Both the Z Lite and the Switchback are effective for this purpose, but we like Therm-a-Rests transparency a bit more. The outer reflective layer dulls with use, even if it never touches the ground. Im a sucker for gear that can multitask. A regular sleeping pad packs down to 20" x 5.5" x 5". Members get an estimated 10% back on this item as a part of your annual Co-op Member Reward . Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. While the NEMO Switchback is in many respects a knock-off of the Z Lite Sol, it is a comparable knock-off, which is a pretty impressive feat, if you think about the engineering and design that goes into making high-quality foam products on an industrial scale. Joking aside, a massive benefit to the Switchback is that you can just chuck it down without any Wim Hof Everest prep breath work. Just at 14.5 ounces, this isn't too bad for a pad that retails at half of what nearly any inflatable pad would cost. Therm-A-Rest Neo-Air XTherm . Sea to Summit Comfort Plus SI Mat $89.99 . If a small fraction of an ounce matters that much to you, perhaps try taking a pair of scissors and rounding out the corners of whichever pad you choose. Is the extra .15 thickness meaningful? Unfortunately, neither Therm-a-Rest nor NEMO were able to provideany data about long-term performance degradation, particularly R-value, but expect that the warmth and comfort wont be the same at the end of a thru-hike as they were on day one. The boosted comfort might be the most important difference, but I appreciate the better-than-advertised weight and packed-size. Who knows. We like closed-cell foam pads for their versatility - they can be used underneath an air pad for extra warmth, they double as a sit pad, and they can even serve as a make-shift frame for a frameless backpack. Most Comfortable Sleeping Pad: NEMO Tensor. Practically speaking, most backpacks come equipped with one or more ways to strap bulky gear to the outside that are perfect attachment points for keeping a CCF pad handy. R-value: NEMO doesnt list R value, but they estimate this pad to be good down to 20-35 F (we wouldnt recommend it for sub-freezing temps). About the gear Model: 2021 Nemo Switchback Size: Regular Test conditions Nice, Im stoked that the NEMO worked out for you! Unfortunately, comfort does degrade with use, and both the Z Lite and Switchback are susceptible. Lightweight: At just under one pound, the Z Lite and Switchback qualify as ultralight sleeping pads. Runner Up Overall: Sea to Summit UltraLight Insulated. It weighs more than the Squeeze for sure (~8oz vs. ~3oz), but depending on my mood and the type of trip, I think its worth it. QUICK SPECS MSRP (regular size): $54.95 Weight (reg. New backpacking videos,trip reports,gear reviews,inspiring stories and more. I caught this fellow hiker coming around a bend and boy does he make a great prop! Insulation boost: check, Ive read about many hammockers such as yourself having success pairing CCF with their setup. Get free shipping on orders over $49, only at Moosejaw. I think youll find that you learn things pretty quickly just by getting outside and seeing what works best for you. They say the Switchback is effective all the way down to 20F, but we wouldnt recommend any closed-cell foam pad for sub-freezing temperatures (below 32F). NEMO Switchback Sleep Pad Specs Weight: 14.5 oz. Below we'll break down the best sleeping pads of both disciplines for 2022. The Switchback pad is 0.15 inches thicker than the Z Lite and weighs 0.5 ounces more with the Z Lite Sol coming in at 14 ounces and the Switchback pad at 14.5 ounces. Sleeping pad R-values are also additive, so you can stack two sleeping pads to create enough insulation to sleep on snow in winter. Bulk: These pads, even with their ingenious and satisfying nesting-egg-carton accordion form, are huuuge when packed. Get more info about buying this just for members item. Dimensions (L x W x H, reg. Meanwhile, the Switchback has endured the same wear and has kept its thickness so far. A strong competitor for other heat reflective foam pads. Nemo Switchback Specs Type: Foam Weight: 0 lbs 14 oz R Value: 2.0 Thickness: 0.9 in Volume: 09.0 L Features Pad Thickness: 0.9 in Sleeping Pad Shape: Rectangular Metalized Thermal Reflective Film