Wesley Littlefield 06.22.26
I have taken Nemo Flyer Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad On many camping trips with friends and family. It’s ideal for tent and SUV camping, but backpack campers will find it a little large to keep in their bag. I found sleeping on it more comfortable than my lonely cot and much better than the hard ground. It comes in three sizes (and price points), so you can buy the one that fits you best, but there are a few things I don’t like. Keep reading this Nemo Flyer Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad review to find out if it’s right for you.
specification
regular mom
- Minimum Weight: 1 pound 5 ounces / 600 grams
- Pack Weight: 1 lb 7 oz / 650 g
- Pack Size: 10.0 x 6.5 inches diameter / 25 x 16 cm diameter
- R-value: 4.2
- Thickness: 2.0 inches
- Size: Mother
- Color: Aquifer / Algiers
- Insulation: Open-cell foam
- MSRP: $140
Regular Wide Mummy
- Minimum Weight: 1 lb 9 oz / 710 g
- Packed Weight: 1 lb 11 oz / 760 g
- Pack Size: 12.0 x 6.5 inches diameter / 30 x 16 cm diameter
- R-value: 4.2
- Thickness: 2.0 inches
- Size: Mother
- Color: Aquifer / Algiers
- Insulation: Open-cell foam
- MSRP: 150
tall mummy
- Minimum weight: 1 pound 10 ounces / 725 grams
- Packed Weight: 1 lb 11 oz / 775 g
- Pack Size: 12.0 x 7.5 inches diameter / 30 x 19 cm diameter
- R-value: 4.2
- Thickness: 2.0 inches
- Size: Mother
- Color: Aquifer / Algiers
- Insulation: Open-cell foam
- MSRP: $160
Testing methods and conditions
I’ve packed the Nemo Flyer sleeping pad for my SUV, tent, and off-grid hunting trips. I’ve used it for sleeping on the ground and to make my cot more comfortable in cold and hot weather. Lying on it with and without a sleeping bag in different positions.
Inflation, valve operation and initial setup
While the Nemo Flyer is technically self-inflating, I’ve never inflated it more than half capacity and have to top it with a Vortex Hybrid stuff sack to get the maximum amount of cushion. The valve seals out surprisingly air, and when I slept on it for several days in a row I didn’t feel air leaking out of the sleeping pad. The valve is also easy to operate with the Vortex Hybrid stuff sack, so you won’t have to struggle with it when inflating the pad.
Rating: 7/10
insulation, heat and R-value performance
With an R-value of 4.2, this is a multi-season sleeping pad. You won’t have any problems camping with this sleeping pad in spring, summer, and fall. In warmer states, you can even use it during the winter, but I wouldn’t want to sleep on it while on the ground when the ground temperature is near zero. I’m a naturally hot sleeper, so this pad was perfect for cool nights, and on warm nights I didn’t sweat too much as long as I had only a light blanket over me.
Rating: 8/10
Durability, materials and build quality
The 20D soft-touch fabric has performed well so far. Although I wouldn’t recommend sleeping on sharp sticks and rocks with it, it can definitely handle nights sleeping under the stars without a cot. The design and materials used by Nemo are well thought out and beneficial to most campers.
Rating: 8/10
Comfort, sleeping surface and ergonomics
Back and stomach sleepers will find this pad most comfortable, but side sleepers like me can still use it to get a good night’s sleep. This is ideal with a cot, but on the ground it also makes rocks and logs tolerable for the night. The multiple sizes mean you can buy the one that best suits your body and camping style. The worst part is how fast it gets when you turn. I usually wake up at night tossing and turning while sleeping on the Nemo Flyer.
Rating: 8/10
Who is it for / Who should leave it
The Nemo Flyer Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad is ideal for tents, SUVs, and kayaks Camping Because it packs down to the perfect size, is comfortable, and keeps air in all night long. However, it’s not small enough for backpack camping without sacrificing some other essential gear.
Value and price-to-performance
I think the self-inflating claim is a bit misleading because it doesn’t fully inflate without putting air in it using the Vortex Hybrid Stuff Sack, and at an MSRP of $140, I think it should be much more self-inflating than that. Once inflated, it works well and is worth the price if you value a good night’s sleep.
Rating: 7/10
Pros and cons
professional:
- comfortable
- multiple sizes
- easy to inflate
- keeps air in all night
- Versatile (works well on cot or ground)
Shortcoming:
- expensive
- Does not fully auto inflate
Verdict: Nemo Flyer Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad Review
Overall, the Nemo Flyer Self-Inflating Sleeping Pad fails in the self-inflating department, but if you can look past that shortcoming and the expensive price, it is comfortable, durable, and retains air all night. It’s great for most camping situations, and I will continue to use it.
Overall Rating: 7.6/10
Wesley Littlefield
| Christian husband Father Outdoorsman Freelance Outdoor Writer & Content Creator | @KayakKid on YouTube |
