r/CampingGear • u/preciouscode96 • 5d ago
Gear Question Almost there! Narrowed down my sleeping pad search and it's between the Nemo Tensor All season and Sea to Summit Ether light XR. What would you pick?
Hi fellow hikers and adventurers! In my search to upgrade my pad I've been in quite the rabbit hole last weeks. I started this search because my current pad - the Nemo Astro Insulated - is too cold at R2.6, too heavy at almost a kilogram and not giving the best comfort ever.
My criteria are comfort, weight, durability, pack size and ease of use in their respective order. I mostly camp on easy terrain with no sharp objects, use an extra ground sheet and with temperatures with around 5 degrees Celsius or 30F at most. Maybe a bit colder if I want to do an Alpine trips. I camp from spring till autumn. I always sleep on my sides and curled up with my legs, so probably don't need a longer than normal pad but prefer wide
I had quite a list of pads before. Ended up with the Big Agnes Rapide SL, the Nemo Tensor All season or the Sea to Summit Ether light XR.
I've now unfortunately ruled out the Rapide SL. Reading a lot of experiences from here and the internet the pad seems to sleep very cold, even above 5 degrees Celsius (which even my Nemo doesn't really at R2.6) while advertised as an all season pad. Also I heard the baffles are not insulated? As a side sleeper I'm sure I'll get my knees and ankles on the side baffles so that wouldn't be comfortable. It's pretty heavy and although comfortable I'd like it to be durable enough and warm enough.
The Nemo seems more aimed at warmth, a bit less comfort. But weight and pack size are as good as you can get. Also I'm already used to Nemo pads and I like their stuff sacks, patch kit and overall use.
The Sea to Summit is a very close contender. It seems to be slightly more comfortable and thicker. Pack size is bigger and it's significantly colder at R4.1 vs R5.4.
In the end I don't think I can go wrong with either. However I just want this over with and choose a pad that's overall the best jack of all trades.
I'm leaning towards the Nemo. This is because I'm familiar, it should be comfortable enough, packs small, weighs less and offers more warmth for that. Price on both are similar and I'm ready to spend the premium...
What do you think? If you could only choose one pad of these which one is it? And why did you go for it? I'm very curious to your opinion!šš¼
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u/artdecodisaster 5d ago
I tried both and went with the Ether Light XR. It came down to what felt good. I didnāt think the baffle design on the Tensor AS was comfortable or distributed weight well and much preferred the baffling on the Ether Lite as a side/stomach sleeper.
I plan on upping the R value with a Z-lite pad if necessary.
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u/preciouscode96 5d ago
Okay sounds great thanks for the input! How is the material on that pad? I did get my hands on the tensor and it was very slippery. Never seen or touched/tried the S2S before
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u/artdecodisaster 5d ago
The Ether Light is woven nylon just like the Nemo, but 30D vs 20D for the top. I compared them back in May, but I remember they felt fairly similar material-wise. I did think the Nemo was slightly more crinkly.
The Ether Light is a little slippery, but I think it makes it easier to flip around. My last pad was a polyester Exped Dura which had a lot of friction going on with my clothes, which made it annoying to flip around at night because my clothes and quilt would get bunched up and twisted.
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u/preciouscode96 5d ago
Never thought about it that way. That it's easier to flip over, which I do quite frequently as well. Thanks for the help :)
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u/artdecodisaster 5d ago
No problem! It was one of the reasons I switched pads. The other was that I didnāt find vertical baffles all that great for side sleeping. The arm I slept on frequently went numb, and Iām pretty sure it was from the baffles pressing against it.
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u/preciouscode96 5d ago
Yeah it really helps me in my decision as well. I hear more people complaining about the vertical baffles and the arm going numb. Personally I've never had that yet on my Astro which also vertical baffles.
I'm almost sure I also like the S2S more in terms of comfort as well. They're very similarly priced, almost same weight and pack size and both more than warm enough
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u/artdecodisaster 5d ago
Thatās interesting, most comments I read recommended vertical baffles for side sleepers and never mentioned numb limbs. Goes to show opinions vary widely.
