The forte is my favorite sleeping bag I’ve ever owned. Lots of nice details. Pillow holder, draft stopper, vent sections, phone/light pocket. And the spoon shape makes it so comfortable. I’m sure the tempo has a lot of the same, but the extra weight for 1 degree is definitely not worth it.
Totally get why you’re stuck on this they’re close enough that it’s not an obvious call. From my experience, that 1° rating difference never really showed up for me, but extra weight definitely did once the miles added up. I’ve usually been happier carrying the lighter bag and just throwing on an extra layer if it’s colder than expected. If you’re mostly hiking in, I’d probably lean Forte too, but I don’t think you’d be unhappy either way.
Just be aware of that shoulder girth spec — for the regular version, Tempo has a few more inches and may be a bit more comfortable if you’re a side / active sleeper.
If the shoulder spec isn’t a concern the Forte seems like a nice bag at that price.
I have an older version of the Tempo and really love Nemo’s spoon shape.
I haven't used these specific bags, but I did have a women's Marmot Trestles bag, rated for 15°F and I always slept very cold, even when temps were just hovering around freezing but not below. I bought a Nemo Tempo, rated for 19°F, and sleep significantly better, even when temps go below freezing. I also love the flap at the top, if it's cold or the sun is coming up and too bright, I pull it over my face and it's nice and cozy. The Marmot definitely feels like good quality, the zipper was really solid, it had a pocket (my Nemo Tempo doesn't), and just felt really nice, but did not keep me warm for some reason.
As a warm sleeper I would absolutely die in a 15 degree bag if it's 30+ out. I would have to fully unzip it and then struggle to regulate temperature all night. The Nemo gills help a little but they do not help enough if you're a warm sleeper and it's 15 degrees over your bag rating.
I have a Nemo 35 degree bag that I use and I've never been cold in it even though the comfort rating is 40. If it's 50+ degrees out it gets too hot. 35-50 is definitely the sweet spot for it.
Personally, as long as you're not in dangerously cold conditions, I'd always go with a warmer bag and wear extra layers to bed or have a backup quilt to throw over it in case it actually gets too cold. I've had way more camping nights ruined from having a bag that's too hot than one that's too cold. You can always add layers but once you have to fully unzip your bag because it's too hot you're in a tricky place with temperature regulation for the night.
If you're a hot sleeper do not buy a 15 degree bag if you're basically only camping above 30 degrees. I would be looking at a 35 and then also buying a cheap synthetic camp blanket as an extra layer when needed or an only layer for nights that are 50+
Top Outdoor Sleeping Bags on Reddit
1
NEMO
Disco 15 Series
79% positive of 114 users
Spacious spoon shape, but bulky and inconsistent warmth.
Barloske
