NEMO Tensor All-Season and Extreme Sleeping Pad Reviews
We spent the summer thru-hiking with the Nemo Tensor All-Season sleeping pad, including on the Collegiate Loop in Colorado.
Home > Gear Reviews > Backpacking
October 2, 2024
Our verdict
The NEMO Tensor is the most comfortable backpacking sleeping pad we've tested with the best warmth-to-weight ratio we've seen. The Tensor Extreme provides plenty of insulation for camping on sub-freezing nights at high altitudes. The NEMO Tensor Extreme boasts an R-value of 8.5, making it the warmest, most insulating ultralight pad available while the Tensor All-Season has an R-value of 5.4, besting similar pads on the market.
The latest iteration improves on earlier versions of the Tensor sleeping pads. Unlike other pads out there, the NEMO Tensor (which one?) is quiet when you roll around at night without the potato chip bag crinkling noise. The generous 3.5-inch" height provides cushioning from rocks and uneven ground. The width feels generous beyond its stated dimensions. The Tensor’s divot-shaped baffles prevent you from rolling or sliding. And the material has just enough give to remind you of your mattress at home.
We spent six months testing the NEMO Tensor All-Season Ultralight Insulated sleeping pad and the NEMO Tensor Extreme sleeping pad on backpacking trips, camping, and thru-hikes in California, Utah, Colorado, Idaho, and Montana.
The 2024 version of the NEMO Tensor has become our go-to backpacking sleeping pad for its superior comfort and the insulation it offers at a nearly unbeatable weight. The Tensor is the rare piece of gear that is a crowd-pleaser—an insulated backpacking sleeping pad that excels for gram- counting ultralighters and comfort-seeking backpackers alike.
All-Season
Extreme
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Specs
Options: regular, long wide, mummy, regular wide
R-value: 5.4 (All-Season), 8.5 (Extreme)
Height: 3.5"
Weight (minimum in mummy version): 14.1 oz (All-Season), 17.1 oz (Extreme)
Inflation: Inflatable single valve
Lengths: 72” (regular), 76" (long)
Comparison table
| SLEEPING PAD | WEIGHT (ounces) | TYPE | PUMP SACK? | R-VALUE | THICKNESS (inches) | PACKED SIZE (inches) | LENGTHS (inches) | WARRANTY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nemo Tensor All Season Insulated Sleeping Pad | 14.1 | Inflatable | Y | 5.4 | 3.5 | 4 x 10 inche | 72, 76 | Lifetime |
| Nemo Tensor Extreme Insulated Sleeping Pad | 17 | Inflatable | N | 8.5 | 3.5 | 8 x 3.5 | 72, 76 | Lifetime |
| Nemo Tensor Trail Ultralight Sleeping Pad | 13 | Inflatable | Y | 2.8 | 3.5 | 4 x 10 | 72, 76 | Lifetime |
| Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT | 13.0 | Inflatable | Y | 4.5 | 3.0 | 9 x 4.1 | 66, 72, 77 | Limited lifetime |
| Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT | 16.0 | Inflatable | Y | 7.3 | 3.0 | 9 x 4.5 | 72, 77 | Limited lifetime |
What we liked:
The Nemo Tensor Extreme sleeping pad is so comfortable, we used it instead of a camping mattress during camping trips and used it in the summer, even though it is rated for winter.
Quality of comfort
Insulation
Height
Width (and variety of options available)
What we didn't like:
NEMO Vortex Pump Sack inflation system
Color choices
3.5 inch height doesn't always work with the sloping walls of some ultralight tarps and tents
Difference between the All-Season and Extreme
The NEMO Tensor All-Season and NEMO Tensor Extreme have a lot of similarities, which is why we're including them both in the same review. They look similar on the outside, use similar material, and have similar dimensions — and we tested them side-by-side.
The big difference is on the inside — the amount of insulation and how it is layered in there.
The All-Season has an r-value of 5.4 with two layers NEMO’s Thermal Mirror insulation. The Extreme has an r-value of 8.5 with four layers of Thermal Mirror Insulation. The difference comes to about 3 oz in weight, and an additional cost.
Whether you need the All-Season or the Extreme depends on how you sleep, where you are going, and when. The All-Season will work for most folks in warmer 3-season or more conditions. If you're headed out in winter or are a very cold sleeper, you may prefer the Extreme. In this review, we'll address our testing notes on both models and talk about the differences when they are relevant or noticeable in our testing.
