NEMO Disco 15 Review

Nemo currently manufactures an assortment of innovative sleeping bags. Many include an hourglass shape and impressive set that our testers near-universally appreciate. The Disco represents one of the more affordable down models in this extensive lineup.

Performance Comparison

Warmth

The Disco 15 is filled with 22 oz of 650FP down insulation. That earns it a respectable 14F lower limit temperature rating in the industry-standard EN test. It also features a cozy neck baffle to help prevent heat from escaping out the hood. Unfortunately, in our tests it didn't quite live up to its temp rating, feeling closer to other 20F down bags. This may be due to its spacious dimensions which theoretically require more body heat to warm. Larger folks may therefore find the 15F rating to feel more accurate.

Weight

At 2.74 lbs for a size long, this bag is on the heavier side in our 3-season backpacking sleeping bag review. This is probably a consequence of its generous dimensions. Nemo's variety of spacious sleeping bags all seem to suffer from substantial weight disadvantages. This problem is exacerbated among bags with warmer temp ratings, like the Disco 15, because more and more materials are required to insulate the extra interior space.

Comnfort

The Disco 15 performs the best when it comes to comfort. Its broad hourglass space provides an impressively roomy interior space. This is ideal for side and tummy sleepers who like to stretch their legs. It's also perfect for anyone who feels claustrophobic inside traditional mummy sleeping bags. We should acknowledge, however, that the 30-denier nylon taffeta lining fabric doesn't feel quite as luxurious as some of the fabrics found on the higher-end bags.

Packed Size

To enjoy the Disco's plush dimensions you must be willing to accept a drawback in terms of packed size. We measured a size Long's compressed volume at 10.1L in a third-party compression sack. That leaves it as one of the bulkiest bags in the backpacking category. Fortunately, Nemo includes a solid compression sack with the purchase of this bag so you have the tool you need to get it packed down as small as possible.

Versatility

All down insulation needs to be handled carefully in wet environments. If you allow the Disco's feathers to get soaked, they will clump together and lose nearly all of their insulative power. For wet conditions, it's, therefore, better to consider a bag with synthetic insulation or waterproof shell fabric.

Our testers are pleased with the versatility advantages of this bag's unusual "thermo gills." These are a pair of tiny zippers on the top of the bag that allow you to spread insulation out and shed extra heat on warm nights. You can also zip them closed to trap heat and extend the usable temp range down a few degrees.

Features & Design

The Disco is fitted with an extensive array of accessory features. There is a small zippered pocket for storing a phone or headlamp. There is also a sleeve in the hood of the bag to keep your camp pillow in place. Our favorite nicety though might be the waterproof fabric that guards the foot of the bag. This ensures that the bag's insulation stays dry even if it accidentally rubs up against a condensation-covered tent wall.

Value

This is an affordable but not quite budget sleeping bag. We think it's a good choice if you're intrigued by Nemo's spacious hourglass bags but don't want to fork over serious dough for one of their premium down models. Keep in mind though that these cost savings comes with a significant drawback in terms of heft.

Conclusion