In short, it has good stability and decent space for its weight and other strengths, but I’ll get into more detail in my review. On test: Nemo DragonFly 2P tent. Thanks for that detailed field-testing report, John. Size and Weight. The Dragonfly has a unique vestibule which provides extra room under the rainfly to store your backpack, shoes, or other items that you do not want inside your tent. I also see many high-quality brands that occasionally receive similar negative comments. I try to respond to all comments. It also has two doors which is a must-have if there are two people in your tent. And its livability and space-to-weight ratio are best-in-class. is as good as many freestanding, three-season tents. Keep up the great work! If you’re looking for a freestanding, two-door, ultralight tent that doesn’t feel like a two-person coffin, you have very few options, and this tent remains one of the best. The tradeoff is that they’re much heavier and bulkier when packed and usually uncomfortably hot in mild temps, not to mention considerably more expensive. The comparison chart below offers a quick look at specs and features that distinguish these tents from one another and offers an overall rating based on specific criteria that are detailed at the bottom of each tent’s complete review. 30 to 40 mph in the Grand Canyon—and The weather where I mainly backpack right now averages low temps at night in the 20-30 degree F range. Nemo Equipment Dragonfly 2 Person Dome Tent Review. Please follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube. The fly fabric attracts fine desert sand, like in Utah, that has to be washed off. Another vote for the Big Agnes Copper Spur. If you want a tent that traps heat better, you’re looking potentially at a four-season tent, one that’s made for winter temps and conditions (including stronger winds and possibly a snow load on the tent) and mountaineering at any time of year. Anyway, just wondering what you could recommend about bivy sacks. This tent fulfills all the requirements when you are out in the wild camping away from the comfort of your mattress. This article covers my picks for the eight top-performing backpacking tents available today—seven two-person models and one ultralight solo tent—with links to my complete review of each one. I’ve been doing this for 25+ years. I have been in 50-60 mph winds and it solid as can be. Hi Mike, It’s really great to see your work on the blog and you seem to be having a really great time. Strong nighttime gusts on a The NEMO Dragonfly 2P tent strikes an ideal balance between weight and livability in a freestanding tent. I’ve tested scores of backpacking tents over more than a quarter-century of testing and reviewing gear—including many years as Backpacker magazine’s lead gear reviewer. my impression that it is quite possibly the best solo ultralight tent on the After multiple trips, I haven’t found a negative other than the price being $10 more than its nearest competitor. Don't wear out your tent floor—protect it from gravelly, sharp surfaces with the durable, waterproof NEMO Dragonfly 2 footprint. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. I’m not surprised you saw some negative comments on MSR products. Hi Mike. Vestibules are spacious, ventilation excellent, and the Copper Spur keeps the weather on the outside. I suggest you get one of those. Like the Copper Spur, the Nemo offers the same floor area as the MSR at 29 square feet and boasts an additional 2 inches of headroom. This tent has nearly 30 square feet of internal space with a peak height of more than 40”. The tents are listed from lightest to heaviest. Hi Dana, yes, I’m a fan of the Big Agnes Copper Spur series, and there is a UL4 version. Some of the two-person tents in this review are the same weight as two bivy sacks, but these tents provide much more living space than any bivy sack. You know it! That can reflect dissatisfaction with a specific product, sometimes legitimate and sometimes due to a misperception of the product’s intended use; sometimes the brand will eventually either improve or discontinue that product. Single-wall tents are lighter but often plagued by condensation. I haven’t used a 4p in a while, but those tents series are good ones. Do you have any general recommendations? Nemo Dragonfly 2P$ 400, 2 lbs. When we prepared this review for the Dragonfly 2, we looked at the data against two hundred and thirty-eight other 2 person dome tents, evaluating more than sixty different facts. 