For those reasons (along with pure coziness), they’ve become our most beloved pieces of clothing for hiking and everyday wear. Insulated Nemo Tensor (Regular) packs down to 8.0″ x Ø 3.0″ whereas insulated Nemo Astro‘s packed sizes are 8.5″ x Ø 4.5″ (2.4 times bigger). Reviewed in the United States on August 12, 2020. If you’re on a tight budget and looking for less expensive options, check out our list of the 10 Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads for good budget buys. If you're planning to hit the trail this year, you’ll probably want one of these badboys on your back. Social media is great, but our bi-weekly newsletter is a much better way to stay in the know. Our Editor Tim gave it a road test over the past few months – let’s just say he was baffled. Not all camping chairs are created equal, so we compared the most popular and top-rated chairs on the market and made this list to help you find the perfect portable chair for your needs. It has a flat 2-way valve and includes an inflation sack so you don’t have to bust a gut blowing it up. Gear Review: NEMO Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad NEMO rolled out a new line of sleeping pad options this spring, and the Tensor model tops the list as the most lightweight. Water bottles. The insulation is low and not enough for winter backpacking but works great for three-season! That makes the packing process for the Tensor quick and easy. A strong breeze also works. I highly recommend this. Here’s our list of the 10 Best Camping Tents of 2020. With a layer of Primaloft synthetic insulation, a heat-reflective metallic film, and baffle construction, Nemo Equipment's Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad might just give you the coziest night of sleep you've ever had in the backcountry, but it's still not gonna stop your tent mate from snoring. If you’re still sipping from that banged up old bottle you've had for a decade, it might be time for an upgrade. A look at the new and improved Nemo Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad. Heather Eldridge is an accomplished backpacker, having walked over 6,000 miles through the country’s most beautiful wild places. For many of us, it’s been drilled into our heads since day one that backpackers wear boots. We really appreciate that NEMO makes the Tensor in several shapes and size options including mummy, rectangular, and the elusive regular-wide model. A trusty pocket knife will come in handy for both the ordinary and the unexpected. The NEMO Tensor is a sleeping pad that hits nearly every mark well in an overcrowded field. The right camping mattress can be a real game changer. Took it out over the weekend where the lows were in the mid 30’s and it held up wonderfully! © CleverHiker.com 2020 - Privacy Policy - Terms of Use, We stand in solidarity against systemic racism, discrimination, and violence. Why we like it a lot more than the previous version. You'll be turned on to new videos, trip reports, gear reviews, inspiring outdoor stories and much more. THIS IS THE BEST! Sign up to get our curated emails with the best content from CleverHiker and around the backpacking world. It also analyzes reviews to verify trustworthiness. The Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad is available in five sizes: Because getting good trail sleep is crucial, we’ve researched, field tested, and narrowed this list down to the 10 Best Backpacking & Camping Pillows of 2020. Since it does puff up a few inches, I didn’t want to be rolling off the sides and the size/price wasn’t that much of a difference. The CleverHiker Top Picks page is reserved for our personal favorite backpacking gear. As far as consumer competition, the Nemo Equipment Tensor goes head to head with the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm. Rolls up to about the size of a Nalgene bottle. Get a better night's sleep in the backcountry with the NEMO Tensor insulated sleeping pad. Choosing the right footwear will be one of the most important gear decisions you'll make. You’ll wear it just about every night on the trail. Usually, this is the part of the review where I would say that the product is awesome but considering how expensive it is, I may suggest looking elsewhere. She met her husband on her solo thru-hike of the PCT and they went on to hike the CDT together. Here are some popular resources to check out. We really appreciate that NEMO makes the Tensor in several shapes and size options including mummy, rectangular, and the elusive regular-wide model. Check out some of our favorite items in our guide to the Best Backpacking Gear for Women. Thanks guy . Weight At a confirmed 13.7 ounces on our scale, the Nemo Tensor weighs roughly one ounce more than the NeoAir XLite and Sea to Sumit Ultralight Mat, and about the same as the Klymit Inertia Ozone and Therm-a-Rest ZLite. Provides a great nights sleep in the wilderness. I sleep on my side and this one has the extra height to make it work well for me. Your backcountry meal plan should balance weight, nutritional value, caloric density, and convenience. We love backpacking, international travel, useful gear, and all things nature. Slightly Heavy and Bulky - The Tensor isn’t the lightest or most compact pad out there, but it's quiet comfort might be well worth a little extra weight and bulk. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may receive a modest commission if purchases are made through those links. We put together this list to showcase some solid budget tents that strike a good balance between cost, weight, weather protection, and durability. If this needs to be done after a day of walking or adventure racing, it does feel like a chore. I’m 6’3, 220 and a side sleeper. I've used every sleeping pad for backpacking that's out on the market! Would definitely recommend to anyone looking to purchase. I've used it on a number of camping trips and backpacking trips. We probably wouldn’t use this pad for really cold trips when we expect temps to drop below 25°F, but for 3-season backpacking and camping, we think the Tensor is one of the most comfortable sleeping pads on the market. The NEMO Tensor is a sleeping pad that hits nearly every mark well in an overcrowded field. Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2020. I really liked the inflation sack, I thought it was a gimmick but they really work! A good pair of hiking pants should be functional and durable. We tested the regular-wide rectangular version and loved the unrestricted space for our legs and extra width to support our arms. It packs down incredibly small, perfect for my backpacking trips, and it’s insulation keeps much of the cold surface air away from you. I find the baffle system to be very comfortable and I prefer the 3" thickness over the 4" pads as my elbows do not have the same "hanging" feeling when sleeping … I liked the inflation bag. A trusty pair of rain pants should be in every outdoor adventurer's gear arsenal. If you’re on a tight budget or new to backpacking, check out our Best Budget Tents of the year. This sleeping pad is thick enough to provide comfort, as well as help keep you warm with its awesome insulation. Keep up with our latest tutorials and gear reviews on YouTube. It is very easy to inflate with the pump sack, and deflates almost instantly with a separate valve. I've used approx 20 nights so far and HAPPY! I had no trouble attaching the inflation bag or deflating the pad when I was done. The Nemo Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad is not the most comfortable pad I’ve ever slept on (the Exped DownMat is slightly more comfortable for me). I had given up hope of finding a comfortable sleeping pad until I found this. This Nemo Tensor is a super lightweight sleeping pad, and very comfortable. In this guide, we break down all of the best features from articulated knees to zip-off legs. Trekking poles can add a lot of stability and comfort to your hike. New videos, trip reports, gear reviews, inspiring stories and more. They now live in a converted school bus with their cat in Sandy, Oregon. In both insulated and non-insulated versions it has a respectable weight for an air pad, has 3 inches of cushion that’s dispersed very evenly through the quilted baffles, and is nice and quiet when you roll over. Weight and size: It is a … The insulated one is more but worth it if it is cold. I b… To inflate the pad, you untwist and pull the nozzle out, then blow into the nozzle. A steamy cup of java on a crisp, quiet morning is just about the perfect start to any day in the wilderness. This one has the cross baffles that work beautifully for those of us that sleep in any weird configuration without falling between the cracks or finding an uncomfortable position. It takes us less than a minute to deflate, fold in thirds, roll up, and stash away this pad. The NEMO Tensor 25R Insulated sleeping mat is a bit of a mouthful, but it saves grams where it counts, without sacrificing warmth or comfort. NEMO Tensor Inflation, Insulation. Ranging from minimalist to fully featured, we bring you our trail-tested Best Daypacks of 2020. As a general rule, two backpackers sleeping on wide pads will need a 3-person tent for the extra width. Black Lives Matter The Tensor sits in the middle of the pack as far as 3-season pads go, weighing three ounces more than the industry leading Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite and two ounces