In this article, I’m going to be comparing two of the most popular ultralight sleeping pads: the Nemo Tensor Insulated and the Thermarest Neoair XLite NXT. I’ll dive into their baffling, weight, inflation systems, and overall pros and cons. Welcome to the Thunderdome!
Testing Locations: Throughout the Chequamegon Nicolet National Forest and in Marquette, Michigan.
Testing Circumstances: With both pads, I’ve used both sleeping bags and quilts, depending on the temp and the trip! Quilt straps work equally well with both pads. I tend to sleep on my stomach when I’m in my bed, but when I’m camping I sleep on my back.
Baffling Systems
Baffling is a fundamental difference between the Nemo Tensor Insulated and the Thermarest Neoair XLite NXT. The Thermarest sleeping pad has horizontal baffles, while the Nemo has a ‘quilted’ baffling system.
The Nemo Tensor Insulated is astoundingly comfortable for an ultralight sleeping pad, and this is primarily because the design of the baffling system reduces pressure points. My dad, who hasn’t been backpacking in decades, tried out both sleeping pads and was quick to note the comfort of the Nemo Tensor.
R-Values
R-value measures how much insulation the pad has to protect you from the ground. An R-value of 4 is generally considered all season, with the ability to protect you from most weather conditions aside from sleeping on snow.
The R-values between the Nemo Tensor Insulated and the Thermarest Neoair XLite NXT are comparable, with the Thermarest sleeping pad having an R-value of 4.5 and the Tensor having a R-value of 4.2.
Thermarest uses their patented Triangular Core Matrix to keep the warmth your body generates from going into the ground. Nemo uses their proprietary Thermafilm, which is similar to a mylar blanket. (I even got a picture of Nemo’s insulation without destroying my sleeping pad!)
Weight
Here is where the Thermarest comes into its own. The Thermarest sleeping pad is lighter than the Nemo Tensor by 1.5 ounces. While that doesn’t sound like a lot, ounces can add up quickly, especially when you consider that the Thermarest also has an R-value that is higher than the Tensor. The Thermarest Neoair XLite NXT weighs 13 ounces and the Nemo Tensor Insulated weighs 14.5 ounces.
Inflation and Deflation
The valves on both ultralight sleeping pads are very well made. Thermarest uses a twist valve for both inflation and deflation. The twist valve allows for easy fine tuning to achieve that perfect comfort level. It also makes deflation a lot easier. However, it still takes a little bit of work to dump all the air out of the Thermarest pad.
Nemo has a two-step valve where one step is designed for inflation and letting out a little air at a time, and the other step allows for complete deflation in a rapid manner.
I have not used an inflation sack for the Thermarest. The Nemo inflation bag works really well. However, with both pads, I now opt to use a Flextail pump. At the end of a long day, it’s great to hook the pump up and walk away. Additionally, our breath contains water vapors that can reduce R-value.
Materials and Noise
The Thermarest Neoair XLite NXT is made of Nylon and polyurethane. The Nemo Tensor Insulated is made of recycled polyester. Nemo has a reputation for making gear out of recycled materials.
Even with the NXT upgrade, I still find the Thermarest Neoair XLite to be noisy — another reason I sleep better on the Nemo pad.
Which UL Sleeping Pad is Best for You?
I see two different people for each pad. For the Thermarest Neoair XLite NXT, I see someone who is pushing hard into the night, is exhausted when they get to camp, and moving fast. Weight would be more of a concern for this individual.
For the Nemo Tensor Insulated, I see someone who prioritizes smiles over miles and sleep over weight. They might not be so exhausted at camp and therefore care more about a few creature comforts.
Bottom Line
Sleeping well in the backcountry is hard. These sleeping pads make it much easier. Personally, having used both, I don’t think you can go wrong with either way. The Nemo Tensor Insulated feels more comfortable to sleep on, while the Thermarest Neoair XLite NXT boasts a lighter weight and higher R-value.
My name is Ryan Steger and I’ve worked in the bike industry for 8ish years, and I’ve rode pretty much every type of bike out there. I graduated with my degree in Kinesiology from UW Madison in 2020 and I’m looking forward to sharing my love of bikes and all things outdoors! I’m pursuing a nursing degree, which is my journey currently.
9 comments
Tre
The fact that this Thermarest only comes in a mummy needs to be noted. If both the Thermarest and the Nemo were the same dimensions, I would say that the weight difference between the two would be maybe an ounce or less.
Lionel
Been using nemo insulated (and 3 seasons non insulated version) for years. It’s comfy and indeed very silent. Even though I have not tried thermarest I can hear the noise it makes each time a guy sleeping on it >50 yards from me, moves. Insulation is ok for me and I can live with the 1.5 difference in weight.
Chris Nadasi
I’ve used an xlite for many nights over several years. After wearing it out I picked up a Tensor. After using it for nearly 300 trail miles this summer I can say it is considerably more comfortable than the xlite.
Dudley
After Market Service is important too. I have hundreds of mile with both, and both have failed – this just happens. The Nemo customer service got back to me in hours and in a few days I had a new one with me back on the trail (AT thruhike). On the other hand, Thermarest folks, never returned my emails or phone calls, and months later I received an initial response and still no follow up a full year later. This bad customer services happened 3 times. Consequently I have a leaking pillow, uberlite and xlite in my closet collecting dust. Ive given up trying. Until Thermarest gets their act together… I’ll stick with the Nemo
Peter
Lisa, the Nemo Tensor is quieter but not completely noise free. Makes a bit of noise when moving around on it.
Lisa
Thanks for the review! I definitely appreciate that you mentioned noise on the Thermarest. Nothing was written about noise with the Nemo. Can we assume that the Nemo is quiet?
Also, while wait is a big deal for me, what the dimensions something packs down to is equal or slightly more important to me than the weight. Can you provide any comments about comparable dimensions when packed?
Thanks!
Pete
Great review! It takes a lot of specialised kit to be able to record pressure points as seen from below and which complement the R-value info as cold intrudes if such areas are substantial in size. I have come across only one such review.
An easier addition would be to state the width difference at both ends as the shapes differ (and this contributes to the noted weight difference).
art
Nemo tensor all season coming soon – will match NXT in weight, will have nigher R value (5.4).
Ned Vasquez
Thanks for the thoughtful review.
I think it’s important to note that the listed weight differential increases to 4 oz in the large size for each pad, amounting to a more significant weight penalty.