New Ultralight Sleeping Pad, called Tensor Elite, unveiled by NEMO for the discerning, adventure-seeking enthusiast
The NEMO Tensor Elite, a lightweight and insulated sleeping pad designed for fair-weather ultralight backpacking and running, has been released by New Hampshire-based outdoor gear company NEMO Equipment. Weighing approximately 14.1 to 15.5 ounces (400-440 grams), this pad offers a thickness of 3 inches and is available now exclusively through Ultralight Outdoor Gear, with wider availability through major retailers coming in March 2025.
The Tensor Elite stands out with its plush, stable cushioning and a whisper-quiet experience, thanks to NEMO's Apex baffle internal structure that stabilizes support by distributing pressure evenly via peaks and valleys. The pad's shell is made from 10d Cordura nylon with TPU lamination, providing excellent puncture protection and durability.
Key specifications include a Laylow or TwinLock valve for easy inflation, compatibility with a pump sack for quick inflation, and an R-value of 2.8, indicating limited insulation ideal for summer or fair-weather use. The Tensor Elite is available in short, regular mummy cuts, with width options.
Reviews highlight the ultralight weight and reasonable comfort considering the weight, though durability is a concern with limited long-term user testing to date. It is praised for its quietness, good valve design, and solid materials but criticized for its slippery surface and limited warmth, recommending additional friction treatments and caution against use below 40°F.
For warmer, more insulating needs, other NEMO pads like the Tensor Extreme Conditions offer higher R-values (up to 8.5), increased durability with heavier nylon, and enhanced thermal layers, but with added weight (~1 lb).
NEMO Equipment's design philosophy is to never bring anything to market that doesn't offer a meaningfully better experience. Their reputation for design innovation is an outgrowth of their commitment to sustainability. The company has been recognized as one of Outside Magazine's and Business New Hampshire's Best Places to Work, a small business leader for the environment by New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility, and has created award-winning outdoor products.
The Tensor Elite retails for £230 (Regular Mummy) and £200 (Short Mummy). It includes a Vortex pump sack made from ultralight material for quick and moisture-free inflation. NEMO Equipment offers products across several categories including tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, camp accessories, and furniture. For more information, visit www.nemoequipment.eu.
In summary, the NEMO Tensor Elite is the lightest insulated inflatable pad suitable for summer ultralight backpacking, offering good comfort and quietness but limited cold-weather performance and durability confirmation.
- For those seeking the perfect outdoor gear for their camping adventures, NEMO Equipment's Tensor Elite offers lightweight insulation, suitable for fair-weather use in summer.
- This sleeping pad, designed for ultralight backpacking and running, boasts an ultralight weight, easy inflation, and a comforting, quiet experience.
- Lifestyle enthusiasts aspiring for an adventure may find value in the Tensor Elite's smart-home-device compatibility and integration with home-and-garden living, thanks to its Vortex pump sack made from ultralight material.
- When it comes to choosing gadgets and technology for outdoor-living, NEMO Equipment's Tensor Elite is a smart pick, due to its innovative design and commitment to sustainability in its production and business practices.
- For sports enthusiasts pushing their limits, NEMO's gear guides recommend the Tensor Elite as a reliable choice for a comfortable, lightweight, and durable sleeping pad for warmer climates.
- To further enhance your camping experience, NEMO Equipment offers a wide range of products, including tents, sleeping bags, camp accessories, furniture, and more, making them a one-stop-shop for your outdoor-living needs.
