How to Choose Sleeping Bags for Backpacking

Blending roomy comfort with the NEMO space-saving Spoon™ shape, the men's NEMO Tempo 20 synthetic sleeping bag has a relaxed, crowd-pleasing fit that packs smaller than a rectangular sleeping bag.
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Imported.
Best Use | Backpacking |
---|---|
Tested Lower Limit | 19 degrees (F) - ISO |
Tested Comfort | 31 degrees (F) - ISO |
Temperature Rating (F) | 20 degrees (F) |
Temperature Rating (C) | -7 degrees (C) |
Weight | Regular - Left Zip: 3 lbs. 10 oz. Long - Left Zip: 3 lbs. 14 oz. |
Shell | 50-denier recycled ripstop polyester |
Zipper Location | Left |
Insulation Type | Synthetic |
Fill | Stratofiber synthetic fibers |
Fill Weight | Regular - Left Zip: 2 lbs. 10 oz. Long - Left Zip: 2 lbs. 14 oz. |
Lining | 50-denier recycled polyester taffeta |
Sleeping Bag Shape | Semirectangular |
Fits Up To (in.) | Regular - Left Zip: 72 inches Long - Left Zip: 78 inches |
Shoulder Girth (in.) | Regular - Left Zip: 62 inches Long - Left Zip: 64 inches |
Hip Girth (in.) | Regular - Left Zip: 58 inches Long - Left Zip: 59 inches |
Stuff Sack Size | Regular - Left Zip: 9 x 14 inches Long - Left Zip: 9.5 x 14.5 inches |
Stuff Sack Volume | Regular - Left Zip: 12.9 liters Long - Left Zip: 14.5 liters |
Compressed Volume | Regular - Left Zip: 9.2 liters Long - Left Zip: 10.2 liters |
Gender | Men's |
Sustainability | Contains recycled materials |
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This Nemo, sleeping bag is a 20° bag, and while I have used a bunch of the other Nimo 20° bags I am very excited about this one, as I unboxed the sleeping bag, I love that it comes in its own storage bag, and also has a compression bag, additionally, I really love the fact that it has an area where you can put clothing or stuff to make a pillow and has a nice little blanket that kind of tucks you in and keeps you warm. With the Nimo products, I always feel like I’m getting quality, and something great for outdoor camping, backpacking, or just traveling, while the weather currently doesn’t demand a 20° sleeping bag, the 20° Nemo bag has been in my past ago to bag for snow camping and tent camping when paired with the correct air pad or protection from the ground. What I really appreciate about this bag is that it is a little bit longer than most of the other bags I have, and I tend to buy a larger bag for extra comfort. I usually don’t mind the extra weight and space, well, this bag feels like it is the perfect weight, compresses to a very nice size, and will be a staple in my backpack adventures
The Nemo Tempo 20 is another quality sleeping bag. Well made with quality zippers and ease of use. I tested it in warmer weather in Northern Ohio so mostly used it as a quilt but it worked fine In that mode. I'm 52, 275# and 6'1" and it was a little more snug through the shoulders but manageable. I feel like early spring or fall this is going to be more of a go to bag for staying warmer. It has a nice roomy hood you can snug up and a flap to keep the heat in. I'm a warm sleeper and would probably use this bag in winter with a good mattress. The bag isnt overly bulky or weighty either. Overall a good choice.
I loved the roominess of this sleeping bag. I could lie in any position with my legs and didn't feel constricted. That's a huge win for me. It's also surprisingly small - I expected a car camping bag but it packs down to not much bigger and about the same weight as one of my 20F down bags. It comes with a compression sack AND a mesh storage sack, which is a really nice touch. I have to take a star off because of the zipper. First, it doesn't go down very far; there's maybe 2 feet of bag still after the zipper ends. It also snags a bit, and didn't slide easily one handed. Most importantly, mine may have been defective because I zipped all the way down and it immediately fell off the track. Other than the zipper, I am super pleased with this bag. It feels so luxurious to have so much wiggle room!
