Gear Review: Nemo Hornet 2P Backpacking Tent

When it comes to Ultralight tenting there are numerous options. Nemo has answered the call for ultralight gear with the Hornet Two-Person Ultralight Backpacking Tent. I wasn’t going to review the tent until June due to Vermont’s Winter and mud seasons. However, Winter never came, snow was scarce, and there was no Spring mud which means this past few weekends were perfect for a trip to the Green Mountains to try out the Hornet for myself. The weather was clear, but with temperatures getting down below twenty degrees the mountains were going to be a good test.

Specs:

• Price: $369.95
• Minimum Weight: 2lbs 0oz, 910 grams
• Packaged Weight: 2lbs 5oz, 1kg
• Floor Area: 28 sq ft
• Vestibule Area: 16 sq ft
• Interior Height: 40 inches
• Vestibule Fabric: 10D Sil / PU Nylon Ripstop (1200mm)
• Fly Fabric: 10D Sil / PU Nylon Ripstop (1200mm)
• Canopy Fabric: 20D Nylon Ripstop / No see um mesh
• Floor Fabric: 15D PeU Nylon (1200mm)

The first thing I noticed is how easily everything packed down. This is not a tent that will cause you space issues and at two pounds you may not even realize it is in your pack. My last tent took up TONS of space so it was a nice change having all the extra room. It’s also LIGHT.  Manufactured with ultralight materials and tent poles from DAC this tent weighs in at a minimum trail weight og 2 pounds. The material is thin so it would be wise check for sticks, roots, or anything that can cause a puncture before setting up. At $369.95 the price is comparable to similar tents of different brands(most notably Big Agnes’s UL tent line).

The Big Question: Will I Stay Dry?

Due to the fair weather I had both times I took it out I had to watch the forecast to test it’s viability in wet weather.  I ended up setting up just a few hundred yards up the Appalachian Trail near Killington, Vermont for what looked like a promising rainy night. The tent I used on my A.T. thru-hike last year had a catastrophic rain fly failure in which I took to the seas on a surprisingly buoyant inflatable sleeping pad. I was hoping the Nemo Hornet could stand up to the weather for this years hike. And, boy, it did.

Around 8 o’clock the rain started and did not let up until morning. I stayed warm and comfortable. Except for the expected condensation the tent stayed dry the night. Wind nor rain disturbed my sleep.

Pros

• Set-up is a breeze. The tent is held up by a single pole that easily snaps on the corners. Want to get out of a storm? You could have this set up in under two minutes. It’s that easy.
• It’s ultralight! Backpacking light is all the rage and the Hornet, under two and a half pounds, will not disappoint.
• It doesn’t take up a lot of space in your pack. It packs down seriously small.
• You’ll stay dry!

Cons

• It feels a bit small for a two person tent. It may be a little uncomfortable to sleep in with your partner.
• The material is THIN. If you are not careful you could easily puncture the floor or walls.

Conclusion

If you are a solo ultralighter you’ll like the Nemo Hornet 2P. It’s spacious for a single person and comfortable even in sub-twenty degree temperatures. I usually dread having to stop for the day and go through the absolute chore of setting up camp but with the Hornet’s super-easy set up it ain’t so bad. It is light, packs small, keeps your dry, and is easy to set-up. What more can you really ask for in a tent? You can check out the Hornet at Nemo’s website here.

Disclosure: The Hornet 2p Tent was donated by Nemo for the purpose of this review.