Nemo Eclipse All-Season Sleeping Pad Review
There’s a lot to like about the new Eclipse All-Season ($160), Nemo’s most luxurious backpacking pad. With 4 inches of cushioning, thick baffles, and a rectangular, contoured design that cradles the body, comfort is clearly the priority. What’s surprising, though, is that the Eclipse All-Season also excels in the warmth-to-weight category, offering winter-ready warmth for just a Snickers bar’s worth of extra weight than many ultralight pads. True ounce-counters may balk at the weight and bulk, and durability isn’t its strongest suit, but for most hikers the comfort more than makes up for those trade-offs.
Comfort
Warmth / Weight
Packed Size
Durability
Ease of Use
Sustainability
Type
Air
R-value
6.2
Weight
1 lb.
Packed Size
10.5 x 4.5 in.
Thickness
4 in.
Fabric(s)
40D nylon
Pros
Cons
Nemo Eclipse All-Season
For this season's top models, see our guide to the Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads.
The Nemo Eclipse All-Season sits at the very top of the comfort spectrum with its 4-inch thickness. That’s second only to the Therm-a-Rest NeoLoft, which boasts a class-leading 4.6 inches of cushioning, and otherwise matches lofty models like the Exped MegaMat Ultra for sheer plushness. In practice, that thickness translates directly to support: I never felt close to bottoming out, and the pad maintains a consistently cushioned feel whether I was on my back or rolling side to side.
What really separates the Nemo Eclipse All-Season, though, is its baffle design. Instead of simple horizontal or vertical chambers, it uses longitudinal baffles with a subtle contour—the center baffles are slightly shallower than those along the edges. The effect is similar to pads with raised side rails like the NeoLoft or REI Co-op AirRail: it gently cradles your body and helps keep you centered on the pad. Even as a restless sleeper who tends to toss and turn, I never felt like I was drifting toward the edge. The internal structure also plays a big role in the pad’s stability, with trusses that add rigidity under the body and make it feel stable rather than springy.
The top fabric reinforces the comfort-first feel. The 100% recycled brushed nylon twill is soft to the touch and noticeably more pleasant than the slick, crinkly materials used on many lightweight pads. Compared to backpacking sleeping pads I’ve used in the past, like the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite, the Eclipse is unquestionably more comfortable: the XLite saves weight with a thinner, narrower design, while the rectangular Eclipse prioritizes sleep quality above all else. Taken together, the thickness, materials, and baffle layout make this the most comfortable sleeping pad I’ve personally used.
On top of its plush, comfortable feel, the Nemo Eclipse All-Season delivers an impressive balance of warmth and weight. The regular rectangular version I tested has a packaged weight of 1 pound 3 ounces and a minimum trail weight of 1 pound, and carries a 6.2 R-value, placing it firmly in the 3-season-plus category with legitimate cold-weather capability. On paper, that’s one of the strongest warmth-to-weight ratios available right now, even edging out Nemo’s own Tensor All-Season, which is slightly lighter for the regular rectangular version but less insulating with a 5.4 R-value. That efficiency comes from a similar construction approach to the Tensor line: Nemo uses two layers of proprietary reflective film inside the pad to reflect body heat back toward you while keeping overall weight in check.
In the field, I used the Eclipse in temperatures that dipped into the low 30s, paired with a 5-degree sleeping bag. On one night I woke up with a freezing face, but the rest of my body stayed warm and toasty. Just as important, I never noticed any cold spots along my back—often the first sign of a pad that’s struggling to insulate. Overall, the Eclipse feels genuinely warm and confidence-inspiring on chilly nights, especially considering how little weight it adds to the pack.
Still, there are a few standout specialists that eclipse the Eclipse (pun intended). Therm-a-Rest’s NeoAir XTherm NXT remains the efficiency benchmark, pairing a 7.3 R-value with a 1-pound-4-ounce weight, and if deep winter camping is your primary focus, Nemo’s Tensor Extreme Conditions pushes insulation even further with an 8.5 R-value (1 lb. 5 oz.). But those pads are more narrowly focused on cold-weather performance and less on comfort. The Eclipse strikes a more balanced middle ground, offering serious warmth alongside the comfort features mentioned above.
Bulk is often the hidden cost of thick, warm sleeping pads, but the Nemo Eclipse largely avoids that pitfall. Rolled up, it measures about 9.5 inches long by 4.5 inches in diameter—roughly a little taller and slimmer than a Nalgene. Considering its 4-inch thickness and 6.2 R-value, that’s an impressively compact package.
Side by side with its closest competitors, the Eclipse holds its own. Nemo’s Tensor All-Season packs down to about 10 by 4 inches and is slightly smaller by volume (around 2.1L versus the Eclipse’s roughly 2.5L), but it also offers less insulation with a 5.4 R-value. The Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated compresses even further to 7 by 4 inches, though that smaller size comes with a noticeably lower 4.8 R-value. Therm-a-Rest’s NeoAir XTherm NXT is the standout here, matching a similar 9 by 4.5-inch packed size while delivering a higher 7.3 R-value, but its comfort takes a hit with a narrower mummy shape and a thinner 3-inch profile.
