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Explorer Tom thought compromise was a given when it came to buying a sleeping bag. If you manage to score a cozy cocoon then it’ll probably be a sweat-fest, or you may have to sacrifice a toe or two if you don’t want to lug around a behemoth. But then he spent a few nights in the NEMO Kayu 15 and everything changed.
For a long time, I was of the opinion that a good sleeping bag only needed to be light and warm, and the better the warmth to weight ratio, the better the bag.
In cold conditions I still don’t think there’s that much more to it, but in taking the NEMO Kayu 15 Sleeping Bag to Tassie during summer, I realised there’s much more that needs to be considered.
Read more: How to Choose a Sleeping Bag
Why am I the right person to do this review?
As a keen hiker I’ve spent plenty of nights stuffed in a sleeping bag in all kinds of temperatures. I’m always looking for gear that works in as many conditions as possible, as I don’t have space at home or the budget to be buying multiples of things. I like to do my research and find equipment that can serve multiple purposes.
I’m also remarkably talented at avoiding the camera wherever possible
Quick Specifications
Weight: 985g
Fill: Premium 800 FP down is ultra-packable, hydrophobic, PFC-free, and 100% Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified
Size: Regular or long
Colour: Grey & red combo (only one option!)
RRP: $599.95
Performance
Overall, the NEMO Kayu 15 Sleeping Bag does exactly what it says it will do. It’s super warm, fairly light, has plenty of features, and packs up into a small stuff sack.
It’s surprisingly roomy considering it’s a mummy bag. I never felt particularly restricted in my movement and it has two vents on the front of the bag that when open, help stop the bag from overheating.
Seriously handy feature
In fact, in cool temperatures this bag was perfect. It has a snug fit around the hood allowing heat to be trapped in, as well as an extra warm panel next to the zip meaning there are no drafts coming through the zip.
My main complaint is that the zip doesn’t open fully. It says it’s a ¾ zip, and only goes to about the upper thigh, meaning you can’t undo it to let your feet breathe. As it’s a mummy shape, you also can’t really lay it on top of you like a blanket because it’s so narrow at the bottom.
While the shorter zip may save a bit of weight, it makes the bag a lot less functional across different conditions.
If only it opened all the way!
I found myself too hot in this bag in anything above low single figures. While this might not be so surprising considering the temperature limits, I have used similar limit bags that are fine up to around 10°C. I put this almost entirely down to the zip not being full-length.
Durability
I haven’t had the bag long enough to truly answer this, but it’s showing no signs of wear after four solid trips of three to six days in length, which is a great sign.
The zip ‘stiffeners’ stop the fabric from getting caught, which is sure to prolong the life of the fabric around the zip.
Fancy feature I haven’t seen before
Comfort
The mummy fit of the sleeping bag certainly won’t be for everyone, but I had no issues with space even with the bag fully zipped up and my head inside the hood.
I used the bag over summer, so only managed to test it down to about -1ºC when I was in Tasmania. I still had the thermo gills open at this temperature and no inner bag or merino layers to help keep me warm. Based on this I have no doubt about the comfort or the limit rating being accurate.
I’d even guess that with some good merino layers and a warm inner bag, this could go a few degrees lower, but it’s definitely worth testing this before using it in a remote area.
Design
Overall, I’ve been impressed by the design. It’s packed full of features, including thermo gill zips at the front, water-repellant fabric around the foot box and hood to avoid tent wall condensation, and even a pocket to store your head torch, keys, or any other item you don’t want to lose in your sleep.
It also comes in a women’s version, which is grey and green
The bag uses 800 fill down to achieve its solid warmth-to-weight ratio. Its snug fit means it doesn’t require too much energy to warm it up, but it also doesn’t feel cramped. Features like the draft tube and thermo gills allow for comfort in an impressive temperature range.
Packs down nice and small with the supplied compression sack too
The anti-snag ‘stiffened’ zips help protect the fabric around the zip, and the water-repellent foot box and hood are handy in case you rub up against the inside of a wet tent.
As I mentioned, the ¾ zip feels like a missed opportunity to extend the temperature range further.
The hood is also very generously sized
Sustainability
As a company, NEMO puts plenty of emphasis on sustainability. With goals of reducing emissions by 50% by 2030 and details on its website about how the brand is creating change, sustainability is clearly of high importance to the team.
This bag is made with Responsible Down Standard (RDS) Certified fill and a PFC-free outer, demonstrating that it aligns with the company’s goal of using responsible materials.
NEMO also provides a lifetime warranty on its products, showing that they’re built to last and the company believes in their longevity.
Price
At $599.95 RRP, this sleeping bag is definitely an investment, but compared to other bags of similar weight and warmth it’s actually cheaper than I expected. It’s also often on sale at sites like Wild Earth, so if you shop around you might be able to snag a bargain.
Final Thoughts
This bag impressed me in lots of ways. The NEMO Kayu 15 Sleeping Bag is designed to do it all. With a comfort rating of -3 and a limit of -9°C , and coming in under a kilo, it’s an all-around impressive piece of kit.
It sits firmly in the exceptionally rare middle-of-everything category – you can get lighter or warmer or cheaper sleeping bags than this, but it’s unlikely you’ll get all three in the one product. While the NEMO Kayu doesn’t nail any of these categories individually, it does a darn good job across the board.
If you’re looking for a comfortable, light, and warm bag for the cooler months in Australia, or if you love snow camping (or live in Tasmania) I definitely recommend it.
If however you’re looking for an all-season bag, I’d be on the hunt for a slightly less insulated bag with a full zip.
Pair it with a NEMO sleeping mat and you’re in for a good night of sleep
FAQs NEMO Kayu 15 Sleeping Bag
Is the NEMO Kayu 15 Sleeping Bag comfortable?
For a mummy bag, the NEMO Kayu 15 is surprisingly roomy. The snug fit helps with warmth, but if you like sprawling out or using your bag as a blanket, the tapered foot box might cramp your style.
Would you recommend the NEMO Kayu 15 Sleeping Bag?
If you want a warm, lightweight, and well-designed sleeping bag for cool-weather adventures, absolutely! But if you need an all-season option, the limited zip might be a dealbreaker.
How warm is the NEMO Kayu 15 Sleeping Bag?
It’s rated to a limit of -9°C, with a comfort rating of -3°C. Based on testing, it holds up well in cold conditions, even down to -1°C with vents open.
Why are there male and female-specific sleeping bags?
Sleeping bags designed for women tend to have extra insulation around key areas like the torso and feet, as women generally sleep colder than men. They’re also shaped slightly differently – usually shorter and wider at the hips – to better fit body proportions. That said, if a bag fits and keeps you warm, it doesn’t really matter which label it has!
What’s the difference between mummy, rectangular, and semi-rectangular sleeping bags?
Mummy sleeping bags are snug and heat-efficient but can feel restrictive. Rectangular bags give you more space to move but aren’t as warm. Semi-rectangular (or barrel-shaped) bags try to balance warmth and wiggle room.
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