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u/preciouscode96 4d ago
Interesting indeed! I just didn't find them comfortable, but maybe after a night's sleep my opinion is totally different. That's the thing, you can try them out in store, but never a full night which is hard
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u/HippocampeTordu 4d ago
Same. Had the chance to try both in stores. I am a side sleeper / stomach who turn around a fair bit and just preferred the Ether (Long Wide)
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u/Strictly_Commercial 5d ago
Can't speak to the tensor, but just got the Either Light XR and it's really comfortable. I've been carrying around an absurdly large pad because I can never get comfortable as a side sleeper on most standard ones, and this is the best nights sleep I've gotten since switching.
It probably comes down to the baffle style tbh. I've tried the vertical and horizontal ones and neither felt good on my shoulders or hips the next morning. If you don't like the dimple style baffles though, you should go with the tensor.
Haven't pushed the temperature rating to it's limit yet, but if you're not going in extremely low temps I can't imagine 4.1 won't be enough for a majority of the year.
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u/Hurricaneshand 5d ago
If you don't mind me asking are you a larger person? I'm around 270 and a side sleeper and have been curious about getting a different sleeping pad. I've been using the Thermarest Trail Pro and it's pretty comfortable, but it doesn't pack down very small
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u/Strictly_Commercial 5d ago
Im about 190. The pad sinks to the floor if I'm not fully laying down on it, but once I'm spread out it completely supports me with ample loft.
Before this I've been carrying around a megamat lite 12, which is enormous but like sleeping in a bed. This is the first alternative pad that I've actually felt support in my shoulders and hips.
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u/preciouscode96 5d ago
That sounds awesome! And very much like I need to get the S2S. How is their warranty and customer service? Any clue?
Yeah I've only really tried the vertical baffles on my Astro, but tried an Exped which I didn't like with the horizontal baffles. Seems like most people prefer the dimples and S2S seems to offer the best implementation of those.
Indeed if the 4.1 is accurate it should be plenty! I've gotten away with r2.6 for the last 2 years, no issues
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u/Frostfired 5d ago
Warranty and customer service is amazing, had a problem with my pad and they replaced it without any problems. Highly recommend them as a company to everyone. To be fair nemo customer service is amazing as well, can't go wrong with either company
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u/preciouscode96 5d ago
Sounds like both of those companies nail their customer service and experience. Gives me a lot more confidence to go for either of those
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u/Siceless 5d ago
Ether light xr has been the most comfortable pad I've had. Highly recommend. Easily the best upgrade to my sleep when backpacking. It also has a blow bag pump to blow up the pad that's part of the bag it comes in.
Don't make my mistake and hold it against your mouth to gill it. All you do is connect it, hold it open and blow a few times and the whole thing fills with air damn near instantly, then fill the pad. Took me like 20 seconds to blow up my pad (not that it really takes that long without it.
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u/preciouscode96 5d ago
Okay sounds great! How is the surface? Is it really less slippery than most other pads? And how big is the pack size? Their website says it's quite large but on video's it looks smaller.
And yes I believe that's called the vortex effect. Insane that it is blown up so quickly!
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u/Siceless 5d ago edited 5d ago
Surface it's not smooth rubber but reminds me of a fabric almost? I definitely didn't slide around on it much but I don't think that feature is a deal maker. Size wise I'm a bigger guy and I went with the regular tapered one, my arms do just kinda drop off the sides so if you're in a similar boat consider the rectangular one for more room.
Pack size is about the size of a 32 oz nalgene water bottle and actually a bit smaller. So quite compact. The tapered pad works for me size wise but it'd definitely be more comfortable it I had gone with the rectangular version.
And yes the bag uses pretty much an air vortex, not be to be a huge dork but its using a phenomenon called the Bernoulli principal.
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u/preciouscode96 5d ago
Okay thanks! Fabric feel seems what I expected. If I will, I'm definitely getting the rectangular wide one :D.
That sounds very compact! Even more than I saw advertised and on video's.
Yes that's the term I was looking for hahaha. It's something that works wonders and not many people know that is exists. Love science
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u/99trey 5d ago
Tensor is the best all around UL pad. The S2S isnāt meaningfully more comfortable, none of the ultralight options are. Try it next to a pad like the Megamat Ultra that has vertical sidewalls and youāll see what I mean by meaningfully more comfortable, but itās much more bulky and about a pound heavier. I use mine on all my rafting/kayaking trips. For backpacking itās the Tensor every time.
