NEMO Tensor™ Elite Review: The lightest and most comfortable mattress in its class. Plus, it offers uncompromising strength and ease of use. What more could you want from a three-season air mattress?
Written by Yosuke.C
There are several types of sleeping mats, but if you're looking for a comfortable sleep, an air mattress is the best option. Even though they're all called air mattresses, the environmental range in which they can be used varies greatly depending on the structure and amount of insulating material inside, from lightweight, compact models to ones that can be used in temperatures as low as -30°C
we will introduce NEMO 's new mattress, the Tensor™ Elite , which combines lightness, comfort, durability, and ease of use, making it perfect for hikers who prioritize lightness in particular
It's so compact and lightweight it fits in the palm of your hand. And yet it offers the ultimate in comfort and durability, something you wouldn't expect from its weight. This latest sleeping mat is a must-have for hikers looking to shave off every gram, so we've been using it in the field and are sharing our review
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Key Features of the NEMO Tensor™ Elite
The Tensor™ Elite is NEMO 's lineup. Crafted with custom-made 10D CORDURA® nylon , it boasts an R-value of 2.4 and weighs just 240g (regular size). It packs down to a compact, fist-sized size. The interior truss structure, made with low-stretch materials, reduces the fluffy feel typical of air mattresses, while the 7.6cm thickness provides a stable, comfortable sleeping experience without feeling uneven ground. The large-diameter flat valve and included pump sack allow for quick inflation and deflation, allowing for quick pitching in just 2.5 steps. The Tensor™ Elite is also available in a short 160cm size, the only one in the Tensor series, perfect for the discerning lightweight hiker who wants lightness without compromising performance.
Favorite points
- Extremely light and ultra-compact
- Quiet and comfortable sleep without feeling the unevenness of the ground
- Excellent insulation for three seasons
- Baffle structure that eliminates the fluffy feeling typical of air mattresses
- Included pump sack inflates in just 2.5 strokes
Points of concern
- The fabric is slippery and can easily fall off if tilted
Main specifications and evaluation
| Item Name | NEMO Tensor™ Elite Regular Mummy |
|---|---|
| size | 183×51cm |
| Storage size | 14×φ8cm |
| Thickness | 7.6㎝ |
| weight | 240g |
| Surface material | 10D CORDURA® nylon |
| Insulating material | Aluminized film x 1 sheet |
| R-value | 2.4 |
| Seasonal | 3 seasons |
| accessories |
|
| Outdoor Gearzine Review | |
| Comfort | ★★★★☆ |
| Thermal insulation | ★★★☆☆ |
| weight | ★★★★★ |
| Storage capacity | ★★★★★ |
| Ease of use | ★★★★★ |
| durability | ★★★★☆ |
| Versatility | ★★★★★ |
Detailed Review
Incredibly light and surprisingly compact
What's most pleasing is that the regular size, which covers the whole body, weighs just 240g, making it incredibly light. The short size (160cm) weighs just 215g. Considering this level of insulation, this lightness is truly extraordinary
The actual weight including the storage bag, straps, pad pump, etc. is 314g, which is definitely one of the lightest in the world when compared in terms of practical weight
There are several reasons why it's so lightweight, starting with the outer fabric, which is made of ultra-thin 10D (denier) CORDURA® nylon, making it as lightweight as possible
While the use of thin fabrics can raise concerns about the risk of punctures, CORDURA® nylon, which combines superior strength with weight savings down to the gram, is an the Tensor™ Elite . Last year's update to the Tensor Series adopted nylon, which is more stretchy than polyester, and a manufacturing method that increased welding strength was adopted, resulting in not only a stronger surface, but also a design that is less susceptible to slow leaks (air leaks) caused by slight peeling of welded joints when excessive pressure is applied. With today's rapidly advancing technology, the idea that thin fabrics equal less durability may be outdated. (Apparently, the most common cause of air leaks in lightweight air mattresses is not scratches on the surface, but rather slight peeling of welded joints when excessive pressure is applied.)
However, this the Tensor™ Elite , but all air mattresses require careful handling. Don't place it directly on gravel, and be sure to use a protective mat underneath to prevent punctures.
Excellent insulation for three seasons
While a sleeping bag acts as a comforter, a sleeping mat acts as a mattress and insulates against the cold coming from the ground. While it is generally thought that a sleeping bag is the main measure against the cold, in my experience, a sleeping mat is just as important, if not more so. This is because, having experienced countless sleepless nights due to the cold, I have found that the main reason I was unable to sleep was due to "coldness from the ground."
The padding in a sleeping bag collapses where your body comes into contact with the ground, and it loses its heat-retaining properties, so it's your sleeping mat that is solely responsible for insulating you from the cold coming from the ground. If your sleeping bag isn't up to the task, you can stave off the cold by putting on the clothes you already have, but there's nothing you can do about the cold coming from the ground. This is the lesson I learned from this author: don't underestimate the cold coming from the ground
Tensor™ Elite has an R-value (ASTM standard) of 2.4, which indicates its insulating performance. While it is not a high R-value among air mattresses on the market, an R-value of 2.4 means it can be used without problems in environments where temperatures do not drop below freezing.
