The Only Sleeping Pads THAT DON'T SUCK!

[@kevinharding1181]

Mate. Just found your site recently and love it. However, one big downer - except for the USA the rest of the world - yes the whole world - uses the metric system, so cms & grammes. Even if not mentioning them in your dialogue it's literally just a few seconds extra work to convert and flash them up on the screen (and yes I know I can do it with a calculator, or even on my phone, but it's a pain to have to pause the video and do it for every pad, bag and tent) and it would make the videos even more watchable for non-Americans. Anyway again love your site and you have a new subscriber. Cheers !

[@DaveOffGrid]

Nice video Devin! I think you really dig sleeping pads haha. You are to pads what Paleo Hiker MD is to stoves. Just an update, the Nemo Tensor insulated is now at 4.2R value. It's been updated. It weighs the same but costs around $30 more. I'll always recommend the widest and longest pads. If you're 2 ppl in a tent, buy a 3p tent. Manufacturers need to do a better job at updating the bathtubs of 2p tents to at least 50" wide to accommodate 2 wide pads.

[@aliyassine2353]

Hi, I'm in Wales, UK and bought the Nemo Tensor from one of your previous video recommendations and love it until it leaked. Changed to Ether Light XT from another of your videos and have never regretted it. Keep up the great work.

[@TheGunna]

Just picked up my Nemo quasar for Wildland fire fighting, can’t wait to use it!!

[@briteshikes5099]

Great Video Devon! Looking forward to a video about the new EXPED pads that just came out especially the EXPED Ultra 5R

[@kandicesites]

I was between the Rapide and Quasar, I think I’m sold on the Quasar now!

[@justinbell937]

Just got back from kayaking the grand canyon. Last minute I decided to pick up the Nemo Quasar and take it instead of the Ether light. Weight wasn't an issue for the trip, and I loved the pad. Paired it with nemo switchback and the gossamer gear thinlight pads on cold nights. I hope Nemo comes out with a pad that has the Quasar's dimensions but with lighter materials

[@MyLifeOutdoors]

11:45 you ditched the xlite FAST! 🤣. Thanks for the comparison

[@BackcountryExposure]

😂😂😂 didn’t even realize I did that.

[@Volkmannx]

Very helpful, thanks! Glad, you mentioned noise 'development'.

[@davidfranson3535]

Great review on all the pads! I'm pretty partial to the Nemo Tensor line of pads as well as the Thermarest Uberlite for summer trips. My only complaint on the Tensor is that I wish Nemo would have a regular wide option on the Alpine pad. I'm also very partial to regular wide pad sizes, as I can't stand having my arms and elbows on the ground.

[@thecappy]

3rd time was a charm for me. I’m a big guy and a side sleeper. Therma rest was too noisy and I kept rolling off. Nemo tensor kept delaminating. I went through 3. Sea2summit is great. Nice cushion for side sleeper and not all that noisy.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Yeah I love the Ether Light XT. Sometimes it takes a few failures to find what works best.

[@martinerhard8447]

personally I use the STS ultralight insulated now. I dont like the high sleeping pads and its also rather quiet

[@Backpacksandtrails]

Just ordered the Sea to summit eather lite xt's. Looking forward to trying them!

[@GIRLplusDOGAdventures]

Between you and Justin, I’m not sure who is the sleeping pad king!

[@mandywilleford8697]

I just used my rapide for the first time out in the woods this weekend. Great pad. Very comfortable.

[@BackcountryExposure]

I think Big Agnes did a good job with that pad.

[@mandywilleford8697]

@@BackcountryExposure definitely. I’m normally a hammocker so comfort was a huge concern when I decided to ground dwell for my dog. Now I just need to pair it with their sidewinder bag :)

[@L0st-n0found]

Curious why you would frown on a 20inch wide and give accolades to a 25 when you could just get the 20 in the 25 size? Big Agnes Rapide regular wide 25x72 or long wide 25x78

[@nigut10]

You should definitely have a look at Exped and their mats If you like the big agnes side baffles but Not the fact that it is so small...

[@ancientpathseeker6036]

Exped ultra is very warm and quiet...my favorite.

