Introduction
The Nemo Switchback sleeping pad has a bright orange hue which is the first thing that catches your eye. The eye-popping color isn’t the real selling point in NEMO’s new foldable closed-cell sleeping pad, though; it’s the ratio between its thickness and packed size. Until now, Therm-a-Rest’s Z Lite Sol has been difficult to improve upon. With the Switchback, NEMO has created a pad that is measurably thicker than the Z Lite Sol while matching that pad’s folded dimensions and virtually matching its weight and cost.
Features (Size Regular)
- Hexagonal nesting pattern
- Dual-density Axiotomic™ foam
- Metalized thermal reflective film
- Folding panel design, rectangular shape
- MSRP: Regular: $49.95
- NEMO Lifetime Warranty
Specifications (Size Regular)
- Manufacturer provided weight: 14.5 oz (415 g)
- Measured weight: 15 oz (425 g)
- Manufacturer provided packed size: 20 x 5 x 5.5 in (51 x 13 x 14 cm)
- Measured packed size: 20.5 x 5 x 5.5 in (52.07 x 13 x 14 cm)
- Manufacturer provided unfolded dimensions: 72 in x 20 in x 0.9 in (183 cm x 51 cm x 2 cm)
- Measured unfolded dimensions: 72 x 20.5 x 0.9 in (183 x 52.07 x 2 cm)
- Temperature rating: 20F to 35F (-7C to 2C)
Product Strengths
- It is 20% thicker than comparable pads at identical folding dimensions.
- The taller nodes theoretically allow for more trapped air for better insulation.
- It maintains the same utility and near-indestructibility of all closed-cell pads.
- Clever engineering measurably improves a stagnant product category.
Product Limitations
- It is unproven if the added thickness improves comfort.
- The durability of the metalized thermal reflective film over the long term is unknown.
- The nodes begin to crush down after repeated use.
- Slightly more expensive than the competition.
Compared To:
Let’s compare the Switchback to the ubiquitous Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol. It seems a reasonable choice as both pads have identical packed dimensions and utilize the same folding structure.
| Product | NEMO Switchback | Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol |
|---|---|---|
| Weight (Regular) | 14.5 oz (411 g) | 14 oz (396.89 g) |
| Thickness | 0.9 in (2.28 cm) | .75 in (1.90 cm) |
| Packed dimensions | 20 x 5 x 5.5 in (51 x 13 x 14 cm) | 20 x 5 x 5.5 in (51 x 13 x 14 cm) |
| Unfolded dimensions | 72 x 20 x .9 in (183 x 51 x 2.28 cm) | 72 x 20 x .75 in (183 x 51 x 1.9 cm) |
| R-Value | unavailable, NEMO provides a temperature rating of 20 F to 35 F | 2.6 |
| Node pattern | Hexagonal | Egg-carton |
| MSRP | $49.95 | $44.95 |
| Sourcing | Imported | Made in the USA |
Glancing over the table, you can see that the two pads have identical length, width, and packed dimensions. The Switchback weighs a scant .5 oz more than the Z Lite Sol (My scale measured the Switchback at 15 oz as opposed to the 14.5 oz measurement provided by NEMO, but I’m willing to chalk that up to my consumer grade scale). The difference in node patterns is readily apparent, especially when viewed side by side (see above photo). The Switchback’s hexagonal pattern is what allows it to be nearly 20% thicker than the Z Lite Sol despite being the same size when folded.
The Z-Lite Sol is made in the USA, while the Switchback is imported. The price difference is negligible.
Commentary
The NEMO Switchback is an example of a product that manages to reap measurable improvements from a stagnant category by utilizing elegant design. Who knows how much time and energy went into re-imagining the tried-and-true egg carton pattern? The result is a pad that is 20% thicker than the competition, with larger nodes that theoretically make for more comfortable nights.
The metallic heat-reflective film seems to perform at industry standards. That includes the film’s tendency to rub off. It’s a common problem — personally speaking, I’ve never used a pad where the reflective film didn’t rub away after repeated use. The nodes also seem to be crushing slightly. Again, not unusual, and if past experience is any indication, it would take hundreds of nights of compressing the foam to notice a practical difference.