From a usability standpoint, packing the Eclipse All-Season is painless. When rolled neatly, the cinch-top stuff sack is appropriately sized and the pad slides in without much effort. If I wanted to cut a bit of weight, I could easily leave the sack behind and rely on the included compression strap instead. For anyone who isn’t obsessively counting every cubic inch, the Eclipse’s packed size feels more than reasonable for what it delivers on the ground.
Durability isn’t the Eclipse’s defining trait, but its 40-denier brushed nylon twill strikes a reasonable middle ground for a comfort-first backpacking sleeping pad. There are more robust options out there—the NeoLoft uses a 50D top and 75D bottom—but plenty of pads rely on thinner materials, including Nemo’s own Tensor All-Season with its 20D top and 40D bottom.
In my initial use, the build quality left a positive impression, and nothing about the construction raised any concerns. I slept on the pad inside a tent pitched on a mostly dirt forest floor, with the occasional stick or small rock underneath. After that testing, I couldn’t find any signs of damage or wear that stood out. That said, compared to the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite I’ve used in the past—which uses 30D fabric—the Eclipse’s material feels stretchier and slightly less durable.
If you do manage to puncture it, the Eclipse comes with a patch kit for in-field repairs, which adds some peace of mind. Overall, the durability feels appropriate for a comfort-focused pad like this: solid enough for typical backpacking use, but not something I’d push into especially harsh environments without a bit of extra care.
The Nemo Eclipse is straightforward and intuitive to set up. It uses Nemo’s “Laylow Zero Valve,” which sits flush in the top-right corner of the pad and handles both inflation and deflation. In use, I found it easy to inflate and dump air, and the low-profile design never got in the way while sleeping. A small but helpful touch is the built-in button on the valve, which allows for precise microadjustments to firmness while lying on the pad.
I haven’t personally experienced this, but a few members of the Better Trail team have mentioned that Nemo’s embedded valves feel less secure than something like Therm-a-Rest’s twist-to-lock design. If you’re lounging on the pad, it’s possible to accidentally trip the valve open with an errant elbow swipe, which could lead to quick (and very disappointing) deflation. It’s not a dealbreaker for me as a Nemo fan, but it’s worth keeping in mind.
Thanks to the included pump sack—which is large and easy to attach—inflation itself is quick and painless. It only took me a couple of minutes to fully inflate the pad. I also tried filling the Eclipse with a small electric pump, which worked smoothly thanks to the generously sized valve opening. Whether using the pump sack or an electric option, the Eclipse’s setup is simple and frustration-free.
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Longevity
Choosing durable outdoor gear and keeping it in use for longer is one of the best ways to reduce environmental impact. Our proprietary longevity rating assesses factors like overall build quality, materials, fabric denier, component durability, and real-world performance. A green check indicates that we expect the product to be long-lasting relative to its peers, a yellow check mark indicates average longevity, and a red X indicates a product that may have a limited lifespan.
Recycled Materials
Recycled materials are prevalent in outdoor gear, with nylon, polyester, wool, and down among the most common, but the composition varies widely. A green check mark indicates the product is made with a substantial amount of recycled materials (100% recycled or the core fabric that makes up most of the product is recycled), a yellow check means it contains a moderate to small amount of recycled materials, while a red X means there are no recycled materials in the product.
Bluesign Approved
Bluesign Technologies, based in Switzerland, operates a third-party textile management system that ensures materials are manufactured to strict environmental, chemical, and worker safety standards. A green check mark indicates a product is either a Bluesign Product (contains at least 90% Bluesign-approved fabrics and 20-30% Bluesign-approved accessories) or features a significant amount of Bluesign-approved materials. A yellow check mark means it uses some Bluesign-approved materials but less than the aforementioned category, and a red X means there are no Bluesign-approved materials in the product.
Repair Kit
Repair kits help extend a product’s lifespan by allowing users to quickly fix issues—like sleeping pad punctures or damaged inflation valve seals—rather than replace the item entirely. A green check indicates the product includes a repair kit, while a red X means it does not.
Responsible Manufacturing
This criterion evaluates a brand’s commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions, and reducing environmental impact through certifications and programs like Fair Trade Certified, Fair Wear Foundation, Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), and the Fair Labor Association, while also recognizing brands that manufacture primarily in the U.S. or Europe under strict labor and environmental regulations. A green check mark indicates a brand meets our responsible manufacturing criteria, while a red X means it does not.
Recycled and/or Reduced Packaging
Packaging can add significant waste to outdoor gear purchases, so many brands work to reduce its impact by using recycled materials, incorporating Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper products, and minimizing plastic and paper use. A green check mark indicates a brand uses recycled or reduced materials across all of its packaging, a yellow check indicates moderate or limited use of recycled or reduced packaging, and a red X indicates the brand does not make either of these efforts.