5 oz.) The design includes a thicker floor material, and it trims weight where it can from other areas to keep the whole thing compact. If you get caught in a massive storm with surging waves in Central Baja as I did, the single-seam tub construction provides excellent waterproof protection from floodwaters. A bivy doesn’t have a vestibule for storing wet boots, shells, and a pack. It was easy to set-up, has lots of space inside, zippers are sufficient, very lightweight and packs easily. Nemo Dragonfly 2 Tent Review. Spend your money smartly when picking out the right tent for your adventures: Start with my “5 Expert Tips For Buying a Backpacking Tent” and “How to Choose the Best Ultralight Backpacking Tent for You.” (Both of those stories require a subscription to read.). Consider a few metrics. Livability and Interior Space Where the Dagger truly shines is its generous interior space. Read my complete review of the MSR Zoic 2. Save with Click & Collect or Buy Now Pay Later with Zippay. I occasionally read online comments about gear that get posted at the websites of outdoor brands and at other blogs. The only shortfall was the limited venting of the fly. 6 oz.slingfin.com. It weighs in at 3 pounds 2 ounces which is fantastic for a freestanding tent. The combination of physical attributes and features creates a tent that is good at everything without standing out in one area. I understand that online reviews are to be read with caution, but these matters did not seem trivial. In fact, I’ve reviewed many MSR products, including tents, and you can see a menu of those reviews here. MSR has a long history and a strong reputation for making quality gear; that’s why they’re a brand I like to review, because honestly, I don’t bother reviewing gear that I wouldn’t want to own. The Dragonfly is a freestanding tent which means that it uses poles and doesn’t need stakes to keep it upright. BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking either of these affiliate links to purchase a Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 at Backcountry.com or Moosejaw.com. But how do you choose from the many models out there, which come in a huge range of designs, weights, and prices? It's an Editors' Choice Award winner because it deftly combines the creature comforts of a freestanding tent while finding clever ways to minimize its weight. A good backpacking tent not only makes your trips more comfortable by keeping you warm and dry in foul weather—it’s critical safety gear and one of the heaviest and most expensive items you’ll carry. You can support my work on this blog by clicking either of these links to buy a Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL3 at backcountry.com or moosejaw.com. Thank you! But it should because I’ve been all over the country, and the Ozarks Mountain Range in Arkansas and Missouri is without a doubt one of the most beautiful areas in the country. I am an avid reader and value your advice. If we backpack, we’d be sharing the weight, but (sadly) we’re not doing much of that these days! Thanks so much Michael for the advice. I’m 6’2,” and it provides plenty of room to sit up comfortably. But they would still protect you from most wind, certainly from precipitation, and you can obviously use a warmer sleeping bag for cold temps. Ugh. Next up is the Nemo Dragonfly. Dragonfly by Nemo Hornet Tents Review. Read my Although, I’d suggest using tent stakes unless you pitch your tent on a boulder. Glad I checked before my trip in 10 days!!! That's why we send you the best local adventures, stories, and expert advice, right to your inbox. I’m 6’2,” and it provides plenty of room to sit up comfortably. I’ve seen some brands go through a bad spell, and I’ve seen some come out with new stuff that didn’t make the cut. You’re welcome, Slade, glad to help. If you are using it by yourself, I would suggest the 2-person tent. We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this affiliate link to purchase a Gossamer Gear The One at gossamergear.com. But more importantly, it’s very appealing to backpackers who want to reduce their pack weight without reducing the amount of sleep they get in the backcountry. Tiger Wall 2 Platinum. See my review of the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2, which is only five ounces heavier. You probably understand. The Dragonfly boasts great weather resistance, and I appreciated the large doors, vestibules, and interior storage features. America’s Best Backpacking and Outdoor Adventures. 6 oz.backcountry.com. NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. I know that you know tents and gear well, and I’ve heard good things about the Anjan 2 before. Thanks for saying so, Susan, I appreciate that. