NEMO Equipment Inc. Hike & Camp

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is NEMO’s OSMO™ fabric and why choose a tent that uses it?

  OSMO™ is NEMO’s proprietary, PFAS-free tent fabric made from 100% recycled yarns that’s engineered to be lightweight, durable, and more water‑resistant than standard fabrics. It resists water up to four times longer and stretches roughly three times less when wet, which improves seam integrity and longevity on multi‑day trips.
• How does the Spoon™ shape in NEMO sleeping bags compare to a traditional mummy bag?

  The Spoon™ shape is wider at the knees and elbows to give side and restless sleepers more room without sacrificing thermal efficiency, whereas a traditional mummy bag is more tapered to minimize dead space. Spoon bags preserve warmth around key areas while avoiding the constricted feel of a mummy cut, making them ideal if you move around at night.
• Which NEMO sleeping pad should I buy for ultralight summer hikes versus cold-weather or four‑season trips?

  For ultralight summer use the Tensor™ Trail offers low weight and a 3‑season R‑value suited to warm nights and side sleepers, while the Tensor™ All‑Season provides higher R‑value and quieter fabric for colder conditions. If you need maximum warmth and insulation for true four‑season use, the Quasar™ is designed for extreme conditions and offers the highest warmth-to-weight performance; consider the Truss™ system if you want reduced stiffness and crinkle noise.
• When is DownTek hydrophobic down a better choice than synthetic insulation in NEMO sleeping bags?

  DownTek hydrophobic down is a good choice when you want the compressibility and warmth-to-weight of natural down with improved wet‑weather performance, as the hydrophobic treatment resists saturation in damp or humid environments. Synthetic insulation still performs better if you expect frequent, prolonged exposure to soaking conditions or need lower cost and easier care, but DownTek bridges many of the traditional gaps between down and synthetic.
• What tent features should I prioritize when choosing a NEMO tent for backpacking versus car camping?

  For backpacking prioritize low packed weight, an asymmetrical footprint for optimized floor space, and a durable but lightweight floor denier; choose smaller vestibules to save weight unless you need extra gear storage. For car camping or weekend shelter prioritize larger vestibule volume, higher floor denier for durability, and mesh options (black mesh for stargazing or white mesh for privacy) plus generous headroom and internal light pockets for comfort.