NEMO Switchback

First time in 10 years using an accordion style sleeping pad! I love it! Super Light and used it as an addition to my current sleep system on trail.

I purchased this pad to be an addition to my current sleep system on trail. My main purpose was to prevent my hips from touching the floor through my sleeping pad, and to have a greater R value on this last trip in the Sierras. 

This pad is available in two different sizes: Regular and Short. I purchased the short one because I am 5'2" and I just need it for my torso/hip area. 

Features

• 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

Technical Specs Best Use

Backpacking

Sleeping Pad Type

Closed-cell Foam

Sleeping Pad Shape

Rectangular

Insulated

Yes

Insulation Type

Closed-cell Foam

R-Value

2

Packed Size

Short: 20 x 5 x 4 inches

Regular: 20 x 5.5 x 5 inches

Sleeping Capacity

1-person

Pad Thickness

0.9 inches

Dimensions

Short: 51 x 20 x 0.9 inches

Regular: 72 x 20 x 0.9 inches

Weight

Short: 10.5 ounces

Regular: 14.5 ounces

Gender

Unisex

Use

This pad proved to be a WIN WIN for me. It helped provide comfort on my hips when I slept, due to being a side sleeper. I also do not use the maximum amount of air in my sleeping pad because I find it to be quite uncomfortable filled to max capacity. I use the ExPed Ultra 3 Duo sleeping pad with my husband. 

I feel that the Nemo pad also provided extra warmth overall which was a nice benefit. It brought my current R value from a 3 to a 5. 

I placed the Nemo pad under my side and my husband used the Featherstone UL pad under his side of the mattress. He stated that it was indeed a better sleep as well as being much warmer. 

I also found some other uses for the pad on this trip. I used it in the morning for yoga/stretching, I placed it on a flat rock folded as a sit pad, I used it as a knee pad while packing up my backpack every morning, which my knees appreciated very much, plus it is the last item I put on my pack before hiking out of camp. 

I love this pad so much that I will be using it as part of my sleep system on future hiking trips. It is so lightweight, it has more benefits than cons.  

Background

Over 10 years backpacking and sleeping in the wilderness.