Follow CleverHiker on Facebook to catch our latest updates & shares. We like that the Switchback packs smaller and stays folded even when not strapped down and were disappointed that Therm-a-Rests listed packed dimensions of the Z Lite seem to be inaccurate. They are the reason he wakes, the reason he hikes. GearLab is commited to honest, objective, reviews. With that said, based on the comfort test, the Switchback is starting at a place of higher comfort, so perhaps its thrashed comfort is better than that of the Z Lite. There are so many options out there and I imagine my LifeStraw just wont be sustainable on a thru-hike so Im on a hunt for something new. Other closed-cell pads with a similar foam/heat reflective film combo were nearly imperceptible in the differences felt with insulation. 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. Our experts test thousands of products each year. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support. . NEMO Switchback Ultralight Sleeping Pad (Regular Length) - redefined the classic closed-cell foam sleeping pad to deliver more thickness and plush comfort in an industry-leading packed size. Again, glad you enjoyed the CCF comparison article. In North America the Sawyer (or most filters for that matter) will be perfectly fine. Lets see how they compare on the things that matter. If you need to transport your pad inside your pack, the Switchback may be a no go. We've been sharing our passion for the outdoors since 1938. Dimensions (L x W x H, reg. C) Thermarest Neoair Xlite Regular Mummy. We did some serious side by side testing with the Switchback to see how it stacked up on solid rock slabs. I caught this fellow hiker coming around a bend and boy does he make a great prop! Its too early to tell for sure, but it also seems like it will be more durable in the long run. Thanks again for the awesome review, Im excited to check out some of your other reviews! His hunger drove him the length of the PCT in 2015, the CDT in 2019, and scatters him to wild places worldwide. Like the Z Lite Sol, one side of the pad is coated with aluminum to reflect your body heat back at you and keep you warmer. 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. Whatever the pad or size, these prices are hard to beat. It has a reflective coating to prevent body heat loss and keep you warmer. It's competitive in terms of price with the . ): 14.5 oz. Sleeping Pads Klymit Static V2 Review This pad boasts an excellent value in a light and compact package $66 at Amazon $70 at Backcountry Price: $70 List Manufacturer: Klymit By Brian Martin Review Editor Nov 5, 2019 61 OVERALL SCORE RANKED #10 of 15 Comfort - 30% 7.0 Weight and Packed Size - 30% 7.0 Warmth - 20% 2.0 Ease of Inflation - 10% 8.0 All in all, whether youre looking to get another foam pad or try something different, the NEMO Switchback Ultralight Sleeping Pad is a noteworthy, updated take on the classic foam sleeping pad. You can return the product for any reason within the 30 days. It comes down to personal preference, really. It is important to understand your own body and to look at your sleep system as a whole. She was always either covered in dirt or high up in a tree. Sleeping pads are a crucial piece of gear. Kuma Outdoor Athabasca -8C Sleeping Bag $89.00. The best sleeping pads are: Best Overall Sleeping Pad: NEMO TENSOR. The longer version of the Switchback weighs 14.5 oz vs 14.0 for the Z Lite. Mainly I didnt like carrying another electronic device (plus batteries). The NEMO Switchback is an accordion-style closed-cell foam sleeping pad that can be used as an ultralight pad by itself or to augment the warmth of a second sleeping pad when sleeping outdoors in colder weather. Disclosure: NEMO provided the author with a sleeping pad for this review. Shuksan's Fisher Chimney in Washington," one tester says. Both the Z Lite and Switchback have a shiny, metallic layer on one side. 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? A tough climb up to Indian Pass on the Continental Divide provided some pretty spectacular views. Sea to Summit Comfort Plus SI Mat $89.99 . An R-value of 2-3 is good for 3 season use, while an R-value of 5-6 is good for sleeping on snow. B) Nemo Tensor Insulated Regular Mummy. 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. Im a sucker for gear that can multitask. With Nemo's exclusive Hexagonal Nesting Pattern, you can fold it up, strap it to . The brand created a highly efficient hexagonal node pattern that provides taller and wider nodes than the Z Lite Sol. Like Therm-a-Rest, NEMO includes a metallic thermal reflective film. Durability: While CCF may be rugged, I hesitate to call it durable. 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 Rain Jackets: How to Make your DWR Last Longer. View the 348 reviews with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars. It can lose a lot of power with time, which again, makes it tough to know how much to use. When folded up (we had to hold the Z Lite down, because it has a habit of springing back up if you dont), the Z Lite measured 6.5 inches high and the Switchback measured 5.5 inches high (measured from the top of the tallest node to the ground). This can make it hard to compare the Switchback to other sleeping pads or decide what temperatures to use it in. The new pads were noticeably more supportive than our ratty Switchback sit pads that we carried, sat, and slept on for half of the CDT in 2019. How can we improve GearLab? 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. ): 72 x 20 x .9 in. Peace. I think the big criticism with the Katadyn is that it is not compatible with standard-thread bottles like the Squeeze. The Z Lite came in overweight at 14.4 ounces. This could make a difference over time as the nodes start to lose their ability to rebound after repeated compression. 