Good to know: this sleeping pad is unisex
Pros / Reasons to Buy
- Attractive price for a well-respected brand
- Lifetime Warranty
Cons / Reasons to Avoid
- Bulk when packed down
- Low R Value
I’ve previously always used inflatable sleeping pads, so the first thing that struck me about the Nemo Switchback was just how large it was when folded up. This, plus the relatively low R Value of this pad alongside the fact that inflatable pads will almost always be more comfortable, made me think that I wouldn’t like the Switchback. But that proved to be wrong!
I hike and camp in places where it does get cold and I don’t think the Switchback could ever be the only sleeping pad I use, but its thoughtful design, excellent durability and almost zero setup and pack-down time are all very attractive qualities. This pad is an excellent choice for camping in good weather or on long, multi-day hikes when you just want to remove complexity from your setup. I also see myself adding this to my winter camping kit where it will be used in addition to an inflatable pad with a higher R Value to give an extra-cosey sleep.
Compare to similar products:
Nemo Switchback | Nemo Tensor All-Season | Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite NXT | Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT | Rab Stratosphere 4 | Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Insulated | Big Agnes Divide Insulated | Nemo Quasar 3D | Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated | Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated | Exped Ultra 7R | Klymit Static V | Sleepingo Large | Tame Lands | Therm-A-Rest Z Lite Sol | |
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Buying Options | |||||||||||||||
Our Rating | Best Foam Sleeping Pad | Best Air Sleeping Pad | Best for Comfort and Ultralight | Best for Winter and Best Mummy Shaped Sleeping Pad | Best for Summer | Best for Side Sleepers | Best for Back Sleepers | Best Budget Air Pad | Best Rectangular Sleeping Pad | ||||||
Type and Shape | Folding, closed-cell foam | Rectangular or Mummy Inflatable | Mummy Inflatable | Mummy Inflatable | Rectangular Inflatable | Mummy Inflatable | Rectangular Inflatable | Rectangular Inflatable | Rectangular or Mummy Inflatable | Rectangular Inflatable | Rectangular or Mummy Inflatable | Rectangular Inflatable | Mummy Inflatable | Rectangular Inflatable | Folding, closed-cell foam |
Comfort | Low | Excellent | Excellent | Very Good | Excellent | Excellent | Very Good | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Average | Average | Low |
Warmth/R-Value | Average (R-Value = 2) | Excellent (R-Value = 5.4) | Very Good (R-Value = 4.5) | Excellent (R-Value = 7.3) | Very Good (R-Value = 3.8) | Very Good (R-Value = 4) | Very Good (R-Value = 4) | Low (R-Value = 1.8) | Very Good (R-Value = 3.2) | Very Good (R-Value = 4.8) | Excellent (R-Value = 7) | Low (R-Value = 1.3) | Low - Average (No ASTM FF3340 rated R-Value, but likely around 2) | Low - Average (No ASTM FF3340 rated R-Value, but likely around 2) | Average (R-Value = 2) |
Weight | Regular Version - 415g/14.5oz | Regular Version - 522g/1lb 2oz | Regular Version - 368g/13 oz | Regular Version - 453g/1lb | Regular Version - 695g/1lb 9oz | Regular Version - 845g/29.8oz | Regular Version - 652g/23oz | Non-Insulated Regular Version - 650g/1lb 7oz | Mummy Regular - 490g/17.3oz | Regular Version - 510g/18oz | Rectangular Medium Version - 650g/23oz | Regular Version - 530g/18.7oz | 408g/14oz | 600g/21oz | Regular Version - 410g/14oz |
Packed Size | Regular Version - 51x13x14cm/20x5x5.5in | Regular Version - 25.5x10cm/10x4in | Regular Version - 10.4x22.86cm/4.1x9in | Regular Version - 11.3x22.86cm/4.5x9in | Regular Version - 24cmx12cm/9.4inx4.7in | Regular Version - 12x23cm/5x9in | Regular Version - 20x13cm/8x5in | Non-Insulated Regular Version - 20x10cm/8x4in | Mummy Regular - 24x11cm/9.5x4.5in | Regular Version - 18x10cm/7x4in | Rectangular Medium Version - 23x14cm/9x5.5in | Regular Version - 20x8cm/8x3in | 27x8cm/10.5x3in | 23x10cm/9x4in | Regular Version - 51x13x14cm/20x5x5.5in |
