Reviews You Can Rely On

NEMO Tensor Insulated Review

A good pad for the seasoned hiker that doesn't mind carrying a little extra for a great night of sleep
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NEMO Tensor Insulated Review
Credit: Nemo
Price:  $200 List
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Manufacturer:   NEMO
By Matt Bento ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Jul 11, 2023
65
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Comfort - 30% 8.0
  • Weight and Packed Size - 30% 8.0
  • Warmth - 20% 4.0
  • Ease of Inflation - 10% 5.0
  • Durability - 10% 4.0

Our Verdict

The Tensor Insulated is a top-quality pad with great specs and aggressive weight savings. The quilt-like baffle design prevents edge collapse found on horizontal pads and the bouncy sensation caused by vertically baffled mattresses. Our testers loved sleeping on it! With adequate warmth, a small packed size, and quiet materials, there was little not to love! The only downside our testers found to this pad is that it is made with less durable fabrics than many of the others in our review. The Tensor is great for three-season backpacking of any kind. The low weight makes it a high performing pad for those looking to parse down their base weight without sacrificing comfort.
REASONS TO BUY
Large sleeping area
Comfortable
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Known Leak Issue — July 2023

Though we didn't experience issues with our test model, there are multiple concerning user reviews and online forums where folks state that their Tensor Insulated pads had slow leaks around the baffles. When we reached out to Nemo for comment, they stated that they have analyzed the claims of the Tensor pads having weld leaks and determined the leaks are caused by small abrasions on the ultralight 20D fabric. They also stated that they are currently working closely with their factory partner to improve build and fabrics and have seen a steep decrease in leaks during this past year. However, since it's hard to know how long a retailer's stock has been on the shelves, it's entirely possible that you may end up with a defective pad if you purchase this product, and therefore, we'd advise against buying it at this time.

Nemo also says there is no recall for the Tensor Insulated at this time, but they will honor their lifetime warranty on their products. Their customer service rep told us they are happy to repair or replace any pads with defective issues.

Our Analysis and Test Results

If you do a good job protecting this pad from external punctures, it is a competitive alternative to more costly mats like the Top Pick winning Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Insulated or the Editors' Choice-winning Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm. Continue reading to see why we loved the Tensor and why it might be the right addition to your kit.

Performance Comparison


nemo tensor insulated - the tensor beckons to weary backs at the end of a long day. not the...
The Tensor beckons to weary backs at the end of a long day. Not the lightest pad out there, but one of the most comfortable.
Credit: Matt Bento

Comfort


The Tensor ranked high in the comfort metric. The relatively smooth surface welcomed a solid night's sleep. Three inches of thickness absorbed any irregularities like grass clumps and provided lots of cushion for side sleepers. For those who can't get past the crinkly but high scoring Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm, the Tensor provides a much quieter night's sleep, and our reviewers found it a bit more comfortable because the edges are less prone to collapse.

nemo tensor insulated - our testers get a great night sleep when they have a large surface...
Our testers get a great night sleep when they have a large surface area to roll around one without falling off onto the cold ground.
Credit: Matt Bento

Weight and Packed Size


Low weight and packed size are two great reasons to choose this pad. Coming at just 15 ounces, the Tensor turned heads and didn't weigh us down. If your most important metrics are weight and comfort, this is the pad for you. Winter travelers will likely be better off with the 15-ounce Therm-a-Rest XTherm. If you're looking for true ultralight comfort, the Therm-a-Rest UberLite reigns supreme with a high comfort score and weighs just 12 ounces. Nemo also offers this pad in uninsulated, short, and tapered variants that further increase weight savings.

nemo tensor insulated - this pad packs down relatively small for its massive inflated size.
This pad packs down relatively small for its massive inflated size.
Credit: Matt Bento

Warmth


With an R-value of 3.5, some of our testers still felt cold while sleeping on the snow, so we recommend pairing this pad with a foam one like the Therm-a-Rest ZLite Sol for forays into winter conditions. For three-season backpacking, the Tensor proved up to the task.

Ease of Inflation


The latest incarnation of the Tensor employs a micro-adjustable valve so you can easily dial in your firmness level, but what really impresses our testers is the Vortex Pump sack. The wide version of this pad takes a lot of air, and the pump sack makes filling the pad a relatively quick and easy process. Simply connect the pump to the valve, open up the end of the sack, so it fills with air, and roll the sack closed, so all the air is forced inside the pad. We think it works better than similar pump designs from Thermarest and Klymit.

nemo tensor insulated - this pad uses a stuff sack inflation system that works better than...
This pad uses a stuff sack inflation system that works better than similar designs from Thermarest.
Credit: Matt Bento

Durability


20D PU polyester ripstop forms the outer material for this pad. This type of material represents an aggressive weight savings approach to pad design. We were anything but gentle with the Tensor, using it directly on sharp granite rocks and grassy substrates, and subsequently, the pad no longer remains inflated for a whole evening. If you end up purchasing the Nemo, we recommend using it in conjunction with a ground tarp or tent. Treat it well, and it'll likely reward you for years to come.

nemo tensor insulated - the nemo saves shaves ounces by using lightweight 20d polyester.
The Nemo saves shaves ounces by using lightweight 20D Polyester.
Credit: Jeremy Bauman

Value


We feel this is a fair price compared to other pads on the market. Some pads we like more are less expensive like the REI Flash Insulated, but others are more expensive like the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm.

Conclusion


The Tensor is a great lightweight backpacking pad with high performance at the cost of durability. Our testers found it super comfortable and an improvement over pads with horizontal baffles. If you're looking for one pad for your weekend adventures and tend to treat your gear with care, the Tensor has impressive specs that make it a top competitor.

Matt Bento