Tensor Alpine Insulated Ultralight Sleeping Pad | Nemo Equipment

[@jpriddle]

That’s super cool! A hard core and comfortable winter pad in that weight range is definitely compelling. Most trip videos and reports I’ve seen have included 3 season inflatables paired with CCF pads that add up to similar weights. So a single pad solution is compelling, especially at that pack size! I’ve been comparison testing between the previous gen tensor insulated (wide) and Xlite (regular) around the freezing mark. The tensor is much more comfortable, mostly due to its width but also the baffling. That said, my back feels similar cold spots on both. The tensor is 21.2oz, bare, so 24oz with that much more warmth is killer!

[@BackcountryExposure]

John Riddle yeah when I saw this pad get announced I was basically sold, especially after the AXL not being what I had hoped it would be. I’ve been using a CCF 1/8” pad from Gossamer for the past year and it helps, but I don’t like to rely on it. Time to put this pad to the test through the next few months and get a good solid review done. Thanks for sharing your experience with those two pads.

[@tullochgorum6323]

Except that carrying the CCF gives you some redundancy in case the air pad deflates. And all too often they do deflate...

[@BackcountryExposure]

Tullochgorum 🤷🏼‍♂️ maybe I’m just really careful or something but between the 5-6 pads I’ve used with dozens and dozens of nights on the trail I’ve yet to have a pad deflate on me. My XLite of 7 years has never failed me. Nor has my Exped, Paria, Big Agnes, and others. Maybe I’m lucky.

[@tullochgorum6323]

@@BackcountryExposure I haven't had a problem either, but I know a lot of people who have. It's not only punctures - valves leak and baffle welds fail. In summer you could usually improvise something. In winter, a few days from the trailhead, it might be pretty unpleasant. So a two pad system does build in a bit more of a safety margin,.

[@NothingMaster]

Nemo Tensor Alpine it is. Now I can finally leave my wooden king-size bed and mattress sleeping system behind, when I go backpacking.

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

Okay I'm only 20 seconds in right now, but have to congratulate you for color coordinating your watch with the pad!

[@BackcountryExposure]

Spiguyver Backpacking I always make sure my outfit coordinates. Priorities Mark! Also, my hair is getting long, time to cut it so I look more presentable 😂

[@SpiguyverBackpacking1]

Looks like you found a killer pad right there! What's the thickness of it? I wonder how the one I got compares to that one, yours is lighter for sure. I will work on a video of mine probably this weekend.

[@MrTmax74]

lol It's in the details.

[@TimWatsonOutdoors]

Interesting. Looks comfy and warm!!

[@BackcountryExposure]

Tim Watson 🔥🔥🔥⛺️

[@dailytonic5415]

Great REVIEW! I'm looking at buying a 2019 Nemo sleeping pad based on all the new tech and 3-3.5" thickness though I don't have plans for subzero camping just yet. I'd love to see a comparison between Tensor Alpine and the regular Tensor Ultralight, Vector Ultralight and Astro Lite. 😎

[@vonsprague7913]

You sold me on it with your grin at the end of the video. Thanks

[@JoshHerodOutdoorAdventures]

Nice comparison! You should compare it to the XTherm

[@BackcountryExposure]

Josh Herod Outdoor Adventures I need to find someone with an Xtherm to let me borrow and compare.

[@nathancragg6202]

Backcountry Exposure if you’re in Colorado, I have an old beat up one and a new larger one

[@tamie341]

Xtherm is better weight to warmth but less comfortable and wayyy louder; sounds like a chip bag crinkling into your ear

[@trailguyw9271]

I got the lower temp rating version of the tensor boy-scout by the way and I love it definitely recommend it to any hikers

[@BackcountryForward]

As a part of the “Frozen Chosen” up here in Canada I’m stoked to see a GOOD 4season pad! Loved this review Devon! I’ve been looking/thinking f a good way to compare different insulated mats and I like what you did here! It’s a bit of a different system than I was thinking and I might have to integrate it in! I’m definitely adding this to my list! Thanks bro!