Open Size | Regular Version - 183x51x2.3cm/72x20x0.9in | Regular Version - 183x51x9cm/72x20x3.5in | Regular Version - 182x50.8x7.62cm/72x20x3in | Regular Version - 177.8x50.8x7.62cm/72x20x3in | Regular Version - 183x51x8cm/72x20x3in | Regular Version - 184x55cm/72x21.5in | Regular Version - 183x51x8.25cm/72x20x3.25in | Non-Insulated Regular Version - 183x51x9cm/72x20x3.5in | Mummy Regular - 183x55-42x10cm/72x21.5-16.5x4in | Regular Version - 51x183x11cm/20x72x4.25in | Rectangular Medium Version - 183x52x9cm/72x20.4x3.5in | Regular Version - 183x58x6cm/72x23x2.5in | 187x54.6x5cm/73.5x21x2in | 188x56x5cm/74x22x2in | Regular Version - 183x51x2cm/72x20x0.75in |
Materials | Polyethylene foam backed with metalized foil | 20D and 40D Nylon with two layers of metalized film | 30D Ripstop Nylon | 30D and 70D Ripstop Nylon with Thermacapture Reflective Film | 75D Polyester with 100% recycled polyester 'Stratus R' insulation | 30D/40D Nylon withThermolite insulation and Exkin Platinum film | Ripstop nylon with Thermalite insulaiton and heat-reflecting film layer | 100% Recycled Polyester | 30D/40D Nylon withThermolite insulation and Exkin Platinum film | Ripstop nylon with two layers of metalized film | 20D Ripstop polyester with down insulation | 75D Polyester | Ripstop Nylon | 40D Ripstop Nylon | Polyethylene foam backed with Thermacapture Reflective Film |
Durability | Excellent - will still work even if torn or damaged | Good - supplied with repair patches | Good - supplied with repair patches | Good - supplied with repair patches | Good - supplied with repair patches | Very Good - supplied with repair patches and spare valve parts | Good - supplied with repair patches | Good - Supplied with repair patches | Very Good - supplied with repair patches and spare valve parts | Good - Supplied with repair patches | Good - Supplied with repair patches | Good - Supplied with repair patches | Good - supplied with repair patches | Good - supplied with repair patches | Excellent - will still work even if torn or damaged |
This article is part of our series on the best sleeping pads for camping, view all articles below:
- Best Sleeping Pads for Camping
- How we Tested Sleeping Pads
- How to Choose the Right Sleeping Pad for Camping
- Compare Sleeping Pads
Related content:
Analysis and Test Results
The Nemo Switchback is a folding, closed-cell foam sleeping pad. In common with all other sleeping pads of this type, it’s large and bulky when folded down and does not offer a particularly high R Value – that is, how well it insulates you. However, where this pad excels is in its simplicity and durability. It can be deployed and packed down again in seconds, doesn’t need to be kept topped up during the night as inflatable pads sometimes do and it will still function if it is ripped or torn.
For these reasons, and despite their packed bulk, pads like this are popular amongst thru-hikers and those on longer trips who value simplicity and dependability. A folding pad like this also makes an excellent addition to your winter kit, where it can be used in addition to an inflatable pad for extra warmth at night.
Performance Comparison
See our video 360 of the Nemo Switchback sleeping pad which covers this simple pads main features:
Type and Shape
This is a folding, closed-cell foam sleeping pad and, in common with other pads of this type it’s got a rectangular shape when unfolded. It packs down into a cuboid block that you’ll likely strap to the outside of your backpack whilst hiking. The big advantage of this type of sleeping pad is that they have practically zero setup time and they are also more durable than inflatable pads. The down-side is their large packed size and comparatively low R-Value, meaning they don’t insulate as well.
