Get FREE SHIPPING with $50 minimum purchase. The. Don't see the color or size you're looking for? We didn't give the switchback any awards this year but fret not; it's a solid pad and even bests other similarly sized options in the packability department — without sacrificing any comfort, which was a pleasant surprise. In addition, we also used it as a butt pad or second pad … Shop REI REI Outlet Used Gear REI … Privacy | Cookies | Terms, The world's most in-depth and scientific reviews of gear, If sleeping on ultra-firm surfaces doesn't keep you up at night this is a solid option that won't pop. It’s quite similar to the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol sleeping pad, but made with modern materials and precisely molded. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. $ 149.95 – $ 199.95 Shop Now for Vector™ Ultralight Sleeping Pad + Foot Pump Astro™ Sleeping Pad $ 79.95 – $ 119.95 Shop Now for Astro™ Sleeping Pad We noticed a significant amount of time spent waking up to shift and adjust as our hips and shoulders dug in. Our testers used the Switchback as an ultralight backpacking pad, a durable car-camping … $ 149.95 – $ 199.95 Shop Now for Vector™ Ultralight Sleeping Pad + Foot Pump Astro™ Sleeping Pad $ 79.95 – $ 119.95 Shop Now for Astro™ Sleeping Pad The NEMO Switchback foam pad, for example, is only 0.9 inches thick, while the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite inflatable pad is 2.5 inches thick. 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. Overall, the Switchback performed quite well. The Switchback is an excellent adjunct for cold weather camping and can be added underneath another three-season pad stacking the R-values. Curbside Pickup Available NOW! While it can't pop and doesn't require any patches or pump sacks, it is vulnerable to rips and tears. Notably, the packability is a touch better than the competition and is arguably more comfortable. Good for back, stomach, and side sleepers, what we love about the NEMO Switchback is that it packs down better than any other foam sleeping pad. As we typically pack light and take small backpacks for overnights these days, the side storage packing method left the Switchback vulnerable to tree branches, which scuffed it up. 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. REI return policy Combine the thickness of an air pad with the plushness and durability of a foam pad, and what do you get? NEMO Switchback Sleeping Pad Review For years, the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad has been the industry leader foam pad with very little competition, but the NEMO Switchback Sleeping Pad brings some long overdue updates to the closed-cell foam pad market. Good for back, stomach, and side sleepers, what we love about the NEMO Switchback is that it packs down better than any other foam sleeping pad. Cutting out enough to go from shoulders to hips could leave you with only a seven ounce pad! 6.6 oz. Providing 3-season comfort, it's light, tough, toasty, packable and easy to inflate/deflate. Not only are closed-cell foam pads like the Nemo Switchback half the price of the most affordable air pads… The NEMO Switchback… Joking aside, a massive benefit to the Switchback is that you can just chuck it down without any Wim Hof Everest prep breath work. 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. When compared to inflatable pads, even the not so comfortable ones, the Switchback is lacking. 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. Generally, sleeping pads with R … 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. 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. Our thin 30 degree down sleeping bag is prone to dumping our heat into the ground without insulation. Until now, Therm-a-Rest’s Z Lite Sol has been difficult to improve upon. Ridged pads, such as the RidgeRest provide more cushioning and insulation with the same amount of material. We’ll start by saying that the Switchback from Nemo is not the right choice for those looking for a cushy and comfortable sleeping pad. Used Nemo Switchback Sleeping Pad. A strong competitor for other heat reflective foam pads. If that’s not enough stability then CCF is the only option. $37.39 from REI Originally $49.95 Save 25% Of course, the versatility of a closed-cell foam pad like the Switchback belies its categorization on REI.com. Because they are foam, they are nearly indestructible. GearLab is reader-supported. ... Switchback Sleeping Pad. The eye-popping color isn’t the real selling point in NEMO’s new foldable closed-cell sleeping pad, though; it’s the ratio between its thickness and packed size. It’s a great pad and all, but considering what you don’t like about your current pad … The NEMO is actually thicker than other foam pads at 0.9 inches thick vs. our former winner’s 0.75 inches. Ridged pads, such as the RidgeRest provide more cushioning and insulation with the same amount of material. Multiple Uses Hikers love to throw their foam pads onto a rock … We did some serious side by side testing with the Switchback to see how it stacked up on solid rock slabs. REI return policy Up the ante on quilted comfort in the backcountry with the Big Agnes Q-Core SLX sleeping pad. All trademarks property of their respective owners Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Find pre-loved gear and clothing from REI. Both fold compactly and have a heat-reflecting film on one side for warmth. The R-value of a sleeping pad measures how well it can insulate your body from the cold earth. $37.39 from REI A guide to the best ultralight backpacking sleeping pads. The Nemo Switchback sleeping pad has a bright orange hue which is the first thing that catches your eye. The Switchback Sleeping Pad from Nemo is a lightweight and rugged yet comfortable sleeping pad that works wonders to make you forget you were ever sleeping on the ground in the first place. If you need to transport your pad inside your pack, the Switchback may be a no go. Closed-cell foam and heat reflective film give the Switchback a claimed r-value of two. The Z Lite SOL pad introduced an egg carton design, along with a reflective coating to reduce radiative heat loss. Used Nemo Switchback Sleeping Pad. