NEMO Tensor Extreme Conditions Review
The Highest R-Value-to-Weight Ratio of Any Sleeping Pad to Ever Exist
October 6, 2023 –Â This is a first impressions NEMO Tensor Extreme Conditions review, based primarily on analysis of stats and features, past experience with the NEMO Tensor sleeping pad line, and extensive familiarity with competitor products and the greater marketplace for cold weather sleeping pads. Learn more in our guide to the best winter sleeping pad for backpacking.
New for fall 2023, the NEMO Tensor Extreme Conditions Ultralight Insulated sleeping pad  has the highest R-Value (and the longest name) we’ve ever seen. It’s the current pinnacle of warmth-to-weight ratio, and the warmest inflatable backpacking mat on the market. Shop now.
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- Price: $249
- Weight: 17 oz (min weight)
- R-Value: 8.5
- R-Value/Ounce: .5 R
- Thickness: 3.5 in
- Fabric: 20d/40d recycled nylon
- Sizes:Â Regular Mummy, Regular Rectangle, Wide Rectangle, Long Wide Rectangle.
- Pros:Â Highest R-Value. Highest warmth-to-weight ratio. Lightweight. Comfy. Sustainable. Quiet. Thick.
- Cons: Expensive. New and untested.
Construction & Features
How is this incredible R-value achieved? Four free floating layers of insulating Thermal Mirror Film run the length of the pad. Same idea as the XTherm, just more of it.
Setting warmth aside, Tensor Extreme doesn’t skimp on comfort either. It maintains the same quiet and cushy “Spaceframe” baffled surface as its Tensor siblings, which excels at dispersing pressure, especially for side sleepers.
A network of internal trapezoidal trusses provide structure on the interior of the pad. It’s also more durable than previous Tensors (eliminating a major customer pain point), utilizing 20d recycled nylon (instead of polyester), reinforced on the bottom side. It comes with its own stuff sack which doubles as an inflation pump.
Preliminary NEMO Tensor Extreme Conditions Review Verdict
As this sleeping pad is brand new, we’re withholding some judgement until further testing is conducted this fall/winter. But on paper, and based on our experience with other NEMO Tensor pads, it’s primed to become the best winter sleeping pad to ever exist. Even better than the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm! Check back in a few months once we’ve taken it out into the backcountry to see how its holds up.
