Finally a mummy bag for the rest of us. I am an “active sleeper,” which is to say I roll around a lot when sleeping, normally ending up on my side. I have always liked the concept of a mummy bag, but would normally end up waking up many times throughout the night tangled up in my sleeping bag. Last year when I started camping a lot more, I decided it was time to get a bag that would work for me, the Nemo Rhythm 25 fit the bill.
Spoon Shape Series – A better mummy bag
The Rhythm is part of Nemo’s Spoon Shape Series of sleeping bags. After starting with a standard mummy shape pattern, the shoulder and knee areas were widened. This modified shape accommodates sleeping on the side or sprawled out a bit. Along with the hood being retained there is an integrated pocket that a jacket can be stuffed into create a pillow.
There is also a tuckable flap at the top of the head opening, I didn’t really understand this until I used the bag a bit. This flap can be tucked into the sleeping bag to fill any drafty gaps between the body and sleeping bag. The materials used in the construction are all top quality as would be expected, with Primaloft being used for the insulation (Nemo also offers the Nocturne that uses the same pattern, but with Downtek insulation). The footbox is made from a waterproof 15D OSMO material, a lighter weight version the material used in many of the rainflys on Nemo tents.
I like to stretch out until I touch the wall of the tent, and this material really works to keep any moisture from finding its way into the inside of the sleeping bag. Nemo also uses an unique pattern for the baffling to allow the Primaloft to effectively keep the person in the bag warm regardless of body position, this can be seen when looking at the sleeping bag. I cannot say I fully understand the science here, but I know it does work very well. A cotton storage bag is included along with the compression sack, this allows the sleeping bag to be easily stored properly in a noncompressed state, something I thought was a nice touch.
Final Thoughts
I have been very happy with this sleeping bag, and for a little over $200 the value would be hard to beat. The only other sleeping bags that have caught my eye after using the Rhythm are Nemo’s square shaped sleeping bags that have a pocket to hold a sleeping pad. While this design would not work with a Spoon Shaped sleeping bag, it is a concept that still interests me. From using the sleeping bag I can tell this is from an enthusiast run company, with details like the waterproof footbox there is no doubt the designer has spent many nights in a tent. I chose Nemo originally based on their reputation for quality camping gear, and a soft spot for supporting a small company that was founded in the same millyard in Nashua, NH that I worked in after high school as a machinist. Their reputation is well earned, a reflection of the quality and design ethic of their product rather than marketing.
Nemo is also a long time supporter of the Backcountry Discovery Routes organization.
About the Author
Eric is an incurable motorcycle nut. He’s owned everything from scooters to vintage motocross bikes and now spends much of his time riding and talking about adventure motorcycles. If you have been to the Touratech store in Seattle or called the offices, chances are you’ve talked to Eric. Eric recently came in second place in the adventure class at the Desert 100 Race. He’s a key part of the Touratech race team and when he’s not at the local Harescramble or Enduro event he can be found roaming the Cascade mountains on his KTM 950 looking for new routes for the Touratech Rally.
