NEMO NEMO Tensor Review 2019

NEMO Tensor Overview

I was told never to settle on three things in life: my mate, my career, and my mattress. Granted my parents told me the first two and a mattress salesman told me the third, but I still find guidance in those words today. I feel like I’ve got the first two dialed in, but the “perfect” sleeping pad eludes me to this day.

If you’re like me and still on the hunt for your best night’s sleep, then look out for the NEMO Tensor sleeping pad. Featuring ultralight fabrics, heat-reflecting technology, one of the most stable sleep surfaces I’ve ever tried, and three inches of plush comfort, the NEMO Tensor could very well check off one of your life’s goals.

You’ll find the NEMO Tensor 20R in hot competition with many pads, including self-inflating pads and air pads, but we found it’s unique and dialed-in features top notch, while also being competitively priced.

This makes the NEMO Tensor 20R our Classic Pick for the Wilderness Backpacker.

A good night’s sleep is crucial for success on the trail. Check out our comprehensive guide to sleeping pads to find (and understand) your dream mattress, and read the full NEMO Tensor review below. Your back will thank you in the end.

Update: We tested the NEMO Tensor in 2017 (technically the Tensor 20R Mummy, which indicates the width, shape, and insulation of the pad). NEMO is updating the pad in 2019 with a redesigned flat valve, which looks to be much more functional than the previous valve. The pad is a tad lighter, includes a pump sack, and has a slightly more refined look. Overall we think these improvements are excellent, and still recommend the Tensor (and all its variations).

NEMO Tensor 20R Mummy Specifications

Gear Review of the NEMO Tensor

Origins: Easing You In

I’ve been told I have an old soul (whatever that means). I’m pretty sure, though, that I have an old everything. I like to go to bed early, I enjoy “Antiques Roadshow,” and hearty soups are high on my list of favorite things. When it comes to sleeping in the backcountry, I’m no less crotchety: I’ve gone through so many sleeping pads in the pursuit of the Holy Grail that I’ve lost count of how many I’ve woken up on with a stiff back.

Naturally, when I picked up the NEMO Tensor 20R, I was incredulous that this sleeping pad would be any different. It’s my job to be impartial when writing gear reviews, but my spine has its own agenda and better funding in swing districts. With an open mind and a full pack, I took the Tensor on two overnight trips in the local mountains in hopes of attaining my two loftiest goals: restful sleep and a hearty dehydrated soup.

The NEMO Tensor 20R mummy sleping pad still in its case.

My second hike took me to Bear Trap Camp and was truly pleasant. The spring days were warm and breezy, and the nights were crisp and serene. My first hike to Sheep Camp, however, was quite the opposite with sub-freezing temperatures, gusting wind, and a surprise ice storm. This made for some good gear testing.

Revelation: The Moment I Knew

After a cold, gusty hike up the foothills of Mount Piños, I settled in at Sheep Camp, one of the highest camps in Los Padres National Forest at 8,400 feet. I setup my tent with much protest from the wind and arranged my bedding for the night. After a quick rehydrated meal, the clouds moved into camp and I made my way to the tent.

The setup. Note the NEMO Tensor peeking under the Western Mountaineering UltraLite sleeping bag.

I was tired from the hike in and from being at altitude, but I couldn’t sleep. (Yes, 8,400 feet is “at altitude” when you live 10 minutes from the beach.) Even though I found a decent spot to put my tent, the large tree branches above made me anxious enough to fend off sleep. After an hour of reading I turned off my headlamp and attempted sleep in earnest. Through the night the wind picked up and the temperature fell.

The thermometer on my watch read 25 degrees Fahrenheit for most of the night. My sleeping bag was rated to 20 degrees, but the Tensor is only rated for 30-40 degrees. (NEMO doesn’t use R-Values, but general temperature ranges). My legs were cold, and my frustration grew as I realized I had misjudged the weather.

