NEMO Equipment Hornet 2P / Hornet OSMO 2P Review
Brand: NEMO Equipment · Category: tent · Price: $400 - $500
This tent is for ultralight backpackers, solo hikers who want luxurious space, and couples who absolutely prioritize low weight over elbow room. Skip it if you want to spread out, frequently camp with a partner, or prefer durable, heavier fabrics that forgive clumsy handling.
Specs
| Doors | 2 |
|---|---|
| Poles | single hubbed pole set; semi-freestanding |
| Weight | 33-38 oz min trail weight; about 2 lb 5 oz packed weight on older Hornet 2P versions; about 34 oz minimum trail weight / 2 lb 8 oz packed weight for Hornet OSMO 2P |
| Rainfly | OSMO Ripstop 1200 mm on Hornet OSMO; earlier versions used 10D/15D nylon ripstop |
| Seasons | 3 |
| Capacity | 2 |
| Floor Area | 27.5-28 sq ft |
| Packed Size | 19.5 x 5.5 in or about 32 x 19 x 8.5 cm, depending on version |
| Peak Height | 39 in |
| Vestibules | 2 |
| Fabric Denier | 10D-15D range depending on version |
Strengths
- Very light for a true double-wall, two-door, two-vestibule tent
- Semi-freestanding design is easier to pitch than fully trekking-pole shelters
- Good livability for one person plus gear, and workable for two in a pinch
- Small packed size makes it attractive for fastpacking and minimalist backpacking
- Two doors and two vestibules improve convenience for partners
- OSMO versions improved fabric performance and packability without a major weight penalty
Complaints
- Interior is cramped for two adults, especially with wide pads or lots of gear
- Footbox and floor width taper significantly, reducing usable two-person space
- Light fabrics are less forgiving of rough handling than heavier tents
- Requires stakes for a reliable pitch even though it is semi-freestanding
- Ventilation and condensation management can still be an issue in humid or wet conditions
- Premium pricing is high relative to interior space
- Older and newer versions have different weights/specs, which can confuse buyers
Pitch And Features
The Hornet employs a semi-freestanding design with a single hubbed pole set, which means it uses one main pole assembly that branches out, requiring some stakes to achieve a taut, stable pitch. This is a sweet spot between fully freestanding tents (which pitch almost anywhere without stakes but add weight) and fully non-freestanding shelters (which rely entirely on trekking poles and stakes). It's much simpler and quicker to set up than a fully non-freestanding tent, and the two vestibules and two doors are absolutely essential for any tent claiming to be a two-person model, even a tight one.
Weather Performance
Rated for three seasons, this tent handles typical spring, summer, and fall conditions well, including moderate rain and wind. The 1200 mm hydrostatic head rating on the OSMO rainfly indicates good water resistance, ensuring you stay dry in most downpours. However, with any ultralight tent, ventilation can be a balancing act; in very humid conditions or sustained rain, you might still contend with some internal condensation as body moisture can't escape as readily. This is a common tradeoff when minimizing fabric, so don't expect it to be a completely dry sauna during a humid downpour.
Livability And Space
Here’s the main trade-off: while it's rated for two people, it's really a palace for one and a squeeze for two. The floor area is 27.5-28 square feet, which sounds okay, but the crucial detail is the aggressive taper from 51 inches wide at the head to 43 inches at the foot. This means if you and your partner both use wider sleeping pads (like 25-inch ones), they won't lie flat side-by-side, leaving little room for gear inside. Two doors and two vestibules are a lifesaver, allowing each person easy access and dedicated storage for their pack and muddy boots, preventing midnight gymnastics.
Weight And Packed Size
This is where the Hornet shines, typically coming in around 33-38 ounces (about 2 pounds) for its minimum trail weight, making it one of the lightest two-person, double-wall tents you can find. That's a significant difference compared to traditional backpacking tents that often weigh 4-5 pounds, which means less strain on your back over long distances. The packed size is equally impressive at about 19.5 x 5.5 inches, roughly the size of a baguette, fitting easily into smaller packs or for fastpacking adventures. Just be aware that specific weights can vary a few ounces between the older nylon and newer OSMO versions.
Materials And Durability
NEMO uses very lightweight fabrics, with deniers ranging from 10D to 15D, depending on the version. Denier (D) is a measure of fabric thickness and density; lower numbers mean lighter, thinner material. While the newer OSMO fabric improves tear strength and water repellency with a 1200 mm waterproof rating (meaning it can withstand a 1200mm column of water before leaking), these thin materials require careful handling. You'll want to choose your campsites wisely to avoid sharp roots or rocks, and definitely consider a footprint to protect the floor from abrasions and extend the tent's lifespan. This isn't a tent you can just toss around like a canvas tarp.