Nemo Switchback Short

The Nemo Switchback Short is a modern take on the classic closed-cell foam (CCF) sleeping pad, and it has earned a devoted following among bikepackers who value simplicity and reliability. At 290 grams for the short version, it provides torso-length insulation that cannot be punctured, deflated, or rendered useless by a thorn.

Nemo's innovation with the Switchback is the body-mapped surface featuring hexagonal cells of varying sizes. The areas under your hips and shoulders have deeper, more cushioned cells, while the areas that need less padding use smaller cells to save weight. It sounds like marketing, but the difference in comfort compared to a flat foam pad like the Z Lite is noticeable.

The R-value of 2.0 makes this a warm-weather pad or a booster layer under an inflatable in cold conditions. Many bikepackers use the Switchback as their primary pad in summer and layer it under an inflatable like the NeoAir UberLite for winter trips. The dual-purpose approach means your summer pad does double duty as a winter insulation booster.

For bikepacking specifically, the Switchback Short straps to the outside of your pack or on top of your rear rack. It does not fit inside most bags due to its folded dimensions, which is the main downside compared to compact inflatable pads. Some riders cut it down further to save weight and size.

Compared to the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol, the Switchback is slightly more comfortable and slightly heavier. Both are excellent CCF pads, but the body-mapping gives Nemo a slight edge for sleep quality. The Z Lite Sol has a reflective surface that provides marginally more warmth.

For bikepackers who want a bombproof, no-maintenance sleeping pad and can accommodate the external carry, the Nemo Switchback Short is the most comfortable CCF option available.