Here is how these two sleeping pads compare on the numbers. The Tensor Trail leans on low weight while the Ultra 3R answers with warmth, so the pick comes down to which you value.
| NEMO Tensor Trail | Exped Ultra 3R | |
|---|---|---|
| GearScore | 80✓ | 77 |
| Warmth (R-value) | 2.8 R | 3.2 R✓ |
| Weight | 12.5 oz✓ | 16.5 oz |
| Warmth-to-weight | 0.79 R/100g✓ | 0.68 R/100g |
| Packed size | 2.08 L✓ | 2.16 L |
| Thickness | 3.5 in✓ | 3.0 in |
| Durability | 34 /100✓ | 12 /100 |
| Price | $190 | $170✓ |
| Features | 4Quiet fabric, Pump sack included, Two-way valve, Repair kit included✓ | 0 |
| Type | Inflatable | Inflatable |
| Shape | Tapered | Rectangular |
Highlighted cells mark the better spec: Tensor Trail in blue, Ultra 3R 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 against the Exped Ultra 3R is a study in priorities. The Tensor Trail wins on low weight and warmth-to-weight, and the Ultra 3R pushes back on warmth and price.
The Tensor Trail is 4 oz lighter, stronger on warmth-to-weight, and a touch more packable. The Ultra 3R is warmer (R 3.2 vs R 2.8) and $20 cheaper. On the default GearScore the Tensor Trail leads 80 to 77.
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 Ultra 3R if warmth and price matter more to you, or you are focused on colder nights and shoulder-season trips.
The NEMO Tensor Trail. It is 4 oz lighter than the Ultra 3R.
The Exped Ultra 3R. It is warmer (R 3.2 vs R 2.8) than the Tensor Trail.
The NEMO Tensor Trail, 80 to 77 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 Ultra 3R for warmth. The spec table above shows exactly where each wins.