Hi All,
I've been on the lookout for a new sleeping pad and was intrigued by Nemo's new Astro Insulated pad plus a potential mating with Nemo's Pillowtop cover. I suspect most of you are aware of this combo's selection for a 2011 Backpacker's editor's choice award.
In researching the pad, I quickly noticed that there is little information floating around regarding how low the pad could be pushed – no available R-Value, no temp/comfort rating, etc. So I contacted Nemo Equipment directly and am posting the reply as a PSA for others interested. I had asked about R-values and whether the pad would be a good match with my specific setup (Western Mountaineering Ultralite, w/ liner when temps really drop). Here is the response:
"We do a lot of testing on our sleeping pads, but do not release R values. The reason for this is because there is no industry standard for measuring R value — all companies test for R values using different standards, environmental conditions. This makes it extremely hard if not impossible for customers to compare R values from different companies. We're currently working with many other pad companies in the industry to standardize this testing. It will take a little time for the industry to come to a consensus. We don’t give temperature ratings, because that is dependent on many factors including metabolic rate, sleeping bag used, clothing worn, type of tent, etc.
Here is a rating on our pads:
From least to most warm:
1. Astro Air Short
2. Zor Short
3. Astro Air Short with Pillowtop
4. Tuo Cub
5. Tuo Cub with Pillowtop
6. Astro Air
7. Cosmo Air
8. Zor
9. Astro Air with Pillowtop
10. Tuo Standard
11. Cosmo Air with Pillowtop
12. Astro Insulated
13. Cosmo Insulated
14. Zor with Pillowtop
15. Tuo Luxury
16. Tuo Standard with Pillowtop
17. Astro Insulated with Pillowtop
18. Cosmo Insulated with Pillowtop
19. Tuo Luxury with Pillowtop
Hope this helps!"
I decided to give Nemo a chance and have since ordered the Astro Insulated + Pillowtop combo. I'm planning to do my own review once it comes in – which unfortunately won't be anytime soon – the retailer I ordered from is quoting June 2011 delivery. A few stores have the pad by itself available now, but I found a decent deal on the combo and took it ($158, tax-free w/ free shipping).
