Jump to: Our Verdict / Features / Specifications
This mat is a serious contender for ultralight backpackers unwilling to sacrifice comfort. Incredibly light, impressively supportive, and blissfully quiet—it’s a premium choice for those who count every gram.
Nemo says:
The lightest Tensor ever made, Tensor™ Elite is NEMO`s sleeping pad solution for hyper-streamlined hikers. Offered only in gram-shaving mummy silhouettes, the 2.4 R-value pad is made using 10D CORDURA® nylon to protect from punctures and insulated with a single layer of Thermal Mirror™ film for an ethereal 235-gram weight. Made using our innovative Apex™ baffle system, Tensor Elite boasts the even weight distribution and stable comfort the pad series is known for — but does so while using less material. At 3 inches thick, Tensor Elite still provides plenty of plush cushioning and is whisper-quiet all night long, proving that you don`t need to sacrifice quality sleep when you`re on the trail. Like all NEMO air pads, this one is outfitted with a Laylow™ valve that pairs with the included Vortex™ pump sack for easy, rapid inflation. (Tensor Elite can be inflated without Vortex, too — but we promise it`s a worthwhile addition of just a couple ounces.)
Our Verdict
The Nemo Tensor Elite Short Mummy Sleeping Mat is one of the lightest full-length inflatable mats available, delivering impressive comfort for its weight.
At just 268g, it’s hard to overstate how feathery this mat feels in your pack. The 10D nylon fabric keeps it incredibly light while offering reasonable durability—though care is needed on rough ground. At 8cm thick, it provides more cushioning than many ultralight options, and the baffle design offers a stable, supportive surface that’s especially comfortable for side sleepers. Unlike some competitors, it’s also remarkably quiet, so there’s no irritating rustling every time you move.
With an R-value of 2.4, it’s warm enough for most three-season conditions, though additional insulation may be needed for colder nights. Inflation is quick and effortless thanks to the included Vortex pump sack—arguably one of the most efficient on the market—saving your breath while keeping moisture out of the mat.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
Features
- 2.4 R-value offers comfortable warmth for three-season use.
- Custom-made 10D CORDURA® nylon shaves grams while protecting from punctures.
- Apex™ baffle construction uses less material while still providing even weight distribution and stability.
- Included Vortex™ pump sack is made from the same lightweight material as the pad and provides a speedy inflation method that reduces the amount of moisture introduced in the pad
- Offered only in trim mummy silhouettes to minimize weight.
- Protected by the NEMO Lifetime Warranty.
- Updated zero-profile, micro-adjustable Laylow™ valve is made with softer TPU and easier to operate in any condition.
Specifications
- Weighs: 268g (Ex Bag)
- Packed Size: 5.5 x 3.0 in dia / 14 x 8 cm dia
- Dimensions: 72 x 20 x 3.0 in / 183 x 51 x 8 cm
- Sleeping Pad Thickness: 3 In
- R-Value: 2.4
- Shape: Mummy
- Temp Season: 3 Season
Material & Construction
- Sleeping Pad Fabric: 10D Cordura Nylon Ripstop