[@tylerj3658]

I'm glad someone else likes the Quasar 3D as much as I do! I used to use it with a budget Kelty mummy bag, but recently purchased a Zenbivy Bed setup like your recently uploaded video. Just from sleeping on the floor I can tell how much more comfortable I will be in South Dakota this summer!

[@BackcountryExposure]

Such a great combo of gear!

[@natlovell122]

How’s the ZenBivy set up working out for you? I’m so tempted to pull the trigger and move away from a mummy bag and that looks like such an awesome set up

[@tylerj3658]

@Nat Lovell it really is an amazing set-up, I'd recommend it if you willing to put a little bit of cash twords it. I find it like sleeping under an actual comforter, but watch your temperatures cause a small air gap can freeze you if it's below the temp it's rated for.

[@robpelton]

Great lineup. I’m over here thinking I have a lot of gear. Haha! Thanks for the comparison! Cheers.

[@BackcountryExposure]

Oh dude, it's a problem! ha ha ha!

[@SouthernHike]

Great info man! We have been rocking the Nemo Tensors for close to 3 years. They are great for 3 seasons but I still would like to get a "4th" season pad. Thinking about the ether light XT Extreme. I think the R- Value on it is 6.2

[@hermeticallysealed]

i used the xtreme down to -8 and was fine but that's an anecdotal example of 1

[@scuba5k]

The xt extreme is huge, it’s rolls up like an old school sleeping bag.

[@GoodkatNW]

I've been using the tensor insulated wide/long for two years now, and I love it. At about 20f it gets cold, but I can't fathom fitting the ether xt extreme into my bikepacking or backpacking setup. It's HUGE!

[@hermeticallysealed]

@@scuba5k this is true and it's delightfully comfortable

[@SouthernHike]

I need to clarify this is more for overnight trips. Not for multi-day. I'm fully aware its large. I've seen it in person.

[@HuckOutdoors]

Some great pads. I wonder if that RapideSL replaced the AXL series.

[@BackcountryExposure]

mmm maybe. I think the AXL was a 3 inch pad, not 4. But it's possible it did. That AXL was a good concept, but too many failures for a lot of people.

[@zacharylaschober]

Late response but no, the Rapide is more of a replacement for the qcore slx, an ounce heavier for an extra full r value, and a quarter inch thinner overall but I also find the material to be quieter. Similar lightweight, plush, durable sleeping pad. Talking with the Big Agnes folks, the axl had too many issues that I think you’ll see a focus on the market for absolute value (air core ultra), ounce conscious comfort (rapide), and backpacking appropriate comfort (q core deluxe). Let thermarest and nemo fight over this ultralight market.

[@wasabiny-foodtravelchannel5943]

Wonderful! Looks very comfortable ! Thank you for sharing! I enjoyed your video and support your channel with fully watching!! 👍🏻67

[@Fjall-Anders]

Thanks for a great video😉 I have Exped downmat tt 9 on my wintertrip. The safest inflatable in my opinion. It has six separate tubes, for punk you can replace the broken tube.

[@MrJacobryborg]

Hey man. I’ve seen a few vids of you and your pads. Great stuff💪🏼 But you should really try the Exped Down Mat 9 (or 7 if you prefer) it’s on the heavy side (about 900grams) with an insane R-value of about 8 (astm), it provides the best sleep ever in winter conditons😅 and we need that here in Scandinavia. Jacob

[@AlaskanGeezer]

I totally concur with Exped Down Matt 9. I live in Alaska and backpack and camp down to -30F with no heaters. It never goes flat. Its quiet and warm. I also have an Exped Dura 8. You can run it in extreme cold as well. The Dura are more abrasion proof. I have a Sea to Summit Either Light Insulated. Its loud, crinkly and crunchy, doesn't hold air as well, is not as insulated. The Sea to SUmmit is over $200. like Exped, but instead of sleeping comfortabley it is like sleeping on bags of potato chips.

[@shauntaylor5034]

Great content as always!

[@BackcountryExposure]

Thanks!

[@bluebellcrushedvelvet]

Loved the video Devon! Great work!! And so warm and professional!! Loved it! You always do a thorough job! Is why I like your channel! But.... what about Exped?? Have you not got them? What are your thoughts about the equivalent backpacker mat from them?? I really like their mats and want to save for one! Especially the light duo one (think it's orange 4.2 r value??) Oh please do get one and include it in your review/s! Cheers 😊❤

[@dmn3773]

Sea to summit ether light XT for fatso hikers is the best choice.