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Nemo Dragonfly Ultralight Backpacking Tent, 1 Person at Amazon.com. Features Durable, 75-denier polyurethane polyester is waterproof to keep the bottom of your tent from getting wet and dirty The Dragonfly is very portable for the amount of premium features it offers. Get the nearly identical predecessor to the Tiger Wall 2 Platinum. You’re right that all of the tents above are three-season tents, designed for good ventilation to keep occupants cooler on warm nights, but also to minimize or prevent condensation buildup inside on nights that drop below around 40 degrees Fahrenheit. BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog, at no cost to you, by clicking this affiliate link to purchase a Hyperlite Mountain Gear Dirigo 2 at hyperlitemountaingear.com. DAC Featherlite hubbed poles create steep walls that make the tent feel roomier than its 29 square feet, 40-inch peak height, and 88-inch length. Its 33 square feet of interior space and width for two 25-inch-wide air mattresses beat what you’ll find in many backpacking tents. If you are looking for a roomy ultralight backpacking tent, the Nemo Equipment Dragonfly Ultralight delivers! And you are right, doesn’t sound like an option for me. It pitches intuitively in minutes, has superior ventilation and good stability, weather performance, and durability—but most of all, has excellent livability. I may not give the answer you were expecting in that I wouldn’t recommend a bivy sack for backpacking. Slingfin 2Lite Trek$329, 2 lbs. The Nemo Dragonfly tent under the starry night sky! They would feel cold inside on nights that drop well below freezing. an interior tent featuring mesh bug netting and a bathtub floor, The One’s stability MSR remains a brand I trust. Please explore responsibly! Chris Engelsman Would I recommend the Nemo Equipment Dragonfly Ultralight tent? With two doors, you don't have to crawl over your partner to get out in the morning and each person has easy access to their gear. 10 oz.backcountry.com. Hyperlite Mountain Gear Dirigo 2$900, 1 lb. We also performed a thorough Nemo Dragonfly 2-Person Tent (2019) vs. Nemo Hornet 2-Person Backpacking Tent (2017) review score analysis - it turns out that all of the sources that have tested both Backpacking Tents, including OutdoorGearLab, preferred the Nemo Dragonfly 2-Person Tent (2019) over the Nemo Hornet 2-Person Backpacking Tent (2017). 11 oz.backcountry.com. peak height. INTERIOR DIMENSIONS (L x W x H, tapered width at foot end): 86 x 52/42 x 39 in 218 x 132/107 x 99 cm. Otherwise, the tent provided a light shelter that left me wanting for nothing. Gossamer Gear The One$300, 1 lb. Have you had a chance to try out the 2020 version of the Copper Spur UL2? Short answer is that bivy sacks are intended as very minimalist shelters for one person in extreme conditions, generally climbers needing some kind of shelter on the side of a mountain, sometimes in terrible weather. This will be helpful. achieving, without quite getting there. Title. The sub-two-pound, A freestanding tent uses tent poles and can stand up without using any stakes. https://www.moosejaw.com/product/nemo-dragonfly-2p-tent_10409810 I think you’ll find at least one tent here that’s perfect for you. BUY NEMO Equipment Dragonfly Ultralight Backpacking Tent. That’s better than most freestanding, two-person tents weighing twice as much. PRICE: $$$. and Nemo’s Hornet (2 lbs. The Dragonfly is a freestanding tent which means that it uses poles and doesn’t need stakes to keep it upright. Something special about it. The frame is a hubbed design feature 8.7mm DAC Featherlite NFL poles with a volumizing brow pole laid across the top. I’m still stewing about tents. For the weight weenies, the Nemo Equipment Dragonfly tent is light. The tent and fly are integrated, but can be quickly separated to allow use of the tent alone or the fly can be used like a tarp using the two poles and guylines. while avoiding shortcomings endemic to other ultralight tents. Pitching with trekking poles or an optional front pole, it stood up to steady winds of 30 mph and gusts around 40 mph from the Grand Canyon to Idaho’s City of Rocks. Not so in a bivy sack. Hilleberg tents are expensive but the quality and design are exceptional. Big Agnes Tiger Wall 2 Platinum$550, 1 lb. Yup, I’m a fan of the Copper Spur tents. See my review of the ultralight Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL3 ($430, 2 lbs. I wish I had more time to read it, but with our sons being 13 and 17, you can imagine how busy we are. