First look: NEMO Equipment Sleep System

NEMO Equipment was founded in 2002 by Cam Brensinger with a goal of bringing his ingenuity to the outdoor industry. The company began by releasing their AirSupported Technology for their line of backcountry tents. These pole-less tents were some of the first to hit the market, and made a big splash when they did. As a company, NEMO has always found their direction with the evolving interests of the owner. They continued to make lightweight tents for years while the owner had his interests set in adventure racing. By 2010, NEMO’s product line included 20 tent models, 4 sleeping pads, and 1 pillow. Today NEMO is entering the bikepacking market along with many other camping gear companies who are also following suit. I have been on the search for the perfect bikepacking sleep system. A sleep system that is lighter weight, packable, yet doesn’t sacrifice comfort. I am not one of those ride-all-night and enjoy the sufferfest type of bikepackers. When I finish a long day in the saddle, I want to get a solid 6-8 hours of sleep in comfort to allow my body to recover. This past weekend I was able to do an initial test of the NEMO Astro Insulated Lite 25L Sleeping Pad and the Tango Solo Down Comforter backless sleeping bag while on the White Rim in Canyonlands National Park. Astro Insulated Lite 25L Sleeping Pad The Astro pad was chosen due to it’s full length profile, yet lighter weight construction. This pad is plush to say the least. The three inches of comfort was superb for a good rest on the trail. NEMO utilizes horizontal baffles on this pad for improved comfort during your slumber. There is no movement you can make on the pad that will have you feeling as though it is coiling around you, or that you will roll off of the side. The pad also has a raised baffle at the top end to act as an integrated pillow. The Astro is insulated with PrimaLoft at a comfort temperature level of 15F. This was a desired element, especially when coupling it with a backless sleeping bag. It weighs 1 pound, 7 ounces, and packs down to the size of a Nalgene or a small camp stove with fuel canister. It fits individuals up to 6 feet tall. I have the 25 inch width version which was a bit large for me, however, they also make it in a 20 inch width. My initial opinion on the Astro pad is that it is wildly comfortable for the weight it is, it seems very durable, and it packed much smaller than I thought it would in my seat pack. Tango Solo Down Comforter The Tango Solo Down Comforter is a backless down sleeping bag with a removable hood system. This bag is what NEMO calls “the mummy killer.” The Tango Solo has slips on the bottom and the top to hold the pad in place. It will integrate with any 20 or 25 inch sleeping pad. This bag is roomy, light, and extremely packable. The removable hood is attached to the main body of the bag by a button on each corner. This allows you to remove one side to easily enter and exit the bag, while also being able to button yourself in on a cold evening. The option of leaving the hood at home would allow you to save some weight as well. The Tango Solo has a 700 fill power with DownTek. I experienced the water resistance of the DownTek on the first night of our trip when I woke up covered in condensation from sleeping by the Green River. The total weight is 1 pound 13 ounces, and it can accommodate anyone up to 6 feet tall. It has a comfort temperature rating of 30 degrees. When compressed, the Tango Solo is about the size of a Nalgene. My initial opinion of the Tango Solo Down Comforter was bliss. I found it to be extremely cozy while maintaining my warmth through two 40 degree windy and dewey nights. Overall, I feel as though the NEMO Tango Solo and theAstro Insulated Lite just might fit the bill for that perfect bikepacking sleep system that doesn’t sacrifice comfort for weight. Stay tuned for the full review!