€Sign in
Contact
Hiking 
Camping 
Trail 
Running 
Mountaineering 
Climbing 
Mountain biking 
Road biking 
Survival 
Canyoning 
Alpine Skiing 
Ski touring 
Snow activities 
Snowboarding 
Cross-country skiing 
Lifestyle 
NEMO Equipment Guide — Mattresses, Sleeping Bags & Accessories
NEMO Equipment is an American brand founded in 2002 in Dover (New Hampshire) by Cam Brensinger. A pioneer in outdoor design, NEMO is recognized for its innovations in comfort and durability — notably its Spoon™ shape for sleeping bags, its ultralight Tensor mattresses, and its Endless Promise® program (100% recyclable gear at the end of life).
Sources : NEMO Equipment (nemoequipment.com), NEMO support, Ultralight Outdoor Gear, Treeline Review, OutdoorGearLab.
Alpinstore Return Policy
- Sleeping Bags — size by height : choose Regular or Long based on your height, not based on thermal comfort. A bag that is too long leaves cold air pockets around the feet.
- Men vs Women : women's bags are shorter and contain more down per kilo of weight (women generally sleep colder). For a tall woman, consider a men's bag in size S or Regular.
- Mattresses — R-value explains warmth : R1–R2 = summer only, R3–R4 = 3 seasons, R5+ = 4 seasons/winter. Combine a foam mattress (Switchback) under an inflatable mattress to increase the total R-value.
- Compatible zips : two NEMO sleeping bags of the same range (two Disco, two Riff, two Forte) can be zipped together to form a double bag — one H bag with left zip + one F bag with right zip.
- Endless Promise® : products marked Endless Promise are made from 100% recyclable mono-material. NEMO takes them back at the end of life for recycling or resale through its Worn Wear program.
1. Sleeping Bag Sizes — Selection Guide
The size (Regular, Long, Wide) determines if the bag will physically fit you. The temperature (15°F, 30°F…) determines how much cold it protects you from. These two choices are independent.
Men's Sleeping Bags
| Size | Max Height | Bag Length |
|---|---|---|
| Regular | up to 183 cm (6') | 183 cm |
| Long | up to 198 cm (6'6") | 198 cm |
Women's Sleeping Bags
| Size | Max Height | Bag Length |
|---|---|---|
| Regular | up to 168 cm (5'6") | 168 cm |
| Long | up to 183 cm (6') | 183 cm |
2. NEMO Sleeping Bag Range 2024–2025
Comfort temperatures EN 13537 (European standard). The "Comfort" value = temperature at which a standard sleeper sleeps comfortably. H/F values differ because women generally sleep colder.
| Model | Insulation | Comfort Temp. M | Comfort Temp. F | Weight Reg. M | Shape / Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riff 30°F | 800FP hydrophobic down | −2°C | −7°C | 857 g | Ultralight Spoon, 3-season backpacking |
| Riff 15°F | 800FP hydrophobic down | −8°C | −15°C | 1,126 g | Ultralight Spoon, lightweight 3–4 seasons |
| Disco 30°F | 650FP hydrophobic down | −1°C | −6°C | 1,090 g | Classic Spoon, 3 seasons, roomier than Riff |
| Disco 15°F | 650FP hydrophobic down | −7°C | −14°C | 1,247 g | Classic Spoon, 3–4 seasons, expanded comfort |
| Forte 35°F | Recycled Zerofiber synthetic | +1°C | −4°C | 939 g | Classic Spoon, synthetic, resists moisture |
| Forte 20°F | Recycled Zerofiber synthetic | −8°C | −14°C | 1,247 g | Classic Spoon, synthetic, 3–4 seasons |
| Tempo 20°F | Synthetic, base camping | +0°C | −5°C | ~1,400 g | Rect. or mummy, base camping, affordable price |
| Jazz 30°F | Recycled Zerofiber synthetic | −1°C | — | ~1,600 g | Trapez., couple, double zipper symmetrical |
| Pulse (Quilt) | 800FP hydrophobic down | depending on model | — | ~540 g | Ultralight quilt, thru-hikers |
All Disco, Riff, and Forte models are in the Endless Promise® range (recyclable). Comfort values in °C according to EN 13537 standard. Weights for Regular men's size. Women's sizes are heavier at equivalent temperature (more down).