[@BackcountryExposure]

Backcountry Forward thanks man! I’m excited about this one!

[@thetheflyinghawaiian]

Electives from my degree actually coming in handy: I believe this is why Nemo only has an estimate, R values are (simplified) calculated by addition of width and insulation rating essentially. Mylar has a very low R value as insulation (less than 1). But VERY high radiant heat reflection which is not accounted for in R values as physical insulation. With a proper air gap for radiant heat to be trapped some mylar in industrial applications has heat losses of a "functional" R value of 10, but to claim an actual r value of 10 is definitionally incorrect. It still has to be called r value 2 since the air gap only has an r value of 1 and mylar is also 1. Times r value by area and heat gradient and you have your thermal losses. Take with a grain of salt, I don't remember this stuff too well.

[@BackcountryExposure]

AdamOrnelles from what Nemo has told me the temp rating is a combination of R-Value testing, field testing, employee feedback and third party testing. Your analysis makes sense too though. I’m doing a lot of research on R-Value testing right now to understand it all better. Releasing a video soon discussing it more.

[@redwhiteblue7831]

I've been looking for a winter sleeping pad for a while now. I was looking at the Big Agnes AXL air. This is a better buy for warmth. After REI 20% off and my dividends, it will come out to $91... Thanks for sharing this with us, take care.

[@BackcountryExposure]

RedWhite&Blue 78 you’ll love it!

[@JasonUnderdown]

Your video editing confused me a little bit because you show yourself pumping up the Nemo Tensor Alpine but the first pad you test is the Exped. I didn't realize you were testing the Exped first until later in the video. The Nemo and Exped pads are both orange, and that is why I got confused.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Jason Underdown ah sorry about that. Didn’t mean to confuse.

[@dailytonic5415]

I was rather confused also and rather disappointed that the Nemo Alpine didn't live up to initial expectations though it came through in the end once I realized which pad was which. 😁

[@ujjc001]

Fly to Duluth, Minnesota asap and try it out tonight!!! (check out the forecast for tonight and colder tomorrow night...)

[@BackcountryExposure]

ujjc001 woof! Cold cold cold!

[@Danny-ww6tt]

Thanks for this review, very helpful! Question for you, I have read a handful of reviews that mentioned the pad leaks slowly over night. is that something you have experienced?

[@rickfromvirginia]

Good comparison. Hope to see it used on your next Outdoor Adventure. I like the review!

[@BackcountryExposure]

Rick From Virginia thanks Rick! It’ll be out on three nights next month!

[@rickfromvirginia]

@@BackcountryExposure That's awesome! I will be looking..

[@Witch-is6os]

Hi, I was wondering if it would be to warm in the summer with all that insulation?

[@davidanderson6947]

Have you now used it enough on snow-covered, frozen ground to verify it's ability to keep you warm from below? Thanks, and thanks for your excellent work in putting these KZbin posts together.

[@karniskavva]

wonder too!

[@TasHikingAdventures]

So I just returned my Nemo tensor long wide pad the yellow sort got a warranty claim from a business who supply's them here in Aus....reason is because I use a pump and it had water and mold in it under 12 months I now have the alpine...I hope.thos works esp here in Tas in winter etc I'm about to upload my old.pad and fingers crossed the alpine works or.im.goimg to get a zenbivvy with a higher revalue rating and it looks.warmer .....can you do a update on zenbivvy light bed and the new versions of Nemo they have just updated them and now bringing new stock out thanks 😊

[@dragonflynh1]

I bought the original tensor pad and it leaked almost immediately from holes that I haven't been able to get any patches to stick to. I am not inexperienced with 4000 miles of long-distance hiking. The material is not patchable as far as I can determine. I would never dare to hike with it. It was very comfortable though. I'm sad but I'll go right back to my dependable neoair.

[@Bikepacking]

isn't the R-value all in house testing as there no international standard set for sleeping pads . so each companies uses there own testing then come up with a number .. i asked tehm what there testing was no company replyed lol

[@BackcountryExposure]

Bikepacking I contacted about 8 companies and had 5 or 6 respond. I’m working on an R-Value video right now that’s coming out in a few weeks. You may find it interesting.

