I bought the NEMO Stargazer back when everyone was spending money on tie-dye sweat suits during 2019, before I even had one solo camping trip under my belt, much less a tent, a bag or any other camping essentials. What I did know was that whoever said that ‘money can’t buy love’ has never sat in a Stargazer. Even in its first iteration (it looks completely different now), The Stargazer was novel and wonderful product; small enough for Denver apartments, light enough to walk a mile to the park, easy enough to pack down during an unpredicted summer storm, and comfortable enough to use as an actual chair in my house. I took it EVERYWHERE and it seemed like everyone noticed. I couldn’t read two pages at the park or on a camp site without letting someone take a sweet recline in my baby. I even developed an opening line for my, “No, it’s not a telescope, it’s a Stargazer…”
Needless to say, I sold more Stargazers than I made friends during these demonstrations. When I finally gathered my guts and enough cash to buy my own camping gear for solo journeys, I knew what brand to look at first, NEMO. After three years, I have yet to experience buyers remorse. Not only is the gear user-friendly, durable, and beautiful, but each new release becomes more sustainable than the last.
Naturally, when geniuses at NEMO invited me to camp and to preview their forthcoming products, I felt like I was going to meet a celebrity… or at least a bunch of type A people who are just as obsessed with structure meeting function, sustainability and the great outdoors. As the NEMO team introduced each item, I could practically feel my wallet shiver. They’re wonderful. As much as I would love to give you the rundown of all the amazing things NEMO has in store for 2024, I’ll give you the top three products that I think will change the way you camp but also think about products in terms of sustainability.
1. The “Double Haul” Duffle
This versatile duffle bag is the new rival to your old Patagonia Black Hole and a godsend for the chronic over packers out there. This bluesign certified bag transitions from a duffle to a duffle-backpack and a tote, depending on your storage needs/preferred packing methods. The Double Haul comes in four sizes, a 30L, 55L, 70L and 100L and four earthy colors; Chai is a golden yellow, Lake is a royal blue, Nova is a forest green and your standard Black. The exterior is made from a tough, 100% recycled Nylon that will withstand the post-camping trunk toss or rolling around a dusty Thule on I-70. The 55-liter size easily fits enough (NEMO) camping gear for two people, a change of clothes and four backpacking meals, yet packs down small enough into it’s storage bag to stash into your carry on for unexpected souvenirs bought while traveling.
2. The Moonlite Elite
NEMO took the already great Moonlite chair and gave it a glow up and slim down for the ounce counters out there. At 1 pound and 2 ounces, the Moonlite Elite packs up to the size of a chef’s knife roll (which is what I thought it was before they unpacked and assembled) to easily slide into most daypacks (dimensions are 40x30x12.5 inches). Despite its light frame, the Elite has a 250 pound weight capacity and reclines just as well as its predecessor. In fact, it may be more comfortable than the original because it is slightly less rigid. The carrying case also doubles as a floor mat to prevent sinking in sandy or muddy surfaces. This product is great for anyone who wants a mid-hike treat off their feet, the soccer mom who already has too much to carry, the festival folks who are over toting around a dirty tapestry, the fishers, the freaks… everyone.
This chair is for everyone who likes sitting like a king/queen where you usually can’t.
3. The Coda Mummy Bag
The Coda Mummy Bag is for the backpacker who cares just as much about shaving ounces as they do saving the environment. Like the brand’s other bags, this mummy with the Thermo Gill Vent and zippered foot opening to shed excess heat and the Headwall Draft Guard to feel like your mom just tucked you in to bed, yet weighs in at 1 pound 7 ounces to 1 pound 13 ounces depending on which of the three lengths you choose. What sets the Coda apart is that it is one of NEMO’s Endless Promise products, meaning, that because of the bag’s monopolymer makeup, it can be fully recycled at the end of its useful life. No, not recycled like the stuff you throw into your bin at home and hope for the best, I mean it can be fully broken down and reused when you return it to Nemo or a participating retailer. Not to mention, Nemo will give you a little store credit for a new bag. The Coda is also the brand’s first unisex bag.
Before you disregard this because you think it may be too small for your womanly curves or too petite for your man shoulders, I had the opportunity to test the Coda 25/35 (degree rating) on the camp site. Let me preface my review of the bag by saying I loathe mummy bags and thought nothing would ever change my tune (I sleep in the NEMO Disco, a spoon) …. Until I slept in the Coda. It was just as plush as my Disco, I didn’t feel constricted at all, yet I didn’t feel like I was swimming in bag. Additionally, NEMO upgraded their stuff sack to a more compact size that still allows the down to air out and keep shape. For you spoon bag diehards, don’t worry, if the Coda doesn’t change your mind, it’s equally sustainable counterpart, the Riff bag, is also debuting in 2024.
All of these items are available with the Nemo 2024 Launch. For more information visit nemoequipment.com
Here’s another look at the campout at Golden Gate Canyon State Park.
About the Author
Sydney Smith is a contributing writer and graphic designer for Approachable Outdoors. Originally from Dallas, Texas she’s found her home in the mountains of Colorado spending most weekends on the trail with her sweet rescue pup, Basil.
