Nemo Roamer Double Review

Our Experience

We couldn't imagine anything more comfortable than the Exped MegaMat, but Nemo may have matched or even surpassed it. Our first trip was using it at an Airbnb for our kids. We immediately noticed how soft and plush the top surface feels. It's also slightly more delicate and less bulky than many other double pads. Deflating and rolling it up was relatively easy and quick thanks to the material and multiple air-outlet valves.

During the second test, GearLab co-founder Chris McNamara used the pad solo. While a double-sized pad initially seemed excessive for one person, he quickly appreciated the extra space. The main challenge was finding a wide enough sleeping bag to fully use the surface area. Chris noted, “It was one of the best nights of sleep I've had camping. Even when I rolled off my pillow or partially out of my sleeping bag, the top surface felt incredibly cozy.”

We still prefer using a battery-powered handheld pump for inflation and deflation, but the pad performs well even without it. It inflates and deflates reasonably quickly if the pump gets misplaced. We've also used it successfully as a play mat and guest bed — our guests loved it, and we appreciated not needing an extra bed.

Comfort

In a world of numerous thick, comfortable camping mattresses, the Nemo Roamer Double felt particularly cozy and soft, with a refined feel that avoids the slippery plastic sensation of many “plasticy surface” pads. It provides thick padding and air that effectively cushions against rocks and sticks unless they are quite large. However, its softer nature means you're more likely to disturb your sleeping partner when shifting positions. You can adjust it across a wide range, from soft to firm, while still staying well off the ground, though the process isn't as precise as some competitors — you have to pull a plug and release air in larger increments, which takes some practice to master. The fabric is slightly softer (and quieter) than the Lost Horizon's, but you'll still hear some noise when moving around. Finally, the pad can bow more than expected when fully firm, though it flattens nicely under body weight or with a bit of air released.

Ease of Use

The NEMO Roamer Double is noticeably easier to roll up than many competitors, thanks to its open-cell foam, which doesn't fight back as much during packing. It includes a helpful inflation bag with clear instructions, though the bag is smaller than the Lost Horizon's and takes longer to fill the pad. The three valves make deflation and packing significantly faster and more effective than the Lost Horizon, and the pad's relatively lighter weight makes it easier to maneuver into place in a tent or vehicle.

One minor drawback is that valve usage requires a bit of technique—opening all valves to release most of the air, then closing the outer ones and leaving the center open for the final roll. Some users may miss the dedicated pump for the Lost Horizon, and the included duffel-style sack makes it a bit harder to stuff the pad than an open-ended sack. Overall, the Roamer strikes a very good balance for real-world ease of use.

Warmth

The NEMO Roamer Double is well-suited for 3-season camping (spring, summer, and fall). In testing on wet grass at around 40°F with a 40°F sleeping bag and no tent, it generally felt warm and comfortable to lie on. However, some coolness was noticeable where the sleeping bag directly touched the pad, especially when rolling over onto cooler spots. The Roamer still performed well overall and should keep most people comfortable in typical 3-season conditions. More testing in different temperatures and with a tent would give an even clearer picture.

Versatility

The NEMO Roamer Double is surprisingly versatile beyond traditional car camping. It works well as a comfortable spot for an afternoon nap, a beach lounger, or even a cozy snuggle surface for movie nights and family gatherings. In a pinch, it can serve as a decent guest bed for friends or family—while some people might prefer an elevated frame, most folks who are okay with camping gear won't mind sleeping on it. Air travel with it is possible if you use it as a carry-on, but it's not ideal due to its bulk and weight. Overall, it shines as a multi-purpose pad for both indoor and outdoor use.

Packed Size

The open-cell foam in the NEMO Roamer Double makes it noticeably easier to compress and roll compared to many competitors, resulting in a relatively compact size for such a thick double pad. It rolls down to about 9.5 inches in diameter, versus the bulkier 14 inches of the Lost Horizon. The included Velcro straps help keep it from unfurling, though they don't do much to tighten the roll. With some practice, you can achieve a packed size close to the manufacturer's original, though most people will end up with a slightly larger roll.

Should You Buy the Nemo Roamer Double?

This is an excellent choice if you want plush comfort and easy handling in a double camping mattress. It feels exceptionally soft and refined, offers good 3-season warmth, and is noticeably lighter and easier to pack than the Exped MegaMat Duo or Lost Horizon. While self-inflation is average and firmness adjustments take practice, its versatility for guest beds, playtime, and quick setup makes it a strong performer for car camping and family use.

What Other Camping Mattresses Should You Consider?

Compared to the Lost Horizon Full, the NEMO Roamer Double is lighter, packs significantly smaller, and is easier to roll up than the Lost Horizon thanks to its open-cell foam and three-valve system. It also feels slightly softer and more refined on top. While the Lost Horizon may offer a slight edge in warmth, the Roamer is more practical for frequent use and transport. Both perform well for car camping and guest beds, but the Roamer strikes a better balance between comfort, ease of use, and packability. That said, the Lost Horizon is nearly half the cost.

Compared to the Exped MegaMat Duo, the NEMO Roamer Double is noticeably lighter, easier to pack, and quicker to deflate and roll thanks to its valves and open-cell foam. While the MegaMat Duo offers superior plushness and warmth, it is significantly bulkier and more difficult to handle. The Roamer provides a more practical and refined experience for most users who want good comfort without the MegaMat's size and packing drawbacks. If maximum cushioning and cold-weather performance are priorities, the MegaMat Duo wins; otherwise, the Roamer is the more user-friendly choice