Even when we’re headed for the high country Herb always finds a way to put us to work, this trips mission: test product. My job, since I am the princess and the pea type, was to put Nemo’s Cosmo Air & Pillowtop sleep pad to the test. When I got to the campsite the boss put up the tent and I started in on the sleeping pad (formally referred to as the modular sleep system).

The first thing I did was snip off the material content tag; you know the one, Under Penalty of Law Do Not Remove This Tag, that’s the fun part; brings out the defiant nonconformist in me. Now we’re ready, I’m going to roll this thing out and pump it up without looking at the directions.

Nemo Sleep Pad Component Breakdown

Nemo

First impression: it’s sort of wrinkly and flat. I notice two wide mouth pull out plugs at what appears to be the pillow end and a third wide mouth plug and a smaller twist valve at the foot. I close everything up because I don’t want the air to escape once I start foot pumping to fill it up. It was easy enough to figure out where to place my foot to start the pump action (the “Place Foot Here to Fill Pad” made it a real no brainer). So I start pumping…nothing, nada. Then it dawns on me the two plugs at the sides of the foot pump area must be for air intake; open those and in no time my wrinkly and flat modular sleeping system was converted into a plush 4 inches of air mattress bliss.

At the head end of the pad the air chamber is raised forming a pillow, but if that’s not enough you can stuff your down jacket in the conveniently placed micro fiber slip cover. Without taking the time to throw down my sleeping bag I crawled in the tent to test out the comfort of my new Nemo Pillowtop Sleep System. It feels a little too firm; awe that’s what the small twist valve is, a micro adjust valve! I let a little air out until I found my perfect sleep number (oops, wrong product). But the pad truly is akin to finding your personal sleep number. I personally like a firmer sleeping pad than my camp guide, Herb (he’s a softie), and the Nemo Sleep system facilitates both!

At this point I am so excited to hit the hay, I can hardly wait to put the Nemo Cosmo Pillowtop to the real test, a full night’s sleep. Result: COMFORT! Best night’s sleep in the backcountry I’ve ever had, NO KIDDING! Three things became quite clear: easy to set up without reading the instructions, most comfortable sleeping pad ever (I mean modular sleep system), and the most money I have ever paid for a sleeping pad to throw on the ground and sleep on.

Outcome: LOVE IT, WORTH THE MONEY, I AM NO LONGER TO OLD TO DIRT SLEEP!

Cosmo Pillowtop Cosmo Air Pad Specs

  • Weight:  3lbs 15oz
  • Width:   25”
  • Length:  76”
  • Thickness:  3 to 4”
  • Pack Size:  11.5 x 7.5 in diameter
  • Warmth:  5F to 15F

Cosmo Air Sleeping Pad may be purchased without the Pillowtop, but it’s highly recommended. This sleep system is well worth the cash to have a great night’s sleep!