The idea for NEMO was born one turbulent night in 2002 on the side of Mount Washington, where founder Cam Brensinger spent five sleepless hours in a poorly designed bivy. That night, he realized how much opportunity there was for thoughtful design as part of the equation for enjoying adventure. Coming down the mountain the next day, he resolved to tackle that challenge. Cam founded NEMO Equipment that spring of his senior year at the Rhode Island School of Design, and opened NEMO's first office in Nashua, New Hampshire three days after graduation.

Innovation at the Core 

At the heart of the brand is their ethos “Design Like You Give a Damn.” NEMO’s gear isn’t just light and functional—it’s thoughtful, comfortable, and built to help you truly rest and recover in the backcountry. This design philosophy was quickly recognised as they began winning awards for design and innovation, the first one being the overall winner of the ISPO Brand New award in 2005.

Details that matter

From award-winning shelters to ingenious sleeping pads and bags, every NEMO product is designed with obsessive attention to detail. Gear is tested and retested in the field until the balance of weight, durability, and comfort feels just right. That’s why ultralight hikers, bikepackers, and weekend campers trust NEMO for reliable performance.

A Responsible Approach 

NEMO have made sustainability a core part of their mission and have taken measurable steps to reduce their impact on the environment. Through their Endless Promise Product Range, they have designed gear to be resellable, repairable, recyclable and repairable to achieve their goal to keep gear out of landfill. Innovative product designs like their Dagger OSMO set new standards for ethical gear design becoming the first bluesign backpacking tent. Beyond their products, NEMO invests in global repair and recycling programs as well as partaking in strategic partnerships with key industry organisations to make a noticeable impact.

Why we love them at Ultralight Gear

For those who want gear that feels dialled-in for comfort without adding unnecessary weight, NEMO stands out. It’s not about cutting corners—it’s about making every corner of your tent, sleeping bag, or pad feel like it was designed just for you.