Sleeping on the unforgiving ground in a tent doesn’t always lend itself to a good nights rest. Finding a way to get comfortable on the ground has always been a challenge for me. As much as I love hiking and camping, a solution had to be found in order for me to continue enjoying an overnight in the woods. A history of shoulder injuries incurred while serving in the Ranger Regiment, along with side sleeping as my preference, the best option seemed to be an inflatable sleeping pad. A couple of years ago, I found the Cosmo Lite sleeping pad from Nemo Equipment as a great way to get through the night sleeping on the ground. A new offering from Nemo for 2017, in addition to an already healthy line-up of sleeping pads, is the Tensor Field Insulated pad.

With the hunter, angler or outdoor guide in mind, the Tensor Field Insulated sleeping pad brings a more durable product to market. Featuring a 30D coated Polyester RipStop bottom and 20D top fabric, this lightweight sleeping pad weighs only 1 lb 3 oz. for the 20×76″ version. A shorter 20×72″ version is also available weighing 1 lb. 1 oz. Adding a coating to the bottom fabric greatly increases the sleeping pads durability when used on the bare ground. Which it’s designed and intended to do. Especially when paired with Nemos minimalist Spike shelters that don’t offer a floor. Nemo refers to the new color offering as “Stalker Dark”. A color that both blends into the wooded environment and wouldn’t look out-of-place in a tactical environment.

Tensor is the term that identifies Nemos new Spaceframe baffles. These baffles physically connect the top and bottom layers of the 3″ pad with a truss style design. Ensuring a stable, comfortable sleeping surface. Additionally, a Thermal Mirror layer is added to the interior of the pad located close to the ground. Finally, with a layer of Primaloft synthetic insulation on top, this insulated sleeping pad is rated to temperatures as low as 10-20F. Also included with the Tensor Field Insulated pad is a velcro strap for keeping it rolled up, a field repair kit and stuff sack. Measuring in at 8″x4″when rolled up, this compact sleeping pad is only slightly larger than a Nalgene bottle. Leaving you no excuse for not packing it along on your next journey.

Nemo Tensor Field Insulated Specifications courtesy of nemoequipment.com

• Minimum weight: 1 lb 3 oz / 540 g
• Minimum Temp. Zone: 10 to 20F / -12 to -7C
• Shape: Rectangular
• Width: 20 in / 51 cm
• Length: 76 in / 193 cm
• Thickness: 3 in / 8 cm
• Insulation Type: PrimaLoft and Aluminized Film
• Packed Size: 8 x 4 in dia / 20 x 9.5 cm dia
• Fabric: 20D/30D PU Polyester Ripstop
• Color: Stalker Dark
• MSRP: $179.95

Having spent several nights on some of Nemos finest sleeping pads, I can say with confidence that they manufacture some of the best outdoor products on the market. I swear by and own Nemo Equipment tents, shelters, sleeping bags, sleeping pads and accessories. It’s very clear that this is a company that spends a lot of time researching and developing their products. And they stand behind those products with a Lifetime Warranty. So take a look at the equipment on their website then get outside and enjoy nature.

Items pictured: Deuter ACT Lite 65-10 Pack, Nemo Spike 2P shelter, Nemo Nocturne 30 sleeping bag, MTM Vulture watch.

This article was originally published on the Loadout Room and written by Erik Meisner