[@Bikepacking]

look forward my question once international standards come out then what will they do about there older product will they add the new rating which I am sure will be lower or rename the product

[@ryanbundick]

I was going too purchase this pad but the 20d material worries me.I think I’m going with the Therm-a-rest Xtherm 70d on bottom and 30d on top.

[@treywilly431]

Awesome review, I want 2 of these pads.

[@thebackpackblazer3973]

Love Nemo and great comparison. I ordered another Tensor last week.

[@BackcountryExposure]

The Backpack Blazer thanks! Different sizes?

[@thebackpackblazer3973]

@@BackcountryExposure I got the long wide but got another uninsulated to replace the one I ruined in Cedar Mesa. Got to prepare in advance for another ultralight summer.

[@jasonwish-]

Interesting comparison Devon....I was hoping the weight would have been less on the Nemo. Also, I wonder how it would compare to the xtherm or xlite? Thanks for sharing!

[@BackcountryExposure]

Jason Wish I was going to compare the XLite with it as well in this video but I haven’t been sleeping on it at all the past year so I wanted to compare what I’ve been actively using. If you go with the mummy cut size it’s a 17 oz pad. If I can get my hands on an xtherm I’ll see what I can do to get a video done to compare.

[@alpineamanda]

Hey! Have you done a full review on this pad yet? if not, how has been for you in snow camping/freezing temps?

[@AlexanderMason1]

It is actually not as warm as advertised by NEMO.

[@friedrichwohler3819]

great video, just purchased one because of you. Ou of curiosity, what kind of pants are you wearing? they look like Arc'teryx but I cannot tell.

[@jamesaphotography1286]

Great review.

[@AdventuresInTheSky]

Hey! What a surprise!

[@BackcountryExposure]

Skyler Holman what’s up my dude?! 😁

[@mrfairycake4333]

Great review :)

[@ItsAStephanieB]

Thank you for a great review, one question though, is this a noisy pad?

[@nojaysimpson]

Have you used an xtherm? If so comparison thoughts? I loved the nemo tensor insulated and look forwrad to trying the new tensor and alpine! Thanks for the first impression video. And its not overkill if your warm. you can always take clothes off.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Brian Vinci I haven’t used an xtherm for a long long time. I have a regular NeoAir and until last year it was my pad of choice for the past 7 or so years. I’ll be testing an EXPED SynMat HL Winter MW soon as well. Without doing a direct comparison I don’t know the specs well enough to know how that might compare to the Xtherm.

[@maysdogus]

Awesome, thanks for the video. I'm in need of a cold weather pad so I'll have to check this out. REI has their $20 card incentive coming up so a good time. Have you tried the Nemo switchback? I wanna try that one too.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Chris Mays I haven’t used it yet as it’s a new pad. It’s cheap in cost so I may get one just to check it out. I’m just not a fan of closed cell foam pads.

[@maysdogus]

@@BackcountryExposure cool. yeah I've actually never tried one before so I was curious. That weight and ease of setup is appealing.

[@jperez904]

Thanks for the awesome review! Unrelated question... what style of Arc'teryx jacket and pants are you wearing?

[@BackcountryExposure]

Josh Perez thanks! Arcteryx Atom LT and the pants are Prana Brion Pants. 👍🏻

[@DBPCINC]

Do you think it's adequate for sleeping bags without back insulation i.e. Big Agnes bags?

[@BackcountryExposure]

Ghost Reportin' absolutely!!

[@trailcat71]

Totally off topic, sort of, you have owned an xlite and mentioned that you have an exped. I’m curious on your thoughts. I’m really interested in the Exped brand because they offer a medium wide. Really what I’m after is a winter pad for down to 0 degrees. Although I suppose I should now consider Nemo products... thanks for sharing!

