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When it comes to outdoor mattresses (sleeping pads), they are the unsung force that influences the quality of sleep in a tent. The unevenness of the ground is flat to provide a fluffy sleeping experience, blocking out the cold air from the ground even in low temperatures in autumn and winter, providing comfort when staying in a tent all year round.
NEMO Tenser Series air mattress, which boasts outstandingly high level of perfection, has been renewed this season. When I reviewed the previous model, , I was surprised at how well-balanced and perfect it was, but with this update, it has evolved in almost every aspect, including insulation, comfort, weight, and cost performance. It was becoming more and more outrageous. I was able to actually try it out while staying in a tent this spring, so I'll be reviewing it right away.
table of contents
- Main features of NEMO Tenser All Season
- Detailed review
- Thermal insulation: Safe even in winter mountains, with a major improvement in top-class weight-to-air insulation
- Comfort: A soft, deep, flat, and quiet sleeping area so you can't get up again once you lie down
- Usability: A dedicated pump sack that is easy to blow and allows for quick settings is good
- Summary: Recommended for people like this
Main features of NEMO Tenser All Season
NEMO Tenser All Season is an air-injected sleeping pad that has a high R value of 5.4, which can be used even in the middle of winter, and is suitable for mountain climbing and camping throughout the year. By improving the internal insulation film structure, the insulation is greatly improved, and the rustling noise caused by turning over is reduced, resulting in amazing quietness. The surface is 20D nylon, which is stronger than the previous model, and the bottom is 40D nylon, which is also improved in durability. In addition to the original space frame baffle structure and soft feel, the voluminous thickness of 9cm makes sleeping even more comfortable. Furthermore, it is lighter than the previous model, and the compact design allows for rolling up and folding small, making it easy to store. The included pump sack makes it easy to inject air. A highly-finished mattress that delivers top-class performance in almost all of the requirements required for an air mattress. The Tenser Series comes in three types: Trail, All Season (This Model) and Extreme depending on the temperature range, and mummy and rectangle types are available depending on the purpose.
Favorite points
- Very good insulation per weight
- lightweight
- Even when you turn over in bed, the sound is quiet
- A comfortable sleeping experience with luxurious thickness and flatness that you wouldn't expect from an air mattress
- Easy setting with a dedicated pump sack
Interesting points
- It's safe to say there are very few, but if I had to say, it would be better to just fold it compactly.
Main Specifications and ratings
| Item name | NEMO Tenser All Season Regular Mummy |
|---|---|
| size | 183 x 51cm |
| Storage size | 25.5×φ10cm |
| Matte thickness | 9.0cm |
| Official body weight | 400g |
| Surface material |
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| Insulation material | Thermal Mirror™ Film (2 sheets) |
| R value | 5.4 |
| Seasons available (reference) | Four Seasons |
| accessories |
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| Outdoor Gearzine Rating | |
| Comfort | ★★★★★ |
| Thermal insulation | ★★★★★ |
| weight | ★★★★☆ |
| Storageability | ★★★★☆ |
| Easy to use | ★★★★☆ |
| Durability | ★★★★☆ |
| Versatility | ★★★★★ |
Detailed review
Thermal insulation: Safe even in winter mountains, with a major improvement in top-class weight-to-air insulation
One of the major improvements in this update is the "insulation" part, which is the basic performance of mattress. Structurally, like the previous model, two reflective aluminum films called Thermal Mirror™ are inserted inside, but by reviewing their arrangement, the body temperature can be more efficiently reflected, improving heat insulation.
Looking inside through the valve, you cannot see the solid structure, but you can see that a metal film is inserted.
This improves the insulation of the mattress to "5.4" with the R value of the ASTM standard, a global standard. This number is warm enough to be used all year round in mountains in Honshu, and considering that the previous model (Tenser Insulated) had an R value of 4.2, which was the line that was close to being harsh on winter mountains, this difference is not small.
What's more, this evolution has led to an increase in weight, and the opposite is true. The weight has been slightly lighter from 410 to 400 g.
I tried spending the night in Nagano Prefecture in March to April, in an environment of around 0 to 5 degrees Celsius at night, but I was hesitant to put my hands on the surface of the ground, but on the mat it was gentle and warm, and I couldn't really feel the coldness of the ground. I am impressed by whether the heat emitted from the body alone makes you feel so comfortable (or rather, in other words, a lot of heat has been escaping the way it is).
Comfort: A soft, deep, flat, and quiet sleeping area so you can't get up again once you lie down
Thankfully, the comfort of the sleeping experience, which is one of my favorite parts since the original Tenser series, has evolved even further this time.
The shape is basically a mummy shape with no corners removed and slightly tapered towards the feet.