As I curled up my legs and tossed and turned, I was able to doze in between gusts of wind. My sleeping bag helped with the cold, and the Tensor’s comfort in any position kept me relatively happy as I battled the elements for some solid shuteye. From lying on my back, to flopping on my stomach, and settling on my side, the Tensor stayed with me and kept me sane through the night. It’s a three-inch pad when fully inflated, which feels like a deluxe mattress out in the woods. And the quilted baffle pattern emulates a true mattress.

A quilted baffle pattern and three inches of air were key to comfort during a frigid night.

This was the moment I knew the Tensor was packing serious comfort and was going to be stiff competition for my chiropractic praise.

Digging Deeper

The NEMO Tensor 20R is another in NEMO’s growing line of equipment inspired by tried and true designs but with innovative twists.

The Tensor’s fabric is a 20-denier polyurethane-coated polyester ripstop. This relatively low denier reduces weight and increases packability while maintaining its strength and durability. The silky smooth fabric is comfortable to lie on directly when relaxing around camp.

An inviting bed wherever you happen to be.

NEMO uses unique “undulating lateral baffles” that are spaced closely to create a flatter surface that feels more like a normal mattress. I found the quilting more stable and comfortable than pads I’ve used with large longitudinal baffles.

I’ve gotten used to a 25-inch wide sleeping pad for my personal gear. I don’t mind the minor weight penalty since it gives me a little more wiggle room and lets me put my arms at my side while sleeping. At 20 inches wide, which is standard for most regular sleeping pads, I found my arms falling off the side of the Tensor 20R when sleeping on my back. (Note that the “20R” in the name specifies the width and length of the pad). I won’t dock NEMO any serious points for this, however, as the Tensor series does feature 25-inch wide insulated and uninsulated models.

This is a 20-inch width pad with a tapered mummy shape. You can see it’s not heavily tapered. If you want a larger Tensor, consider the 25-inch width model.

Even though the Tensor 20R was narrower in the torso than I prefer, the mummy shape I tested is dialed and I appreciated it. The sleeping pad maintains its width for most of its length. When it begins to narrow near the knee area it only tapers slightly to about 16 inches by time it reaches the end. This gave my feet more room to splay out without falling off of the edge and allowed for a more natural position when on my back. Some mummy models taper too dramatically and you end up with less usable sleep surface. The regular model is 20 inches all around.

NEMO rates the Tensor as comfortable down to 30 degrees Fahrenheit, and it works to this limit as promised. Sleeping in temperatures down to the the mid-30s at Bear Trap Camp, I was cozy and warm in a 20-degree sleeping bag. Below 30 degrees I was feeling the chill. This is not an instance where the Tensor fell short. This accurate rating makes the Tensor 20R a great 2-3 season sleeping pad depending on the conditions you encounter most. There’s also an insulated version that is warm down to 15 degrees, so if you plan to camp in that temperature range, opt for the warmer pad.

Note the minimum temperature on the stuff sack. That’s an accurate measurement. If you plan to sleep below 30 degrees, spring for the insulated version of this pad.

Comfort

I found the Tensor 20R comfortable in every position. The three inches of padding supported me well and was thick enough to keep my shoulders and hips from touching the ground when sleeping on my side (an issue with thinner pads). I flop around like a sturgeon on a boat deck when I’m sleeping, but the Tensor’s quilted surface kept me from sliding off the pad in the middle of the night.

Not just comfortable at night.

Durability

The NEMO Tensor’s 20D fabric had me concerned about durability, but it did well even when camped on pine needles and lying on rocky sand. I like the design of the inflation valve, but it protrudes significantly. Many other brands like Big Agnes and Exped are moving to flat plug valves because twist and pull valves can rip off by accident, and are generally more snag-prone. Plugs make deflation quicker and easier, so for full durability points I’d want to see a flat valve on this pad.

The back of the pad is a different color, which usually means a thicker fabric. On the Tensor it’s still 20D fabric.

