The New Hampshire-based outfitter developed a cult following with hikers and backpackers through striking a pragmatic balance of durability, functionality and environmental impact.
The story behind how New Hampshire outdoor enthusiast Cam Brensinger founded NEMO Equipment sounds very similar to the roots of so many other outdoor brands: he was out camping, wasn’t happy with the performance of his gear and thought he could design something better.
NEMO Equipment, or “New England Mountain Outfitters,” started with a bit of a slow burn. The brand formally debuted in 2002, and although it won some initial accolades in 2005 and through the rest of the decade, remained a relatively small player in the broader outdoor landscape.
Through it all, the brand has never strayed from its New England roots. NEMO gear isn’t necessarily flashy, but it works and works well — and that’s what keeps people coming back.
“Our product team has a guiding principle to only create products that offer a better experience⏤all NEMO gear is purpose-built,” says Gabi Rosenbrien, product development director.
NEMO Equipment: A Purpose To Do More with Less
A recent example of this is the brand’s Endless Promise sleeping bag collection that won a 2024 Green GOOD Design Award. The accolade highlights NEMO’s efforts to not only make a product that looks good, but collaborates with other suppliers and providers to create a more environmentally-sound product. The brand joins a global group of winners including a hydrogen-powered yacht and a “modular wind energy system.”
But, what exactly is the Endless Promise line? Every item in the collection can either be repaired for the owner (or for resale) or fully recycled. Once someone is done with the product, they can scan the QR code printed inside the sleeping bag or pack and follow the steps to send it back to NEMO. From there, the brand will recycle the entire product into a new one and send you a gift card as a thank you.
The Endless Promise flagship product is the Forte sleeping bag, which uses a polyester yarn made from recycled plastic and a version of down that’s easy to process through a partner in Los Angeles. Currently, there are 13 products in the collection, split between seven sleeping bags and six backpacks.
“We’ve also made progress in our work to eliminate PFAS from our product line, notably with the development of our OSMO tent fabric,” adds Theresa McKenney, director of sustainability and government affairs.
OSMO is a 100% recycled composite fabric that’s PFAS-free with superior water repelling and stretch properties, according to the brand.
NEMO is also an active participant in local and national politics. In March, McKenney testified in front of the Senate Budget Committee as part of a larger Outdoor Industry Association panel highlighting the economic cost of the climate crisis, specifically in outdoor recreation.
“We do not believe there is a future for businesses like ours without taking responsibility for our impacts on the planet,” she was quoted as saying in her testimony. Hers was the only testimony that day to come from an outdoor gear producer.
More locally, NEMO is highlighted as a success story of New Hampshire business with political leaders and other figures of influence regularly interfacing with the company.
NEMO’s Top-Selling and Most Well-Known Products
According to Mike Welch, VP of global sales and marketing, the brand’s volume drivers are the Tensor (insulated sleeping pad), Disco Endless Promise Down Sleeping Bag and Hornet OSMO Ultralight (two-person backpacking tent). At its heart, NEMO is a cult favorite for hikers and backpacking enthusiasts, and these top three products highlight that drive.
NEMO is also noted for the Stargaze Reclining Camp Chair, which was one of the first practical free-standing camp chairs with movement options. The chair swings back and forth and became a big hit with car campers. For 2025, the brand will introduce the Stargaze EVO-X, which will be a fully-built, foldable piece that won’t require any assembly.
Further, NEMO will also introduce what they say is the world’s first bluesign-accredited tent with a Dagger OSMO update. Bluesign is one of the textile industry’s most well-known and rigorous environmental and production standards on the path towards a finished product.
Other highlights for the upcoming 2025 include a range of ultralight technical gear for speedy thru-hikers, such as the brand’s lightest sleeping pad to-date and “major updates” to the Fillo camp pillow series. Also, NEMO is launching the Persist Endless Promise backpack in a 35L and 45L capacity, all while using the same sustainable materials as the Resolve and Vantage lines. Since it is part of the Endless Promise series, the Persist line will also be fully recyclable.
My Experience with NEMO Equipment Products
In my experience, NEMO products walk the walk. One of my favorite pieces among all the gear I have is the brand’s Dragonfly Bikepack OSMO backpacking tent. This particular piece folds down into a very tight container that can slide onto a handlebar or easily into a backpack. It’s a quick build and weighs just over three pounds fully packed.
Caveat: it’s not cheap. The one-person version I have retails for more than $500, and that will definitely be a barrier for many campers. The tent is also tight, which is great for packability but not for roominess — so pick your poison. Overall, it’s been a great tent that’s lasted quite well through several seasons, and I expect it to do so for many more.
When I’m car camping (or just sitting in the backyard), I really enjoy the Stargaze Reclining chair. You don’t really realize how much you enjoy being able to move back and forth in a camp chair until you’re doing it. It’s a highly secure, yet freeing feeling and setup only takes a minute.
Because of the pivot points required for the chair, it is a bit heavy and not suitable for long distances. I have other chairs for that, so it’s not a huge concern. Again, price becomes a factor with the chair coming in just under $250. It’s a very quality build, but certainly expensive compared to other chairs.
However, like other outdoor brands that tout the “buy it once, buy it for life” mantra, NEMO’s reputation is built on investing now to enjoy a piece of gear for a long time. These are products built above and beyond the wear and tear of most hikers and campers, and they’ll perform each and every time.
If something fails, there’s a lifetime guarantee ready to back you up. If you’re ready to trade in for something different, there’s also a resale program in partnership with Out&Back.
Seen in: Camping Gear, Gear, Hiking Gear