[@BackcountryExposure]

Trail Cat I think an important factor to consider is what type of baffles you like to lay on most. Exped has wide vertical baffles on majority of their pads. I’ll be testing their SynMat HL Winter MW soon, which has an R-Value of 5. That should get down into that range. Nemo’s Tenor Insulated, not the Alpine has a comfort rating of 20F. The Thermarest XTherm would get into that range I feel too.

[@trailcat71]

Backcountry Exposure Awesome, thanks! My ultimate goal was the Exped winterlite Downmat with an r value of 7. I picked it because I am a very cold sleeper (think 30 degree bag all summer) and the weight to warmth ratio is excellent. I’d like to be sure that Exped is pretty accurate in their ratings. Xtherm are a close second but take up extra space. I look forward to your review.

[@justwandermaya]

How does the NEMO Tensor compare to Big Agnes Q Core SLX for side sleepers? One quieter than the other when tossing and turning?

[@bertman4]

How much sound does it generate when moving around? I wish there was a regular wide version.

[@BackcountryExposure]

bertman4 it’s honestly very quiet. I kinda do too. Or even just a regular non mummy cut. Not complaining about the long wide though.

[@bebopthewanderer3507]

I live in Alaska and its -32f right now. I will be buying this pad and will let you know how functional it really is.

[@karniskavva]

So... How funtional was the damn pad?

[@cocosiz]

great review, just wondering what type of tarp you are using under the pads thanks!

[@BackcountryExposure]

Coco Siz it’s a tarp I made myself from fabric from ripstop by the roll

[@johnmccarron8184]

i would like to see this pad with the thermarest shape, it seems a little overkill sized although interesting definitely

[@BackcountryExposure]

John McCarron it does come in a mummy cut. I got the long wide version. The regular is a mummy cut.

[@johnmccarron8184]

@@BackcountryExposure ive just realised this, im currently looking into it, it seems like a direct competition for the thermarest on a weight/temp rating, i also read about there r value problem about one specific measuring, as someone thats had the thermarest, is it that much warmer? im considering just on the noise, i have always tryed to cut weight in every area possible although im not sure if the extra 200 grams would be worth for having my arms on the pad! too many decisions and for the price i have to make the right one!

[@joevanderkooi816]

it really works!!

[@fierceflamingo3433]

You talk about a temperature rating, but what is the R value of the Nemo Tensor?

[@BackcountryExposure]

The pad at the time this video was filmed didn't have an R-Value, as the ASTM standard was not in place yet. It now has been tested and is 4.2.

[@petercoconut]

Is it loud like a potato chip bag? Is it as wide as the AXL? Thanks!

[@BackcountryExposure]

Nickel it has a little bit of crinkle to it, but it’s night and day quieter than the XLite. My AXL is 25x72, and this Nemo is 25x76

[@user-eo4ps7re5e]

Does the durability worry you? I heard these aren't made with the strongest fabric. The main reason I haven't bought one yet.

[@BackcountryExposure]

AP not at all. It’s been solid so far after 30+ nights on it on this year on various ground types. I see no reason for that to be a reason not to buy it. That said, durability often is a result too of how it’s treated by the user.

[@AK-pg3tn]

What about seatosummit, have you ever tried it?

[@NoTrail]

What model of La Sportiva shoe is that next to you BackExposed Sure? Bushido? For 250.00 it ought to work well.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Patrick Caple yup! Sportiva Bushido! My favorite shoe.

[@NoTrail]

@@BackcountryExposure Thanks...looks like it's no longer made. As comfortable as the original Wildcat?

[@BackcountryExposure]

Yeah, they have now moved to the Bushido II and made some updates. I haven't tried the II yet cause I've still got two pairs of the original ones to wear out. I think they are similar to the wildcat for comfort. The new ones I am told have more cushion too.

[@karniskavva]

Have your pad held up so far?

[@johneason6540]

Hi, I know it's been awhile since posting. But question, do you think you could use the regular mummy size INSIDE of a down bag? Has anyone tried that? Please let me know.

[@BackcountryExposure]

You in theory could probably make that work, however seems a little counterproductive.