3. Ground Mattresses — Dimensions and Sizes
All NEMO ranges (Tensor, Astro, Quasar, Flyer) follow the same size standard. Exceptions : Switchback and Roamer have their own dimensions.
| Format | Length | Width | Profile / Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Mummy | 183 cm (72") | 51 cm (20") head → 9 cm feet | Tapered, ultra-light, maximizes space in the backpack |
| Regular | 183 cm (72") | 51 cm (20") uniform | Standard rectangular, 3-season backpacking |
| Regular Wide | 183 cm (72") | 64 cm (25") uniform | Wide or restless sleepers, increased comfort |
| Long | 193 cm (76") | 51 cm (20") uniform | Tall individuals (> 183 cm), extra length |
| Long Wide | 193 cm (76") | 64 cm (25") uniform | Large build, maximum comfort, base camping or bivouac |
Quick selection guide : height ≤ 183 cm → Regular / Regular Wide. Height > 183 cm → Long / Long Wide. The Wide option is recommended for restless sleepers or broad-shouldered individuals.
4. NEMO Mattress Range — R-value and Features
The R-value measures the thermal resistance of the mattress (ASTM F3340 standard). The higher it is, the more the mattress insulates from the cold ground. Reference values : R < 2 = summer only • R 2–4 = 3 seasons • R 4–6 = 4 seasons • R > 6 = winter/alpinism.
| Model | R-value | Thickness | Weight Reg. | Ideal Use | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tensor Trail | 2.8 | 8.9 cm (3.5") | ~290 g | 3-season backpacking, weight priority | Insulated inflatable |
| Tensor All-Season | 5.4 | 8.9 cm (3.5") | ~420 g | 4 seasons, non-extreme winter, best R/weight ratio | Insulated inflatable |
| Tensor Extreme | 8.5 | 8.9 cm (3.5") | ~480 g | Winter expedition, alpinism, extreme conditions | Insulated inflatable |
| Astro Insulated | 2.6 | 7.6 cm (3") | ~560 g | Base camping, comfort priority, side baffles | Comfort insulated inflatable |
| Quasar Insulated | 3.3 | 8.9 cm (3.5") | ~680 g | Base camping and backpacking, excellent comfort | Inflatable, 3D baffles |
| Flyer | 3.3–4.2 | 8.9 cm (3.5") | ~590 g | Hybrid foam + inflatable, versatile, long-lasting | Hybrid self-inflating |
| Switchback | 1.9 | 1.9 cm | 418 g | Folding foam, summer, under an inflatable for +R | Folding closed-cell foam |
5. Key NEMO Technologies
Spoon Shape™
Wider oval shape at the elbows and knees, narrower at the feet than rectangular bags. Ideal for side sleepers. Classic Spoon : Disco, Forte, Jazz. Ultralight Spoon : Riff (narrower, lighter).
Thermo Gill™
Ventilation zippers on the chest of the sleeping bag. Allow for ventilation without exposing to the cold. Multi-stage system with intermediate anti-draft layer. Available on Riff, Disco, Forte.
Blanket Fold™
Oversized and plush draft collar at the neck. Folded : blocks cold like a comforter. Unfolded : releases excess heat. Available on all NEMO backpacking bags.
Thermal Mirror™
Ultra-thin metallic film "floating" in the mattress baffles. Reflects body heat upwards. 1 layer = Tensor Trail (R 2.8). 2 layers = Tensor All-Season (R 5.4). 4 layers = Tensor Extreme (R 8.5). The floating construction eliminates plastic noise.
