Which is warmer for cold nights?

The NeoAir XLite NXT. Its R-value of 4.5 is rated for year-round use, while the Tensor Elite's 2.4 suits summer and warm-weather trips.

The XLite NXT has the tougher 30D shell, so it resists punctures better. The Tensor Elite's 10D fabric saves weight but needs more care. Some XLite NXT owners do report leaks, so carry the repair kit.

Is the Tensor Elite worth stepping up to for weight savings?

Only if you hike in warm conditions and count grams. It saves about 4.5 oz over the XLite NXT regular but gives up half the warmth and a thinner shell.

Which is more comfortable?

Both are 3 in thick. The XLite NXT comes in a 25 in wide and a 77 in large for bigger sleepers; the Tensor Elite is mummy-only and narrower.

The Tensor Elite packs to 3 x 5.5 in, smaller than the XLite NXT's 4.1 x 9 in regular.

Do either slip on tent floors?

Yes. Owners of the XLite NXT report sliding at night, and the Tensor Elite's smooth nylon has the same issue. A textured pad or a non-slip layer helps.

NEMO Tensor Elite Sleeping Pad vs Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT

The NeoAir XLite NXT is the better all-round pad: R-value 4.5 handles three-season and cold nights, and the 30D shell is tougher than the Tensor Elite's 10D. The Tensor Elite is the pick only for gram-counting fastpackers who sleep warm and accept an R-value of 2.4. Owners rate the XLite NXT well on comfort and warmth but report leaks and a slick surface; the Tensor Elite trades durability and warmth for its class-leading weight.

Choose the NEMO Tensor Elite if every ounce counts on summer trips and you sleep warm enough for an R-value of 2.4.
Choose the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT if you want one pad for three seasons and cold nights, with a tougher shell and more size options.

Prices

NEMO Tensor Elite Sleeping Pad: $159.99 at eBay (last seen Nov 9)
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT: $149.99 at eBay (last seen Nov 9)
Difference: the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT is $10.00 cheaper than the NEMO Tensor Elite Sleeping Pad at the latest prices (Nov 9)

	NEMO Tensor Elite Sleeping Pad	Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT
Weight (regular)	8.5 oz	13 oz
R-value (warmth)	2.4, summer and warm-weather use	4.5, rated for year-round use
Shell fabric	10D Cordura nylon ripstop, thin and puncture-prone	30D ripstop HT nylon, more abrasion-resistant
Packed size	3 x 5.5 in	4.1 x 9 in
Size range	Short and regular mummy, plus regular wide	Short, regular, regular wide and large (77 in)
Valve and inflation	Standard valve, stuff sack included	WingLock one-way valve with micro-adjust, pump sack and repair kit included
Surface grip	Smooth nylon, can slide on tent floors	Smooth nylon, owners report sliding at night
Noise	Quiet aluminized film construction	83% quieter than the previous model, but some owners still notice it

Spec	NEMO Tensor Elite Sleeping Pad	Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT
Weight	8.5 oz. (regular mummy), 8.3 oz. without the st…	13 oz.
R-value	2.4	4.5
Thickness	3"	3″
Lengths Available	Regular mummy (72") and short mummy (63")	Short (66"), Regular (72"), Large (77")
Width	20"	Regular (20"), Wide (25")
Packed Size	3" x 5.5"	4.1" x 9" (regular)
Shell Fabric	10D Cordura nylon ripstop	30D ripstop HT nylon
Insulation Type	Aluminized film	ThermaCapture aluminized foil
Sizes	Mummy (Short, Regular, Regular Wide)	Regular Short, Regular, Regular Wide, Large
Inflatable	Yes	Yes
Color	Titanium, Aluminium, Gray	Yellow, Gold
Regular	—	mummy, 20 x 72 in

Spec	NEMO Tensor Elite Sleeping Pad	Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT
Regular Wide	—	mummy, 25 x 72 in
Large	—	mummy, 25 x 77 in
Pad Thickness	—	3 inches
Weight (lb)	—	0.8
Length (")	—	72.0

NEMO Tensor Elite Sleeping Pad vs Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT

Prices

NEMO Tensor Elite Sleeping Pad vs Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT

Prices

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT

What separates them

Price history

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