Comfort
The Nemo Tensor Extreme (and the Nemo Tensor All-Season, not pictured) have baffles uses their proprietary Spaceframe baffle design, which yields more stable and comfortable support than other sleeping pads.
The first thing I noticed when I slept on the NEMO Tensor is the comfort. It won Most Comfortable Sleeping Pad in our Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads guide for a reason.
As with earlier models of the Tensor, the superior comfort of this pad comes from its baffle design.
Unlike other sleeping pad manufacturers like Therm-a-Rest (which uses horizontal baffles) or ExPed (which uses vertical baffles), NEMO uses their proprietary Spaceframe baffle design. The result is small divots that remind me of a mattress at home. Using a low-stretch fabric, these "trusses" yield more stable support than other pads. There's no bottoming out or slipping and sliding. There's just enough stretch in the fabric that it moves with you without moving too much.
It also feels like this design gives you more usable space on the pad. With other pads, the edges feel like they slope down. I am not alone among backpackers when I say that some pads feel narrower than their stated dimensions. In contrast, the NEMO Tensors feel like it is true to its dimensions.
Width and Height
The Nemo Tensor Extreme (and the Nemo Tensor All-Season, not pictured) are 3.5 inches tall, which is taller than most sleeping pads. Camping lantern shown here for height comparison.
As mentioned above, the dimensions on the NEMO Tensor are geared towards comfort. I tested the mummy version of the Tensor All-Season and the rectangular shape (regular) of the Tensor Extreme. Both are a generous 3.5" tall, which was awesome especially when the only flat campsite in a 5-mile radius had a rock in the middle, or or when it was impossible to move every last pine cone from under my tent.
As a side sleeper, I also never bottomed out on the NEMO Tensor whereas on other pads, I sometimes find my hip touches the ground.
The mattress-style height comes with a drawback, though. It doesn't always work with the sloping walls of some ultralight shelters. Many tarps and ultralight tents have "not so usable space" near the head and foot end where it's easy to brush against the short inside wall (and get covered in condensation). As a taller pad, the NEMO Tensors hit that sloping ceiling before shorter pads. For what it is worth, the Tensors worked great with the Gossamer Gear Whisper shelter, Gossamer Gear The Two (when using the regular length), and the ZPacks Duplex (when a solo person is diagonal). It did not work as well with two different pyramid-style tents I used.
Insulation
The latest iteration of the NEMO Tensor All-Season and NEMO Tensor Extreme have the best insulation rating of any NEMO pad and among the best in the industry–especially given the weight of these pads.
For the All-Season, which has an R-value of 5.4, the inside each baffle are two suspended layers of ultra-thin, metallized Thermal Mirror film. You can actually see the film when you look through the valve. It looks like an emergency blanket. The end result is each layer reflects body heat similar to an emergency blanket, radiating back your warmth instead of losing it. The R-value of 5.4 is better than the similar Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite pad, which has an R-value of 4.5.
The Extreme uses a different design: the Apex baffle internal structure. From the user's perspective, the two pads' baffling looks similar. However, inside the Tensor Extreme four layers of insulating Thermal Mirror™ film inside the pad. These additional layers contribute to an R-value of 8.5, making it the warmest, most insulating ultralight pad available.
Weight
The Nemo Tensor Extreme (and the Nemo Tensor All-Season, not pictured) have some of the best warmth to weight ratios and are lightweight to carry in your pack or around camp.
The NEMO Tensor All-Season and NEMO Tensor Extreme have some of the best warmth-to-weight ratios of any sleeping pads on the market.
The All-Season at its lightest in the mummy version is 14.1 oz, just an ounce more than the NeoAir XLite, but with an additional 0.5 inches of height and an additional r-value of 1.4. The previous version of this pad weighed 14.5 oz, so the new version actually weighs 0.4 oz less.
The Extreme at its lightest in the mummy version is 17.1 oz, rivaling the similar NeoAir XTherm.
As mentioned below, the inflation bag adds 2.1 oz. Both pads come with a stuff sack, strap, and repair kit, which add about 3 oz.
Inflation Valve
Close-up on the new inflation valve on the Nemo Tensor All-Season, not pictured), which now allows for microadjustments.
The new NEMO Tensors have improved their inflation valve. The newest version has an improved no-profile. The single valve is multifunctional, which means it is a one-way "in" valve and underneath it is an easy-to-release "out" valve. It is also adjustable, meaning you can customize your inflation control. This is useful especially when you're somewhere colder, as temperature can impact the amount of pressure in your pad.
