The NEMO Switchback is a full-size, insulated, foam sleeping pad that can be used by itself in three-season conditions or as additional insulation in winter conditions.
It is available in two sizes, short (51 x 130 in / 130 x 51 cm) and regular (72 x 20 in / 183 x 51 cm); both are 0.7 in / 2 cm thick. The Switchback has an R-value of 2 and a metalized thermal film layer that is designed to reflect heat back at your body.
Here's everything you need to know about the NEMO Switchback to decide whether you should include it as part of your next outdoor adventure.
Pros and Cons
+ Slightly thicker than comparable pads
+ A bit more comfortable for side sleepers
+ Quickly and easily deployed
+ R-value of 2 good for the weight
– Slightly heavier than comparable foam pads
– No long or wide version available
– Despite extra thickness, not great for side sleepers
– Flattens with repeated use
The Specs
The following information reflects the NEMO Switchback in a size medium. There is also a short version available. If you would like to see specifics on the short version, you can find them here.
- Weight: 14.5 oz / 415 g
- R-Value: 2
- Dimensions (in): 20.0 x 5.0 x 5.5
- Dimensions (cm): 51 x 13 x 14
- Packed Dimensions (in): 5 x 20.5 x 6
- Packed Dimensions (cm): 13 x 52 x 15
- Length: 72 in / 183 cm
- Thickness: 0.9 in / 2.3 cm
- Materials: PE Foam
- Shape: Rectangular
- Sizes: Short, Regular
- Color: Orange
- MSRP: $54.95
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The Good
The Weight: At 14.5 oz / 415 g, the NEMO Switchback isn't the lightest sleeping pad available, foam or air, but it is still lightweight as far as sleeping pads go. If you love the texture of the Switchback, you can always opt for a short version of the pad to cut nearly 50% of the weight (10.5 oz / 300 g vs. 14.5 oz / 415 g). Another option is to simply cut off a section of the Switchback (or cut the corners) if you're looking to shave additional weight.
The R-value: The R-value of 2 for the NEMO Switchback is about as good as you can hope for from a foam pad. There are a few with claims of up to 2.5 but I am skeptical of these claims (these pads are nearly the same as the Switchback – thinner even). But for three-season backpacking or as a protective insulating pad beneath an air mattress for four-season travel, the Switchback's R-value should be just fine.
The Durability: The Switchback is about as durable of a foam pad as you could hope for. It's on the thicker side, it's foam, and it folds down as compactly as you could hope. You aren't going to be punching any holes in it unless you put some serious downward pressure on it with a point underneath. Just be cautious not to get it caught on anything if you have it attached to the outside of your packs and you're pushing through some brushy areas.
The Okay
The Comfort: The NEMO Switchback is comfortable for sleeping on your back (at least I find it comfortable). However, if you are a side sleeper, you may have a bit more difficulty finding comfort with the Switchback. It is on the thicker side which makes it slightly more comfortable for side sleeping, but most side sleepers will find the same issue with all lightweight foam pads.
The Price: The NEMO Switchback is $54.95 for the regular size. Not the cheapest pad available (the short version is $10 cheaper), but still much less expensive than most inflatable pads. That said, you can expect this pad to flatten over time (as all foam pads do), so it will ultimately need to be replaced (whereas air pads don't flatten – they just get punctured).
The Bad
The Size: This is true of any full-sized insulated sleeping pad, but the NEMO Switchback is large when packed down. This is true of any full-sized insulated sleeping pad. Besides your backpack, the Switchback is liable to be your single largest piece of gear. It's simply the price you pay for having a lightweight, quickly-deployable, unpoppable sleeping pad.
The XL Version: Unfortunately, for anyone who wants a longer or wider sleeping pad, the NEMO Switchback comes in just two versions, short and regular. If you're looking for anything longer than 72 in / 183 cm or wider than 20.5 in / 52 cm, you'll have to look elsewhere, unfortunately.
Who is it for?
The NEMO Switchback is a great choice as a sleeping pad for beginner backpackers, thru-hikers, river people, bikepackers, or anyone looking to sleep outside. If you're going to be using it in three-season conditions (and not sleeping on any lingering spring snow), then you'll have all the insulation you need. As an addition to a four-season setup, the Switchback will also serve you well – so long as you have somewhere to carry it.
Popular Alternatives
| SLEEPING PAD | PRICE | WEIGHT | R-VALUE | THICKNESS | LENGTH/WIDTH | PACKED SIZE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exped FlexMat | $35 | 12.3 oz / 349 g | 1.5 | 0.7 in / 1.8 cm | 72 x 20.5 in 183 x 52 cm | 20 x 5 x 4 in 51 x 13 x 10.75 cm |
| Exped FlexMat Plus | $60 | 17.6 oz / 499 g | 2.2 | 1.5 in / 3.8 cm | 72 x 20.5 in 183 x 52 cm | 20.5 x 7 x 6 in 52 x 18 x 15 cm |
| Gossamer Gear Thinlite Foam Pad | $21 | 3 oz / 85 g | 0.5 | 0.125 in / 0.32 cm | 59 x 19 in 150 x 48 cm | N/A |
| NEMO Switchback | $55 | 14.5 oz / 415 g | 2 | 0.9 in / 2.3 cm | 72 x 20 in 183 x 51 cm | 20 x 5 x 5.5 in 51 x 13 x 14 cm |
| Therm-a-Rest Original Z Lite | $45 | 14 oz / 397 g | 1.7 | 0.75 in / 1.9 cm | 72 x 20 in 183 x 51 cm | 20 x 5 x 5.5 in 51 x 13 x 14 cm |
| Therm-a-Rest RidgeRest Classic | $30 | 14 oz / 397 g | 2 | 0.625 in / 1.5 cm | 72 x 20 in 183 x 51 cm | 20 x 8 in 51 x 20 cm |
| Therm-a-Rest RidgeRest SOLite | $40 | 14 oz / 397 g | 2.1 | 0.625 in / 1.5 cm | 72 x 20 in 183 x 51 cm | 20 x 8 in 51 x 20 cm |
| Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL | $55 | 14 oz / 397 g | 2 | 0.75 in / 1.9 cm | 72 x 20 in 183 x 51 cm | 20 x 5 x 5.5 in 51 x 13 x 14 cm |
| Montbell Foam Pad 180 | $59 | 13.9 oz / 395 g | N/A | 0.6 in / 1.6 cm | 71.3 x 20.1 in 181 x 51 cm | 20.1 x 5.9 x 4.3 in 51 x 15 x 11 cm |
| Decathlon Trek 100 | $35 | 17.6 oz / 499 g | 2.2 | 0.8 in / 2 cm | 76.8 x 21.7 in 195 x 55 cm | 21.7 x 5.9 x 5.5 in 55 x 15 x 14 cm |
| Decathlon Forclaz Trek 100 | $30 | 13.1 oz / 371 g | 2.5 | 0.8 in / 2 cm | 70.9 x 21.7 in 180 x 55 cm | 21.7 x 5.9 x 5.5 in 55 x 15 x 14 cm |
Wrap Up
The NEMO Switchback is a great option for a foam, three-season sleeping pad – so long as you're sure you want a foam sleeping pad. If you're not committed to a foam pad or sleep exclusively on your side, you may end up not liking whichever foam pad you choose.
That said, if foam is your jam, then there's no reason you wouldn't be happy with the Switchback – unless you're looking for something longer or wider than what the regular offers.
Questions, comments, or personal experience with the NEMO Switchback? Leave a comment below or get in touch!
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