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. My review: The Dragonfly 2P features two vestibules, two large zippered doors with integrated strut vents, two gear pockets, and a large gear loft. a quarter-century of testing and reviewing gear, I believe every ounce should be justified in the gear I carry, 5 Expert Tips For Buying a Backpacking Tent, How to Choose the Best Ultralight Backpacking Tent for You, Glacier There are exactly two freestanding, two-person tents on this list with two doors and vestibules that weigh under three pounds, so if that’s what you’re shopping for, you already have a short list. Yeah, neither do we, but it keeps the lights on. I’ve also slept under the stars countless nights and love doing that, too, but I often had a tent available as a backup for bad weather. Had to select a rating... but haven’t used it yet double-wall, two-door, freestanding tent has become like the two-hour marathon While bivy sacks are typically waterproof-breathable, the close quarters and very limited ventilation options, plus the single-wall design, means that condensation can often build up inside, getting your bag and clothing wet. Thank you. At the top of the tent is a rooftop pocket that I use for my beanie, gloves, an extra layer. I notice that Big Agnes also makes Copper Spur HV Expedition. The tent is light, strong, very versatile. Personally, I like freestanding tents. Instead of mesh, the walls are solid, but there are “window” panels you can upzip to roll back the solid panel and have mesh to add some ventilation, and the pole design looks stronger than lighter three-season tents. All of the pockets are designed for a purpose to help organize your tent. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Do you have direct experience with MSR tents, and, if so, are you willing to comment on your perceptions of their quality and durability? Your blog is helpful for getting ready for Philmont with our Scouts next year. National Park on the Continental Divide Trail, 12 Expert Tips for Planning a Wilderness Backpacking Trip, A Practical Guide to Lightweight and Ultralight Backpacking, New Year Inspiration: My Top 10 Adventure Trips, The 10 Best Backpacking Trips in the Southwest, The 10 Best Family Outdoor Adventure Trips. However, I’ve seen many high-quality brands survive and maintain their reputation in a highly competitive industry, which the outdoor industry still is (with many small, innovative companies), because they consistently make very good to excellent gear that users like. I’m an ultralight backpacker and also starting to bikepack and always looking for the lightest and most convenient items to use. I’m also nervous for other readers to see this because it’s not on many backpackers’ radar… just kidding of course. Some have production flaws that get worked out, and any reputable brand will stand behind gear that fails with a repair or replacement of it. creates impressive headroom and livability for a tent in this category. I greatly appreciate it. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. One of the lightest models is the MSR Access 2. National Park on the Continental Divide Trail never rattled The One—affirming From looking at consumer reviews online, I grew a little concerned about the quality of MSR products (or quality control), since some of the reviewers raised what seemed to me to be serious concerns (poor sewing of seams, poles that broke at the ends after little use, inadequate waterproofing). See my Gear Reviews page at The Big Outside for categorized menus of all of my reviews and my expert buying tips. Some tent models seek a middle ground between full-on winter/mountaineering and the lightest three-season tents, meaning they are good for colder temps and lots of precip, but not really for mountaineering or huge winds or snowfall. minimizes condensation, and the vestibule shelters a pack and boots. Read my complete review of the Gossamer Gear The One. Read my complete review of the Marmot Tungsten UL 2P. BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to buy a Slingfin 2Lite Trek at slingfin.com. Plus, the fly repels torrential downpours. Adventure gives us purpose and perspective. A single-wall, It packs down to 2 lb 13 oz, making it one of the smaller solo tents in this price range (although you could go lighter with a more barebones option) Weather on the ground wild-style, not isolated criticisms a lightweight backpacking tent as the ideal tent for well-designed... Nights that drop well below freezing two people in your answer to my post asking about warmer backpacking tents in! My only niggles are venting with the 2020 nemo dragonfly 2 review of the Big Outside for categorized menus of all of blog’s! Your reply to my post asking about warmer backpacking tents interior storage features reviews and review ratings for Dragonfly... Stand up without using any stakes the top below freezing the MSR Zoic 2 person. 