Absolute Snow Guide to Nomad Camping & Outdoor Gear 2020

As a premium outdoor adventure brand, NOMAD® blend technical designs with a clean, minimalist aesthetic.  With over 40 years of experience in the design and manufacture of sleeping bags, NOMAD® was the first to realise the benefits of hollow fibre materials.  Ongoing textile innovation allowed them to become a market leader in the creation of compact, lightweight and affordable sleeping bags.  Their blend of keen business sense and eye for innovation has put them at the cutting edge of travel and outdoor equipment from sleep systems to tents and backpacks.

As we enter the spring/summer season, we pick out some highlights from Nomad's 2020 range and take a deeper look at the technical details that make for such standout designs.

NOMAD Superlight Polardown Sleeping Bags

The Orion Series forms the NOMAD superlight range, developed for the fast-moving minimalist through 4-season adventures.  Orion sleeping bags feature an ultralight 15D polyester fabric with a box-wall construction that prevents insulation from shifting.  NOMAD's blend of hydrophobically treated down and 3D synthetic hollow fibre creates a hybrid 3D-Polardown insulation.  The result is a soft, flexible fill with the insulation value of down at a more affordable price.

The Orion Series uses two different types of 3D-Polardown in their construction.  The lighter, 3D Polardown Plus (90/10 goose down, 80:20 ratio down to synthetic) is used in the top layer with the greater ratio of down delivering a higher loft with extra insulation in the torso area for added thermal efficiency.

3D-Polardown (90/10 duck down, 70:30 ratio down to synthetic) is used in the bottom of the sleeping bag where the greater ratio of synthetic fibres are less prone to compression (and resultant heat loss) than their natural counterpart.  In this way, each Orion bag delivers an optimum warmth-to-weight ratio without the problem of added bulk.  All down products are traceable from source and are certified by the Responsible Down Standard.

In addition, the lining of each bag features a Polygiene finish to prevent the growth of odour-causing bacteria and fungi.  This keeps fabrics fresher for longer and reduces the need for frequent washing.  Features throughout the Orion Series include a trapezoid foot shape for added comfort, zip pocket for small-item storage, chin protection, 2-way auto-lock YKK zippers and a glow-in-the-dark zip pull.  The 700, 400, and 290 models also feature a 3D padded zipper baffle and padded neck collar for extra warmth.               

Orion 700 4-Season Insulation: 700g Weight: 1050g Max Body Length: 195 cm Pack Size: 30 x 18 cm Comfort Women: -6°C Comfort Men: -13°C Extreme: -33°C

Orion 400 3-Season  Insulation: 400g Weight: 720g Max Body Length: 195 cm Pack Size: 25 x 14 cm Comfort Women: 3°C Comfort Men: -2°C Extreme: -18°C

Orion 290 2-Season Insulation: 290g  Weight: 590g Max Body Length: 195 cm Pack Size: 23 x 12 cm  Comfort Women: 7°C Comfort Men: 2°C Extreme: -12°C

Orion 180 2-Season Superlight Insulation: 180g  Weight: 398g Max Body Length: 195 cm Pack Size: 20 x 11 cm Comfort Women: 11°C Comfort Men: 7°C Extreme: -5°C

Jade 400 SC 3-Season, women's Insulation: 400g  Weight: 752g Max Body Length: 185 cm Pack Size: 25 x 14 cm Comfort Women: 3°C Comfort Men: -2°C Extreme: -18°C

NOMAD Lightweight Polardown Sleeping Bags

The Pegasus Series forms the NOMAD lightweight range, developed for all-season campers, hikers and backpackers looking for a technical sleeping bag at a great price.  The Pegasus uses a slightly heavier shell and liner fabric with 3D-Polardown insulation (70:30 ratio down to synthetic) throughout the construction.  

Pegasus sleeping bags feature a lightweight 20D polyester ripstop fabric with a 1 layer box-wall construction that prevents insulation from shifting.  A 1-layer V-shape baffle construction is used for the 4-season Pegasus 850 for added heat retention.  NOMAD's blend of hydrophobically treated down and 3D synthetic hollow fibre creates a hybrid 3D-Polardown insulation.  The result is a soft, flexible fill with the insulation value of down at a more affordable price.