[@bimazivanovic4784]

Could you use this pad in the summer as well ? Does anyone have any experience?

[@BackcountryExposure]

Yeah you could for sure. You'll be pretty warm on it though.

[@josh_zechman]

What do you use for your ground cover?

[@tidemayne5834]

Do you think it’s warmer then the therm a rest?

[@BackcountryExposure]

tide Mayne I would think so given the pad anatomy, but I cannot honestly say as I haven’t used the xtherm

[@garyborad7616]

Not a cool pad. Seems like a "hot" pad ;-). Great review. TX!!!

[@pgreenx]

Great channel but silly to make a 24oz pad you don’t need to carry 3/4 of the year.

[@BackcountryExposure]

pgreenx I disagree. For me it’s going to make a big difference. I’ve found that I sleep quite cold and the right pad is going to make all the difference for me. We’re all a little different so for many your reason is fitting and accurate.

[@MrTmax74]

Nice!! The Tensor has u totally Baffled! Lol. That should work out much better for you.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Joseph Shanks I cant wait to put it to the test. I know I’m gonna sleep so much better now.

[@MrTmax74]

Know doubt! Looking forward to hearing some real world feedback. @@BackcountryExposure

[@AdventureSeeker]

Not a great review for the average when using an abnormal bag setup.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Adventure Seeker the point was to give initial impressions of the Alpine compared to other pads. This wasn’t ever meant to be a review of the pad.

[@ScottCannon4SmartBiz]

At what temp would you personally say this pad is going to be too hot to sleep on?

[@BackcountryExposure]

Scott Cannon anything above 40-50°. It’ll depend as well on what bag/quilt you’re using too.

[@ScottCannon4SmartBiz]

@@BackcountryExposure Thanks, I'm a real cold sleeper and struggle to keep my back warm below 45° with my current setup.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Scott Cannon this would be a solid pad for you then.

[@backcountryadventure9628]

Is there a R value rating?

[@BackcountryExposure]

Nemo doesn’t provide R-Value ratings. Check out the comment thread from Ruckabout here in the comments to see the discussion we had there.

[@dirtyteeth0]

Is it krinklie? Tell us about the valve. It almost looked like it had one of those push button open/closed valves. I had a pillow off Amazon with one of them (don’t think it was Trekology) that didn’t even make it through an entire season 🤦🏻‍♂️ I don’t feel like the brand name even matters. They’re all the same chinese junk. Just rebranded. Anyway, those clicky button valves have left a bad taste in my mouth

[@BackcountryExposure]

m l In my later video after I get enough in field use with it I’ll talk about all the features and how they hold up/perform. The fabric is soft, and so it’s not overly crinkly. There’s a little cause you’ve got three layers of the film inside. The valve is a lot better than other pads I’ve seen. I’d rather have this style than the screw valve that Thermarest is still using. Time will tell how it holds up. However, it’s not one of those janky paddle valve type deals.

[@adventureswithfrodo2721]

Sorry.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Adventures with Frodo 🤔???

[@jackparsons515]

The biggest piece of shit I’ve ever bought I can’t believe I wasted my money on this

[@jasongarcia7544]

5 minutes wtf?

[@alanmchale1]

this is expensive

[@BicycleTouringExplorer]

no thanks and I am using the Thermarest base camp sleeping pad 72x20x2

[@BackcountryExposure]

Bicycle Touring Explorer self inflating right?

[@BicycleTouringExplorer]

@@BackcountryExposure yes I can afford

[@paulkruger1482]

That's a kak pad... too thin.

[@kellywaldo3215]

Has an iwatch...uses phone for timer. 🧐

[@BackcountryExposure]

Kelly Waldo only to better show on a bigger screen that I’m starting the timer.

[@paulkruger1482]

Get to the point... too much time just for a sleeping pad.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Paul Kruger would you rather I be like every other channel and unbox the pad and give a “review” and my opinion on the product before every using it?

[@treywilly431]

Awesome review, I want 2 of these pads.