About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the sleeping pad, which I purchased with my own money in June of 2022.

My take

The Nemo Tensor Alpine sleeping pad is designed for winter backpackers of any skill level. It’s light and compact for backpacking or thru-hiking. Having an R-Value of 4.8, I know I will always be warm at night and not feel the cold ground.

About the sleeping pad I own

• Model: 2022 Nemo Tensor Alpine Sleeping Pad
• Size: Long wide

Test conditions

• When I bought it: June 2022
• Days tested: 5
• Pack: 2015 Osprey Aether 70L
• Total pack weight: 50 lbs
• Used for Tent camping, backpacking
• Where I’ve used it: Mt. Rose Wilderness; Chickadee Ridge; Toiyabe National Forest, Nevada; Desolation Wilderness, Lake Aloha, California
• Seasons I’ve used it in: Summer

About me

• Height: 6’1’’ / 184 cm
• Weight: 200 lbs / 90 kg
• Experience: 16 years of camping/backpacking and founder of Tahoe Adventurers, a non-profit that brings people outdoors

How it performs

What I was looking for

Back in 2016, I made a trip to Torres Del Paine, Patagonia, Chile. At that time I was in a hurry to fit in as many activities during my trip. However, I didn’t get enough time to do the famous W-Trek. Recently I started making plans to tackle it with some upgraded gear that was going to be lightweight, durable, weather resistant, and packable. For my sleeping pad, I started looking for two key features: comfort and an R-value of minimum 3+. I wanted a sleeping pad that can be used in any condition but would also provide me a good night’s sleep.

Why I chose this gear

The Nemo Tensor Alpine sleeping pad offers a great R-value with quality that is to be expected from Nemo. I loved using the vortex pump sack; with a few quick, simple breaths I can inflate the pad. Some other pads I was considering were the Nemo Quasar Long Wide which has a lower R-value, but is more comfortable by offering more thickness and less noise at night.

What I love about it

• Weight: For weighing only 1lb 4oz, I felt this pad was within a very acceptable range within sleeping pads of this quality. It includes a stuff sack, repair kit, and velcro strap.
• Packability: I was pleased with the packability of the Tensor. It compresses down to the size of my Hydroflask 32oz bottle. Nemo includes a velcro strap to keep the pad compact.
• Insulation and R-Value: I’m very happy with the insulation from the Tensor. Having a good sleeping bag helps retain the heat, but pads are not meant to retain heat so much but make a barrier between the cold ground and one sleeping on top. Having a 4.8 R-value gives a lot of versatility to the pad, not just for winter camping.
• Comfort: With three inches of thickness, the Tensor Alpine is quite a comfortable sleeping pad, even for side sleepers. Helping out my waist, shoulders, or elbows from feeling the bottom of the ground.
• Shape: Nemo offers a Regular Mummy and a Long Wide. In my case, using the Long Wide version was perfect, as I’m 6’1’’. After a long hike, I want to sleep in comfort.
• Noise: Normally with sleeping pads of high R-Value I would hear a lot of noise while moving at night, however, the three internal, aluminized reflective liners don’t make the crinkly sound I have heard in other sleeping pads on the market.
• Features: The Tensor has an inflate and deflate valve that is great for bleeding our air or opening it wide for rapid deflation. It is also intuitive to inflate in no time to enjoy a well-earned rest.
• Ease of use: Included is the Vortex pump sack which helps inflate it in 5–6 breaths instead of 20–30. Once done inflating the pad, just close the valve and fold the pump sack away into your backpack. Easy, quick, and barely any effort to inflate a Long Wide sleeping pad compared to many other brands.
• Backpacking: It’s a great pad for backpacking in any conditions, it’s lightweight, packable, comfortable, and barely makes any noise.
• Mountaineering The R-value of the Tensor will keep the cold away from me no matter how much snow there is below me.
• Thru-Hiking: The Tensor Alpine is a versatile option that can be paired perfectly with any sleeping bag. Its packability makes it a great option to throw in my backpack.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Durability The Tensor uses a 20D PU-coated polyester that is soft to touch but also makes it very durable for an inflatable pad. Nemo also includes a repair kit in case of any misfortune. So far I haven’t had any significant issues, but like all inflatable pads, it has the risk of tearing or popping in one spot. Always need to make sure the ground is clear of anything that could damage the pad.
• Comfort: I wish we could see a Tensor Alpine in a 3.5-inch or even 4-inch version. It would increase comfort for side sleepers such as myself, specifically in the hip area.

Favorite moment with this gear

I loved not feeling the cold from the ground and getting a great night rest before summiting Mt. Rose, Nevada. Compared to many of my friends in the adventure group that I lead, I slept great. In fact, the Tensor Alpine is the pad I see myself using in future expeditions that demand extra insulation.

Value for the money vs. other options

The Tensor Alpine is more expensive than a few other options, but again, when I buy a Nemo product I know I am buying quality and a lifetime warranty, which gives me comfort of mind when purchasing a pad like this. I would compare the Tensor Alpine to the Exped Downmat HL sleeping pad. However, the Downmat HL has a much higher R-value but is also heavier and noisier.

Final verdict

The Nemo Tensor Alpine Sleeping Pad is a great pad I can take on any adventure and will allow me to have a very comfortable night. It’s worth every penny and I’m looking forward to using it on my adventure to Patagonia!