less than the popular Sea to Summit UltraLight Insulated. I got one for an upcoming trip. I recently took it backpacking at a high elevation with average temps around 25 degrees and it … I also put a closed cell 3/4 length underneath for extra support and because I like all the insulation I can get. The OR Helium Rain Jacket and Pants (updated for 2020) are among the most affordable options in the ultralight rain…, NEMO Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad Review, 10 Best Backpacking & Camping Pillows of 2020, 100 Gifts for Backpacking, Hiking & Camping, 8 Iconic Pacific Northwest Backpacking Trips. Finally my search for a sleeping pad has ended! Most amazing air mattress I ever used while camping! We can inflate the regular-wide Tensor easily with only 3 breaths, which is awesome. The unique waterproof tub design keeps the pad and the bag together, making for a very restful night's sleep. We all use them, but many of us don’t really put much thought into it. You need the toughness and the ankle support and the water protection, right? There's nothing quite as satisfying as having just the tool you need for a job, right when and where you need it. We researched and tested dozens of headlamps to put together this list of this year’s 10 Best Headlamps. A tough climb up to Indian Pass on the Continental Divide provided some pretty spectacular views. We’ve been boiling and sautéing up a storm in our outdoor kitchen to bring you this list of the best camping stoves on the market. See our full review here: https://www.cleverhiker.com/blog/outdoor-research-helium-rain-jacket-amp-pants-review, Need a gift for the outdoorsy person in your life? Therefore, they made the sleeping pad using 3 inches of Spaceframe™ baffle to provide a comfortable, supportive cushion. Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2020, For a guy who solely hammock camps because it’s they most comfortable, this pad is out standing. That’s just what you do. Elevate your next backpacking trip with a minimalist seat that makes break time and chilling in camp more comfortable. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed testing NEMO’s new Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad on recent camping and backpacking trips in the Pacific Northwest. At one point or another I’ve fallen victim to every one of the blunders listed below (and then some!). Our goal is to help make your adventures as rewarding and enjoyable as possible, and to inspire you to plan your next excursion. ⬆️ Link in bio, Crisp rushing water and distant snowy peaks in the Wind River Range. Image by: @jitterbug_art, The OR Helium Rain Jacket and Pants (updated for 2020) are among the most affordable options in the ultralight rain gear market. Down jackets are lightweight, packable, and highly efficient at trapping body heat. I keep my backpack under my feet so didn't experience any issues with length. The baffles run horizontally much like Therm-a-Rest’s Neoair sleeping pads. The valve system is reliable and this mat kept me warm in winter conditions down to 16 degrees. Quiet - All inflatable air pads make some noise, but we’ve been impressed with how quiet the Tensor is to sleep on. You just hold it loosely and blow just enough to spread it open. - John Muir. "Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Whilst you might sleep soundly and comfortably, your tent neighbours might think otherwise. Our Verdict. A sleeping mattress, especially one that is 8cm deep, can take quite a lot of puff to inflate. Vortex Pump Sack Included - The Vortex Pump Sack is a very nice touch and comes complimentary with every Tensor. NEMO offers short and regular mummy-style pads that help keep weight to a minimum, and regular, regular-wide, and long-wide rectangular pads for those who like to spread out at night. The quilt-like baffle design prevents edge collapse found on horizontal pads and the bouncy sensation caused by vertically baffled mattresses. Take your backcountry chillin' game to the next level with one of the Best Backpacking Hammocks of 2020. On the other hand, 19 oz is still very competitive for an insulated pad in this temperature range and its the same weight as my BA Insulated Q-Core SL. If you are in search of a solution to sleep comfortably while camping and not lug around heavy weight or bulky items then you found it. We love travelling - every detail of it. CleverHiker.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. If you do choose a wide pad, make sure your tent will accommodate it, as most one and two-person backpacking tents are fairly tight. This adds no cost to our readers and helps us keep our site up and running. 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