NEMO Dagger Osmo Review

With 31.3 square feet of interior space, this tent feels roomier than its actual dimensions. It has two 11.4 square foot vestibules for plenty of storage and weighs just over four pounds.

Performance Comparison

Comfort

The Dagger Osmo offers a high level of comfort for its weight. It has two opposing side doors so campers can sleep head-to-toe. They make for easy entry and exit and tie back with a unique hook and toggle system. Its 90-inch length is above average and long enough for six-foot sleepers to make themselves at home without their toes touching the wall. The 50-inch width provides a few extra inches on each side after sleeping pads and bags are spread out.

The pre-bent poles and auxiliary cross pole maximize interior space to make the 42-inch peak height feel especially roomy. Two sleepers can easily sit up straight with enough room to maneuver simultaneously. We like the complement of six storage pockets (three per sleeper) at three different heights to accommodate a variety of items. The sidewalls and doors are made of white mesh for a little bit of extra privacy when hanging out in camp without the fly, while the top canopy is black mesh to optimize skyward visibility.

Weather Resistance

This tent also has sneaky weather resistance. The vestibules stake out at two points each, creating additional stability. Though there aren't any fly vents, the vestibules have a high degree of adaptability with several different configurations. It is possible to keep the door of the fly open in light rain while still protecting gear. The vestibule zipper is also gently curved to make it easier to open and close when trying to dive in during a surprise rain shower. The Osmo material was designed to sag less easily than typical ripstop nylon in wet weather, and we verified this claim in our tests.

This tent also comes included with a landing zone — a special piece of nylon that hooks to the interior of a vestibule, keeping gear protected and off the ground. With six guy points and four included lines, the tent can be doubly secured in the wind.

Weight

At just a shade over four pounds, the Dagger Osmo is on the heavier side in the category. Having said that, splitting it between two people makes it a manageable load to carry, and we think that the space and other features it offers are worth the ounces. The hubs are somewhat chunky, which adds to the bulk, and the included landing zone is a few ounces that you could always leave behind if you wanted to keep things as light as possible.

Durability

The floor and fly fabric can't be tossed around freely, but they feel thick enough that they don't have to be babied like ultralight models. The two stake points with the vestibules improve fly durability by reducing the amount of flapping in the wind.

The poles also have shock cord running through the middle and sturdy metal hubs that make it easier to avoid inadvertently snapping a segment (though an emergency pole splint is included if the poles develop a crack on trail). The triangle stakes are lightweight but thick and resist bending, even when hammered into the ground with a rock.

Ease of Setup

The Dagger has color-coded poles and clips on the fly to make it easier to orient everything properly. Though we found that the unique ball and socket connection points of the pole and tent at each corner were sometimes more difficult to snap into place than traditional grommets, they are ultimately more secure. Two stake points for each vestibule made it simpler to properly tension the fly without wrestling with a chronically sagging side, as is typically the case with triangle vestibules.

Packed Size

With a packed size of 19.5" x 6.5" and other pieces to contend with (like the vestibulelanding zone), the Dagger Osmo is about average for its packability. We appreciate the roll-top clip on the tent bag. It provides a secure storage bag for the tent and then doubles as a better bear bag at camp — it's just easier to clip to a carabiner than a traditional drawstring bag.

Should You Buy the NEMO Dagger Osmo?

The Nemo Dagger Osmo is a fantastic all-around tent. It has excellent interior space and a handful of features like extra storage pockets and large vestibules that make it even more comfortable. This model is great for anyone who likes variety in their adventures — hiking, biking, or paddling — and needs a reliable, durable, lightweight tent. There are certainly less expensive options out there, but we think that this one is worth the money.

What Other Backpacking Tents Should You Consider?

For those who want even more space at a lower price point, the REI Half Dome SL 2+ is a great choice. It weighs more but offers generous dimensions. If you don't mind the price premium but want a slightly different set of features, the Sea to Summit Telos TR2 is a phenomenal choice for its adaptable setup. Of course, there is also the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 and Nemo Dragonfly Osmo 2, both of which are comparably priced and lean a little smaller and lighter.