NEMO - Quasar 3D Insulated Lightweight Sleeping Pad

Have you considered a camping cot? There are a lot of ultralight options now which are about the same price as a good sleeping pad for side sleepers. The only difference being is the weight, you’re looking at around 1.5kg for a cot bed which would be double the weight of a sleeping pad. For me, the extra weight is worth it for the comfort. For context I’ve tried Therm-a-Rest, Big Agnes and Nemo mats. If I’m going for comfort, the cot bed wins every time.

I love my quasar, but I’ve also never had it get a hole on a trip

My Nemo pad is more comfortable than my Purple bed 😂

I prefer the quasar sleep pad to the STS option - but that’s a personal preference thing. Sleeping bag or quilt definitely isn’t something to skimp on. When I first started, I bought a sub 150 sleeping bag and quickly found out its “rating” wasn’t even close. Wife and I were in the same boat years ago. We went “cheap ish” with gear and quickly realized we wanted to upgrade certain things. Looking back - we wished we just went with the good gear from the get go (of course, if funds allow) - because we ended up rebuying the gear we actually wanted shortly after, and spent money on the “cheaper” gear that we didn’t like that then felt like a waste. We would have saved money if we just bought the nicer kit in the beginning.

How much weight is too much for you, though? I’m a larger guy (230lbs) and find the tensor uncomfortable. It’s usable, but I don’t sleep great on it. My wife has the quasar and it’s way more comfy for me. Recently, I said screw it and tried an Exped Ultra mat. It’s quite large, and has some weight to it. BUT I sleep better than I ever have in the backcountry. So it’s my luxury item - and I’ll gladly carry the extra weight for the improved sleep I get.

I totally recommend the quasar. I think it’s a great balance of size, weight, and comfort. My wife is a side sleeper and loves it. The extra thickness definitely helps if you are a side sleeper. She’s small. Loves the quasar. Hates my tensor - just for the side sleeping. For what it’s worth!

Nemo all the way!! They are luxury and pack up so small! I’ve been pregnant and camped with them and they are superb!

I have been using my nemo quasar 3d insulated reg wide for about 5 years and a lot of nights in many temps and terrains without issue. R value is only 3.3, so it's not a good winter pad but great for summer and side sleeping. Also, it is the quietest pad i have ever used. I have an inflation video if you want to see it in a 2-man tent.

Up vote for the Nemo. Most used wedding present.

Hah...I do overnights with the same tent. Nice and roomy at least. Good news, it's not just huge it's also heavy! I did go with an on sale Nemo Quasar 3d pad. That helped weight and space some.

Just used the Nemo for the first time last weekend on the AT, slept on my side half the night and it was a night and day difference compared to my old zrest pad. So much more comfy. Held air incredibly, you can blow it up and make it very firm or leave it a little softer. Didn’t leak at all overnight. Wasn’t cold at all either but it was only in the 40s, so not a good test yet on that end. No experience with others listed