Comfort
Assuming you’ve pitched your tent on relatively even terrain, the Nemo Switchback is a comfortable sleeping pad. Of course, a folding, closed-cell sleeping pad will never be as comfortable as an inflatable pad. And it’s clear to see why: Inflatable pads hold a higher volume of air and this obviously provides better cushioning than the necessarily small air pockets in a closed-cell pad.
That said, I’ve known inflatable pads to deflate in the night and, if they totally deflate, the pad is essentially useless! In common with other closed-cell pads we’ve assessed, the foam is relatively thin, so if you have to pitch on uneven or rocks terrain, you can expect to feel this through the pad – and that will especially be the case if you sleep on your side.
Warmth
This Nemo pad has an R Value of 2. That’s relatively low and whilst Nemo describe it as a three-season pad, I tend to camp in slightly cooler conditions, and I’d generally prefer something with a higher R Value. It’s important to note that whilst a pad with a high R Value will be unlikely to make you overheat in warm conditions, a pad with a low R-Value means that your sleeping bag may not be able to reach its temperature rating.
Personally, I’m happy to sleep in slightly cooler temperatures, but none the less I’d reserve using the Nemo Switchback on its own for nights when I know it’s going to be warm. The rest of the time, I’d default to an inflatable pad with a higher R Value.
Ease of Use
This Nemo Switchback sleeping pad is about as easy to use as it gets. The pre-folded design means it can be deployed and packed down in a matter of seconds. The pad is supplied on its own with no compression straps, cover or bag, but we had no problem lashing it to a variety of different bags using their integrated straps. Once folded, the Switchback keeps its block-like shape and won’t just splay out all over the place like some inflatable sleeping pads – or other soft items like sleeping bags – might.
Weight
Nemo claim a weight of 415g/14.5oz for regular length version of the Switchback. That’s pretty respectable, but if every gram counts in your kit, then it’s worth bearing in mind that the similarly spec’d (and slightly less expensive!) Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol comes in fractionally lighter at 410g/14oz. If you are slightly shorter, then Nemo also offer a noticeably lighter short version of the Switchback – this weights 300g/10.5oz, but is only 130cm/51” long versus 183cm/72in for the regular version.
Version | Weight |
Short | 300g/10.5oz |
Regular | 415g/14.5oz |
Packed Size
The Nemo fits together closely when folded. Other folding pads can’t pack down without introducing air spaces between the folds, so, whilst the Switchback will never be as compact as an inflatable pad when packed down, it does still have a packed size advantage against some of its closed-cell competitors.
The regular length version of the Switchback which we’ve reviewed folds down to a rectangular block measuring 51x13x14/20x5x5.5in (there’s also a short version that folds down to 51x13x10.75cm/20x5x4in, and is lighter too). The folded block doesn’t have much ‘give’ and it really feels like the Switchback’s design does an excellent job of minimizing packed size.
I often see hikers with pads similar to the Switchback lashed horizontally across the bottom of their packs. However, I personally think it makes more sense to lash pads like this vertically if your pack allows it – this way, the folded pad doesn’t stick out at the sides and doesn’t pose a risk of snagging rocks and foliage on the trail.
Version | Packed Size |
Short | 51x13x10.75cm/20x5x4in |
Regular | 51x13x14cm/20x5x5.5in |
Open Size
The Nemo Switchback unfolds in an instant, and the regular sized version I tested measures 51x183cm/20x72in. There’s also a short version offered that unfolds to 51x130cm/20x51in. Both versions of the pad are around 2.3cm/0.9in thick. Sizing wise, this pad was pretty much perfect for me – I’m around 180cm tall and like to sleep with my legs stretched out. I think it’s a shame Nemo don’t also offer a long version of this pad: I don’t think I’m especially tall, and there are surely many hikers out there taller than me who don’t want to sleep with their feet sticking out past the end of their sleeping pad.
