Two sleeping pads worth lining up side by side. On the data the Helix Insulated is the stronger all-round pick, and the question is whether the Flyer Cloud still fits your budget or priorities.
| REI Co-op Helix Insulated | NEMO Flyer Cloud | |
|---|---|---|
| GearScore | 79✓ | 68 |
| Warmth (R-value) | 4.9 R | 5.1 R✓ |
| Weight | 21.0 oz✓ | 29.0 oz |
| Warmth-to-weight | 0.82 R/100g✓ | 0.62 R/100g |
| Packed size | 3.05 L✓ | 8.64 L |
| Thickness | 3.0 in | 3.0 in✓ |
| Durability | 30 /100✓ | 12 /100 |
| Price | $169 | $160✓ |
| Features | 0 | 1Repair kit included✓ |
| Type | Inflatable | Self-inflating |
| Shape | Mummy | n/s |
Highlighted cells mark the better spec: Helix Insulated in blue, Flyer Cloud 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 REI Co-op Helix Insulated and NEMO Flyer Cloud take different routes to the same job. The Helix Insulated is the stronger pick on most of the specs that matter, while the Flyer Cloud makes its case on warmth and cushion.
The Helix Insulated is 8 oz lighter, stronger on warmth-to-weight, and more packable (3.1 L vs 8.6 L). The Flyer Cloud is warmer (R 5.1 vs R 4.9), thicker for more cushion, and $9 cheaper. On the default GearScore the Helix Insulated leads 79 to 68.
Pick the Helix Insulated 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 Flyer Cloud if warmth and cushion matter more to you, or you are focused on colder nights and shoulder-season trips.
The REI Co-op Helix Insulated. It is 8 oz lighter than the Flyer Cloud.
The NEMO Flyer Cloud. It is warmer (R 5.1 vs R 4.9) than the Helix Insulated.
The REI Co-op Helix Insulated, 79 to 68 on the default algorithm. You can re-weight the factors to match your trip.
The Helix Insulated is the stronger all-round pick here. Choose the Flyer Cloud if warmth is your priority.