NEMO Equipment Inc. Hiking & Camping Essentials

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is CERO fabric and why does NEMO use it in backpacks?

  CERO fabric is NEMO’s proprietary high-strength textile engineered for backpack abuse resistance and weather protection — it's described as about three times stronger than typical standards and roughly twenty times more water resistant. That strength-to-weight profile lets NEMO build packs with thinner, lighter panels without sacrificing abrasion and tear resistance, which is especially valuable on day packs and modular multi-day models. CERO also supports features like reinforced pockets, robust buckles, and long-term durability in heavy-use zones.
• How does the OSMO™ flysheet used on Hornet OSMO Ultralight tents improve wet-weather performance?

  The OSMO™ flysheet is formulated for higher water repellency and reduced stretch — NEMO cites about four times the repellency and significantly less wet-weather stretch compared with standard coatings — which minimizes sag and pooled water on overnight trips. Combined with a mesh upper and waterproof lower tub, external aluminum poles, and an asymmetrical footprint, the Hornet OSMO Ultralight stays lighter while maintaining weather stability. These construction choices let the tent shed moisture without adding bulk, making it a strong pick for fast-and-light backpacking in variable conditions.
• What is the Endless Promise program and how does it affect NEMO's sleeping bags?

  Endless Promise is NEMO’s repair-and-recycle initiative that extends the life of down gear like the Riff™ Endless Promise bags by using recyclable materials and offering end‑of‑life solutions. The Riff models themselves pair 650-fill down insulation with 100% recycled shell and liner fabrics plus waterproof panels, and include design details like a draft collar and internal zip baffle for thermal efficiency. The program emphasizes repairability and material recovery to reduce landfill waste while keeping bags lightweight and packable.
• How does NEMO reconcile ultralight packability with long-term durability across its gear?

  NEMO balances weight and toughness by using high-performance materials (CERO fabric, OSMO flysheet, bluesign‑approved recycled meshes) and targeted construction techniques such as low-stretch trusses in Quasar™ 3D pads and reinforced load-bearing zones in packs. Design elements like modular 3‑in‑1 pack systems, spaceframe architecture, Thermal Mirror film on pads, and streamlined pole layouts allow gear to shed unnecessary weight while preserving strength where it matters most. The result is gear that is intended to be both highly packable for fast travel and resilient enough for repeated backcountry use.
• Which NEMO products are best for multi-day backpacking versus fast-and-light day hikes?

  For multi-day and extended backpacking, NEMO’s larger modular packs (30/55/70/100L) or the 45L all‑around pack provide the volume and organizational features you’ll need, paired with three-season tents like the Kunai™ for more-stable shelter and the Quasar™ 3D pad for high R‑value insulation. For fast-and-light day hikes, the 15/25/35L day packs and the Hornet OSMO™ Ultralight tent prioritize minimal weight and packability while still using OSMO and CERO materials for weather resistance. Match pack liters and tent/pad weight to trip length, expected weather, and how much gear you plan to carry to choose the right combination.