Just ordered Nemo Tensor Insulated – as warm as UL7?

The other Tensor thread has a discussion about how much insulation they contain:

https://backpackinglight.com/forums/topic/thermarest-neoair-x-therm-v-s-nemo-tensor-20-r/#post-3456963

Yes, I posted to that thread, but it doesn’t help with knowing how warm the Tensor is compared to the UL7.

I picked up a nemo tensor insulated pad because i was on my second exped UL7 with a blown baffle. I haven’t used it extensively yet, but have slept on it down to freezing for 4 nights using a FF Flicker bag and was quite warm. YMMV.

Also, it is significantly quieter than the exped, which make me happy inside.

Thanks Aaron, that’s encouraging.  What temperature flicker do you have?  A new quilt will likely be my next purchase.  I’m a cold sleeper, so I’m thinking I should maybe get a 20, but it would be nice to get by with a 30.

Hi Stephen,

I have the 20 degree version and have been very happy with it over the past few years. When it is warmer, it unzips into a blanket. When the temps drop, I can close the footbox and zip it up into a full length bag.  I have found that I sleep better in the flicker than a typical quilt, but the katabatic flex looks to have solved the complaint I had with the fixed footbox of their other quilts.

I was excited to get my package today, but found out that I had inadvertently shipped it to my mother’s house a few states over… Doh!

I hate it when that happens.  Do keep us posted on the Nemo Tensor Insulated.

Does anyone know the actual weight on these?  My SynMat UL 7 weighs in at 16.3 oz or thereabouts.  I myself am looking at something a little lighter.  Haven’t found the NeoAirs comfortable.  The Hyperlite is a bit lighter at around 13 oz but is also a bit narrower.  Curious about the Nemo.

I have the Nemo Vector Insulated. I believe the only difference is the integrated pump (and thus it’s heavier) as they both are rated same temp and use Primaloft + Aluminized Film.

My experience with the Vector FWIW is as follows:

It is quiet (I almost prefer quieter to warmer as I can layer up if needed – hard to silence the pad).

I slept pretty good in 18 degree Canadian Rocky conditions. I woke once with a slight coolness but it was more from the top of my bag which was a 25 degree. The pad was neutral/not cool. I have slept on a SYN7 but not at that temp. The Vector felt warmer to me.

I’ll certainly give an update when I get the pad.  My mother will likely put it in the mail to me today.  I also ordered a megamat 10, but that can wait until the next time I’m in TN.  My UL7 is 15.6 oz, and I’m expecting the tensor to be about the same.

Thanks for the input Aubrey, 18deg is pretty low!

For inflation, I’m planning to adapt my Exped Schnozzle to fit the Tensor.

I use a super thin foam pad made by Gossamer Gear under my synmat 7, mostly for puncture protection, but I imagine that it adds a few degrees of insulation from the ground. Weighs about 3 or 4 ounces, if I remember right.

Jerry, I use the same pad under the UL7 as well when temps are lower.  1/8” thinlite, 2.72 oz.   I could still use it under the Tensor of course, but I plan to change my pack so it would no longer see dual use as the back pad in my Gorilla.

I received the Tensor today. 16.08 oz, a significant amount over the 15 oz list weight. I reweighed my UL7 and it is 15.8 oz, just for reference.

I haven’t had time to do more than weigh (bought an adventure vehicle today!) I’ll compare comfort tomorrow.

I’m currently thru hiking the AT with the rectangular Tensor Insulated 20R and I love it. It blows up thick and, in my opinion, takes the same amount of breaths as a NeoAir. Also- have found that when camped on a very subtle slope, the pad doesn’t slide as much as other pads I have owned (and I’m in a silnylon tent with no silicone strips).

I have had a few nights in the low 30’s and have had no issues with sleeping cold (I’m a quilt user). The pad feels great on the skin as well. All in all, I’m a huge fan of the Tensor and rectangular pads.

Thanks for the input, Thomas, and happy hiking on the AT.

I’ve taken some pics comparing the UL7 to the Tensor, but haven’t had time to post a review yet.  I got sidetracked by my recent adventure vehicle purchase.