The ASTM standard for calculating R-values does not publish a clear temperature range for each value, so it should only be considered as a guideline with some leeway, but when I actually tried sleeping in an environment with a temperature of around 5°C, I didn't feel any cold from the ground, so I felt that it could be used on its own without any problems during the peak season for alpine climbing from July to September. The average minimum temperatures at Karasawa Hut, a famous tent site in the Northern Alps, are 8.8°C in July, 9.5°C in August, and 5.2°C in September, so I think the sensations I got from actual experience are somewhat reliable. (Since tolerance for cold varies from person to person, please use these values as a guide.)
There are various types of air mattresses, including those with built-in insulation, those that form layers to suppress convection, and those that combine insulation with a layered structure, but the Tensor™ Elite is an air mattress that insulates by forming layers. It uses a single sheet of Thermal Mirror insulation film to create a layer of air, ensuring insulation.
Sufficient thickness and flat surface to prevent unevenness of the ground
I've been using closed-cell mattresses (foldable, no air required) for a long time. Older air mattresses had a reputation for being uncomfortable to sleep on, but the "Apex™ Baffle Structure" used in NEMO's air mattresses has eliminated that. The mattress uses a low-stretch material inside and a truss structure formed by interlocking triangles, eliminating the fluffy feel typical of air mattresses and providing a stable, supportive sleeping experience. When I actually lay down on it, it was 7.6cm thick, so I didn't feel any unevenness on the ground, and it felt flat and comfortable
There is a thermal mirror insulation film inside, but even so, there is no unpleasant rustling noise when you lie down. I was able to turn over in my sleep without worrying about noise
The fabric is slippery and can easily fall off if tilted
One thing that bothered me was that the surface and lining materials used were very slippery, making it easy to slip off the mat on sloped surfaces. Generally, this isn't a problem if you set up your tent on a flat, level surface, but you should be careful if you can only set up on a slope, such as in a crowded tent site during the peak season
Some air mattresses have a fabric surface that is treated to make them less slippery, or are actually non-slip, but the Tensor™ Elite does not have any such treatment, so you will need to be prepared and take some precautions if you are camping on anything other than a flat, stable surface.
The included pump sack makes inflation incredibly easy and quick
Pump sack included with air mattress
Unlike closed-cell mats, which can be simply unfolded, air-filled mats require a lot of effort to get ready for use. Therefore, ease of setup (and takedown) is crucial. The Tensor™ Elite can be set up incredibly quickly, thanks to the included Vortex™ Pump Sack.
The Vortex™ Pump Sack has a unique air intake port. Despite its seemingly small opening, a gentle sigh from a short distance (about 20cm) draws in the air around the pump, filling it to capacity in one go. Then, simply close the opening and push the air into the air mattress. It took just three tries (2.5 to be exact) to fully inflate the regular-sized mattress. This system also kills two birds with one stone, since it requires less humid air to exhale, making it more resistant to wear and tear
This has significantly reduced the effort and time required to set up an air mattress, which is the most tedious part of the process
Backflow prevention air valve makes it easy to adjust the air pressure
The large-diameter check valve allows for smooth inflation and deflation, and the center allows for easy adjustment of the air volume with a single finger. Even if the air mattress becomes too inflated, you can adjust the air volume while lying down, allowing you to find the perfect firmness for you
When packing up, just open the valve to release the air and then fold it up. The included compression straps allow you to roll it up without putting it in the storage bag, making it a great solution for hardy UL hikers who want to cut down on the storage bag. The storage bag weighs 7.7g, and the compression straps weigh 3.0g
Summary: A long-awaited item for hikers looking for "lightness" and "comfort"!
We introduced the NEMO Tensor™ Elite
For three-season use, a mattress with high insulation isn't necessary. While its insulation performance is moderate, the Tensor™ Elite , is the perfect sleeping pad for those who don't want to sacrifice comfort for UL equipment. Previously, the Therm-a-Rest UberLite was a lightweight air mattress of this level, but this mattress is just as impressive in performance. While that model is virtually unavailable at the moment, this is undoubtedly the only choice for an ultra-lightweight three-season air mattress.
When you are hiking or climbing long distances, the quality of your sleep is crucial for your recovery. Take this pocket-sized bed with you on your mountain adventures!
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Yosuke
A person who travels around with just one backpack, with the motto of "as light as possible" without causing inconvenience
From spring to autumn, I go fishing in mountain streams in pursuit of char deep in the mountains. I hike the mountains in search of spectacular views that cannot be seen from the ground. I camp to relax by a bonfire. I snowboard to experience the feeling of floating in the silvery white mountains
A freelance writer with over 20 years of outdoor experience who enjoys the outdoors in his own way all year round. Based on his experience writing articles for over a dozen outdoor web publications, he will share his own experiences and the best tools he has used
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