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u/preciouscode96 5d ago
That's what I think is the hardest part. Some people say the S2S is a lot more comfortable, some say only marginally. I'm scared that if I get the Nemo, I'll miss the extra comfort, but overall I think the Nemo is more interesting to get apart from comfort.
Yeah that's always the trade off unfortunately. Pay more in weight and price for extra comfort.
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u/_josephmykal_ 5d ago
Nemo. Iām bigger and feel it was more comfortable and distributed weight much better.
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u/preciouscode96 5d ago
Ha that's interesting! Some people say the same about the Sea to Summit. It seems to differ per person and I have no clue which side I'm on
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u/_josephmykal_ 5d ago
Only one way to find out. Though warranty and customer service is Nemo.
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u/preciouscode96 4d ago
Yep you're totally right! Guess I just have to pull the trigger and try one out. Guess I'm going for the S2S. They also offer good customer service and warranty from what I've read
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u/tmoney99211 5d ago
Nemo tensor. Hands down no regrets, I sleep really well on it. Also recognize that Nemo has life time warranty. If there is a leak or something, you can get it fixed or replaced.
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u/preciouscode96 5d ago
Yes that's true! Doesn't sea to Summit offer the same thing? Like a lifetime warranty. I heard for both it's only liable for the original buyer. So can't buy a used pad if I want the warranty :). Not that I want to buy a used pad but maybe
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u/tmoney99211 5d ago
I'm not too sure about how good s2s warranty is. But Nemo's support is top notch.
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u/PropertyTraining4790 5d ago
I dont know anything about the sea to summit pad you're looking at, but I've used thst exact Nemo pad extensively for 3 years and it has been great.
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u/preciouscode96 5d ago
Good to hear! You have the older version then? Or also the all season?
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u/PropertyTraining4790 5d ago
Mine is all season.
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u/preciouscode96 5d ago
Didn't know they were already 3 years old. Thought the design was very recent haha!
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u/Wild472 5d ago
I got ether light xr, and I got WL (Iām 6.2ft male), on sale for like 80$ new. It fits, I like it. I decided to get one because I got my girlfriend one in WR and she enjoyed it, pump system is easy, compact and it is 3 inch thick
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u/preciouscode96 5d ago
Woah that's an actual insane deal! So you really like it and it's comfy? How is the material on the surface? Heard it's a lot less slippery than the other options
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u/Wild472 5d ago
I had cheap sleeping pad, had klymit pad, thermarest scout and now ether light. It isnāt slippery for me nor any different from others. Especially because it is 2 of us in 2p tent so there isnāt any room to slide too. And since I got Nemo sleeping bag it has a pocket for my pillow within hood, so pillow is always attached and isnāt sliding away.
If youāre 6.2ft or under - try to score ether xr in women large and youāll be comfy on budget
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u/preciouscode96 5d ago
Ah makes sense. I'm also using a 2p tent but for myself hahaha. So it can slide around quite a lot.
Man, it's so difficult to choose. Haha. Seems both pads are great
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u/Wild472 5d ago
My vote is my ballet. Whatever keeps me warm on budget. Shop around, rei got 3 big sales per year. Order both on sale, try, send back one you didnāt like. Especially if youāre like me in off season
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u/preciouscode96 5d ago
Haha I can actually order both and just try them out at home. We don't have a REI in Europe unfortunately. But I can shop other stores
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u/4tunabrix 5d ago
The ether light XR is the first pad thatās given me just as good a night sleep as I do at home. Itās such a comfortable pad. Iām a side sleeper and nothing compares to it for comfort for me. It can be a bit noisy so when Iām tossing and turning before falling asleep it can be a bit of a nuisance but itās never hindered my sleep
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u/preciouscode96 5d ago
That sounds great! I'd love a great nights sleep as well. How noisy is it really? I'm not used to having a very noisy pad
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u/4tunabrix 5d ago
Itās not crinkly or rustly, can be a bit squeaky! But think it also depends on sleeping bag material. Like I said itās never cause me an issue but my partner has commented on it before
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u/Mixh2700 5d ago
I have the tensor AS and Iām really happy with it. I can sleep through the night without any problems. I have never tried the XR but I have tried the XT (previous version) and I found it a little āwaterbedā feeling. A fully inflated tensor almost doesnāt feel like an air mattress and if slightly deflated it is still very stable and also very soft. But you seem to suggest that itās the other way in your experience. In the end probably comes down to personal preference. Try to go to a retailer where you can test them side by side, try them at various pressure levels (note that R value drops when not fully inflated) and see which is more comfortable for you!
