This detailed review dives into the Nemo Roamer XL Wide and Double self-inflating sleeping pads, assessing their suitability for car camping adventures. We'll explore the comfort, ease of use, and overall performance of these spacious pads, comparing the solo XL Wide to the double-occupancy option designed for couples. Particular attention will be paid to the inflation process, packing size, and the level of comfort provided by their substantial 4-inch thickness.Beyond the sleeping pads, we'll also examine the Nemo Jazz sleeping bag, designed as a complementary piece for the Roamer system. This section will analyze the bag's temperature rating and performance in real-world conditions, offering insights into its suitability for various temperature ranges and the need for additional layering in colder climates. Finally, we'll provide a concluding overview to help you determine if the Nemo Roamer system, including the sleeping pads and bag, is the right investment for your next camping trip.
Pros And Cons
- Comfortable
- Includes a buttoned-in removable sheet
- May require additional items to stay warm at temperatures below 40°F due to a large opening at the top
- Easy to set up
- Provides comfort
- Keeps you off the ground
- Relatively easy to pack up
- Requires manual inflation (despite being advertised as self-inflating)
- Takes about six full bags of air to inflate
- Expensive ($249.95)
- Sized for two adults
- 78 inches in length
- 4 inches in thickness for air and padding
- 52 inches wide (between a full and queen size mattress)
- Requires a greater number of pumps to inflate (9-10)
- Expensive ($399.95)
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Nemo Roamer XL Wide: A Spacious Solo Pad
The Nemo Roamer XL Wide is marketed as a self-inflating sleeping pad ideal for car camping. Its dimensions of 78 inches long and 30 inches wide provide ample space for a single camper. Weighing in at 5 lbs 8 oz, it's relatively lightweight for its size.
While advertised as self-inflating, it requires manual inflation using the included bag. Expect to use around six full breaths to fully inflate it. Despite this, setup is straightforward.
Once inflated, the 4-inch thickness offers comfortable padding and keeps you off the ground. Packing it away is also easy, making it a convenient option for car camping trips.
Nemo Roamer Double: Comfort for Two
The Nemo Roamer Double is a larger version designed for two adults. It shares the same 4-inch thickness and 78-inch length as the XL Wide but expands to a generous 52-inch width.
The added space makes it feel more like a full-size or queen mattress. However, its weight increases to 7 lbs 8 oz. Inflation is also more involved, taking about 9-10 full breaths.
Similar to the XL Wide, it provides excellent comfort and support for two people. The increased size and weight make it best suited for car camping scenarios where weight isn't as critical a factor.
Jazz Sleeping Bag: A Cold Weather Companion?
The Nemo Jazz sleeping bag is designed to work in conjunction with the Roamer pads. It has a removable liner for versatility.
While rated for 30°F, the reviewers found it insufficient for truly cold conditions, possibly due to a large opening at the top. At temperatures of 40°F and above, it's more effective.
Consider adding extra layers or insulation if you plan to use this bag in freezing temperatures.
Overall Conclusion and Recommendations
Both the Nemo Roamer XL Wide and Double offer comfortable and spacious sleeping solutions, particularly suited for car camping. The XL Wide is a great choice for solo adventurers, while the Double provides ample room for couples.
The Jazz sleeping bag is a decent addition to the system for milder temperatures but might need supplementing in truly cold conditions. The price point is high, but the quality and comfort seem to justify the cost for many users.
Consider your budget, camping style, and temperature needs when choosing the right Nemo Roamer and sleeping bag combination for your next outdoor adventure.