Does the Switchback’s elegant design and execution translate into added comfort? Hard to say. Subjectively, I found the texture of the hexagonal pattern to be a little strange. I got used to it after a bit, but the initial impression after a lifetime of sleeping on egg-crate patterns was odd.
It was also hard to nail down just how much the Switchback’s added thickness improved upon the standard amount of comfort inherent to a foldable closed-cell pad. Some evenings I felt I could tell a difference, others, not so much. My takeaway is this: extra thickness at identical packed dimensions and at virtually the same cost and weight certainly can’t hurt. If you like your current closed-cell pad, I wouldn’t be rushing to your local gear shop to make a change, but if it’s time for an upgrade, it’s hard to go wrong with the Switchback.
Where to Buy
- Buy the NEMO Switchback at REI..
Related Content
- Our forum members briefly discussed some recent closed-cell sleeping pad options.
- Are closed-cell foam pads not for you? Check out the UberLite.
Disclosure
- How we acquired these products: Product(s) discussed in this review were either acquired by the author from a retailer or otherwise provided by the manufacturer at a discount/donation with no obligation to provide media coverage or a product review to the manufacturer(s).
- We do not accept money or in-kind compensation for guaranteed media coverage: Backpacking Light does not accept compensation or donated product in exchange for guaranteed media placement or product review coverage.
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Discussion
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Companion forum thread to: Nemo Switchback Sleeping Pad Review (First Looks)
A first looks review of NEMO Equipment’s Switchback Sleeping pad based on initial impressions at from at home and in the field.
Thanks, Andrew. It sort’a looks like Nemo has hit the limit with making dimples in CCF pads. As you say, they look like they are crushing and perhaps staying that way over the time you spent out with yours (note the winkles/creases in your picture) and the metalic coating does seem to be wearing. I also have concerns about long-term durability. Unfortunatly, you did not say how long you had it out. From the looks of the pad I would make a guess of only about a week.
The “dual-density” is likely a manufacturing requirement. You were correct in ignoring it. It supplies a bit of negatives by introducing harder outside layering with less rebound, but takes a shape a bit better. Unlike the sliced evazote foams, this probably introduces a little less Rvalue and less resiliency for the entire package.
A good evaluation between the two major types: Zrest style and Nemo Style. As you say you noticed no practical difference between the two in use. My “druthers” would be to buy the US product over a foreign product if there is no difference. It is a few dollars cheaper, anyway. But, if I didn’t have a choice, there is not enough dollars involved to make one highly desirable over the other.
I got one for my son and he says he likes it. Only used twice.
I think the biggest benefit of the Switchback is that it folds more compactly than a Z-Lite of the same length. I have both, and don’t know how their packed dimensions are listed as the same. Section Hiker shows a comparative picture:
https://sectionhiker.com/nemo-switchback-foam-sleeping-pad-review/
Other than that, hard to tell much difference. Maybe the Switchback is a little more comfortable.
James,
I had it in the field for about a week and also slept on it on my living room floor quite a few times. Maybe 15-20 nights overall?
“I think the biggest benefit of the Switchback is that it folds more compactly than a Z-Lite of the same length. I have both and don’t know how their packed dimensions are listed as the same”
It’s a good question, John. I don’t currently own a Z-Lite so I wasn’t able to make measurements of both of them. I will say that my measurements of the Switchback were slightly different than what Nemo provided. Perhaps there is a degree of variation from pad to pad. It would be interesting to compare, say, ten different Switchbacks to see.
Thanks, Andrew! That was more use than I dared to hope.
Just bought a Zlite. Easy choice between these two. Made in USA and backed by Thermarest’s legendary warranty
SectionHiker’s photo comparison of the two pads folded up shows the Switchback to be about 6/7 the folded thickness of the Zlite, and another minor observation: when folded, the Zlite has the Alu sides (end panels) outermost; the Switchback does not.
According to Nemo, the orange side is to be the top side upon which you sleep, not the foil side. When I first got mine I saw the instructions on REI had the opposite so I emailed Nemo and they contacted REI to correct their instructions.
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