The Princess and the Pea/Pebble

At NEMO, we always try to have an interesting and innovative take on design. Even for something like a sleeping pad test bench, we set the goal of designing the ultimate sleeping pad testing bench. Here were some of the self-assigned goals when considering the design:

• Indestructible. Designed so a 400lb Linebacker could Kneel on it anywhere.
• Have 3 separate compartments (rocks, roots, razor blades, etc.)
• Have a NEMO sleeping pad storage system inside
• Quick assembly and tear down
• Able to be carried on a plane
• Relate aesthetically to the NEMO trade show booth
• Look Cool

After some brainstorming, sketching, and quick modeling, here was the final solution: Using 1.25” aluminum poles, removable railing joints, 2 sheets of 1/16” thick aluminum, and about 3 yards of heavy duty hypalon, and a sheet of plywood, we built a sleeping pad testing bench that could support my Jeep.

-Brandon