Spaceframe™
Internal baffle system made of low-stretch fabric in Tensor mattresses. Creates stable support without the "waterbed" effect. Prevents lateral rolling and offers slight compliance for side sleepers.
Endless Promise®
Circularity program. EP products are made from 100% recyclable mono-material (recycled polyester or down + single fiber). NEMO takes them back for free at the end of life. Available on Disco, Riff, Forte, Pulse Quilt, and some bags.
6. Other NEMO Products Distributed
Pillows (Fillo)
Fillo Elite : ultra-light backpacking pillow. Air cells + foam layer. Weight : approx. 65 g. Compressed size : very small.
Fillo Elite Wide : wider version for side sleepers or larger builds.
Fillo Luxury : more comfortable, thicker camping pillow. For base camping and comfort bivouac.
Tents
Hornet Elite OSMO : ultra-light 1-person tent (approx. 590 g), OSMO fabric moisture-saturation resistant.
Dagger OSMO 2P : 2-person 3-season tent, generous interior space, bluesign® certified.
Aurora / Wagontop : family base camping tents, interior standing height, extended use.
Camp Accessories
Helio Pressure Shower : portable pressure shower (11L). No electric pump — foot-pressurized. For rinsing gear, dishes, feet after hiking.
Stargaze Chair : suspended pivoting chair, self-assembling. Exceptional comfort at the bivouac.
Vortex Pump Sack : pump sack included with all Tensor mattresses. Inflates the mattress in 10–15 breaths.
NEMO Backpacks
Resolve 25L / 35L : fully recyclable everyday backpacks (Endless Promise). Abrasion-resistant and water-repellent outer fabric.
Vantage 30L : recycled weekend/day pack, lightweight back structure, compatible with technical layer management.
7. NEMO Equipment FAQ
Riff or Disco — which to choose ?
Both bags are in Classic or Ultralight Spoon shape, available in 15°F and 30°F, in the Endless Promise range. Disco (650FP) : roomier, more comfortable for larger sleepers, less compact. More affordable price. Riff (800FP) : lighter and more compressible thanks to high-power down, more athletic cut. Perfect for thru-hikers and weight reducers. For the same temperature, the Riff 15°F Reg. weighs 1,126 g vs 1,247 g for the Disco 15°F Reg.
Which NEMO mattress for which season ?
Summer + mild 3 seasons (> 5°C ground) : Tensor Trail (R 2.8). 3–4 seasons, moderate winter camping (−10°C) : Tensor All-Season (R 5.4) — the best R/weight ratio on the market. Winter expedition or alpinism (<−20°C) : Tensor Extreme (R 8.5), or Tensor All-Season + Switchback (total R ~7.3). Base camping comfort : Quasar Insulated (R 3.3) or Astro Insulated (R 2.6) for sleepers who appreciate a thicker and more comfortable mattress.
What is the R-value and how to compare it ?
The R-value (thermal resistance) measures the mattress's ability to block heat transfer to the ground. Since 2020, the ASTM F3340 standardizes measurements between brands — R-values are therefore comparable between NEMO, Therm-a-Rest, and Sea to Summit. R 1 = lightweight jacket. R 2 = winter jacket. R 4–5 = ski suit. R 8–9 = high-altitude suit. Values accumulate : R 2 + R 1.9 = R 3.9 total.
Can a women's sleeping bag be used by a man (and vice versa) ?
Yes, NEMO bags are technically usable by both genders. The main difference is that women's bags contain more down at equal temperature (women statistically sleep colder). A man who sleeps cold may benefit from a women's bag. A tall woman (> 168 cm) may find a Regular men's bag more suitable in terms of length — and having less down will not be an issue if she naturally sleeps warm.
NEMO Equipment data based on official sheets (sources : nemoequipment.com, NEMO support, Ultralight Outdoor Gear UK, Treeline Review). Weights and R-values are for Regular sizes; Long and Long Wide sizes are heavier. Comfort temperatures EN 13537 are standardized values — sleepers who sleep cold should select a temperature lower than their expected minimum temperature.
