put enough use on them to develop a full opinion.

I have one of these, though I think it may be under a different label. I guarantee it's made at the same factory. My son used it on our first trip, before I bought him a NEMO tensor. Does it work? As a pad, sure. My son slept well. He coupled this with a 20-degree sleeping bag. We got down into the low 40s and he was warm on the pad. However, that is probably the lower temperature limit for the pad. Note that the pillow is probably not quite as thick as you'd like. My son did basketball tryouts before our trip, so he was completely spent. Also, he was 7, and still could fall asleep on the floor just fine. The built in foot pump is a stupid gimmick. There's a couple one-way valves and some foam. You step on it, pushing the air from the foam into the pad, and as the foam expands, it can pull in air from the one-way valve to the outside. Just open the other valve and blow into it. What's the difference between this and a $100 Nemo tensor bought on sale? Well, the nemo tensor is definitely more comfortable. It has a higher R-value (better insulation against the ground sapping your warmth). And it weighs less. As far as build robustness, I only have 2 uses out of it (one overnight backpacking trip and one campground usage by the same child), so I couldn't say. All inflatable pads are a little flimsy. If I was on a tight budget, would I use one? Sure. I have. If I was worried, I might bring a closed cell foam pad to place under the inflatable. A little extra insulation and a little more protection against things from the ground popping it.