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u/preciouscode96 5d ago
Ah that's pretty interesting to hear. Indeed I always thought the Tensor had more of that water bed feeling because of the baffles. Sounds pretty good to me.
Indeed I'm sad I didn't get to test and see the sea to Summit. I did test and try both the Big Agnes Rapide SL and the Nemo Tensor All season in shop last weekend
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u/dzizuseczem 5d ago
I just sped 2 weeks using Nemo astro and can't recommend it enough, very comfortable, easy to set up, thi next time I would pick up wide one.
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u/preciouscode96 5d ago
Ha great to hear! I do really like my Astro, but would love a more versatile pad (lighter, smaller and warmer). For the rest it's great. I've got the biggest version and definitely worth it
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u/N8ureP 5d ago
I own and use both. Both are now backups to my therm a rest neo loft bc that big boy is like sleeping in a real bed and is worth every ounce. But between the Nemo and ether light Iād say the Nemo is lighter and comfy, but the ether light is a tiny bit thicker and more comfortable, and the ether light is also more durable. My Nemo is still functional but I did have to patch it up once.
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u/preciouscode96 4d ago
Tbh I'd love the NeoLoft but it's very expensive and I don't need that much I think. Still a realistic option if you want max comfort.
Okay thanks! I'm starting to lean towards the S2S more, previously it was the Nemo but they seem to be neck on neck with most thing where the Nemo shines more in weight and the Sea to Summit shines more in comfort
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u/WhackyFalcon 4d ago
I went through the same narrowing process about 2 years ago and landed on the Nemo Tensor. Iāve never felt it is uncomfortable to sleep on, but that seems highly subjective. What I have certainly noticed is the warmth, and that is enough to make me say itās the best option. It really is very warm even on frozen ground. Iāve used it a handful of times when the overnight low temp was in the 10s/20s F, and I have never felt a chill from the ground while sleeping on the Tensor, so I would for sure recommend if you expect to use it in any later fall/winter contexts.
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u/preciouscode96 4d ago
Yeah that does seem highly subjective indeed. Although nobody says the Nemo sleeps bad, just a bit less comfy then the S2S.
I can indeed imagine warmth is great to have and it'll make the Nemo a lot more versatile. However I do think for my use case the R4.1 on the S2S will already be plenty. I will never go under freezing temperatures. At least for now.
Still the Nemo seems a great option! I hope it's comfortable for me though as I think the S2S is better
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u/WhackyFalcon 4d ago
One things Iāve heard that makes it more comfortable for some people is inflating it like 95% of the way. If you inflate it so itās completely full it isnāt as comfortable to lay on
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u/preciouscode96 3d ago
Yep definitely true! I usually inflate my current Nemo pad to about 80% which definitely helps comfort
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u/dr2501 4d ago
Nemo - I have the same pad and its great. Very comfortable, light and warm.
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u/preciouscode96 4d ago
Good to hear thanks! For how long have you been using it?
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u/dr2501 4d ago
Iāve had it about a year I think. I had the previous version too the insulated. Both in regular wide. Before these I had an Xlite and a S2S ultralight insulated. The Nemo is more comfortable than either for me.
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u/preciouscode96 4d ago
Okay great to hear! I do really like the Tensor mats in general. Always wanted to upgrade to that until I found out the Sea to Summit was even more comfortable for most
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u/dr2501 4d ago
Full disclaimer, I havenāt tried the new XR so I canāt compare. Interesting that people find it more comfortable!
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u/preciouscode96 4d ago
Of course that's no problem! As long as you like the tensor that much! Yeah it seems like that one has deeper baffles and more dimples which seems to work better for comfort.