Deflation and Inflation

The two-step locking valve on the Tensor is a variation of the twist and pull, and makes inflation and deflation simple. Snap the valve closed to take a break between breaths or to release air and fine tune comfort while you are laying down. Turn the valve to lock it while you sleep and prevent accidental air release. The Tensor does not fully deflate without folding or rolling it, but it does so relatively quickly.

It took me 22 breaths and about 60 seconds to inflate the Tensor 20R at 8,4000 feet. I’m not sure if it was the cold temperatures or the valve itself, but the Tensor collected moisture inside which was visible through the light fabric. I hang my pads indoors to dry for a couple days after repeated use to reduce the possibility of mildew. Fortunately, the Tensor has a loop at the head for doing just that.

Packability

The Tensor 20R is one of the fastest pads to pack I’ve ever used. Its lightweight fabric makes rolling up the pad easy, and the included strap with hook-and-loop closure keeps the roll tight when placing it back in the stuff sack. When packaged, the Tensor 20R is about the size of a 32 ounce Nalgene bottle (the Gold Standard for comparing packability) and slides easily into my pack.

Although standard for most inflatable pads, it’s worth mentioning that the Tensor comes with a patch kit for field repairs. This is a must whether on an overnight or a thru-hike, especially when using pads with no foam or insulation.

The NEMO Tensor line includes the pad (in grey), the stuff sack, a patch kit, and the velcro strap for keeping the package small.

Grievances

Two grievances come to mind when considering the NEMO Tensor 20R: the valve and the crinkle factor.

The advanced design of the valve is practical and sets it apart from other brands, but why put it on top of the sleeping pad? It sticks up 1.5 inches above the sleeping surface and I found myself rolling onto it with my beautiful face, especially when lying on it without a sleeping bag, which I do often. I feel like the valve could easily be placed on the side of the pad.

The valve works well, but it’s on the top of the pad, rather than the edge. This is awkward when rolling around in the night.

And now to the crinkle factor. Even after all of the sleeping pads I’ve owned and tried, I never had one with metallic heat reflector technology. The Tensor reminded me why: the crinkle! The Tensor isn’t the original or main offender with the crinkle (that honor goes to the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite), but where does the madness end? I wasn’t woken up by the noise of the heat reflecting panels, but I did find it irritating every time I turned over.

This is an issue of debate among backpackers — do you care about the crinkle, or not? And does your tent-mate care about it? This really comes down to personal preference, but note that pads with the metallic heat reflector technology will crinkle.

Final Word

The NEMO Tensor 20R competes as the lightest pad on the market, has three inches of plush comfort, and packs down to the size of a water bottle. It’s comfortable and packable — every backpacker’s dream. While it may not get my parents off my back, it will make my backcountry mornings more enjoyable. And isn’t that what life’s really about?

Where to Buy NEMO Tensor

A NEMO Tensor 20R Mummy sleeping pad was tested for the review. When broken down, that name means the Tensor pad (yellow in color) with a 20 inch width, in a size regular (72″ long), in the “uninsulated” version. Nemo offers the Tensor line in many other varieties: a Rectangular pad with a 20- and 25-inch width, Small and Large sizes, and insulated and uninsulated versions. While we think the Mummy shape in a 20-inch variety is what most backpackers will prefer, the number of options are part of the reason we love this pad. You can get the right pad for you. Get the uninsulated version if you do 2-season backpacking, and the insulated version if you plan for 4-season backpacking or always want to be warm.

Below you’ll find various versions of the NEMO Tensor line. Make sure to select the correct model when buying the sleeping pad.

Seb Cancino

Seb devotes their energy to hiking, backpacking, camping, and cycling in the mountains and deserts of the western USA. Their favorite trek was a thru-hike of the Big SEKI Loop in Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park, and they are planning a thru-hike of the Pacific Northwest Trail in 2021. Peek on their Instagram to see where their latest adventures are taking them!