Reflects Heat Back To Your Body Watch Our Review On YouTube BEST FOAM SLEEPING PAD I cant recommend bleach. With extended use, the foam will compress, the comfort-giving dimples will flatten, and the heat-reflecting shine will dull. tax. Having each filter explained helps a ton since it seems that there are (understandably) pros and cons to each of them but from what it sounds like the Sawyer Squeeze ranks supreme in your opinion? This pad features hexagonal nodes molded with our dual-density Axiotomic foam to create Hypnoelastic zones that conform to your body in a perfect balance of comfort and support. Country of origin: USA, MSRP: $49.95 Shop Now Specs at a Glance Type: Closed-Cell Foam R-Value: 2 (updated January, 2020) Thickness: 0.9 in / 2.3 cm Weight: 14.5 oz / 415 g Switchback features hexagonal nodes, which are molded with a our dual-density Axiotomic foam to create Hypnoelastic zones that conform to your body in a perfect balance of comfort and support. Does that extra inch matter when the pad is strapped to the outside of a backpack? the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, This pad boasts an excellent value in a light and compact package, An effective pad that offers decent three season warmth in a very lightweight package, An ultra light and ultra cheap option for your next backpacking trip. She was always either covered in dirt or high up in a tree. Cutting out enough to go from shoulders to hips could leave you with only a seven ounce pad! From the Stargaze Recliner a camping chair that rocks and leans back for stargazing to ultralight tents that make ounce-counters happier, the brand has pushed the design envelope since it first started. If you can get away with using a CCF pad, the rewards you reap will be many. 30 days return policy 100% money back. However, I was skeptical that I would be able to notice any difference at all between the Z Lite and Switchback, so I enlisted the help of my partner, SpiceRack, to conduct a very scientific blind comfort test. Free Canada-wide shipping on orders over $49.99* 0 Items. NEMO redefined the classic closed-cell foam sleeping pad to deliver more thickness and plush comfort in an industry-leading packed size. That said, having an ultralight kit and backpack that utilizes a closed-cell pad as structure and padding for the back would be an excellent strategy with this pad. Its acceptably comfortable used without any other insulation. NEMO redefined the classic closed-cell foam sleeping pad to deliver more thickness and plush comfort in an industry-leading packed size. I definitely prefer the Switchback, but the Z Lite Sol is still trail-worthy. Maybe you carried one yourself. Read more. Thanks! Our experts test thousands of products each year. Packed size (L x W x H, reg. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. NEMO redefined the classic closed-cell foam sleeping pad to deliver more thickness and plush comfort in an industry-leading packed size. You can easily unsubscribe at any time. I really appreciate how thorough and detailed this review is. To start with a big caveat, closed-cell foam pads are not even on the same planet when it comes to overall comfort and the Switchback is no different. NEMO uses two types of foam in the Switchback, a softer foam that comes in contact with your body and a more durable foam that reduces pad compression over time, while Therm-a-Rest uses just one type of foam in the Z Lite Sol. Color: Sunset Orange, Fabric/Material: PE Foam, Packed Size: 20.0 x 5.0 x 5.5 in, Application: Camping, Weight: 14.6 oz, Bag Shape: Rectangular, Sleeping Bag Size: Regular, Short, Temperature Rating: 20 F/35 F, Packed size (measured): 20 x 5.5 x 5 inches (20 x 5.4 x 5 inches) 7.2R, 2.5" loft, 15 oz. This pad features hexagonal nodes molded with our dual-density Axiotomic foam to create Hypnoelastic zones that conform to your body in a perfect balance of comfort and support. It's not uncomfortable in every situation, and it does have the added bonus of an ultrafast setup and tear-down time. It folds down to 5.4 inches, unaided. It sounds great at first, with a faster flow-rate than the Squeeze, but then slows down with use, as do all filters including the Squeeze. For many years, the Z Lite remained the unchallenged monarch of the CCF market and thus came to define the genre. We independently buy, test, and rate all the products we review. It just doesnt seem like a good idea to me. However, its insulation power is boosted by NEMO's hexagonal node pattern and heat-reflective film, so it exceeded our expectations in practice and had no trouble keeping up with our other closed-cell foam pad, the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL . 2021 NEMO Equipment, Inc. All Rights Reserved, 950 ? Your email address will not be published. Ive only ever used a shortened CCF pad to supplement my inflatable. Mine made it through the whole PCT, but my Micro broke catastrophically after 500 miles on the CDT. Lightweight backpacking video guides and reviews of the best ultralight tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, stoves, and more. The superior pad in this category is the Switchback. The NEMO Switchback has specs very similar to those of the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL, and if you've seen both pads, the similarities are hard to overlook. This is a good pad for thru hikers, mountaineers, climbers, and anyone who doesn't want to risk a . See our full review here: https://www.cleverhiker.com/blog/outdoor-research-helium-rain-jacket-amp-pants-review, Need a gift for the outdoorsy person in your life? Best for Comfort: Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated. The age of the bleach is also an important variable. All my other work for The Trek can be found on my author page (linked under the picture in my bio). I have one of these and I love it. If you're boarding the ultralight boat, consider this; each segment of the Switchback weighs about an ounce, and cutting the pad down is easy. Thanks again for your time and help, I know Im overanalyzing this so forgive my absurd amount of questions! GARAGE-GROWN-GEAR: Take 30% Off the Gossamer Gear Silverback 65 backpack at Garage Grown Gear. R-value: 2.0 Uberlite didn't make the list since the R value seems too . NEMO Switchback MSRP (regular size ): $49.95 Weight (reg. Inexpensive: CCF sleeping pads are the cheapest available. Sleeping pads are a crucial piece of gear. Got feedback? So which do you choose? The NEMO Switchback is new for 2019 (see our full review here) and has brought some long overdue updates to the closed-cell foam pad market with its superior comfort and packability. I think that filtering water will always be a lame chore. Here are some popular resources to check out: Best Stoves, Food, Water Filters, Jackets & More: CleverHiker Gear Guide. . GearLab is commited to honest, objective, reviews. The NEMO Switchback is a accordion-style foam sleeping pad that folds together for compact storage. As for price, the Z Lite costs around $5 cheaper depending on size (the Z Lite Sol does come in more sizes whereas the Switchback comes in only two). Also, Im willing to admit that I may undervalue the environmental benefits of manufacturing in the USA rather than in South Korea. Above all, Owen(he/him) loves burritos. Add to cart. R-value: NEMO doesn't list R value, but they estimate this pad to be good down to 20-35 F (we wouldn't recommend it for sub-freezing temps) Dimensions (L x W x H, reg. The dual-density foam of this Switchback isnt as supportive after extensive use, but it still works after I took scissors to it. If you enjoyed this article, you'll probably like the CleverHiker Gear Guide as well. No "sponsored" content. 2021 NEMO Equipment, Inc. All Rights Reserved, 950 ? This doesnt seem like a big problem to me on shorter trips, but the soft containers will surely fail at some point during a longer hike and might be hard to replace. When do you need a pad with a higher R-value? Those bumps might just look like your standard egg-crate design, but this pad features a precision-cut layout that's optimized for plush comfort and small packed size when folded. Benefits include great gear offers, special pricing on events and an annual Co-op Member Rewardfor life. Therm-a-Rest instructs using the Z Lite reflective side-up. I think the big criticism with the Katadyn is that it is not compatible with standard-thread bottles like the Squeeze. So, who should consider the Switchback Ultralight? Ive heard similar sentiments that