Looking for a reliable sleeping bag for your next cold-weather adventure? The NEMO Stalker 0° Down Sleeping Bag is designed for exactly that. It was built for hunters and anglers who brave harsh conditions. This bag boasts a 0°F temperature rating and 800 FP hydrophobic, RDS-certified down for ultimate warmth. The innovative features don’t stop there. Draft tubes and a down-filled collar create a cozy seal, while a waterproof, breathable footbox with extra insulation keeps your toes toasty. Stretch construction allows for comfortable side sleeping, and Thermo Gill vents help you regulate temperature during changing weather.
Highlights
Temperature Rating: 0°F comfort
Fill Power: 800 FP hydrophobic down
Fill Weight: 1 lb. 12 oz.
Packed Weight: 3 lbs. 6 oz.
Packed Size: 13.5 x 9.5 in dia
Fits Up To: 6′ with shoulder girth 63 in
Hip Girth: 58 in
Knee Girth: 53 in
Features
Here’s the breakdown of the features that Stalker provides:
Temperature Rating
The NEMO Stalker 0° Down Sleeping Bag lives up to its name. With a 0°F comfort rating, it’s ideal for keeping you warm in extreme cold. This is thanks to the 800 fill power hydrophobic down. The down is treated to repel water, ensuring it stays warm even if it gets damp. Plus, the down is RDS-certified, meaning it comes from farms that meet strict animal welfare standards.
Insulation
Staying warm isn’t just about the fill power. The Stalker boasts several features that maximize heat retention. Draft tubes and a down-filled draft collar create a snug seal around your body, preventing cold air from sneaking in. The footbox is a unique combination of waterproof, breathable fabric and an extra layer of synthetic insulation. This keeps your feet warm and dry, even in harsh conditions.
Comfort and Fit
The mummy-style design of the Stalker provides a close, comfortable fit that traps heat efficiently. However, unlike some mummy bags, the Stalker features stretch construction at the knees. This allows for side sleeping without feeling restricted. The contoured hood with a drawstring ensures your head stays warm, and Thermo Gill vents on the chest offer temperature regulation. When you get too warm, simply open the vents to let out excess heat without letting cold air in.
Durability and Materials
NEMO built the Stalker to withstand the rigors of backcountry use. The outer shell is made from a tough 20D nylon ripstop fabric that can handle brush and abrasion. The inside is lined with a smooth 30D nylon taffeta for comfort. Both fabrics are recycled and Bluesign certified, meaning they meet strict environmental standards.
Additional Details
The NEMO Stalker 0° Down Sleeping Bag was developed in collaboration with First Lite, a company known for high-performance hunting gear. This collaboration ensures the bag is tailored to the specific needs of cold-weather hunters and anglers. The bag also comes with NEMO’s lifetime warranty, giving you peace of mind knowing your investment is protected.
Performance
Despite its impressive warmth, the NEMO Stalker manages to be surprisingly lightweight. During my backpacking trips, I found it easy to carry without feeling weighed down. More importantly, the 0°F rating proved true. Even on chilly nights, I stayed comfortably warm inside the bag. The down fluffs up easily, allowing you to adjust the loft for extra warmth on colder nights. On one occasion, I even used the bag without a sleeping pad on a bed of pine needles and found it surprisingly comfortable.
One of the most impressive features of the Stalker is its temperature regulation. The Thermo Gill vents are ingenious. When I started to get too warm, I simply opened the vents to let out excess heat. This allowed me to stay comfortable without having to unzip the bag and risk letting cold air in. Overall, the Stalker performed admirably in all conditions, keeping me warm and comfortable throughout my adventures.
Value
The NEMO Stalker 0° Down Sleeping Bag doesn’t come cheap. The MSRP falls in the low to mid $500 range, depending on the size you choose. This might seem like a hefty price tag at first glance. However, it’s important to consider this as a long-term investment.
High-quality down sleeping bags, like the Stalker, are built to last. With proper care, this bag could easily last for a decade or more. Think about it compared to a traditional, bulky sleeping bag. While cheaper upfront, those bags often lack the warmth and packability of the Stalker. In the long run, the Stalker’s versatility and durability could save you money by eliminating the need to replace a less capable sleeping bag.
What I like about this bag
- Very warm: 0°F comfort rating with 800 FP hydrophobic down
- Lightweight and packs down small
- Comfortable: stretch construction allows side sleeping, contoured hood
- Durable: ripstop shell and Bluesign certified materials
- Water-resistant footbox with extra insulation
- Thermo Gill vents for temperature regulation
- NEMO lifetime warranty
What I don’t like about this bag
- Expensive: MSRP in the low to mid $500 range
- Can be difficult to stuff back into sack
Final Verdict
The NEMO Stalker 0° Down Sleeping Bag is a top-of-the-line option for backpackers and adventurers seeking ultimate warmth and comfort in cold weather. It boasts exceptional features like an impressive 0°F comfort rating, 800 FP hydrophobic down, and a waterproof, breathable footbox with extra insulation. Stretch construction allows for side sleeping, and Thermo Gill vents ensure effective temperature regulation.
While the price tag lands in the low to mid $500 range, the Stalker is built with high-quality, durable materials and comes with a lifetime warranty, making it a worthwhile investment for those who prioritize performance and longevity. However, if you’re on a tight budget or don’t need a bag this warm, there might be more affordable options available.
