Nemo OSMO Backpacking Tents Comparison

New Hampshire-founded Nemo first introduced the OSMO fabric on their signature Dagger and Hornet Elite tents in autumn last year. For 2023, they’ve expanded the OSMO range, providing us with an even wider range of quality, sustainable backpacking tents to choose from. This revolutionary fabric ticks several boxes for backpackers and adventure-lovers: it’s lightweight yet durable, and it’s also made with fabrics that don’t compromise the environment. What’s not to love? Keep reading to find out exactly what makes OSMO so special and decide which OSMO tent is best for your backpacking needs.

Who are Nemo?

Firstly, let’s delve into a bit of background about the brand (trust us, it’s a really cool story). Keen adventurer Cam Besinger founded Nemo in 2002 as part of his senior project in design school. Climbing Mount Washington in the middle of winter, he got caught in a storm and spent hours overnight in an uncomfortable bivvy. Through this sleepless night, he couldn’t help thinking that there had to be a more comfortable solution. In class the next day, he created his first set of air beams – and so Nemo was born.

Since their humble beginnings operating out of a restored textile mill, Nemo has been catapulted to international brand status, winning several awards and accreditations including an ISPO. They’re now a trusted supplier of quality outdoor gear, producing everything from tents and sleeping bags to camping furniture and portable showers. Throughout their two decades of growth, Nemo have consistently maintained a passion for innovative outdoor gear that is rooted in a dedication to living a fulfilled life of adventure. The folks at Nemo self-proclaim to never put anything on the market that is the same as what’s out there. They are laser-focused on designing and creating products that balance innovation, performance, and sustainability, which is exactly what they have accomplished with the OSMO fabric.

What is OSMO?

With OSMO, Nemo proves that you don’t need to sacrifice performance for sustainability. Nemo’s proprietary fabric is the result of over 2 years of product development. It’s the first poly-nylon composite to hit the market and – get this –  it’s also made using fully recycled fabrics. Harnessing the benefits of both polyester and nylon whilst using sustainable manufacturing techniques makes OSMO a truly innovative backpacking tent fabric.

Sustainable Materials

What makes the OSMO such an extraordinary fabric is the fact that it is produced with consideration for the planet and land that we love to explore. It’s made with a 100% recycled nylon/polyester blend, which creates a 5kg CO2e reduction for every kg of OSMO produced. The polyester component used to create OSMO is inherently hydrophobic and water-repellent, meaning that PFAs are not necessary to ensure water-repellency (an unusual practice in tent manufacturing). This means that OSMO eliminates the use of harmful forever chemicals, with a PFAS-free and FRAS-free coating. Because the fabric is resistant to hydrolosis and has a higher tear strength to weight ratio than comparable tents, OSMO can withstand more rain, wind, and extreme conditions. This means that OSMO is durable and built to last – so you won’t have to replace your tent as often, meaning less waste in landfill.

Water resistance

One of the defining features of OSMO is its superior water resistance and ability to retain shape when wet. Many tent fabrics are made with nylon meaning they are lightweight and strong, but the downside of nylon is that it absorbs water easily and tends to stretch when wet. OSMO rectifies this issue by blending nylon with polyester – a material that doesn’t stretch or absorb as much water. Combined with Nemo’s proprietary coating (developed specifically for OSMO tents), the fabric resists hydrolysis and retains its water repellency for much longer than an average backpacking tent. According to Nemo’s rigorous testing, when compared to most backpacking tent fabrics, OSMO delivers 4x longer-lasting water repellency and stretches 3x less when wet.

Weight vs Durability

Nylon is commonly used in the manufacture of tents because of its weight to strength ratio. It’s lightweight and strong, which makes nylon the perfect material for backpacking adventures where weight must be kept to a minimum whilst remaining sturdy enough to stand up to the elements. The nylon component of OSMO ensures minimal weight without compromising durability, and Nemo asserts that this fabric has a 20% higher strength rating than similar tent materials.