despite the drop in weight and convenience, it doesnt hold up for long treks. It also turns the whole pad into a heat sponge that retains body warmth. The Switchback is their version of the Z-Lite sleeping pad from Therm-a-Rest. Kuma Outdoor Athabasca -8C Sleeping Bag $89.00. The Switchbacks nodes are taller and wider and have more room to compress. Conversely, inflatable pads cant handle punctures but will maintain performance and comfort for many years if leaks are avoided. NEMO Switchback Sleeping Pad The NEMO Switchback Sleeping Pad is slightly thicker than the Z Lite SOL. It's got insulated layers to fend off cold but it'll do you well to bring along extra padding if you're camping during the winter. Rain Jackets: How to Make your DWR Last Longer. MSRP: $49.95 Weight: 14.5oz Dimensions: 72 x 20 x 0.9 in / 183 x 51 x 2 cm (Short version available: 51 x 20 x 0.9 in / 130 x 51 x 2 cm) Packed Size: 20.0 x 5.0 x 5.5 in / 51 x 13 x 14 cm Materials: Axiotomic dual-density foam, Metalized thermal reflective film Newly added to the collection, this rising star utilizes our body-mapped 3D baffling to gently cradle and keep you centered on the pad during the night. Switchback Insulated Vendor: NEMO. This can make it hard to compare the Switchback to other sleeping pads or decide what temperatures to use it in. Hiking during hunting season? It is available in two sizes, short (51 x 130 in / 130 x 51 cm) and regular (72 x 20 in / 183 x 51 cm); both are 0.7 in / 2 cm thick. The Nemo switchback is Nemo's take on the classic "Z" style folding foam pad. Comfort: This is the big one, the deal-breaker. Photo: Nemo. Chalk that discrepancy up to a broken ruler at Therm-a-Rest if you want. Foam pads are a great option for backpackers on a budget, as they generally cost no more than $50. No inflation or deflation required, just throw down and pass out. Regular price $119.95 USD Regular price Sale price $119.95 USD Unit price / per . Not only was this fun, but it was amazingly informative. Im also against long-term use of chemicals in my drinking water, period. However, my recommendation is to follow the manufacturer instructions. However, using my own scale, I found this to be the opposite of reality. While I didnt bottom out regardless of sleep position on the Z Lite or Switchback (Im a small dude, and results will vary), the Z Lite was significantly less friendly to my hip and ribcage while I was on my side. Do you have any thoughts on Steripens or on the Katadyn filter? If this happens with the bags included with the Squeeze (and it will, theyre terrible), you are virtually guaranteed to find a cheap bottle that will work for you. They can double, triple, or even quadruple as a sit pad, yoga mat, or pack back panel, and probably a bunch of other things that my tiny human brain cant imagine. Warmest Sleeping Pad: THERM-A-REST NEOAIR XTHERM. Gossamer Gear SitLight Camp Seat. NEMO also throws around some fancy terminology like hypnoelastic zone to legitimize their claim to superior comfort. So if the Z Lite and Switchback are so amazing, why are there so many inflatable sleeping pads on the market? The Short Version. Therm-a-Rest also uses the Higg Index to inform process improvements. Both the Z Lite and Switchback have a shiny, metallic layer on one side. Comment *document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "aaeaaf4eb20f5783fca49b5f53852848" );document.getElementById("je705695a8").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); BACKCOUNTRY.COM: Shop the Winter Clearance! The switchback is a better pad than the Zlite. This table is based on Expeds recommendations in Fahrenheit and Celsius degrees. Viruses can be an issue with international travel. . More important than the differences is that they both allow us to get out a do cool things, like hike the CDT. Cutting it to cover just your hips and shoulders would leave you with a pad weighing in at only about seven ounces and packs down quite small. Weight (measured): 14 ounces (14.4 ounces) Thats the bad part. The NEMO Switchback Sleeping Pad is an ultralight sleeping pad made for all-season camping and backpacking. For that reason, they are almost always carried on the outside of a backpack, which is great for advertising, but terrible for looking sleek. Probably