There are several types of sleeping mats, but if you're looking for a comfortable sleeping experience, an air mat that you can use with air is an option. Even if you combine it with an air mat, the environment range can be used greatly depending on the structure and the amount of insulation material inside, and there are various options ranging from lightweight and compact models to those that can be used in an environment of -30°C.
we will introduce NEMO 's new Tenser™ Elite , perfect for hikers who want to prioritize "lightness" and is lightweight, comfortable, durable, and easy to use
It is compact and lightweight enough to fit in the palm of your hand. At the same time, he never gives up on the ultimate sleeping comfort and the high durability that is not considered to be the weight. We have been using the latest sleeping mat in the field, which is a must-see for hikers who are trying to reduce weight by grams, so we will start a review.
table of contents
Main features of NEMO Tenser™ Elite
Tenser™ Elite is the lightest air mattress in NEMO By using 10D CORDURA® nylon developed for this purpose The storage size is lightweight and compact, about the size of a fist. The truss structure inside the mat is made of a low-stretch material, reducing the fluffy feeling that is typical of air mats, and the thickness of the 7.6cm mat provides a stable and comfortable sleeping experience without feeling any unevenness in the ground. The large-diameter flat valve allows for quick air in and out and the included dedicated pump sack allows for quick setup in just 2.5 times. The Tenser series is the only one that can choose from a short 160cm size, providing the perfect choice for harsh lightweight hikers who want lightness but don't want to compromise on performance.
Favorite points
- Super compact with overwhelming lightness
- Comfortable and quiet sleeping experience without feeling uneven ground
- Impressive insulation for 3 seasons
- Baffle structure that does not have the fluffy feel that is typical of air mats
- The included pump sack can inflate in just 2.5 times
Interesting points
- Slippery fabric and can easily fall off if tilted
Main Specifications and ratings
| Item name | NEMO Tenser™ Elite Regular Mommy |
|---|---|
| size | 183 x 51cm |
| Storage size | 14×φ8cm |
| Thickness | 7.6㎝ |
| weight | 240g |
| Surface material | 10D CORDURA® Nylon |
| Insulation material | 1 sheet of aluminized film |
| R value | 2.4 |
| Seasonal | 3 seasons |
| accessories |
|
| Outdoor Gearzine Review | |
| Comfort | ★★★★☆ |
| Thermal insulation | ★★★☆☆ |
| weight | ★★★★★ |
| Storageability | ★★★★★ |
| Easy to use | ★★★★★ |
| Durability | ★★★★☆ |
| Versatility | ★★★★★ |
Detailed review
It's overwhelmingly light and surprisingly compact
What's more great about it is that it is a regular size that covers the entire body and weighs 240g, so light that you'll want to be surprised. A 160cm short size is 215g. Considering this level of insulation, this lightness can be said to be a different dimension.
The actual measured weight, including storage bags, straps, pad pumps, etc., is 314g, so it is definitely the lightest in the world when compared to practical weights.
There are several reasons why it is so lightweight, but first of all, the fabric used on the surface is the fabric used. Ultra-thin 10D (denier) CORDURA® nylon is used to reduce the weight to the extreme.
The risk of punctures is the risk of thin fabrics, but CORDURA® nylon, which pursues excellent strength and light weight in grams, is an original fabric custom made for Tenser™ Elite The Tenser Series has been updated last year with nylon, which is more elastic than polyester, and has also switched to a manufacturing method that increases the weld strength, which not only makes the surface of the fabric strong, but also makes it less likely to cause slow leakage (air leakage) due to slight peeling of the weld. In today's world where technology is progressing, the idea that thin fabrics mean less durability may be old. (It is said that the most common cause of air leaks in lightweight air mats is not the surface scratches, but the most common cause of air leaks when excessive pressure is applied, resulting in slight peeling from the weld.)
That said, it's not just for Tenser™ Elite Don't just lay it directly on gravel, and don't forget to take precautions and take measures such as using a protective mat underneath to prevent it from getting flatuled.
Impressive insulation for 3 seasons
Sleeping mats act as mattresses compared to sleeping bags (sleeping bags), which act as quilts, and insulate the cold from the ground. It is generally thought that sleeping bags will be the main countermeasure against the cold, but in my experience, sleeping mats are the same or even more important than sleeping bags. This is because, having experienced countless nights that I couldn't sleep due to the cold up until now, the main reason why I couldn't sleep is because of "coldness from the ground."
The sleeping mat is crushed at the areas where the body comes into contact with the ground, making it impossible to provide heat retention, so the sleeping mat is the one that insulates heat from the ground. If your sleeping bag is not insufficient, you can avoid the cold by wearing the clothes you have, but there is no need to alm down the cold from the ground. Therefore, the author's lesson is that we should not underestimate the cold from the ground.
Tenser™ Elite has an "R value" (ASTM standard) that represents insulation performance. Of the air mats on the market, the R value is not the highest, but with an R value of 2.4, it can be used without any problems in an environment where it does not drop below freezing.
