Review: NEMO Eclipse All Season Insulated Sleeping Pad

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February 4, 2026

On February 4, 2026

The NEMO Eclipse All-Season Insulated Sleeping Pad is designed for backpackers who want real comfort without carrying a bulky mattress into the backcountry. NEMO’s warmest and thickest air pad to date, the Eclipse targets four-season use while keeping weight and packed size within quite reasonable limits. If you look closely at the pad’s design, materials, and on-trail performance, I think you’ll agree that the Eclipse stands out as a comfort-forward pad that works across a wide range of conditions rather than a niche, specialty option.

R-Value: 6.2
Weight: 16 oz
Size Tested: Regular (Regular Wide and Long Wide, also available)
Thickness: 4 inches
Dimensions: 72 x 20
Sleeping Pad Shape: Rectangular
Packed Size: 4.5 x 9.5 inches
Insulation: Synthetic

Comfort and Sleeping Feel

The 6.2 r-value helps ensure a warm night's sleep even in winter. — The 6.2 r-value helps ensure a warm night’s sleep even in winter.

At 4 inches thick, the Eclipse immediately feels more substantial than most backpacking air mattresses. That extra height is not just for show. It allows the pad to distribute body weight more evenly, especially under your hips and shoulders. Side sleepers especially benefit most from this, as the pad prevents bottoming out even on uneven ground. The surface has a lightly contoured shape that subtly cradles the body and helps keep you centered during the night without feeling restrictive.

The baffle layout contributes heavily to the comfort. Instead of the trampoline-like feel found in some ultralight pads, the Eclipse feels supportive and stable. There is minimal side-to-side wobble when shifting positions, which makes it easier to stay asleep and move around in your tent. The fabric also has a softer hand feel than many crinkly ultralight options, reducing noise when you move.

Warmth and Insulation

With an R-value of 6.2, the Eclipse is built for true all-season use. NEMO uses two layers of suspended synthetic insulation to trap heat without relying on reflective films that tend to be noisy. In cold conditions, the pad does an excellent job of blocking ground chill, even when temperatures drop well below freezing. This makes it suitable for winter camping, shoulder-season trips, and cold sleepers who want extra insurance without stacking pads.

The NEMO Eclipse Sleeping Pad is impressively compact for an winter-worthy insulated sleeping pad.

Weight, Packability, and Practicality

For a pad this thick and warm, the weight is reasonable rather than ultralight. Depending on size, it falls in the 1 to 1.5 pound range. That makes it heavier than minimalist three-season pads, but the tradeoff is noticeable comfort and warmth. When packed, the Eclipse compresses to an astonishingly small size and shape, fitting easily into a backpack and taking up less space than many lighter-weight air mattresses.

Inflation, Deflation, and Setup

NEMO includes a pump sack, which is noticeably larger than that of previous models, making inflation quick and preventing moisture from building up inside the pad. Inflation takes only a 5-6 bagfuls of air, although you’ll want to top it off by mouth for a firmer feel. Unfortunately, you still can’t use the pump sack for gear storage, and it must be rolled up with the pad.

The valve let you adjust firmness and quickly deflate the pad when its time to pack up.

The Laylow valve system is one of the better designs available, allowing fine-tuned pressure adjustments and fast deflation when packing up camp. This ease of use matters at the end of long days when you want your sleep system set up quickly and without frustration so you can get horizontal. When closed, it lies flush with the surface of the pad and is more durable than pads with stick valves.

Durability and Build Quality

The Eclipse uses a durable face fabric that balances weight and toughness. It feels confidence-inspiring without being stiff. While no air pad is immune to punctures, the materials are well suited for repeated use on rough ground with reasonable care. NEMO also backs the pad with a strong warranty, which adds peace of mind to a long-term investment.

Recommendation

The NEMO Eclipse All-Season Insulated Sleeping Pad is best suited for backpackers who value comfort, warmth, and stability over shaving every possible ounce. It excels for side sleepers, cold sleepers, and anyone who camps across multiple seasons and wants one reliable pad to handle it all. Ultralight purists may find it heavier than they prefer, but for most users, the improved sleep quality is well worth it.

The Eclipse is not trying to redefine what a sleeping pad is. Instead, it refines the idea of an all-season backpacking pad by focusing on comfort, warmth, and usability. It delivers a calm, supportive sleeping experience that feels closer to a backcountry mattress than a minimalist air pad. For hikers who believe good sleep is essential to good days on the trail, the NEMO Eclipse makes a strong case as a dependable, all-around option.

Disclosure: NEMO donated a pad for review.

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