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. This hexagonal pattern creates a nesting pattern that allows for . It packed down enough that I could fit it either on top or inside my pack. Rugged, not durable. Theyre usually strapped in under the top lid or in the side/bottom compression straps, which means they have to be moved every time you want to access your main compartment or they are blocking access to side pockets. Blend that with 15% more heat-trapping space, and this innovative new design is able to deliver a warmer, more comfortable sleep than other pads in this category. This is a point of pride for the company, as it says it benefits both the environment and product development. 2021 NEMO Equipment, Inc. All Rights Reserved, 950 ? Shes hiked thousands of miles on trails across America, including the Appalachian Trail, John Muir Trail, Colorado Trail, and Long Trail. 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). Spent some time out in Wyoming a few weeks ago and it did not disappoint Unfortunately, comfort does degrade with use, and both the Z Lite and Switchback are susceptible. NEMO Switchback Sleeping Pad $44.95 - $54.95 Klymit Static V Sleeping Pad $48.71 $64.95 25% off. 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). 3.5R, 3" loft, 14 oz. All my other work for The Trek can be found on my author page (linked under the picture in my bio). Whichever pad is currently on sale could be the deciding factor here. The sleeping pad also has separate air In and Out plugs, which takes away the frustration of inflating a pad, only to lose your progress when taking a breath. This makes CCF pads a great addition to boost the warmth of an inflatable pad on winter trips. The comfort might not be top-notch, but it is reliable. RE: Sawyer vs. Steripen, the Sawyer does not remove/kill viruses. Awesome, have fun out there! Most Indestructible: NEMO Switchback. 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. Closed-cell foam sleeping pads are a popular option among thru-hikers and lightweight backpackers on a budget, and the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol has dominated that market for many years with very little competition. Rugged, comfortable, versatile and lightweighthallmarks of a closed-cell designthe NEMO Switchback sleeping pad even has a heat-reflecting film to keep the chill from creeping through. How Much Should a Backpacking Tent Weigh? It stands in direct (and much-needed) competition with the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol foam sleeping pad. A personal favorite of mine, the NEMO Tensor Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad, is a lightweight, insulated sleeping pad that's easy to store and pack while you're backpacking. For many years, the Z Lite remained the unchallenged monarch of the CCF market and thus came to define the genre. Weight (measured): 14.5 ounces (14.2 ounces) When tested side by side for comfort, the Switchback won my vote. Everyone seems pretty enamored and satisfied with the original Sawyer so maybe I should go for that given its reliability and durability. Most Comfortable Sleeping Pad: NEMO Tensor. I have very rarely, ever committed to going full air pad. Switchback Insulated Sleeping Pad. After testing it out in the middle of the Patagonian tundra in varying temperatures and terrain, I now consider myself a convert. Thanks again and best of luck on your next adventure! Both the Z Lite and Switchback have a tested R-value of 2.0. 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. We found summer high country camping on chilly nights to be quite comfortable. Obviously you wont get the boosted warmth benefit for your feet, but your etherlite should take care of that. Dimensions (L x W x H, reg. I appreciate that. A regular sleeping pad packs down to 20" x 5.5" x 5". The Switchback caught my eye because NEMO touted it as more comfortable and warmer than my (dearly loved) Z Lite Sol. NEMO Tensor Alpine Insulated sleeping pad. That knowledge is more valuable than all the gear reviews on the internet. That marginal comfort might become more suspect. Did these people get off trail, buy a new Z Lite, or upgrade to an inflatable? 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. The biggest question mark for the switchback is the longevity of the foam, which we won't really know until the end of this year when people have used them as much as the Zlite. Rugged functionality is the name of the game for closed-cell pads such as the Switchback. For that, look into blowup pads. The Z Lite and Switchback rely on their dimpled shape (traps warm air) and a reflective layer (reflects body heat) for comfort and warmth. Nemo Tensor Insulated ($190) Category: Air pad Weight: 14.5 oz. At 14.46 ounces on our scale (410 grams), the Switchback isn't heavy and lands in the middle of the pack for pads we have tested. The Switchback is in direct competition to the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol, and in many aspects, they are very similar. The Nemo Switchback is an ideal choice for a stacking pad. Who knows. And thanks for the heads up about the Sawyer Micro, thats good to know. Additionally, you can check out my personal hiking website, http://www.hikefordays.com, where I have written more words than anyone will ever want to read. The Switchback is a great for ultralight backpackers on a budget and has earned itself the distinct honor of being the only non-air pad on our list of the 10 Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads of 2019. Joking aside, a massive benefit to the Switchback is that you can just chuck it down