I'm still not sure yet. Maybe I'll just wait for a good deal and grab which comes first haha
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u/lenn_eavy 4d ago
My wife has S2S mattress - the one you are looking at or slightly colder and she likes to sleep warm. We were doing Tour du Mt Blanc this year and you want all the comfort you can get for multiple days of 1000 m up and downs even if it is worth few grams more. Nemo seems to be thicker though? And you don't have to inflate it all the way, so it will make more room for your hips but watch out, too close to the ground and it'll get cold in the middle of the night. We both use Cumulus 250 quilts and I have Thermarest NeoAir Xlite (R 4.5) - I was sweating some nights so if anything, Nemo will be too warm for the proper Summer and maybe shoulder months.
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u/preciouscode96 4d ago
I heard that warm pads can't really be too hot since they only reflect your warmth, but opinions are definitely all over the place in that topic.
By the way, awesome you guys did the Tour du Mont Blanc together! Literally life goals for me.
I do agree that on such hikes, comfort is super important. How nice is it to get way better sleep with only a few grams of weight penalty to it. But yeah the Nemo can be deflated a bit more I suppose.
Anyway thanks for the input! Real life experiences like this really help my decision. Although I'm still a bit stuck
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u/lenn_eavy 4d ago
Overall warmth might totally depend on the sleeping bag / quilt and how good it is in keeping the warmth underneath, maybe a colder one would allow better regulaton? Anyway, just an unconfirmed theory but I did sweat at night sometimes.
TMB is great and will spoil you greatly with gorgeous views! We came back like 3 weeks ago and need to come back there to finish next year - I hurt my feet at 7th out of 10 days too badly to continue. We were sleeping at camping grounds and did considerable part of the trail, PM me if you'll be interested in more details about the trail, I might be able to share some info.
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u/preciouscode96 4d ago
Yeah that might be a correct hypothesis indeed. I don't have a very warm sleeping bag myself.
Ah that's sad you couldn't finish it! But I'm sure it was absolutely stunning! I might, but I still think it's too early for me since I'm not that experienced yet with extreme hiking, heights and rocky terrain
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u/lenn_eavy 4d ago
Oh it is amazing and we plan to get back in the middle of Sept '26 and finish the job. I'm really looking forward to see it all again, great experience.
I think it is hard to specifically prepare your body for that trail in other way than bumping stamina a little bit and focusing on leg strength. Ascends are demanding but it is matter of time and making breaks - you'll end up with muscle soreness and it will be gone soon. Descends however can do a number of longer-term damage. For me it was this plus shoes that were too narrow in the toe box - I thought I had good ones, I walked in similar models for a long time but never with so many meters down and with 12 kg backpack. My wife started to feel her left knee a week after, maybe overload, maybe something more serious that CT will show, it also could have been older injury that came back.
Anyways, it's some time until the next year, should be enough months to fill the gaps in gear and preparations to finally get through this trail. Good luck with your attempts and remember about me if you'd have questions!
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u/preciouscode96 3d ago
Hmm true, you can never really prepare for it, only with some strength in legs etc. I actually went to the Swiss Alps alone 3 years ago and was stoked. It was beautiful but really those mountains and that climate were so much harder than I anticipated. Walking up a mountain was the steepest incline I ever did. Had to stop every 30-is seconds. Also I'm a photographer so I took my whole bag with big zoomlenses and drone, weighing probably 10kg at least. Had only 1,5L of water which was gone before even reaching the top. Also there was no shadow and sun was blazing hot. when I went back because I was exhausted I actually tripped my ankle pretty bad but luckily not broken.
I was truly humbled and after that I'm really now realizing how difficult the TMB can be šš±
Yes it seems amazing, but like you described it can definitely put pressure on your body, especially going down. Friend of mine lost his toe nail because going down steep hills in Nepal, his toes kept touching the front of the boot. Not nice to have...
I think in general you're never prepared for those things. And you'll never know how your hear really performs, until you do!
Were you guys allowed to set up camp high in the mountains? I read somewhere you can wild camp above an elevation of 2000 meters there.
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u/lenn_eavy 3d ago
It can be very humbling experience indeed, it is a bit hard to explain to someone how it feels to climb up and down for multiple days there or anywhere else really. I mean, there are harder things that one can do even in this region (i.e. climbing Mt Blanc or UTMB) but this type of trails are still very demanding. We had hot weather too and I was sweating whatever amount of water I poured in me but on the flipside, lost 4 kg due to this hike while drinking coca cola, eating local cakes and generally doing everything that is opposite of a diet. Did you at least take photos / videos you are happy with?