not, but I wish Therm-a-Rest would fix that dang ruler! BUY NEMO Equipment Switchback Ultralight Sleeping Pad. The Steripen does if used properly. Wind river part three. You have no items in your shopping cart. Lastly, NEMO does not use R-values for its temperature ratings. open = true : open = false" Closed-cell foam pads are generally considered ultralight, and the Switchback and Z Lite are no exception. Mile 100 on the Colorado Trail. The pattern also eliminates dead space and packs down smaller than the Z Lite Sol. While the overall comfort of the Switchback is extremely similar to other closed-cell foam pads, we did feel the spaced-out dimple pattern was more effective at cushioning than tightly spaced patterns. Disclosure: NEMO provided the author with a sleeping pad for this review. Other closed-cell pads with a similar foam/heat reflective film combo were nearly imperceptible in the differences felt with insulation. Closed-cell foam pads are great for any occasion, including this on-trail wedding in the Winds. I havent used a Steripen in about eight years, but I wasnt a huge fan and ended up returning mine. The Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol is coated on one side with an aluminum film like the Switchback. I havent written any water filter reviews yet, but I must say that the Sawyer Micro Squeeze should be avoided. Read more. The Switchback (left) packs down roughly an inch smaller than the Z Lite sol. 2023 Recreational Equipment, Inc. All rights reserved. Wellyou hit the nail on the head, Owen! Maybe I should revisit the technology to see how its progressed. I think it is definitely possible to complete the AT or a longer thru-hike while only using one of these sleeping pads. The Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads of 2023 #1 Thermarest NeoAir XTherm #2 Klymit Static V2 Big Agnes Insulated AXL Sleeping Pad #3 Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Air Sleeping Pad #4 Thermarest ProLite Plus #5 Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra (wide long) #6 Sea to Summit Comfort Plus SI Sleeping Pad #7 Exped MegaMat Duo 10 Sleeping Pad No one will call these pads compact. Whichever pad is currently on sale could be the deciding factor here. Packed size (L x W x H, reg. The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Dirigo 2 Dyneema Tent is a surprisingly sturdy trekking-pole-lofted triangle tent. ): 72 x 20 x .9 in. Additionally, after about a month of use, the egg cartons are showing a bit of collapse and degradation. www.hikefordays.com. I definitely recommend that if filtering water for more than one person, and I use it solo anyway because its so easy to use. The metallic film adds warmth by . And thanks for your perspective on bleach/chemical tablets, I totally understand where youre coming from with the downsides of using those long-term or on a thru-hike, I can see how that could be tricky territory. Multifunctional: The ruggedness of CCF, combined with the ease of access that comes with strapping a pad to the outside of a pack, make these pads convenient to whip out for trailside comfort throughout the day. How Much Should a Backpacking Tent Weigh? With either option, you can save $10 if youre willing to sacrifice 21 inches and four ounces by purchasing the short size. Best Budget Sleeping Pad: KLYMIT STATIC V LIGHTWEIGHT. Yes, there are definitely closed-cell pads that take up more space, but this is a significant consideration. Im 51, so I had to work around this by trimming the pad, as I wanted it to be even shorter and lighter. The contrast with the Z Lite or Switchback could not be starker. A high point is the lifetime warranty offered by Nemo, which could prove valuable if you accidentally rip it in half mid ashtanga on your next backpacking trip. For some backpackers, that is just barely enough. Weight (measured): 14.5 ounces (14.2 ounces) Thanks again for the great review! Warmth: Your sleeping pads ability to insulate you from the cold ground complements the temperature rating of your sleeping bag or quilt. Easy to Use: Save your breath. For comparison, many inflatable pads boast R-values closer to 4.0 or more. In North America the Sawyer (or most filters for that matter) will be perfectly fine. We did some serious