Inflation Bag
Close up on the inflation valve on the Nemo Tensor Extreme, which inflates with the included Nemo Vortex inflation bag (yellow on left)
The Vortex inflation valve fits and locks onto the NEMO Tensor valve with ease. This is better than we can say for some inflation valves out there. You blow into the bag from a distance and it fills the bag in just a few breaths. Then you squeeze the air from the stuff sack into your Tensor. It takes me about 4 not-totally full bag fills to get the Tensor nice and firm.
My issue with the Vortex inflation bag is that it is heavy and essentially single-use gear. The bag is a whopping 2.1 oz. That is ridiculously the same weight as a FlexTail air pump–which will do the pumping for me as I do my other camp chores. On my most recent thru-hike, I used a 0.4 oz pump from Garage Grown Gear. The Vortex bag isn't even usable as a stuff sack because the opening is so small. The 20D fabric on the Vortex bag seems like overkill, though I've ripped the 10D fabric on other manufacturers' pump sacks, so can understand why they made that choice.
My recommendation for ultralight backpackers is to ditch the Vortex bag and use an air pump instead. Bonus is they come with lights and can even vacuum out all the air from your pad in the morning so it'll actually fit in the sleeping pad stuff sack again. If you aren't a gram counter, the Vortex will serve you just fine.
Durability
We used the Nemo Tensor All-Season for thru-hikes all summer in shelters that lack a bathtub floor, like the Gossamer Gear Whisper shown here. We used it as a pad and as the frame on our frameless pack on rough trails including the Idaho Wilderness Trail (which is where this photo was taken).
The NEMO Tensor All-Season uses a 20D nylon on the top of the pad and a 40D nylon on the bottom. The 40D on the bottom is an improvement on previous models of the NEMO Tensor and is one of the more durable options out there. Not all fabrics are the same, but to give a comparison, the NeoAir XLite uses 30D rip HT nylon on the top and bottom.
We haven't had any issues with durability on the Tensor All-Season of Tensor Extreme. As with all inflatable sleeping pads, we utilize a set of practices to reduce the chances of creating a hole or tear.
Perhaps it is overkill, but I often use at least two layers between the ground and our pad–either a groundsheet and bivy.
I only inflate my pad inside my tents or while holding it suspended in the air. We also try to change into sleep clothes to protect our pad from spiky thorns that found their way into our hiking clothes.
Sustainability and ethics
Both the Tensor All-Season and Tensor Extreme use bluesign approved nylon fabrics. Bluesign works with brands to rate their efforts for environmental, health, and the safety of their textile supply chain.
NEMO is also known as a brand for its sustainability. They have a gear trade in and easy repairs. NEMO is a member of the Science Based Targets initiative. They are transparent about their policies and targets and their suppliers. While the Tensor is not part of their Endless Promise collection, they are thinking about the cradle-to-grave life cycle of their gear in some of the most cutting-edge ways we've seen in the outdoor industry so far. You can see that in their sleeping bags line, including the Nemo Disco Endless Promise and Nemo Coda Endless Promise bags.
Warranty
As with all NEMO products, the NEMO Tensor All Season and NEMO Tensor Extreme sleeping pads are backed with the NEMO Lifetime Warranty.
Color
We liked the yellow backside of the Nemo Tensor Extreme and the black front side (not visible in this photo) is great for covering up the color of trail grime, too.
The color of the NEMO Tensor All-Season is one of the only dings we have against this sleeping pad. I use a backpacking quilt instead of a sleeping bag. That means if I'm not wearing sleep clothes, my skin is right against the pad. Light gray is not the color you want right against a hiker's legs. Dirt and other grime shows. This isn't an issue with the NEMO Tensor Extreme, which has a dark color.
That being said, I appreciate that both pads have a red bottom side. Sleeping pads are large gear items that can be used by search and rescue, especially during aerial operations. Other pad companies have bright colors and I think for safety, it's important that at least one side of these pads be bright.
How we tested
The author using the Nemo Tensor All-Season while camping on a bike trip across Joshua Tree National Park.
We spent nearly six months testing the NEMO Tensor All-Season Ultralight Insulated sleeping pad and the NEMO Tensor Extreme sleeping bag on backpacking trips and thru-hikes in California, Utah, Colorado, Idaho, and Montana. This includes thru-hikes of the Colorado Collegiate Loop and Utah's Uinta Highline as well as the northern part of the Idaho Wilderness Trail. We spent significant time backpacking above 10,000 feet with this pad in early summer into fall. To test durability, we also camped with these pads for 4 weeks straight in the Sierra.
