Nordic Gear Air Mattress Review from Friluftsmagasinet 2024

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Nordic Gear has received the product review below from Andreas Birk from Friluftsmagasinet:

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The sleeping pad from Nordic Gear has pleasantly surprised us here at  FriluftsmagasinetFor this reason, we have named the sleeping pad as the best all-round sleeping pad in our comprehensivesleeping pad testanno 2024. This sleeping pad stands out for its versatility, high quality and advanced features, making it a good solution for both experienced and beginners.

The sleeping pad is made of a durable, tear and puncture resistant material that ensures long-lasting durability and reliability in various conditions. It is specially designed with a honeycomb structure that contributes to optimal weight distribution and comfortable support. 

One of the most prominent features of the sleeping pad is actually its integrated pump, which makes inflation quick and effortless. With just a few strokes of the pump, the sleeping pad can quickly reach its fully inflated state, making setup easy and simple. This built-in pump system is a significant advantage for us hikers who want to save time and energy when we would rather spend our time in nature and at the campsite.

The sleeping pad has a total thickness of 10 cm, which provides excellent insulation and protection against cold from the ground. The combination of the thickness and the air-filled design ensures a relatively high R-value of 4, which means that it is suitable for use in different weather conditions and seasons. It is therefore a good all-rounder when it comes to warmth, because it can keep you warm most of the year here in Denmark.

Advantages:

- High comfort: Honeycomb structure and 9 cm thickness ensure ergonomic support and even weight distribution, resulting in a comfortable sleep.

- Efficient inflation: The built-in pump system makes inflation quick and easy, saving you time and effort, making it ideal for outdoor use.

- Robust and durable: Made of tear and puncture-resistant material, ensuring long-lasting durability even in harsh conditions.

- High insulation capacity: The sleeping pad has an impressive thickness and high R-value, which provides good protection against ground cold and makes it suitable for use in different seasons.

Disadvantages:

- The range of colors and sizes: You can only get the sleeping pad in green and in a unisex size, which is a shame for those who are either very short or tall, as well as those who want a color other than green.

Assessment parameters:

- Comfort and support: 4.9

- Inflation time: 4.8

- Durability: 4.7

- Insulation capacity: 4.6

Elaboration of assessment parameters:

Comfort and support: 4.9 out of 5.0

Comfort is good thanks to the innovative honeycomb structure. This structural construction ensures an even distribution of body weight, which reduces pressure points and improves overall sleeping comfort. The 10 cm thickness provides sufficient cushioning between the body and the ground, making it ideal for those who usually sleep on their back, side or stomach. During the test, we noticed that the sleeping pad adapts to the contours of the body effectively, and we really liked that.

Inflation time: 4.8 out of 5.0

One of the most notable features of the Nordic Gear sleeping pad is its efficient and convenient inflation mechanism. Using the built-in pump, the sleeping pad reached its fully inflated state in under 1 minute in our test. The integrated pump eliminates the need for external pumps or deep breaths, and it really just simplifies the setup process. This makes the product ideal for hiking and camping trips where time and effort are a major consideration when setting up your “camp.”

Durability: 4.7 out of 5.0

The Nordic Gear sleeping pad is made of a high-performance, tear- and puncture-resistant material that won’t scratch or break under the most demanding conditions. The test involved camping on rocky, uneven and forested areas at Mols Bjerge, and the sleeping pad withstood the challenges without any signs of damage or wear. We also noticed that the seams are reinforced, which further contributes to durability and prevents air leaks that could compromise the pad’s insulation and comfort.

Insulation ability: 4.6 out of 5.0

When it comes to insulation, the sleeping pad has a high R-value, which is a measure of the product's ability to resist heat loss. With an R-value of 4 and its 10 cm thickness, the pad provides significant protection against ground cold, which can often be a challenge during cooler nights and especially during the winter months. During the time we tested the sleeping pad, it maintained a comfortable sleeping temperature in all scenarios. This also just goes to show its versatility and that it can be used throughout several seasons.

Conclusion:

The Nordic Gear sleeping pad embraces the entirety of an ideal outdoor sleeping experience, which is why their sleeping pad has earned the title of best all-round sleeping pad in our test. The combination of high comfort, durability and ease of use makes it an excellent choice for any outdoor activity and outdoors person. It is a nice, affordable, Danish alternative to the already established, recognized brands that you pay a premium for, e.g. Sea to Summit, Therm A Rest and Nordisk.

Written and reviewed by Anders B, professional consultant at Friluftsmagasinet