The ASTM standard, which calculates R values, does not have a clear temperature for the values, so it is necessary to consider it as a guideline with a reasonable amount of room, but when I actually slept in an environment with a temperature of around 5°C, I didn't feel any cold from the ground at all, so I felt that it would be possible to use it alone in July to September, the high season of climbing the Alps. The average lowest temperature at Karasawa Hütte, a famous tent site in the Northern Alps, is 8.8°C in July, 9.5°C in August, and 5.2°C in September, so I think the feeling I gained from my actual experience is somewhat credible. (Please use this as a reference as a guide as it is cold resistance differently depending on the person.
Air mats can be structured in a variety of types, including those that contain insulation material, those that form layers to suppress convection, and those that combine insulation and layer structures, but Tenser™ Elite is a type of air mat that forms layers and insulates heat. A single thermal mirror insulation film is used to ensure insulation by creating a layer of air.
A sufficiently thick and flat surface that does not show any unevenness in the ground
I have been using closed cell type mattresses for a long time (foldable type that does not require inflation). A few years ago, air mats were not good at the unique sleeping comfort of air mats, but this was the "Apex™ Baffle Structure" used by NEMO air mats. The mat is made of a material with low elasticity and uses a truss structure formed by combining triangles, allowing for a stable and supportive sleeping experience without the fluffy feel that is typical of an air mat. When I actually lay down, it was 7.6cm thick, so I was able to feel a flat, comfortable sleeping experience without feeling the bumps on the ground.
There is a single piece of thermal mirror insulation film inside, but even so, there is no rustling, unpleasant sound when you lie down. I was able to roll over without worrying about the noise.
Slippery fabric and can easily fall off if tilted
One thing that bothered me was that the surface and lining materials used are very slippery and tend to slip off the mat in slopes. Basically, it is not a problem if you set up a tent in a flat, leveled location, but be careful if you can only set up in slopes, such as a tent area that is crowded during the high season.
There are models with air mats that have been treated to prevent slipping on the surface of the fabric, and models that have actually been treated to non-slip, but Tenser™ Elite has not been processed in this way. When camping outside a flat, stable location, you will need to be prepared and take action.
An included pump sack that lets you inflictly easily and quickly
Pump sack included with the air mat
Unlike closed cell mats that use air, which can be spread out, it takes time to make them in a usable state. Therefore, the ease of setup (removal) cannot be underestimated. Tenser™ Elite is an incredibly quick setup, and it is the included "Vortex™ Pump Sack" that allows for this.
The Vortex™ pump sack has a unique air blower, and despite its seemingly small mouth, you can simply breathe lightly from a slightly distance from the opening (about 20cm) to induce the air around the pump and instantly fill up the air inside the pump. All you have to do is close your mouth and push the air into the air mattress. With the regular size, I was able to inflate it in just three times (or more precisely 2.5 times). Moreover, this mechanism requires less moisture and exhalation, so it is resistant to deterioration, and is two birds with one stone.
This greatly reduces the effort and time of setting, which is the most troublesome task with an air mat.
Air valve to prevent backflow and easy to adjust air
The large diameter and extremely smooth injection and discharge valve allows you to adjust the amount of air in the center with just a finger, allowing you to easily adjust the firmness. Even air mats that have been poured into too much air can be adjusted while lying down, allowing you to adjust the air to match the user's best hardness.
When retracting, open the valve to remove the air instantly, and you can just fold it down. Using the included compression strap, you can roll it up without having to put it in the storage bag, making it a great solution for crunchy UL hikers who want to even scrape off the storage bag. By the way, the storage bag is 7.7g and the compression strap is 3.0g.
Summary: This is a truly long-awaited photo for hikers looking for lightness and comfort!
Introducing NEMO Tenser™ Elite
If you use it for three seasons, you don't need a highly insulating mat. the Tenser™ Elite which is lighter to the extreme , is equipped with UL and is the perfect sleeping pad for those who don't want to sacrifice comfort. Previously, the Thermalest Uberlite was a lightweight air mattress of this level, but in terms of its ability, it is a masterpiece that is no less than that. Now that the model is essentially not available, I'm sure this is the only option for the ultra-lightweight three-season air mattress.
When walking long distances, sleep quality is extremely important for restoring physical strength. Let's go on an adventure into the mountains with a pocket-sized bed as our partner!
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Yosuke
People who act with just one backpack with the motto of "as light as possible" so that they don't get inconvenient.
From spring to autumn, I chase after char deep in the mountains and go fishing in the mountain stream. We walked the mountains in search of spectacular views that cannot be seen from the ground. Camping to be healed by the bonfire. Snowboarding is a floating mountain with a mountain of silver.
A freelance writer who has been enjoying the outdoors for over 20 years and enjoying the outdoors in his own way all year round. Based on my experience writing articles for more than dozens of outdoor web media, I will be sharing my own experiences and tools that I have been using.