When it comes to air mat baffle structures (rooms filled with air), the only difference between the two-way baffles was "vertical or horizontal." In this context, NEMO uses a unique hybrid structure called the "space frame baffle." In other words, it has the characteristics of being a vertical or horizontal type that can be said to be a good point, and while the surface is flat, it reduces wobbling and slipping and provides stable support.
The cushion thickness has also been increased to 8 to 9 cm, making it even more comfortable to wear and less likely to bottom.
In my experience, the thickness of the sleeping pad makes a big difference in sleeping comfort, but with this thickness, there is no need to worry about your body coming into contact with the ground even if you lie on your side on uneven ground. Once you lie down, you'll never want to get up again.
What's even more surprising is that this model does not allow for the unavoidable rustling noise that is inevitable when using metal films, and it is hard to tell how quiet the sound is, even if you say that there is no film in it. This way you can turn over in bed with peace of mind without worrying about your partner.
Usability: A dedicated pump sack that is easy to blow and allows for quick settings is good
Air injection is essential to set up an air mat, but this model continues from the previous model with a unique valve system and a dedicated pump sack, reducing the hassle of setting and allowing for speedy injection. By the way, this valve system is flat against the mat surface, so it is a great piece of work that doesn't get in the way when sleeping or storing.
The valves are doubled (left photo), and when they inflate, only the top cover with a check valve is opened (right photo), and when they are deflated, both the top and bottom covers are opened.
This pump sack in particular is characterized by its smaller opening for air to be blown in. Unlike other companies' air pumps, it is designed so that air inside the pump in no time can be filled with air by simply blowing it about 20cm away from the entrance of the pump sack (without putting any particular attention to it, without putting any force into it). The hard work to inflate has been reduced from anywhere else.
Connect the included pump to inflate completely in about three times, and you can easily adjust the amount of air.
The new Tenser All Season is made with 20D top fabric and 40D bottom fabric for more durability
The weight is 400g, which is the regular size (R) we reviewed this time, and is lighter than other sleeping mats from other manufacturers, which have the same level of functionality. However, it is slightly larger than a 1-liter Nalgene bottle, which is 25.5 x 10 cm storage size. This is the only thing that caught my eye with this mattress.
When I rolled up the accessories such as the main unit and pump sack together, it was slightly larger than the Nalgene bottle. Personally, I would have been pleased if it was just one more step away.
Summary: Recommended for people like this
NEMO Tenser All Season is one of the best options for spring, summer, autumn and winter air mats that are currently on the market with the same level of insulation. This is clear when comparing competing products as of 2024 (see table below). Not only is it insulation, it also has top-class performance in all respects, including its flat, deep, stable floor, quiet sleeping experience, durability on the bottom, ease of setting, and weight.
The only thing that bothers me is that it may be a bit of a problem, but considering its use in the summer, it is a bit over-spec and cannot be called light weight, and it becomes bulky when folded slightly compared to competing products, but considering the high R value and durability that it is obtained, it is not that unhappy to you if you consider the security and versatility of the obtained high R value and durability. Whether you're in the midsummer low mountains or in the fall and winter tent, your sleeping bag can be made lighter, resulting in comfort and lighter equipment.
In addition to this model, the Tenser series also has a lineup of products such as the lightweight Tenser Trail (R value 2.8) Tenser Extreme Conditions (R value 8.5) for extreme cold weather, so if you prioritize a specific season, you will be happier to choose these products.
In any case, there are few mattresses that can satisfy you in a wide range of activities, regardless of the season or location, from light activities such as mountain climbing and hiking to fast packing, bikepacking, and winter mountain climbing. This is a book that we can confidently recommend to anyone, from beginners to veterans.
(Reposted) Comparison of major models of mummy air mats that are suitable for all seasons 2024
| Item name | Nemo Tenser All Season Regular Mummy | (Reference 1) Rab Ultrasphere 4.5 | (Reference 2) Therm-a-Rest Neo Air X Light NXT | (Reference ③) EXPED ULTRA 5R M MUMMY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| size | 183 x 51cm | 183 x 51cm | 183 x 51cm | 183 x 52cm |
| Storage size | 25.5 x 10cm | 18 x 9cm | 23 x 10cm | 23 x 12.5cm |
| Thickness | 9.0cm | 8.0cm | 7.6cm | 7.0cm |
| Surface material (durable) | Top: 20D 100% recycled nylon (bluesignⓇ certified) Bottom: 40D nylon (bluesignⓇ certified) |
20D TPU coated polyester | 30D Ripstop Nylon | 20D RipStop Polyester |
| Body weight | 400g | 370g | 370g | 445g |
| R value | 5.4 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.8 |
| Normal price including tax | ￥29,150 | ￥20,900 | ￥39,600 | ￥30,800 |
| Quietness | ◯ | ◯ | ◯ | |
| Valve system | 2WAY valve | 2WAY valve | 2WAY valve | 1WAY valve x 2 |
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