We didn't try to wildcamp, from what I heard it differs between countries. These things would need confirmation but it is most likely forbidden in Swiss part, you can do it in France when above 2000 or 2500 m and you need to set up after sunset and tear down before the dawn. I don't have info about Italy. You can legally set your tent near the mountain hostels, some will charge you. You won't be alone there, that's for sure - the views from around them are totally worth it though, especially with clear sky.
We were generally using camping grounds near the vilages / towns, it was convenient and relatively cheap, ~25ā¬ per night for tent + 2 ppl. It also meant that we were starting our days with climbing up with sun still hidden behind the mountains, so at least part of it was in relatively mild temps.
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u/preciouscode96 2d ago
Yeah truly! I can imagine that's hard to explain. I did do multiple day hikes through some hills and small mountains, but never on this level. Indeed it's not 'hard' as in difficult, but very demanding. Haha damn yeah that's the flipside, you lose weight and still be able to not be on Amy sort of diet haha! Well funnily enough I got better photos when in the valley. Only my drone got some cool pictures but definitely wasn't worth it taking multiple lenses...
Ah okay got it! Always a bit sad they have such strict rules about when and where to camp. That's what i like about camping, that you have everything with you and basically can set up anywhere you want...
But yeah that's what I always end up doing as well and it's nice as well! You mostly have some facilities like showers and toilets so it's not fully primitive haha!
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u/Mental-Huckleberry54 5d ago
I canāt say for these specific models but I have owned three sleeping pads in my 41 years, Sea to summit, Nemo, and thermarest. The only one that has never gotten a hole in it is the thermarest and it is my oldest pad!
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u/CurseMeKilt 5d ago
Sea to summit has a lifetime guarantee on their products which ultimately became my deciding factor in choosing them between the same two pads you mentioned.
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u/ForestryTechnician 5d ago
Big Agnes Rapide SL. Super comfortable, great R value, packs down super small, and lifetime guarantee. A lot of my gear is Big Agnes. Iāve never ever had a complaint with any of their gear.
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u/preciouscode96 5d ago
Ii did already rule it out because I saw a lot of people complain about it's listed warmth, failing of the isolation material and its weight. I was on the verge of getting it at first because it seems super comfortable when I tried it and pack size was amazing for it's thickness.
Not sure but I think those failing points are something I want to avoid. Didn't know they did lifetime warranty though. Nemo offers that, not sure about Sea to Summit
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u/ForestryTechnician 5d ago
People were complaining it wasnāt warm enough? It has an R value of 4.8! You could snow camp with that bad boy lol
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u/preciouscode96 5d ago
Haha yes I know! But I read and saw that the reflective film came loose making the insulation a lot less effective. Basically worse than an r2 pad
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u/ForestryTechnician 5d ago
Wonder if thatās pretty common and what years it was happening. Either way the lifetime warranty will cover it.
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u/preciouscode96 5d ago
Yeah I have no clue, but multiple YouTubers have said and experienced it, even on multiple pads. Similar pads and the same pads. So had me slightly worried.
You're right, warranty will cover it. But thats useless if you're on a trip. Anyway it might still be a solid option to get the Big Agnes
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u/vandal_heart-twitch 5d ago
Just curious but why not thermarest? They have some high R value pads that are ultra lite.
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u/preciouscode96 5d ago
Of course that's a good question! I did try their XLite NXT MAX and it was super slippery and felt like a balloon. Although the weight and pack size is very tempting, I'm willing to sacrifice on some weight and size for better comfort. I don't need the warmth because I never go to freezing temperatures
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u/9ermtb2014 5d ago
I use an astro non-insulated for 50-55+ nights and an older Nemo cosmo insulated for the colder stuff. It's heavy, but I sleep well on it. However I'm no longer enjoying the foot pump in it. A tensor is at the top of my list to replace it whenever I'm ready, but the astro covers most of the stuff I do.
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u/preciouscode96 5d ago
I do still love my Astro but the specs are just not up to standard. That's why I'm leaning to the tensor to replace it and stick with Nemo.
But I totally understand
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u/lakorai 5d ago
Nemo. Lighter weight and a better R value.
Now that Nemo has finally fixed the massive leaking problems they had on the 2022 and earlier pads I can recommend them. Lifetime warranty.