Weight: 554g

Best for: Winter camping and year-round alpine use.

Overview

Winter-level warmth and plush comfort from a packable sub-600g mat might sound too good to be true, but the Tensor Extreme Mummy provides just that. This mat’s 9cm Apex baffle structure suspends layers of Thermal Mirror film to achieve its high 8.5 R-value, while also quieting the ‘crinkle’ common with air chamber mats. It’s built to resist punctures too, with a 40D nylon base and soft 20D surface.

Performance

The dimensions of 183 x 51cm (widest point) are typical, but it’s generously thick, with 9cm baffles that provide a comfortable, stable and warm sleep with no sensation of cold air trapped beneath. It’s gently tapered for a mummy-shape mat so provides reasonable coverage for wandering feet or side sleepers. For full coverage, a rectangular model comes in three sizes. The top-side Laylow valve is accessible and easy to operate for adjustment and air bleeding. However, the small opening on the pump sack is designed for blowing into, rather than catching free air, so if you prefer to save your breath and let the bag do the work (as I do), it’s not efficient to use. It’s impressively fast to deflate because the free-floating Mylar film doesn’t trap air like fibre insulation does. 

What we like

Unmatched warmth and comfort for weight, very packable, reasonably priced.

Limitations

Inefficient pump sack, overkill during warmer months.

Why buy the Tensor Extreme Mummy? 

Packability to beat many three-season mats belies this mat’s high R-value and thick baffles, which promise warm, comfortable camping during the cold months. Your partner will sleep better too, because this rustle-free mat is the quietest in its class. It won’t break the bank either. 

Overall score: 86%