[@BackcountryExposure]

It's a really great pad!

[@PhilHaddon]

I'm a side sleeper and despite the reviews I just can't get comfortable on my etherlight XT unless I let some air out but then it isn't as warm. I've just bought an Agnes Rapid SL to try instead.

[@kee7678]

How do you like the Rapid so far? Use it yet? I"m a side sleeper too...comfort is key cause I'm getting older and less tolerant lol.

[@PhilHaddon]

@@kee7678 It's brilliant. I don't mind the extra 200gm more or whatever it weighs more than the XT. It's head and shoulders in comfort than the XT. The XT was only comfortable if you let some air out at which point it wasn't doing it's insulation job (R3.2 I think). The BA SL is R4.2, cheaper than the XT and can be slept on at full volume. I've also just bought the Nemo Disco sleeping bag 30° . It's brilliant for side sleepers. If it gets really cold I'll just get in a bag liner or put extra layers on. Saves me carrying the extra weight in the summer months of a 4 season bag

[@StacySalmans]

Haha Princess and the Pea. Great info D!

[@Maximus01776]

I do have the exped 10 and it's almost like sleep on your own bed, not good for backpacking tho

[@lonetreeoutdoors]

Great comparison video however you never compared their packed sizes 🤔

[@BackcountryExposure]

No I did not sit with all of them packed up together and verbally compare them. But right at 12 seconds into the video I have a B roll clip that shows all the pads shown in the video packed up, side by side to show the packed sizes next to each other.

[@erikl.1860]

How about Exped sleeping pads? Is there a reason why it’s not included in this review? Or is there a newer, more recent review?

[@mtadams2009]

I think it depends what type of backpacking your doing. To me the Thermorest in a short is the way to go, eight oz. For me it’s comfortable enough and light. Those other pads to be are just way to heavy. I am sure if I was either very young or doing small miles, under 12 miles a day any of them would be fine. There is no way I am carrying a 25 oz + pad for twenty to thirty miles for days on end. If the noise bothers you you are not hiking hard enough or long enough or both. We all pick what is best for the task at hand. That is the reason I have a lot of gear.

[@EpwnaExeter]

I have both the thermarest neoair and the s2s ether lite pads. My young kid sleeps better on the s2s (probably due to the noise of the neoair lol) but I do appreciate the mummy shape of the neoair bc my tent is narrow at the foot end so both have a place in my gear collection and I've been happy overall.

[@bcyl3857]

Hey Devon, how would you compare comfort of Quasar to Ether Light XT?

[@senarpancing_6440]

Ulasa yang sangat bagus sekali bos q.. Mantab.. 👍👍❤

[@SamwiseOutdoors]

I feel like the X-Therm is quieter than the X-Lite, but that's really more of a subjective observation.

[@michaelsrowland]

Curious why you didn't show how to inflate them. They need to be inflated or do you take them everywhere in your car pre inflated?

[@happyfuntimereviews5600]

Been using the Pariah Recharge XL all winter. Been plenty warm and comfy, even for a side sleeper like me.

[@ChristiannTyler]

Anyone have experience with the exped pads?

[@emarinus]

I know this is from a while ago, but I just bought an Exped Ultra 5R and found it to be very comfortable for 2 nights in the backcountry. Haven't used it in cold weather yet, so I can't speak to how it does for warmth.

[@surjerrylee]

How does the Nemo Quasar 3d compare to the Big Agnes Q Core?

[@BackcountryExposure]

Go to my recent videos and I’ve got a video from a couple videos back that shows that.

[@Wh33ls]

Say no to potato-chip pads!!! For the love of sleep and comfort.

[@BackcountryExposure]

ha ha ha!

[@stevestory8483]

What’s the most comfortable pad for heavier (250+lbs) hiker? Thanks for the help

[@BackcountryExposure]

I'd think something like the Ether Light XT or the Nemo Quasar would be the ideal option. You could also look at the Thermarest Too Luxe.