Repair Services
Repair services extend the lifespan of outdoor gear and reduce overall consumption, though programs vary widely. Some brands offer comprehensive repairs for a range of issues, while others provide limited or no repair support. A green check mark indicates a robust repair program, a yellow check mark indicates limited repair services, and a red X indicates the brand does not offer repair services.
Carbon Footprint Tracking
This criterion evaluates whether a brand measures, reports, and works to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions using established frameworks such as the Higg Index, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, or The Change Climate Project. A green check mark indicates a brand publicly reports greenhouse gas emissions data, sets clearly defined reduction targets, and uses established tracking frameworks such as Higg or The Change Climate Project. A yellow check mark indicates the brand tracks emissions and outlines reduction goals but provides limited data, lacks science-based verification, or does not clearly report progress. A red X indicates the brand does not appear to track greenhouse gas emissions or provides so little information that its efforts cannot be verified.
Annual Impact Report
Annual impact reports provide transparency and accountability by outlining a brand’s sustainability efforts across areas such as material sourcing, greenhouse gas emissions, waste, water use, supply chains, and packaging. A green check mark indicates a brand publishes a detailed, brand-specific impact report that closely aligns with our sustainability criteria and leaves little room for ambiguity. A yellow check indicates a brand provides some relevant sustainability reporting but lacks detail in key areas or is covered only briefly within a parent company report. A red X indicates a brand does not regularly publish an impact report.
I tested the Nemo Eclipse All-Season in its regular size, which measures 72 inches long, 20 inches wide, and 4 inches thick. It fit my 5-foot-10 frame well, and I never felt cramped or restricted, with enough room to shift positions without creeping too close to the edges. For those who want more space, Nemo also offers the Eclipse in a regular wide version (72 x 25 x 4 in.) and a long wide option (76 x 25 x 4 in.). Importantly, Nemo only offers the Eclipse in rectangular versions—there’s no tapered mummy option—which underscores its positioning as a comfort-first pad.
Nemo Tensor All-Season ($220): The Ultralight Compromise
Compared to the Nemo Tensor All-Season, the Eclipse leans more decisively toward comfort and warmth. Both pads use a similar boxed-baffle construction, but the Eclipse broadens its baffles, adds an extra half inch of thickness, and features a subtly contoured layout that does a better job cradling your body through the night. It also boasts a higher 6.2 R-value versus the Tensor’s 5.4, with only about a 1-ounce increase in weight (comparing the regular rectangular versions). The Tensor does pack down smaller (by roughly half a liter), but isn’t as bombproof, with a 20D top and 40D bottom compared to the Eclipse’s fully 40D build. Considering the $60 savings you get with the Eclipse, only true ounce counters should opt for the slightly more streamlined Tensor. For more, read our Tensor All-Season review.
Big Agnes Rapide SL ($170): Cradled Yet More Compact
Both the Eclipse and the Big Agnes Rapide SL Insulated use varied baffle sizing to help keep you centered on the pad, but they approach the design differently. The 4-inch-thick Eclipse uses a subtly contoured layout, while the Rapide SL is 3.5 inches thick with taller 4.25-inch outer chambers. The baffles on both pads are boxy and dimpled, and in use their top surfaces feel soft and comfortable. The Eclipse wins on warmth, offering a 6.2 R-value compared to the Rapide SL’s 4.8, while the Rapide SL packs down smaller at 7 by 4 inches (though it’s a bit harder to squeeze back into its stuff sack). If pack space is tight, the Rapide SL makes sense; if warmth is the priority, the Eclipse is the better pick. To learn more, read our review of the Rapide SL Insulated.
One of the least compromised backpacking pads available, the Eclipse offers body-cradling comfort and true all-season warmth for a low weight. It only comes in rectangular versions, which underscores its positioning as a comfort-first pad.
Comfort
Warmth / Weight
Packed Size
Durability
Ease of Use
Sustainability
We think the Nemo Tensor All-Season is the best all-around backpacking pad on the market. It lies at a near-perfect nexus of weight, cushion, and warmth. However, it’s a bit too heavy for militant ounce-counters.
Comfort
Warmth / Weight
Packed Size
Durability
Ease of Use
Sustainability
The Rapide SL Insulated proves that standout comfort doesn’t always need a big price tag to match. This pad’s cushion, warmth, and weight should make it appealing for a wide variety of backpackers, although we’d prefer a larger stuff sack.
Comfort
Warmth / Weight
Packed Size
Durability
Ease of Use
Sustainability
Is the Eclipse All-Season for You?
It’s not a stretch to call the Nemo Eclipse All-Season one of the least compromised backpacking pads available, making it an excellent match for a wide range of backpackers. Its comfort-forward design is ideal for those who prioritize sleep quality without venturing into the heavier world of true luxury pads, and for most backpackers it’s warm enough to pass for year-round use. And at just over a pound, it’s still competitive with many 3-season ultralight pads in terms of weight. There are lighter options if shedding ounces is the goal, and warmer pads if deep-winter camping is on the menu, but as a well-rounded backpacking pad, the Eclipse is tough to beat—especially for the price.
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