3D-Polardown (90/10 duck down) delivers a higher ratio of synthetic fibres which are less prone to compression (and resultant heat loss) than their natural counterpart.  In this way, each Pegasus bag delivers an optimum warmth-to-weight ratio without the problem of added bulk and without the price-tag of full down bags.  All down products are traceable from source and are certified by the Responsible Down Standard.

In addition, the lining of each bag features a Polygiene finish to prevent the growth of odour-causing bacteria and fungi.  This keeps fabrics fresher for longer and reduces the need for frequent washing.  Features throughout the Pegasus Series include a trapezoid foot shape for added comfort, zip pocket for small-item storage, chin protection, 2-way auto-lock zippers and a glow-in-the-dark zip pull.  The 850 and 450 models also feature a 3D padded zipper baffle while the 850 features a padded neck collar for extra warmth.

Pegasus 850 4-Season Insulation: 850g Weight: 1350g Max Body Length: 195 cm Pack Size: 30 x 22 cm Comfort Women: -4°C Comfort Men: -11°C Extreme: -30°C

Pegasus 450 3-Season  Insulation: 450g Weight: 810g Max Body Length: 195 cm Pack Size: 27 x 15 cm Comfort Women: 1°C Comfort Men: -4°C Extreme: -21°C

Pegasus 340 2-Season Insulation: 340g  Weight: 675g Max Body Length: 195 cm Pack Size: 25 x 15 cm  Comfort Women: 5°C Comfort Men: 0°C Extreme: -16°C

Pegasus 190 2-Season Superlight Insulation: 190g  Weight: 495g Max Body Length: 195 cm Pack Size: 21 x 13 cm Comfort Women: 9°C Comfort Men: 5°C Extreme: -9°C

NOMAD Lightweight Sleeping Pads

New for 2020, the NOMAD® AirTec is an ultralight airbed built for fast-moving hiking and minimalist camping expeditions.  A 30D ripstop fabric keeps the pack weight low while a chambered design lets your sleeping bag's insulation expand into the gaps, helping maintain effective loft and heat retention otherwise lost by crushing the insulation beneath your body.  Dual low profile valves allow for rapid inflation and deflation while the storage pouch doubles as a pumpsack saving your breath for the fresh air.  The NOMAD® AirTec camp mat is perfect for warm weather hiking and backpacking.

AirTec Airbed 2-Season R-Value: 1.8 Weight: R 505g | L 645g Pack Size: R 20 x 7 cm | L 23 x 8 cm Size: R 183 x 52 cm | L 198 x 65 cm Thickness: 5.5 cm

The NOMAD® Lite 2.5 ‘Jade’ women's camp mat gives you lightweight comfort for 2-season camping and hiking. The 2.5cm thickness is backed by a lightweight, vertically & horizontally cored high-density foam with a warmth-zone around your core for added insulation. An antibacterial treatment prevents the build-up of odours and fungi that can occur over time from repeated inflation.  A 30D polyester Ripstop in the top is light yet durable with a robust 75D non-slip polyester base to help lock the pad in place on the tent floor.  The self-inflating design delivers quick inflation with a few top-up breaths bringing the mat to your desired firmness.  The women's version features a reduced length (173cm) for a lighter pack weight.

The Lite Series also features a NOMAD® Lite 3.8, with a thicker construction in a longer length for 3-season camping and hiking. 

Lite 2.5 S Women's (Jade) 2-Season R-Value: 2.1 Weight: 475g Pack Size: R 24 x 9 cm Size: 173 x 51/39 cm Thickness: 2.5 cm

Lite 3.8 3-Season R-Value: 3.8 Weight: R 600g | L 720g Pack Size: R 26 x 12 cm | L 28 x 12 cm Size: R 183 x 51/39 cm | L 198 x 60/43 cm Thickness: 3.8 cm

NOMAD Backpacks

With its practical design and workhorse construction, the NOMAD® Topaz 50 sets the standard for an all-activity backpack.  NOMAD's Performance Fit system lets you find your perfect fit while the U-shaped, mesh airflow channel helps keep you cool on the go.  A zippered essentials pocket is ideal for climbing guide books and fast access items such as snacks and suncream while two webbing loops and bungy straps enable the Topaz to carry both ice axes and walking poles for more technical trails. Buckled compression loops on the lower compartment stow sleeping mats and bulkier items.  An integrated rain cover protects your gear from rain and mud and is housed comfortably under the bag.