This is a really comfortable, compressible bag that should work well for people who want a cushy camping experience, or who need a sleeping bag that is packable to take with them on trips requiring air/bus travel. I had my partner try it out on our most recent camping trip to the Santa Cruz mountains, since he is pickier about having a bag that is not claustrophobic and needs a wider size. He is also an active sleeper. He said it fit well and was not constricting compared to other mummy bags, but ended up unzipping it in the middle of the night to use it as a blanket (partly because it was way too warm for the conditions). So, it is roomy, but not as roomy as a rectangular sleeping bag. It wasn't possible to take it down to the lower range of its comfort limit (thanks climate change!) but based on other 20F bags I've used, this one should be fine down into the thirties if you're inside a typical well-ventilated, double-wall tent. The draft collar is also very substantial. It doesn't loft very much, but don't be deceived! It is quite cozy. What we really loved is the lining. The taffeta fabric is so incredibly soft, it feels like sleeping in silk sheets. I have a quilt that is also polyester taffeta, but it is more fragile 20D and this is 50D so it should be pretty durable. We both noticed that the zippers are not truly snagless, and did catch quite a bit, especially when fiddling around with them in the dark. But, I have never found a sleeping bag with truly snagless zippers. The compression sack is intuitive to use, and this bag is very compressible for how bulky it is. This is one way that it is a huge upgrade from any rectangular bag, and it also gives other mummy bags of a similar weight a run for their money. It would be easy to throw in your luggage or car trunk without taking up much room. This is a keeper.
I used the bag for the first time in the backyard (where I initially test out all products) and then on a weekend trip. The bag worked great and has some nice features, especially for a side sleeper like me. The bag itself is roomy due to its shape - somewhat of a mummy shape, but a little more generous in dimensions. I'm a side sleeper, and enjoyed being able to have a bit more room to be able to do so. The drawback to this roomy shape and the synthetic fill is a bit more weight, but nothing terrible at the listed 3lbs, 10 oz (for the regular size). The bag really shines when it comes to the 'head area' - there is a little pocket to stick a pillow or rolled up puffy inside of it, and there is also what Nemo calls a 'draft collar' - basically a flap of lightly insulated fabric near your neck that you can tuck-in with. It has recycled fill, too, which is nice for environmental reasons. The only thing I would note is that I'm six foot even, and that's the max height Nemo would recommend for the regular. I'd agree - if I was an inch or two taller, I'd definitely switch over to the long version. The only thing I cannot speak to is its warmth - it feels warm, but I tested in late spring in warm weather. All in all, a very nice synthetic bag.
I've always used the Big Agnes System for moto-camping but after taking more car camping trips with the family I thought I'd treat myself to a fully insulated bag. My wife was very pleased with her Tempo 20 so I took advantage of REI's Memorial Day sale and purchased one of my own. After four nights with temps into the high 30s I have to say (paired with REI's Dreamer XL) it's super comfortable for a side sleeper and very warm in just boxers and a t-shirt (and I'm a really cold sleeper). In fact, I usually have to wear some mid-weight layers, socks, and a hat to really stay warm in the Big Agnes system (0F bag and insulated air-core mattress) at the same temps. As a bonus, it comes with both an oversized mesh storage bag AND a compression stuff sack.
Great sleeping bag. Packed down well. I didn't feel any feathers bunching or poking.
My 6'1" son is very happy to have a sleeping bag that fits him. This would be a five star review except that on the first camping trip using it, the compression sack strap popped out of the seam. I've mended it and will reinforce the other straps, but caveat emptor - - you might want to do the same before you use it.
My first compact sleeping bag and it does not disappoint. Slept a few nights at 40 degrees and I was hot even though I’m a light guy and am normally pretty cold. Compacts really good into my backpack too
I took this bag with me for a climbing trip down in bishop. The long bag is the perfect length for me (I'm 6'1) and provides plenty of width in essential areas like the shoulders and leg area. Temperatures on my trip gradually decreased as my trip went on, starting at 30-degree nights and dropping down to 18-degree nights towards the end of the trip. I would say the comfortability range is around the 27 to 30-degree mark. Once it dropped below 25, I started to get a little colder. If you want to use this bag in sub-30-degree weather, I would recommend a fleece and a hoodie to make it a more comfortable night. Overall, this is a great bag and it did not disappoint. The tech specs advertised were pretty spot on as far as temperature rating. If you're looking for a good sleeping bag for an affordable price, this is the one.