NEMO Wins Multiple Awards at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2013
OutdoorHub 02.13.13
It was a busy and productive Winter OR for New Hampshire based outdoor gear manufacturer, NEMO Equipment, Inc. At the show,Backpacker announced that NEMO’s Nocturne 15 and Nocturne 30 Spoon shape sleeping bags were both awarded Editors’ Choice; Overland Journal named Asashi 4P its Editors’ Choice; and the Canon -40 Extreme Conditions Technology sleeping bag was named Best in Show by both Gear Junkie and Gear Institute.
Nocturne 15 and Nocturne 30 Spoon Shape Sleeping Bags
“If you crave more space than a mummy provides, but don’t want the weight penalty of a rectangular bag, this is your ticket to dreamland,” said Kristin Hostetter, Gear Editor at Backpacker when asked why the Nocturne 15 and Nocturne™ 30 Spoon shape bags were awarded an Editors’ Choice.
All of Backpacker’s Editors’ Choice winners must excel under extensive field-testing conducted by its team of editors, who take hundreds of new products every year into the backcountry to put them to the test. This rigorous process ensures that the performance of the winners is truly worthy of distinction and meets the guiding principle behind the program: gear that is of real value to the readers of Backpacker magazine, who are very active, long-term outdoor enthusiasts.
“You could definitely hear shouts around the office and see fist bumps from the design team when we got the call fromBackpacker. An Editors’ Choice award is a big deal. When retailers heard the good news at the show, most increased their sleeping bag orders on the spot – some even doubled them. And to have the latest addition to our line, Canon -40, recognized as a product testers want to get their hands on, well that shows we’re doing something different, sparking conversations and getting people thinking about how we can continue to shake up the sleeping bag market. It’s a great reinforcement of our mission,” said NEMO president and lead designer, Cam Brensinger.
Canon -40
“The NEMO bag stood out as a ‘concept car’ type product, a first-of-its kind design that I love. NEMO has long pushed design limits in the outdoor industry. The Canon bag is no exception. NEMO is not happy with the status quo. I respect the brand’s constant push to make leaps, not tiny steps, in the outdoor space,” Stephen Regenold, Editor/Founder, GearJunkie.com.
“We pick our Best in Show awards to highlight those products that represent genuine innovation in gear design and that stand out from the masses of other products on the show floor. We’re looking for exciting products that will turn heads, set a trend, or matter most next winter. Canon’s Stove Pipe opening, filled with top-quality PrimaLoft, the arm sleeves, and thermo gills are creative features that demonstrate how carefully the design team thought about the specific needs of this bag’s users,” Justin Nyberg, Editor, GearInstitute.com.
Asashi 4P
Right before the show, Overland Journal released its Gear 2013 issue; included was NEMO’s Asashi 4P. Recognized for the high quality of its content and images, Overland Journal’s gear reviews are no different. The staff takes the time to use and abuse each product and then clearly communicates its strengths, weaknesses and attributes so the reader can get an intimate understanding of the product before making a purchasing decision.
“Amongst stiff competition the NEMO Asashi was a standout, the hands-down winner of our Editors’ Choice award,” said James Langan, Contributor, Overland Journal.
Expanding its product line beyond tents and pads with sleeping bags and camp tools like the Helio Pressure Shower, NEMO’s products continue to appeal to a larger customer base. Spring 2013 bookings are up 50% and sleeping bag forecasts are well ahead of expectations. The direct-to-consumer Limited Edition launch of the sleeping bag line, along with a series of awards, has shown retailers that demand for the product is strong. And with internal changes to its staff, NEMO has strengthened its operations and delivery position in preparation for another year of excellent growth.