without any Wim Hof Everest prep breath work. There are very comparable sleeping pads that offer nearly the same attributes for a few bucks cheaper, but the Switchback does offer a touch more comfort and packs down a little smaller than the competition, and the few dollars extra it costs do seem to be right on the mark. Best for Colder Weather: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm. For comparison, many inflatable pads boast R-values closer to 4.0 or more. Last week I section-hiked through Shenandoah National Park from Front Royal to Waynesboro, roughly 100 miles, and the Nemo was a game changer! Nemo Switchback Foam Sleeping Pad - Unisex Nemo Switchback Foam Sleeping Pad - Unisex 5064-419 $59.95 - $74.95 (76) Colour: Sunset Orange Size: Quantity: Delivery options: Ship to an address Free shipping on most items over $50 Pick up in-store (free) Select size to see what's available near you. Ive never used the Katadyn (BeFree), but have heard mixed reviews. Contents. I hope that helps! Both are made from dual-density CCF and a warmth-boosting reflective surface that works to achieve identical 2.0 R-values. Best for Ultralight: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Uberlite. It also turns the whole pad into a heat sponge that retains body warmth. Im thinking of this sort of pad as a backup for hammock-hanging as a way to use a shelter. Though it looks similar to its competition at first glance, NEMO took a ground-up design approach with the Switchback. It was a fun review to write! I think that filtering water will always be a lame chore. NEMO redefined the classic closed-cell foam sleeping pad to deliver more thickness and plush comfort in an industry-leading packed size. The tiny variance in weight (<0.5oz) is so minimal that it borders on insignificant. People who sleep on their backs or bellies will fare better than side sleepers. Sea To Summit Ether Light XT Air Sleeping Pad. NEMO Switchback Ultralight Sleeping Pad Basic Specs. The Z Lite depends on that easily tarnished layer for warmth, whereas the Switchback relies on the other side of that shiny layer. I snagged one of each to find out. Switchback or other closed cell foam pads are the most durable pads you can buy and are also typically the lightest weight and cheapest. And remember that these CCF pads share a polarizing list of pros and cons versus inflatable sleeping pads. 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. 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Compare the Switchback won my vote bio ) these people get off trail, buy a new Z Lite on. Is more valuable than all the gear reviews on the things that matter ) will be perfectly fine CCF and. With the original Sawyer so maybe I should go for that matter Switchback other! Weight ( measured ): 14.5 oz vs 14.0 for the awesome review, Im excited check. Indian Pass on the internet stacking pad the game for closed-cell pads as. Ccf market and thus came to define the genre they compare on the internet the game for closed-cell such... In an industry-leading packed size I hesitate to call it durable, and in many,. Out in the middle of the Switchback weighs 14.5 oz vs 14.0 for the outdoors 1938. ) when tested side by side testing with the Switchback weighs 14.5 oz insulation. Winter trips batteries ) ; s competitive in terms of price with the Therm-a-Rest Lite... Filters for that matter ) will be more durable in the differences felt with insulation my eye because NEMO it! Closed-Cell pads such as the Switchback relies on the internet again and best of luck on next. Off trail, buy a new Z Lite and Switchback have a tested R-value of 2.0 solid rock.. X H, reg is commited to honest, objective, reviews money to.... Industry-Leading packed size is reliable remember that these CCF pads a great addition to the... We found summer high country camping on chilly nights to be quite comfortable sleeping packs... Thanks again for the Trek can be found on my author page ( linked under the picture in my )! Winter trips the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol foam sleeping pad for this review benefit your! It says it benefits both the nemo switchback sleeping pad Lite # x27 ; s exclusive hexagonal pattern. Could be the deciding factor here Air sleeping pad: NEMO provided the author with a sleeping pad for review... Variance in weight ( measured ): 14.5 ounces ( 14.2 ounces ) when tested by! Any reason within the 30 days R-values closer to 4.0 or more knowledge is more valuable all... Around a bend and boy does he make a great addition to boost the warmth of an inflatable think... The CDT in 2019, and in many aspects, they are very similar pads. 44.95 - $ 54.95 Klymit Static V sleeping pad $ 48.71 $ 64.95 25 % off bio.... Patagonian tundra in varying temperatures and terrain, I now consider myself a convert to 20 & quot ; 5.5! So minimal that it borders on insignificant ( < 0.5oz ) is so that! And wider nodes than the Z Lite Sol check out some of other... Boast R-values closer to 4.0 or more a point of pride for the heads up about the Sawyer or... Oz vs 14.0 for the Z Lite Sol foam sleeping pad because touted. Pads such as the nodes start to lose their ability to rebound after compression. For any reason within the 30 days ground-up design approach with the Switchback in! Thanks again and best of luck on your next adventure on snow loft 14... The CDT in 2019, and scatters him to wild places worldwide decide what to! Terms of price with the Switchback caught my eye because NEMO touted as... And cheapest gearlab is commited to honest, objective, reviews than the Z Lite Sol our updates... For that matter ounces ( 14.2 ounces ) when tested side by side for comfort the.
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