Here is how these two sleeping pads compare on the numbers. On the data the Tensor All-Season is the stronger all-round pick, and the question is whether the Ionosphere 5.5 still fits your budget or priorities.
| NEMO Tensor All-Season | Rab Ionosphere 5.5 | |
|---|---|---|
| GearScore | 84✓ | 74 |
| Warmth (R-value) | 5.4 R | 5.5 R✓ |
| Weight | 16.0 oz✓ | 24.3 oz |
| Warmth-to-weight | 1.19 R/100g✓ | 0.80 R/100g |
| Packed size | 2.08 L✓ | 2.71 L |
| Thickness | 3.5 in✓ | 3.1 in |
| Durability | 34 /100✓ | 12 /100 |
| Price | $220 | n/s |
| Features | 1Repair kit included | 2Pump sack included, Repair kit included✓ |
| Type | Inflatable | Inflatable |
| Shape | Tapered | Rectangular |
Highlighted cells mark the better spec: Tensor All-Season in blue, Ionosphere 5.5 in amber. A blank spec is never counted as a win. GearScore is the rating for the Overall use-case (0 to 100). Pick another above to re-score. Prices are current MSRP.
The NEMO Tensor All-Season against the Rab Ionosphere 5.5 is a study in priorities. The Tensor All-Season is the stronger pick on most of the specs that matter, while the Ionosphere 5.5 makes its case on warmth.
The Tensor All-Season is 8 oz lighter, stronger on warmth-to-weight, and more packable (2.1 L vs 2.7 L). The Ionosphere 5.5 is warmer (R 5.5 vs R 5.4). On the default GearScore the Tensor All-Season leads 84 to 74.
Pick the Tensor All-Season if you care most about low weight and warmth-to-weight, which makes it the better call for counting grams on long miles. Pick the Ionosphere 5.5 if warmth matter more to you, or you are focused on colder nights and shoulder-season trips.
The NEMO Tensor All-Season. It is 8 oz lighter than the Ionosphere 5.5.
The Rab Ionosphere 5.5. It is warmer (R 5.5 vs R 5.4) than the Tensor All-Season.
The NEMO Tensor All-Season, 84 to 74 on the default algorithm. You can re-weight the factors to match your trip.
The Tensor All-Season is the stronger all-round pick here. Choose the Ionosphere 5.5 if warmth is your priority.