A blend of lightweight 300D polyester ripstop and 600D polyester is built to cope with challenging terrain with a DWR for water-repellency in fast-changing conditions.  The lower zippered compartment aids in the organisation of equipment while a sleeve inside the main body is compatible with up to a 3L hydration reservoir (sold separately). The top lid features a zippered lid pocket for additional storage and has webbing loops on the exterior for lashing additional items.

Topaz 50 Volume: 50L Weight: 2050g Size: 29 x 36 x 66 cm Fabric: 300D Lightweight Polyester RS, 600D Polyester

The bigger the pack, the bigger the adventure...

The NOMAD® Batura 70 is an expedition-ready backpack for those looking to spend extended periods of time on the trail.  The Easy Fit Essential back system features a movable shoulder/scapular pad, letting you adjust for a wide range of users.  A lumbar pad promotes weight transfer into the hips and legs reducing stress on the lower back with large hip fins ensuring a comfortable fit for active adventures.

External pockets provide on-hand storage for flasks and trekking poles while compression straps allow the pack volume to be cinched down to increase stability. Lower buckled compression loops can be used to stow sleeping mats and bulkier items.  An integrated rain cover protects your gear in wet weather and is housed neatly under the bag.  As a traditional top-loading design this behemoth of a 70L pack can accommodate all the essentials, with a front-access zipper saving you the hassle of digging out kit on the trail.

Internally, the pack features a hydration sleeve and compression loops which allow kit to be cinched down to prevent shifting.  A lower sleeping bag compartment lets you separate gear for organisation.  The Batura 70L is a stylish and practical high-volume backpack, crafted for the modern nomad; whether trekking the Highlands or embracing the trails of the Kungsleden.

Also available is the NOMAD® Batura 55 - a great option for those needing less volume for shorter trips. 

Batura 70 Volume: 70 Litres Weight: 1770g Size: 25 x 36 x 70 cm Fabric: 210D Polyester dobby, 600D polyester

Batura 55 Volume: 55 Litres Weight: 1650g Size: 23 x 35 x 63 cm Fabric: 210D Polyester dobby, 600D polyester

NOMAD Lightweight Tents

The NOMAD® Jade 2  gives you the lightest trekking shelter in the NOMAD® range. A superlight yet durable 15D nylon ripstop flysheet, 20D floor and DAC Featherlight NSL poles keep the pack weight to a minimum while the fully taped fly delivers 3000mm hydrostatic head with a siliconized outer and PU treated inner for storm-level protection.

The freestanding dome design pitches inner-first with a standalone inner tent for warm-weather campouts. Inside, there's room for 2 persons with sleeping mats with an entrance either side for hassle-free access and vestibules for added storage and rain protection.

At just 1590 grams and a packed size of 42 x 11cm, the NOMAD® Jade tent offers an unbeatable design for campers looking for a lightweight, 3-season backpacking shelter to see them through their next outdoor adventure.

Jade 2 Seasons: 3 Berth: 2 Person Doors: 2 Weight: 1590g Size: 42 x 11 cm Poles:  DAC Featherlight NSL 8.5 mm Fly: 15D Nylon RS, silicone/PU, fully taped, 3000mm HH Floor: 20D Nylon RS, PU 5000mm HH

The NOMAD® Chara 2 SLW gives you a super-lightweight 2-person tent with a tough construction and a stable tunnel design for use in challenging weather conditions.  The Chara 2 SLW pitches as one with the inner tent attached to the fly, making it great for time-sensitive situations.

The traditional tunnel shape delivers a spacious interior with a front vestibule that offers a covered entrance with space for extra storage and zip access on either side.  The front and back of the Chara's flysheet can be rolled up for ventilation in warm or humid weather.

NOMAD® delivers a high level of rain protection with a lightweight 30D ripstop, silicon-PU flysheet featuring 3000mm hydrostatic head. A tougher, 70D nylon floor delivers 7000mm HH for ground protection.  The Chara 2 SLW tent is a highly portable 3-season shelter, perfect for all camping adventures, from trekking and hiking to car camping and bike touring.

Chara 2 SLW Seasons: 3 Berth: 2 Person Doors: 2 Weight: 2780g + footprint 220g Size: 37 x 17 cm Poles:  DAC Featherlight NSL 9 mm Fly: 30D Nylon RS, silicone/PU, fully taped, 3000mm HH Floor: 70D Nylon RS, PU 7000mm HH