349, 3 lbs matching webbing setting up the Dragonfly 2P tent by my own calculation weighs... 1 lb but these matters did not seem trivial more thorough and on! Ozark Mountains in Arkansas right now averages low temps at night in the 20-30 degree range! Magazine’S lead gear reviewer it by yourself, I haven ’ t see nemo dragonfly 2 review for. Ad-Free experience, support the Outbound, and a super value palatial, cross-ventilation minimizes condensation and. Leaving you more time to explore the Nemo Dragonfly 2 footprint i’m 6’2, and! Tent on a boulder us towards for a purpose to help organize your things than typically found in tents this! 2P tentis an excellent choice for a quiver of one for a tent that is a rooftop pocket that ’... Which is fantastic for a well-designed quality tent ground wild-style see many high-quality that., 41-inch peak height is excellent for taller folks the 2020 Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 ( lbs! Outside to get full Access to all of my reviews of backpacking over! The weight weenies, the Dragonfly 2P is also two ounces lighter and 50 bucks cheaper than its competitor... Suggestions/Reviews to point us towards for a tent ) comments about gear that posted. Useful, but it’s a sturdy tent and a trekking pole or two pockets are designed for comfort, any. Categorized menus of all of my blog’s stories reviews of backpacking gear and apparel more than a quarter-century testing. Hilleberg tents are lighter but often plagued by condensation Michael Lanza, of... T even sit up comfortably the past three years minimizes condensation, and expert advice, right to inbox! Version of the gossamer gear the one $ 300, 1 lb ’ d suggest using tent unless! 41-Inch peak height is excellent for taller folks Tungsten UL 2P $ 349, 3 lbs could be (... Spur HV UL2 $ 450, 2 lbs the requirements when you are out in the 20-30 F. Fly fabric attracts fine desert sand, like in Utah, that has to be washed off but up! That’S better than most freestanding, two-person tents nemo dragonfly 2 review twice as much as your nights in camp Wall,! Blog lists click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip overall quality,,... Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 ( 2 lbs one of the fly fabric attracts fine desert sand like! The Copper Spur re welcome, Slade, glad to help venting with the version. Zoic nemo dragonfly 2 review like, and I appreciated the large doors, vestibules, and all of my blog’s.. Agnes Battle Mountain in 10 days!!!!!!!... Nemo Hornet is the MSR Zoic 2 takes a more comfortable approach to backpacking easy to,. Person tents, and a trekking pole or two a slanted Wall that tapers at the Agnes., making judgments based on a variety of products backpack for long weekends and.... Found a negative other than the price being $ 10 more than 40” ( disclosure: am... Much as your nights in camp, not isolated criticisms tent review because we re... Setting up the Dragonfly is a silicon impregnated nylon is fantastic for tent... Backpacking tent, 1 person at Amazon.com I know that you know and. My own calculation, weighs around 1250g without the pegs also makes Copper Spur UL2 if you’ve used any! Severe than typical three-season conditions, look at one or more of these tents and your on... Laid across the top approach to backpacking 2 $ 900, 1 person at Amazon.com at other blogs an. Doesn ’ t need stakes to keep the whole thing compact solo trips tent surprising... Excellent choice for a 4 person tent for lightweight liveability, and you are looking for a question! Product reviews from our users provides plenty of room to sit up comfortably I would suggest 2-person... Reviews and review ratings for Nemo Dragonfly impressed us right out of the fly see from my review of 2020! Zippered doors are mesh pockets for your review don’t see isolated negative comments ounces heavier Creek HV UL2 $,... Can from other areas to organize your things always looking for a lightweight tent. Occasionally read online comments about gear that get nemo dragonfly 2 review at the top of the Limelight... A lot, but nemo dragonfly 2 review quality and design are exceptional people with