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support, Inexpensive, lightweight, great insulation adjunct. Thickness: 2.5 in. The really unfortunate feature, however, is the large packed size. Throwing the Switchback down on a giant flat granite block is probably not where you would want to camp, but it did accentuate the superior design of this pad over other designs and especially over the completely smooth yoga pad looking mats. 14.5 ounces,10.5 ounces,14.5 / 10.5 ounces, 72 x 20 x 0.9 inches,51 x 20 x 0.9 inches,72 x 20 x 0.9 / 51 x 20 x 0.9 inches, 20 x 5.5 x 5 inches,20 x 5 x 4 inches,20 x 5.5 x 5 inches, Space-efficient design allows for 20% more thickness in a folded package that's smaller than the industry standard, Highly efficient hexagonal nesting pattern allows for taller, wider nodes, providing great plushness without increasing packed size, Taller nodes create 20% more space for uncompressed sleeping bag insulation, trapping more warmth around your body, Premium dual-density, abrasion-resistant Axiotomic™ foam offers a supple top layer for comfort and a resilient lower layer for premium support and years of adventures, Metalized thermal reflective film reflects heat back to your body and is durable, use after use, Use as a standalone pad for ultralight durability and comfort, or pair with another pad for extra insulation in extreme cold conditions, Packaging is made from recycled materials; please recycle it. The Nemo Switchback is a solid closed-cell pad and gives the nearly identical competition a run for its money. We found summer high country camping on chilly nights to be quite comfortable. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. I don't have much intel yet on sleeping … Additionally, after about a month of use, the egg cartons are showing a bit of collapse and degradation. The Switchback Sleeping Pad from Nemo is a lightweight and rugged yet comfortable sleeping pad that works wonders to make you forget you were ever sleeping on the ground in the first place. $39.95 (122) 122 reviews with an average rating of 4.25 out of 5 stars. The Switchback proved to be a nice barrier, and while we might have developed some pressure sores on our hips, we didn't freeze. We could even prop up on our elbows for a bit before the pressure points became too uncomfortable. Out of the box though, the switchback is very comfortable. If you’re a side sleeper or tend to toss about at night, a wider sleeping pad … REI return policy Up the ante on quilted comfort in the backcountry with the Big Agnes Q-Core SLX sleeping pad. Got feedback? Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. You help support OutdoorGearLab's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners. The NEMO is actually thicker than other foam pads at … of … NEMO Switchback Ultralight Sleeping Pad Details The Switchback pad is an accordion-style, closed-cell foam pad for backpacking. 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 … No inflation or deflation required, just throw down and pass out. 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. 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. The NEMO Switchback is folding accordion-shaped closed-cell foam pad with a reflective coating, like the Therm-a-rest Z Lite Sol. A huge bonus is the ability to cut this pad down for ultralight adventures, count on about one ounce per segment. R-value: 4.2. But so was the Zlite. Foam pads and inflatable pads models compared for Klymit, Sea to Summit, NEMO, Exped, Big Agnes, REI, Therma-Rest and Gossamer Gear. NEMO redefined the classic closed-cell foam sleeping pad to deliver more thickness and plush comfort in an industry-leading packed size. The design of the NEMO Switchback allows for more warmth from an uncompressed sleeping bag to be trapped around your body. The Z Lite SOL pad introduced an egg carton design, along with a reflective coating to reduce radiative heat loss. Considerations include ease of inflation, weight, compactness, insulation and R-Values, length and shape of your pad. One of the biggest draws to closed cell pads is the ease of set up and packing. You get a little less than an inch of closed-cell foam, along with a reflective coating designed to capture radiant heat. The Switchback has an interesting give and take with durability. If you've ever spent a night out on an inflatable pad only to have it deflate at about 2 am or simply need to add some ground insulation to your winter sleeping kit, you might be considering a closed-cell foam pad. The Nemo Switchback sleeping pad has a bright orange hue which is the first thing that catches your eye. 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. 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. Not only does the Switchback set up in about one second, but the fact that it can't be popped makes it excellent for mid-day rests or use as a seat around camp before night night time. Budget sleeping pads come in a range of sizes from short to long. Attached to the outside, it can snag on branches easily, highlighting a significant downside of all closed-cell pads, not just the Switchback. Yes, there are definitely closed-cell pads that take up more space, but this is a significant consideration. Sea2summit might work too, I have not tried it myself though. REI return policy Rugged, comfortable, versatile and lightweight—hallmarks of a closed-cell design—the NEMO Switchback sleeping pad even has a heat-reflecting film to keep the chill from creeping through. … 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. What differentiates the two sleeping pads is the depth of their egg crates. If you're prone to restlessness because of pressure points, you'll either have to find some uber soft pine boughs to supplement the padding or check out some of the inflatable pads in our review. Shop for NEMO Sleeping Pads at REI - FREE SHIPPING With $50 minimum purchase. The more complicated the R-value, the warmer the mat. The Switchback is in direct competition to the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol, and in many aspects, they are very similar. We didn't give the switchback any awards this year but fret not; it's a solid pad and even bests … Deployment and packing is a snap; it can't be popped and is incredibly lightweight, though it does take up quite a bit of space. The NEMO Switchback, introduced in late 2018, uses a more-complex egg carton design along with the reflective coating. 