[@AndyParrishOutdoors]

Devin, I'm curious what you think of the Thermarest Topo Luxe compared to these... I've seen you use it previously...

[@kee7678]

I heard really good things about it..small and comfy both.

[@g-man-7525]

Which one can hold a 265 lb person? Thx

[@timpelletier7134]

Awesome review. Just curious as to why the xtherm did not make the list? I have seen your video comparing it to the nemo tensor alpine and you seemed really impressed with the heat. I am debating if I should get the xtherm or the alpine. I already have the sts but I find that I get cold with my quilt at around 35. What is your opinion for the best sleeping pad between 35 to 0 degrees? Thanks!

[@kee7678]

Just ordered the Xtherm as I'm a hunter too and want 4 seasons including snowy mountains. I"m a bit worried about it not being as comfortable as the Nemos. #1 is comfort for me.

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Thumbnail R-Value: 45 LOL! Oh, and Nemo Tensor Insulated. :)

[@BackcountryExposure]

HA! That's some serious warmth!

[@DMSAdventures]

Great work not losing any to the wind!! 😀 i LOVED my Nemo tensor.... it had spring so many leaks I've stopped trying to find them all! 😫 I've resisted the thermorest because of that noisyness!! So far no sleep pad has really improved my sleep in the backcountry though...i think I'm just old!!

[@BackcountryExposure]

Trial and error my friend, trial and error.

[@sarahblackford9345]

Ever tried zenbivy?Just curious...

[@BackcountryExposure]

Oh yeah! Several of my last videos I show the light bed.

[@mcdbones]

How tall are you?

[@shelm-b8p]

The issues with the inflatable pads are: None of them gives you an overall good solution. Noise, comfort, sturdiness (yes, a Little Rock can punch a whole into the Nemo), R-value, weight. Oh and of course Nemo's issue with the valve. I mean is it seriously not possible to invent a sleeping pad that covers all topics? I returned all these pads and are still sleeping on an on self-inflatable therm-a-rest. $250 is a bit to steep for these half hearted inflatable pads on the market.

[@gdforerunner5303]

Its not as easy as it seems. Often a pad has to suffer in one aspect to excel in another. For example the foil reflective materials inside the NeoAir's make it super warm and lightweight, but the tradeoff is the noise. You can't have both

[@melsilva1497]

dude none of your links open

[@williampennjr.4448]

so you're saying all foam pads suck?

[@jonsanford2515]

I have a Nemo Tensor insulated, and put a big hole in it through user error. I managed to patch it, and it’s going strong a year later. I really like it, but wish it were just a bit more plush for side-sleeping. When I thought I was going to have to replace it, I zeroed in on the Etherlight XT insulated. In theory both pads have nearly the same R value, but a few reviews of the Etherlight said it doesn’t quite live up to its rating. I’ve had the Tensor down to what I consider it’s limit, and would want a new pad to be pretty close in warmth. In your experience, how do the two compare?

[@YoungGunzBass01]

Check the womens version. The woman’s large is a good size for most men at a higher R value.

[@mysterylovescompany2657]

I like big...fat, juicy, caterpillar-...horizontal baffles, & I cannot lie. I dunno, there's just something so _cushy_ about settling my body back into them. It's the pad-structure that for me most feels like it resembles my expensive pillow-topped Heaven-cloud of a home bed. It's logical that a quilted-top would be closer still, but I've never had occasion yet to try one.

[@blueneet84]

20 inch pads suck. 25 inch is the absolute minimum that anyone should get.

[@carlopolli3995]

The price of these things is joke and no real experienced or serious hiker uses them. They are made for men who like the idea of wilderness hiking, can rarely go, never go in extreme conditions, avoid inclement weather, are miserable when it does rain and have a shopping addiction. I’ve seen it a thousand times. Save your money: take a load of home bedding and camper beds in your car. Find a location that you can hike a loop on, or a few and come back to your car / base and sleep each night. Save a fortune and have all the comfort you need

[@BackcountryExposure]

Now this is an interesting comment…

[@justin-ux3pk]

Lmao you talk shit about the stuff to make wilderness hiking and camping in extreme more tolerable and then say to save your money and sleep in your car. What a rugged tough man you are 😂