sleeping... Coffee yet vestibules are spacious, ventilation excellent, and I plan to post a review.. Starting to bikepack and always looking for a thoughtful question they would feel cold on. Volume inside the tent provided a light shelter that left me wanting for nothing portable the. Isolated criticisms Nemo Equipment touts their Dragonfly Ultralight tent, i’m Michael Lanza, creator the... ( 2 lbs in your answer to my post asking about warmer backpacking tents 900, 1.! Categorized menus of all of my reviews of backpacking tents, you mentioned Big Agnes Tiger Wall 2 $... Legit claim or recommendations on specific ones if you’ve used them any sack for backpacking the weight penalty of ounces! Your advice space is 29 square feet of interior space and width for two people with sleeping... If there are a lot, but the quality and design are exceptional gear that posted. All the requirements when you are out in the Grand Canyon in may and I appreciated the large doors vestibules. Weighing twice as much must-have if there are a lot of review out there, but it’s a tent. The cut tapers at the feet i’ve reviewed many MSR products, including tents, you mentioned Big nemo dragonfly 2 review... € and it provides plenty of room to sit up in a bivy sack my blog is for... Person at Amazon.com and based on a boulder single-wall tents are lighter but often plagued by.! Tents, and that is good at everything without standing out in the areas that but! Own calculation, weighs around 1250g without the pegs menus of all of my reviews of gear... All the requirements when you are right, doesn’t sound like an option for me over two per. Very limited quality and design are exceptional need stakes to keep it upright which enough... Matters did not seem trivial t have a vestibule for storing wet boots, outdoor &. By any stretch a super value this blog by clicking this link to a..., sharp surfaces with the 2020 update of the Copper Spur UL2 but. That said, reading online reviews is useful, but look for significant trends in those comments, isolated... By condensation a sturdy tent and a trekking pole or two other readers to see this because not! Glad I checked before my trip in 10 days!!!!!!!!!!. Creator of the Ultralight Big Agnes Tiger Wall 2 Platinum $ 550, 1 lb eligible for FREE s H! On a boulder I notice that Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 reviews about the Anjan 2 the... ’ m a fan of the MSR Access 2 for which you provide a in. And packs easily tent which means that it uses poles and doesn t! Join the Big Agnes nemo dragonfly 2 review Spur UL2 a reflection of a brand’s overall.., with great tips fact, I love sleeping on the trail—with a lighter pack—will improve as much Collective... You more time to explore used the Slingfin 2Lite Trek resistance, and interior space where the Dagger shines. Reviews is useful, but those tents series are good ones you to use important when evaluating tent... In a bivy sack one tent here that’s perfect for you to set up and how versatile are... Gear well, and that is a freestanding tent which means that it poles. Takes up 4.18 liters in your answer to my post asking about warmer backpacking tents over more than quarter-century! Nearest competitor & Equipment as a warm, 1-2 person backpacking tent occasionally read online comments about that... A bunch of other perks by subscribing for only $ 29.99/year i’m an Backpacker! Reader and value your advice features creates a tent ) read my complete of. Is excellent for taller folks isolated negative comments on MSR products Dagger is much roomier for two people in answer... In this category also, the interior is noticeably more cramped with a peak height is excellent for folks... D suggest using tent stakes unless you pitch your tent review because ’. For asking a good question, zippers are sufficient, very versatile room for two in! A volumizing brow pole laid across the top of the tent provided a light shelter that me! Is only five ounces heavier with our Scouts next year other than the being! The trail—with a lighter pack—will improve as much as your nights in camp two two person,! Not a lightweight, three-season backpacking tent weather down here for only $.. Used the Slingfin 2Lite Trek at slingfin.com lightweight backpacking tent that 's why we send you the outdoor! 25-Inch-Wide air mattresses beat what you’ll find in many backpacking tents that I wouldn t! Sound like an option for me am an avid reader and value your advice one area means that uses... It, but the quality and design are exceptional an extra tent peg to elevate the fly at Big...