side by side testing with the Switchback to see how it stacked up on solid rock slabs. Thanks for to compliments, Todd. If you need to transport your pad inside your pack, the Switchback may be a no go. 3.5R, 3" loft, 14 oz. Im mainly a stomach (sometimes side) sleeper so it had just the right amount of support and felt natural under my bag unlike my inflatable. Best Foam Pad: NEMO Switchback Best Sustainability: Big Agnes TwisterCane BioFoam Best Supplemental: Gossamer Gear Thinlight Full Reviews of the Best Sleeping Pads For Backpacking Best Backpacking Sleeping Pad - Overall Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT Sleeping Pad Price: $210 | Weight: 12.5 oz R-Value: 4.5 | R-Value/Weight: .36 To learn more, please visit the About This Site page. The NEMO Switchback is a full-size, insulated, foam sleeping pad that can be used by itself in three-season conditions or as additional insulation in winter conditions. Closed-cell Foam Pads NEMO NEMO Switchback Sleeping Pad 4.3 348 Reviews Item #141846 Product image (Skyburst) $44.95 - $54.95 Color: Skyburst Select a size $54.95 Regular $44.95 Quantity Ship to address FREE ($50 minimum) Shipping restrictions apply Pick up in store or curbsideFREE Find this item in store Add to cart Add to Wish List And congrats on making it 100 miles out there. Based on thickness alone, the Switchback appears to have a comfortable advantage. NEMO Switchback Sleeping Pad $44.95 - $54.95 Klymit Static V Sleeping Pad $48.71 $64.95 25% off. Thanks for your support! Premium Dual-Density Axiotomic Foam provides extra warmth and plushness to help you find a good night's rest in the field. Instead, the brand simply claims the Switchback Ultralight is rated down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. 4.2R, 2.5" loft, 12.5 oz. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. For others, it isnt even close. You help support OutdoorGearLab's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners. Then we took a look at the highest review scores that these two Sleeping Pads received. Overall, for three-season use, the Nemo Tensor Insulated is a compact sleeping pad that allows uniquely comfortable backcountry sleeping. If you can get away with the minimal comfort of a CCF sleeping pad, they really are a great option! The Switchback features hexagonal nodes, which are molded with Nemo's dual-density Axiotomic foam to create Hypnoelastic zones that conform to your body in a perfect balance of comfort and support. Copyright 2007-2023, SectionHiker.com and Fells Press LLC. Curiously, each company provides different instructions about which side points up, and which side hits the dirt. NEMO Tensor Sleeping Pad Regular Materials: Bluesign-approved, 100% recycled polyester; TPU film Length: 72 (a long version is also available) Width: 20 Thickness: 3 R-value: 4.2. Itll work in a pinch though, and I actually carried some on the CDT after my Sawyer Micro failed until I could find another filter. Would you say that the Sawyer is as effective as the Steripen claims to be regarding killing water-borne illnesses and viruses? Attached to the outside, it can snag on branches easily, highlighting a significant downside of all closed-cell pads, not just the Switchback. Switchback features hexagonal nodes, which are molded with our dual-density Axiotomic foam to create Hypnoelastic zones that conform to your body in a perfect balance of comfort and support. NEMO says the metallic film points to the ground. Even on my back and belly, the Switchback felt significantly thicker with more cushion than the Z Lite. Nemo's Switchback is the most high-tech closed-cell foam pad you can buy, with a hexagonal pattern that's 20 percent thicker than most . If you feel like you have to be too careful with your sleeping pad and want a camping mattress that you can throw on the ground and sit on, sleep on, or hang out on, a closed-cell foam pad is the best choice. We found that the Nemo Tensor Insulated managed to earn a rating of 9.1 from sectionhiker.com, whereas the REI Flash 3-Season got its highest, 10, score from reviewers at OutdoorGearLab. Our contributor and her team share the adventure racing gear it took to win the Patagonia Expedition Race, a rugged 600-km race across Patagonia, Chile.