Version | Open Size |
Short | 130x51x2.3cm/51x20x0.9in |
Regular | 183x51x2.3cm/72x20x0.9in |
Features
The key feature of this Nemo Switchback sleeping pad is, in my opinion, the shape of the dimpled surface. Basically, it’s designed to fit precisely together when the pad is folded, thus minimizing the space taken up by the folded pad. It does this excellently and, as a bonus, as each fold essentially slots together with its neighbor, the folded pad keeps its shape well without needing to be held.
It might seem like a small detail, but I found this particularly helpful. We’re all surely used to wrestling things like sleeping bags and even inflatable sleeping pads into their stuff bags and – especially if you’re new to camping – this can really slow you down when you’re breaking camp and leave you wishing you had an extra set of arms.
However, this isn’t an issue with the Switchback. What’s more, the fact that the folded pad keeps its block-like shape is also a bonus when hiking as it minimizes the chance of the pad snagging and getting damaged on rocks and foliage.
Materials
Nemo say that the Switchback utilizes a multi-layer design. It is made from ‘Dual-Density Axiotomic Foam’ – which is a type of polyethylene (PE) foam. This is backed with a metalized foil layer to provide extra insulation and this, in turn, has an outer protective layer applied to the top. Examining the pad up close, you can see how the different layers are bonded together – helped by the fact that they are contrasting colors.
Durability
The materials used in the Nemo Switchback feel tough and durable. Creases and blemishes will start to show in the foam with time, but they won’t impact the performance of the product and I have no doubt that this pad will last a long time. Even if it doesn’t receive the best treatment.
A real bonus here is that unlike an inflatable pad, the Switchback will still do its job even if it does get ripped or torn. For added peace of mind, Nemo provide a lifetime warranty with this pad (as they do with all their gear).
Sustainability
Nemo don’t publish any sustainability info on the Switchback as a product, so I have no way of knowing if it incorporates recycled material or not, though a cryptic label on the packaging states that ‘This article contains new material only’, so perhaps that can be interpreted as a ‘no’? The PE foam the pad is made from is considered easily recyclable, though the fact that it’s bonded with a metalized film may cause some problems here. The fact is that the product should be recyclable at the end of its life. In a wider sense, Nemo are committed to reducing the environmental impact of their products and offer a repair service.
Perhaps the best thing that can be said about this product in terms of its sustainability is that it will still do the job even if it’s damaged. A badly damaged inflatable sleeping pad may need to be replaced, but closed-cell foam pads don’t really fail like this and provided there’s still enough of the pad left to sleep on, then it will still work! So in this sense, the product’s durability contributes well to its sustainability.
Price
At the time of writing, the regular length version of the Nemo Switchback can be bought for $59.95 (frustratingly, that translates to £59.95 in the UK – so you’d definitely pay a premium for it outside the US). I think this is a great price for a product from a well-respected brand and it’s even a little cheaper than its nearest competitor, the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol.
Sure, it’s possible to get cheaper sleeping pads – outwardly quite similar generic pads can be bought for less than half this price – and many will legitimately argue if it’s worth paying a brand-name premium for what’s essentially just a piece of foam. However, I’d argue that the decision is a bit more nuanced than this: The Switchback isn’t just a piece of foam, but rather a well-designed product from a brand with a reputation for creating long-lasting products that it backs with a guarantee. Personally, I think that is worth a premium.
Conclusion
I’ve always used inflatable sleeping pads in the past and my experience with the Nemo Switchback will not convince me to ditch these in favor of a closed-cell folding pad. Now, this doesn’t mean I think the Nemo Switchback is a bad product – very far from it – but the bulky folded size does bother me, plus the relatively low R Value of 2 coupled with the fact that I camp in places where it does get cold, means that this could never be the only pad I use.
I’ll surely use this pad on its own for warm weather camping in the future, but I think the real value of it comes as a supplemental pad for very cold weather camping. Combining the Switchback with a high R Value inflatable pad such as the Nemo Tensor plus a warm sleeping bag would be a recipe for a comfortable night’s sleep even in very cold conditions.
The Switchback is a good product, in my opinion and provided you are aware of its limits, its durable design and low price certainly make it an attractive option and I think that a lot of long distance hikers – especially those hiking in warmer weather – will agree with this.
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