Two sleeping pads worth lining up side by side. The Tensor Trail leans on low weight while the Q-Core SLX answers with warmth, so the pick comes down to which you value.
| NEMO Tensor Trail | Big Agnes Q-Core SLX | |
|---|---|---|
| GearScore | 80✓ | 74 |
| Warmth (R-value) | 2.8 R | 3.2 R✓ |
| Weight | 12.5 oz✓ | 18.0 oz |
| Warmth-to-weight | 0.79 R/100g✓ | 0.63 R/100g |
| Packed size | 2.08 L | 1.55 L✓ |
| Thickness | 3.5 in | 3.5 in |
| Durability | 34 /100 | n/s |
| Price | $190 | $170✓ |
| Features | 4Quiet fabric, Pump sack included, Two-way valve, Repair kit included✓ | 1Repair kit included |
| Type | Inflatable | Inflatable |
| Shape | Tapered | Rectangular |
Highlighted cells mark the better spec: Tensor Trail in blue, Q-Core SLX 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 Trail and Big Agnes Q-Core SLX take different routes to the same job. The Tensor Trail wins on low weight and warmth-to-weight, and the Q-Core SLX pushes back on warmth and packability.
The Tensor Trail is 6 oz lighter and stronger on warmth-to-weight. The Q-Core SLX is warmer (R 3.2 vs R 2.8), more packable (1.6 L vs 2.1 L), and $20 cheaper. On the default GearScore the Tensor Trail leads 80 to 74.
Pick the Tensor Trail 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 Q-Core SLX if warmth and packability matter more to you, or you are focused on colder nights and shoulder-season trips.
The NEMO Tensor Trail. It is 6 oz lighter than the Q-Core SLX.
The Big Agnes Q-Core SLX. It is warmer (R 3.2 vs R 2.8) than the Tensor Trail.
The NEMO Tensor Trail, 80 to 74 on the default algorithm. You can re-weight the factors to match your trip.
It depends on your priorities. Go with the Tensor Trail for low weight, or the Q-Core SLX for warmth. The spec table above shows exactly where each wins.