We've had multiple testers take previous versions of the NEMO Tensor on everything from alpine climbing trips in the Trinity Alps to off-trail backpacking trips in the Sierra to a thru-hike of the Continental Divide Trail. Every single person has been surprised at how much more comfortable it is than other inflatable sleeping pads
Should I buy the NEMO Tensor?
Yes! If you need a new backpacking sleeping pad, this is the one I'd recommend. The newest iteration of the Tensors have a great warmth-to-weight ratio, a lot of comfort, and good durability. Previous versions were almost there, but NEMO nailed it with this one.
That being said, the updates on these pads aren't so major that you need to replace gear that you already like if it works well for you.
But if you haven't been able to get a good night of sleep on your inflatable backpacking pad from another brand, with the new improvements on the Tensor, it is definitely worth making a switch.
If you're a first time sleeping pad purchaser and know right of the bat you don't want a foam pad, get this one. If you're ok with a foam pad, we'd recommend trying that first as it is much more affordable.
All-Season
Extreme
Other sleeping pads to consider
NEMO Tensor Ultralight Trail
We tested an earlier version of this pad, which has an Rr-value of 2.8. It only has 1 layer of the floating Thermal Mirror metalized film compared to the Extreme's four layers and the All Season's two layers.
The Tensor Ultralight felt cold during an August section hike of the Pacific Crest Trail in the Sierra. The Ultralight doesn't save you much weight compared to the All-Season (only 1.1 oz). Still, if you stick to summer-only adventures in warmer, humid climates like the Appalachian Trail, this could be a good option. We don't think it is as versatile as the All- Season, though.
NEMO Tensor Ultralight Trail
R-Value: 4.5 (rated for 4-seasons)
Thickness: 3”
Weight: 12.5 oz (6-foot length)
Inflation: 25-40 breaths or comes with Pumpsack
Lengths: 66”, 72”, 72”-wide, 77”
The NeoAir Xlite is the most similar to the NEMO Tensor All Season pad. However, it has a lower Rr-value and is not as thick. The NeoAir also weighs less than the Tensor. However, the most recent version, the NeoAir XLite NXT, is only 1.1 oz lighter than the NEMO Tensor. The NeoAir XLite has horizontal baffles and uses a different WingLock Valve system with an inflation pump.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT
R-Value: 7.3 (rated to below -40F)
Thickness: 3”
Weight: 15.5 oz (6-foot length)
Inflation: 25-40 breaths or comes with Pumpsack
Lengths: 66”, 72”
The NeoAir XTherm is the most similar to the NEMO Tensor Extreme pad. However, it has a lower r-value and is not as thick. The NeoAir weighs less than the Tensor Extreme. However, the most recent version, the NeoAir XLite NXT, is only 1.6 oz lighter than the NEMO Tensor and uses a more durable 70D fabric on the bottom. The NeoAir XTherm has horizontal baffles and uses a different WingLock Valve system with an inflation pump.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT
R-Value: 3.1
Thickness: 2”
Weight: 16.9 oz (6-foot length)
Inflation: 3 breaths or comes with Pumpsack
Lengths: 50”, 66”, 72”, 78”
What we liked: comfortable for side sleepers, efficient pumpsack system
What we didn't like: heavy, less durable
The Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Air has a dispersed baffle system that reminds us in some ways of that found on the NEMO Tensor. Both are dispersed instead of horizontal or vertical. However, the Sea to Summit is only 2 inches tall compared to the Tensor's 3.5 inches. We've bottomed out on it, especially while side sleeping. Additionally, it is heavier than the Tensor. It also has a lower R-value.
Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Air
About the author / Why you should trust us
The author cowboy camping in the eastern Sierra using the Nemo Tensor Extreme.
Liz Thomas is an award-winning Los Angeles-based writer and Editor-in-Chief of Treeline Review. A former Fastest Known Time (FKT) record holder on the Appalachian Trail, Liz came to Treeline Review from New York Times/Wirecutter, the New York Times’ product review site, where she was a staff writer on the outdoor team.
Liz has talked gear on Good Morning America (TV), in The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, Buzzfeed, Men’s Journal, Women’s Health, Gizmodo, and Outside Magazine.
She first encountered puffy blankets at the Outdoor Retailer trade show in 2016. While she didn't have a chance to write about it then (the assignment went to her colleague…grr), this story reflects her 8 year obsession with outdoor blankets.
To test the outdoor blankets, she essentially lugged them around with her everywhere–including over 30 flights. You can read more about Liz at her wikipedia page here or on her website. See all her Treeline Review articles on her author page.
