Heavy– 21 ounces is kind of a lot for a “lightweight” sleeping pad, insulated or not. It’s 9 ounces (over half a pound) heavier than the ultimate standard Neo-Air Xlite and 6.5 ounces (over a third of a pound) heavier than the Insulated Mummy version of the Tensor. The low-stretch trusses within the pad reduce springiness and provide a surprising balance of support and give, despite the four suspended film layers beneath you. I had some fears — particularly as a side sleeper — that the “suspended” nature of the Thermal Mirror sheets would lead to an uneven feeling. But I was pleasantly surprised at how stable it felt, even while tossing and turning. We tested a mummy version, but it’s also offered in a Rectangle shape. More on sleeping pad shapes in our Guide.

The Tensor EC borrows some core elements from existing NEMO pads, like one-way lay-low valves, and suspended Thermal Mirror metalized film. However, it employs a new baffle tech called Apex. Four layers of its thermal film are placed over trapezoidal trusses (flexible, vertical supports within the pad), as opposed to the common rectangular design. Improved zero-profile, multifunctional, microadjustable Laylow™ valve offers customized inflation control, even at -20° F and below. Standard with for Regular-sized pads. This mummy pad tapers to 16 in (41 cm) at the feet. The Tensor products with “25” in their name have a 25-inch width. Note that most sleeping pads have an R rating of 1.0 (good for warm weather) to 5.5+ (for use in extreme cold). The thermometer on my watch read 25 degrees Fahrenheit for most of the night. My sleeping bag was rated to 20 degrees, but the Tensor is only rated for 30-40 degrees. (NEMO doesn’t use R-Values, but general temperature ranges). My legs were cold, and my frustration grew as I realized I had misjudged the weather.

Conclusion

Unique construction silences and stabilizes the new NEMO Tensor sleeping pad, which we review here. Nemo Tensor Insulated range – superb blend of weight comfort and warmth, hits the sweet spot for this type of mat. Apex™ baffle design suspends more insulating layers than ever before, strategically spaced for the highest R-value possible — 8.5. The Nemo Tensor sleeping pad mixed an ultralight carry with a well-insulated, comfortable performance. It is a great pad for hiking or camping during cooler climates and is reasonably priced for a product from one of the best camping brands. Finally, it comes with a lifetime guarantee so you can expect to get a lifetime of use from it. Spaceframe™ baffles offer unparalleled stability and weight distribution, using low-stretch, die-cut trusses that eliminate springiness.

This ultralight sleeping pad is insulated. It has an R-value of 2.5 meaning it provides moderate insulation from ground temperature. Therefore the Nemo Tensor is designed for camping in colder temperatures and may feel too warm or clammy for summer use. This is a 20-inch width pad with a tapered mummy shape. You can see it’s not heavily tapered. If you want a larger Tensor, consider the 25-inch width model. Spacious– Even with a six-foot frame, I found this pad to have plenty of space. This is awesome for anyone who likes to splay out and has plenty of room for most people in general. The new film reduces how much body heat mixes with the air inside the pad, and how much the air inside the pad absorbs cold from the ground. The new construction upped the R-value of the insulated pad from 3.5 to 4.2 while keeping it at 15 ounces. The uninsulated pad went from an R-value of 1.6 to an R-value of 2.5 but held strong at 13.8 ounces. After reinflation, I easily adjusted pressure in small increments. Accessing the adjuster without deflating the pad is a two-handed operation, a slight inconvenience compared to other valve designs.

In creating such a lightweight monster insulator, Nemo did have to cut some corners — namely in the comfort and useability departments. Warmth and an ultralight profile are prioritized here. The NEMO proprietary Spaceframe™ baffle construction offers quiet, supportive comfort along with excellent stability and weight distribution. The low-stretch, die-cut trusses help to eliminate ‘springiness’ meaning that you feel solidly settled when laying down on the pad and avoid the “waterbed” feeling that you get with a lot of pads. Insulated models leverage 2 layers of suspended Thermal Mirror™ metallized film for a lighter and remarkably quiet sleep when compared to the competition. Can be too warm– It’s a great warm pad, but it’s arguably not usable in the summer. I spent a few 70-ish degree nights on this pad wearing basically nothing and still found myself drenched in sweat. All of this on a 20-inch pad feels a bit hindering. Pads with similar high R-values, like Exped’s Ultra 7R and Dura 8R allow you a tad more girth, affording a cozier, less constraining sleep.

Four layers of floating Thermal Mirror™ metallized film provide quiet insulation with an unprecedented warmth-to-weight ratio. Looking for something a bit warmer? Have a look at the ThermaRest NeoAir XLite NXT instead. Durability For a more cushioned feel, the valve makes it easy to release air even if the pad is fully weighted. Open the top cap and simply push the internal valve down slightly. Micro adjustments are easier to make than most pads I’ve played with.This is a unique example, but my climb allowed me to view and appreciate this pad from different angles. It proved the Tensor EC’s durability in harsher conditions than a generic camping trip. bluesign® approved premium nylon fabrics shave grams while offering superior puncture- and tear-resistance. Overall, the Tensor Extreme is an excellent choice for a cosy, supportive, and lightweight sleeping pad. It will keep you warm and comfortable on your next camping trip, no matter where that may be. An air pad with twist and pull valve usually takes this many breaths to inflate. You’ll be huffing and puffing. The Tensor series of sleeping pads has always been popular with customers and staff alike. They are highly supportive and comfortable, regardless of whether you are a side sleeper or not. The Tensor Extreme lives up to its predecessors, providing excellent comfort and support as you toss and turn.