Ilona Maher, Rain, and Dinosaurs: 3 Days in the Lake District with Nemo Equipment

A Journey Through the Lake District with Nemo Equipment

After ten years of visiting the Lake District, it's still a place that leaves me in awe. Home to England's largest lake and its highest mountain, this region offers endless opportunities for exploration. This time, I'm here to spend a few days with Nemo Equipment, a high-end outdoor brand focused on lightweight gear.

Nemo was founded by Cam Brensinger, an MIT graduate and former spacesuit engineer, who sought to improve upon his poor sleep experience in a poorly designed bivvy sack. Over the past two decades, Nemo has become a go-to brand for thoughtfully-made, sustainable ultralight gear in the US. Now making its mark in the UK, I'm part of a campout to explore their latest products alongside other outdoor journalists.

Gary Moore, my partner and contributor to TRIP MASTERY, and I arrived in the Lakes 24 hours before the event, using the time to photograph various kits. We hiked from Hardknott Pass, swam in the icy River Esk, and stayed in a Scandinavian-style barbecue hut near Ambleside. The next day, we traveled to Grasmere to capture more kit photography, including changing robes from Zone3 and Red, before heading to the National Trust's campsite at Great Langdale for the Nemo campout.

The campsite is luxurious, featuring a dedicated drying room and 24/7 hot showers. Despite the forecast of heavy rain, we were excited for more swimming, hiking, and gear discussions. Meeting fellow outdoor writers, many of whom I already knew from trade shows, created a sense of camaraderie rather than competition.

New Tents from Nemo

The Nemo team wasted no time introducing us to their latest tent designs. Known for their lightweight and beautiful design, Nemo tents come with a price tag that reflects their quality. We were shown existing models like the Dagger, Dragonfly, and Hornet, along with upgraded versions set for release next year. These tents feature sustainable fabrics, solution dyes, and added space without extra weight. The 'landing zone' in the vestibule allows for more sleeping space, and larger tents have openings on each side.

Despite being more of a car camper, I found the Nemo Dagger Ridge 3P cozy and dry, even during torrential rain. The Ridge version’s updated pole structure adds height and usable space without extra weight, making it a favorite among our group.

Ultralight Mats and Sleeping Bags

Finding a sleep mat that is light, packable, comfortable, and well-insulated is a challenge for any wild camper. Nemo's Tensor sleep mats aim to solve this with 'suspended' insulation that reduces noise when rolling over. These mats are incredibly lightweight and pack down to almost nothing. We also received a demo on using a pump sack, which proved useful for my Therm-a-Rest mat.

Sleeping bags with a 'spoon' shape offer a compromise between rectangular and mummy styles, saving weight while providing comfort. Many feature 'Thermo Gills' for heat regulation. I spent the first night in a Riff sack, then switched to the synthetic Forte due to a slight allergy to down. Both performed well, and the spoon shape was a hit.

Comfortable Chairs for Relaxation

After the technical discussions, we relaxed in Nemo Stargaze chairs, combining elements of a camping chair, rocking chair, and recliner. These chairs are extremely comfortable, though they come with a hefty price tag. The Stargaze Evo-X version quickly became the favorite among our group.

We shared stories of recent adventures, including a revelation about one of our number not knowing Ilona Maher, the most-followed rugby player in the world. Her Instagram page is worth checking out.

Solo Adventure and Wild Swimming

While others hiked up the Langdale Pikes, I opted for a solo adventure around Side Pike to Blea Tarn. The lake, with sediment undisturbed since glacial times, offered a unique experience. Despite the cold water, I enjoyed a dip, eventually stripping off my bikini for a naked swim. The feeling of the cold against my skin was invigorating.

Returning to camp, I used the drying room and took a much-needed hot shower. The rest of the group returned with tales of waterfall swims and cloud-line treks. As night fell, we spotted constellations and tracked satellites under clear skies.

Final Swim in Coniston

On our final day, we visited Coniston Water for a swim. I kept my face out due to increasing pollution concerns in the big lakes. The warmer water and ducks made for a peaceful end to our trip.

The experience with Nemo Equipment highlighted the importance of quality gear and the joy of exploring the natural beauty of the Lake District. It reminded me how lucky I am to be able to call this kind of adventure work.