A close look at two sleeping bags buyers cross-shop. On the data the Pulse 20 is the stronger all-round pick, and the question is whether the Hyperion 20 still fits your budget or priorities.
| NEMO Pulse 20 | Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20 | |
|---|---|---|
| GearScore | 90✓ | 67 |
| Comfort rating | 34 °F | 32 °F✓ |
| Weight | 18.0 oz✓ | 20.0 oz |
| Warmth-to-weight | 7.1 /100g✓ | 6.7 /100g |
| Packed size | 2.3 L | n/s |
| Fill power | 1000 FP✓ | 900 FP |
| Price | $550✓ | $600 |
| Fill | Down | Down |
| Style | Quilt | Bag |
| Shape | Quilt | Mummy |
Highlighted cells mark the better spec: Pulse 20 in blue, Hyperion 20 in amber. A blank spec is never counted as a win. A lower comfort rating in °F means a warmer bag, so the warmer bag takes that row. GearScore is the overall rating (0 to 100); re-weight it on the full bag comparison. Prices are current MSRP.
Put the NEMO Pulse 20 next to the Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20 and the trade-offs are clear. The Pulse 20 is the stronger pick on most of the specs that matter, while the Hyperion 20 makes its case on warmth.
The Pulse 20 is 2 oz lighter, stronger on warmth-to-weight, and higher fill power (1000 vs 900). The Hyperion 20 is warmer (rated 32°F vs 34°F). On the default GearScore the Pulse 20 leads 90 to 67.
Pick the Pulse 20 if you care most about low weight and warmth-to-weight, which makes it the better call for counting grams on long miles. Pick the Hyperion 20 if warmth matter more to you, or you are focused on colder nights and shoulder-season trips.
The NEMO Pulse 20. It is 2 oz lighter than the Hyperion 20.
The Therm-a-Rest Hyperion 20. It is warmer (rated 32°F vs 34°F) than the Pulse 20.
The NEMO Pulse 20, 90 to 67 on the default algorithm. You can re-weight the factors to match your trip.
The Pulse 20 is the stronger all-round pick here. Choose the Hyperion 20 if warmth is your priority.