Blog

The NEMO Pulse quilt offers standout cold-weather performance in a refined ultralight design. With 1,000 fill power, a sculpted cut, and a snug, enclosed footbox, it's an ideal companion for early spring, late autumn, and fast and light long-distance trips throughout the year.

I had the chance to put the NEMO Pulse quilt through its paces during a week of mixed camping in March—first at a four-night stay during the 'AndSocial' Brand event on a campsite in Edale, then over three nights wild camping along the first 50 miles of the Pennine Way. The temperature dropped well below freezing each night on the trail. I paired the quilt with the Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Pro Insulated ASC mat (R-value 7.5), which proved to be a solid combination for dealing with early spring chill.

Warmth & Insulation

The standout feature here is the 1000 fill power ExpeDRY down—among the highest-quality down insulations on the market. It's not just impressive on paper; it delivers in the field. The warmth-to-weight ratio is truly top-tier, and during the cold nights out on the Pennine Way, I stayed consistently warm, even when frost settled on the outside of my tent. The down lofts quickly after unpacking and maintains warmth evenly throughout the night, even as the temperature dips below freezing.

The Karo Step baffle design also deserves mention—an innovative layout that uses a staggered grid of offset box baffles. This approach reduces stitching and fabric use, shaving weight while still allowing the down to loft fully and move naturally. In a quilt this light, it’s impressive how well it maintains consistent insulation. I encountered no cold spots or clumping, and the warmth felt evenly distributed from the shoulders to the footbox—never overly concentrated in one area or lacking in another.

Pad Attachment System

NEMO’s pad attachment system takes a slightly different approach from what I’m used to. Instead of the typical elastic loops, the Pulse uses two flat, adjustable webbing straps that lock the quilt onto your mat. It took a bit of tinkering on the first night to get the setup right, but once dialled in, it creates a stable, draft-resistant seal.

What stands out is the system's flexibility: on very cold nights, you can cinch the quilt in tightly, creating a sleeping bag–like cocoon that traps heat exceptionally well. On milder nights, it’s easy to loosen the fit for a bit of airflow, and when temperatures rise, you can leave the quilt fully open for a loose, blanket-style setup. This makes the Pulse highly adaptable—capable of functioning as part of your sleep system in all but the coldest months of the year.

Comfort & Fit

The Pulse gets a lot right when it comes to comfort. The footbox is fully enclosed, warm, and spacious enough to allow natural movement. I didn’t miss the option to vent through the foot end—on warmer nights, it was simple enough to stick a foot out the side to cool down. The footbox also holds its shape well and doesn’t collapse or flatten out overnight, which helps keep your feet warm and comfortable.

Up top, the draft collar is equally well-executed: plush, generously filled, and easy to cinch with one hand. Once tightened, it hugs the quilt around your shoulders and chest, sealing in heat and blocking early morning chills. There’s also a small snap button behind the neck that helps secure the collar—simple, but effective. I found myself using it every night while wild camping. The quilt has a gently tapered shape, with more room around the knees and a slightly narrower cut at the shoulders. As a side sleeper who tends to move around a lot, I never felt restricted, although broader users might find the upper section a bit snug.

Weight & Packability

At 624 grams for the Regular 20°F version, the Pulse sits comfortably among the lighter full-featured quilts available. While not the absolute lightest on the market, it strikes an excellent balance between weight, warmth, and design. Those few extra grams bring real benefits: refined features, durable construction, and premium 1000 fill power insulation. The packed size is equally impressive—compressing to just over 2 litres, it fits easily into smaller packs without compromising the rest of your gear choices.

Final Thoughts

The NEMO Pulse strikes a strong balance between technical design and trail-tested practicality. It’s a solid choice for those who prioritise insulation quality, environmental impact, and adaptable comfort over chasing the absolute lowest weight. Over seven cold nights in varied terrain, it proved to be dependable, comfortable, and genuinely enjoyable to sleep in.

Andy Neil
Andy has been a keen long-distance hiker and wild camping enthusiast since he completed the Cleveland Way in 2015. Since then, he has walked thousands of trail miles all over the UK and is an active member of the Wild Camping UK community, being an admin of the largest wild camping community on Facebook. He strongly advocates for responsible wild camping and believes it is important to leave no trace when camping in the wilderness. He joined the UOG team in 2021 and works as a website developer and content creator. Read more from Andy Neil