The Hornet Elite OSMO 2P is the ultralight thru-hiker pick. At 2 lb 1 oz it's a full pound lighter than the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 and a pound and a half lighter than the Nemo Dagger OSMO 2P. The OSMO fabric story is the same as the Dagger's — PFAS-free, recycled, low wet stretch. The trade-offs are predictable for an ultralight: narrower foot end, smaller vestibules, semi-freestanding setup. For sub-3-lb base weights on PCT/CDT thru-hikes, this is the tent.
Strengths
- +Lightest tent in this round-up — 2 lb 1 oz packed weight
- +Two 7-sq-ft vestibules for shoes, packs, and poles
- +OSMO fabric — PFAS-free, 100% recycled, 3x less wet stretch
- +Volumizing Flybar and door clips create surprising interior space for the weight
- +Nightlight Pockets turn a headlamp into ambient cabin lighting
Watch-outs
- −Foot end tapers narrower — restless sleepers will feel the constraint
- −Floor area smaller than the MSR Hubba Hubba LT and Nemo Dagger OSMO 2P
- −Semi-freestanding — needs stakes to fully erect (won't fast-pitch on hard surfaces)
- −Mesh-dominant build sheds heat fast — better in summer than shoulder seasons
How it compares
Lightest tent in this lineup by a wide margin. Loses on floor space to the MSR Hubba Hubba LT and Nemo Dagger OSMO 2P. The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 weighs more (2 lb 10 oz) but offers more livability per ounce. Best for users where the last pound matters; worst for users who don't want to fight a narrow foot end.
Who this is for
At a glance: ultralight thru-hikers and weight-conscious backpackers who'll trade interior space for the lightest 2-person tent possible.
Why you’d buy the NEMO Hornet Elite OSMO 2P
- Lightest tent in this round-up — 2 lb 1 oz packed weight.
- Two 7-sq-ft vestibules for shoes, packs, and poles.
- OSMO fabric — PFAS-free, 100% recycled, 3x less wet stretch.
Why you’d skip it
- Foot end tapers narrower — restless sleepers will feel the constraint.
- Floor area smaller than the MSR Hubba Hubba LT and Nemo Dagger OSMO 2P.
- Semi-freestanding — needs stakes to fully erect (won't fast-pitch on hard surfaces).
Rating sources
Our 4.5 score is the average of these published ratings. More about methodology.