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. If you're looking to get into backpacking and need a pad that offers some warmth and a bit of padding without breaking the bank, we felt that the Switchback is on point and does represent good value. But the NEMO Switchback is also more space efficient than other foam pads. Until now, Therm-a-Rest’s Z Lite Solhas been difficult to improve upon. Switchback™ features hexagonal nodes, which are molded with our … Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite ($185) Category: Air pad. How can we improve GearLab? Sleeping Pad: Nemo Switchback ($50) It’s hard to beat an inflatable sleeping pad in terms of comfort, but if saving money is your priority, a foam pad is the way to go. Weight: 2 lbs. Add Switchback Sleeping Pad … No matter what your budget or backpacking style is, we'll... We help you find the perfect pad for your next backcountry... the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Superior warmth, small packed size, light, Lightweight, warm for the weight, packs small, comfortable, versatile, Comfortable, dual air chambers are redundant, quiet, warm, stable, and supportive, Lightweight, good for three season use, packs small, comfortable, Expensive, edges not as stable as other pad designs, A lightweight sleeping pad that won't break the bank and makes a great addition to winter sleep systems, With a warmth to weight ratio that is off the charts, this is one of our favorite pads of all time, A comfortable, lightweight, and versatile sleeping pad that has withstood the test of time, Ideal for folks who think sleeping pads cannot provide mega comfort; prove them wrong, Ready for all adventures, this versatile model doesn't disappoint. I currently have a 20 deg REI TrailBreak Bag and a Nemo Switchback, which I know won't handle those single digit wet nights. You’ll want a pad that matches the length of your body. It’s also designed so that it takes up less space while still providing the thickness you need to get a comfortable night’s sleep. Nemo Tensor is more stable than other pads ime. Obviously you would avoid camping on this surface but it was helpful in getting to know the pads strengths and weaknesses. … The switchback packs down marginally smaller, but is also marginally heavier. At REI we believe that a life outdoors is a life well lived. Kelty Cosmic 20 ($180) Temperature rating: 19°F Lower Limit. NEMO Switchback Sleeping Pad Review For years, the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Sleeping Pad has been the industry leader foam pad with very little competition, but the NEMO Switchback Sleeping Pad brings some long overdue updates to the closed-cell foam pad … Providing 3-season comfort, it's light, tough, toasty, packable and easy to inflate/deflate. Out of the box though, the switchback … The Switchback just barely edges out the competition for a touch of extra comfort. The lightweight NEMO Flyer pad, which helps you recharge after a hard day on … We've been sharing our passion for the outdoors since 1938.Read our story. While Therm-a-Rest’s Z Lite Sol has held the top spot in the foam pad market for some time now, we find that NEMO’s Switchback Ultralight Sleeping Pad offers slightly increased thickness and packs down … Top quality, great selection and expert advice. Find pre-loved gear and clothing from REI. 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. Do NOT listen to people recommending x-lite. In addition, we also used it … The Nemo Switchback is a solid closed-cell pad and gives the nearly identical competition a run for its money. The switchback packs down marginally smaller, but is also marginally heavier. Hey y'all, I'm planning on starting a thru-hike in mid-late february and need an effective, affordable sleeping set up that'll keep me warm at night. The only real difference between the two is that the Switchback folds up … The little egg carton dimples of the Switchback are noticeably taller and more spread out than past foam pads we have tested, and the effect is noticeable. Fill: 18.2 oz. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. While that doesn't sound like much compared to pads that weigh a similar amount, such as the Therm-a-Rest Neoair XLite, which has more than double the r-value and way more cushion, it does have some solid heat retention properties. The average width of a sleeping pad is about 20-inches. Weight: 12 oz. Just like the Z Lite Sol, the Nemo Switchback is a closed-cell foam pad. Other closed-cell pads with a similar foam/heat reflective film combo were nearly imperceptible in the differences felt with insulation. With the Switchback, NEMO has created a pad that is measurably thicker than the Z Lite Sol while matching that pad’s folded dimensions and virtually matching its weight and cost. Accordion-Style, closed-cell foam and heat reflective foam pads heat-reflecting film on one side for warmth inflation! Ll want a pad that matches the length of your body product our... Details the Switchback just barely edges out the competition and is arguably more comfortable, uses more-complex. 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