Nemo OSMO Tents Quick Spec Comparison

Which Nemo OSMO tent should I buy?

Here at Paddy Pallin, we stock 5 types of OSMO tent: the Dagger, the Dragonfly, the Dragonfly Bikepack, the Hornet and the Hornet Elite. Nemo have also put the OSMO fabric to work in their Tracker tent model. If you think that OSMO is the perfect fabric for your next backpacking tent, but you’re not sure which model to go for, we’ve highlighted the key features of each model below.

Dagger OSMO

The Dagger is the most spacious of all the OSMO backpacking tents, with enough room to be comfortable during evening downtime whilst still maintaining light weight. It has two doors and two vestibules for ample storage, more so than any other tent in its height and weight category. Features include Nighlight pockets, a Landing Zone waterproof storage tub, and strut pockets to ensure ventilation even when raining. The Dagger is a versatile favourite, perfect for all kinds of backpacking adventures with friends.

Shop Dagger OSMO 2-Person & 3-Person

Dragonfly OSMO

An ultralight tent that is ideal for summer backcountry backpacking adventures. It’s designed with a tapered asymmetrical shape to reduce weight whilst providing head space. Features include Gatekeeper door tiebacks, Nighlight pockets, and an integrated gear loft and pockets for additional storage. The main difference between the Dragonfly and the Dagger is that the Dragonfly prioritises low weight, whilst the Dagger provides slightly more space and comfort.

Shop Dragonfly OSMO 1-Person & 3-Person

Dragonfly Bikepack OSMO

Specifically tailored for journeys made on two-wheels, the Bikepack version of the Dragonfly OSMO boasts a significantly smaller pack size than all other OSMO tents. Given its packability, you’d never guess that the Dragonfly possesses the same height and area specs as its backpacking counterpart, making for a comfortable night’s sleep on the trail. Unique features include shortened pole length, subdued colours for stealth camping, and a highly versatile rugged roll-top dry bag that can be mounted anywhere on your bike.

Shop Dragonfly Bikepack OSMO 1 -Person

Hornet OSMO

For an ultralight tent with extensive living space, the Hornet OSMO should be your tent of choice. Large doors and vestibules provide ample gear coverage for each person, all whilst keeping weight to a minimum. Features include volumising guy-outs to create space, Gatekeeper clips to conveniently tie back the door, and Nightlight pockets. Comparatively, the Hornet is much lighter than the Dagger and the Dragonfly, and also packs down into a neater package.

Shop Hornet OSMO 1-Person, 2-Person & 3-Person

Hornet Elite OSMO

An ultralight, minimalist tent for those that are counting every gram, the Hornet Elite is the lightest tent in Nemo’s OSMO range. Taking ultralight to the next level, it provides ample headspace for its weight, with a slimmer profile to save precious grams. This model boasts features like volumising guy-outs at the corners, Gatekeeper tie backs, and Nightlight pockets. The main difference between the Hornet and Hornet Elite is of course the weight, with the Hornet Elite weighing in at 20% less.

Shop Hornet Elite OSMO 1-Person & 2-Person

Tracker OSMO

The Tracker is arguably the most versatile in the OSMO range, performing across a variety of landscapes and conditions. It provides comfortable shelter in both warm conditions and colder temperatures when there is a chance of snow. The asymmetrical design shaves weight, with maximum headspace at the top end and a tapered foot end to ease wind exposure. Unique features include nylon ripstop walls to protect from cold temperatures, Landing Zone waterproof storage tub, and a full-coverage rainfly and snowskirt for complete protection.

Choosing a tent is difficult, especially when it comes to Nemo’s incredible OSMO range, but we hope we’ve helped you take a step in the right direction. Still making a decision? Browse all OSMO, or take a look at Nemo’s full equipment range here

Get a free footprint with any Nemo OSMO tent until 13th October 2023.