Getting Acquainted with the Hornet Elite 2P
The Nemo Hornet Elite OSMO 2P is an ultralight semi-freestanding two-person tent. It weighs just over two pounds and features a surprisingly comfortable layout (as a solo shelter). It’s well-built, well-ventilated, and designed by folks that have a reputation for creating quality backpacking gear. With all of this being said: how does it hold up through testing? How is it as a 2 person tent?
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 2-person (ish) |
| Season Rating | 3-season |
| Minimum Weight | 1 lb 11 oz / 779 g |
| Packed Weight | 2 lb 1 oz / 935 g |
| Floor Dimensions | 85 x 50/42 in / 216 x 128/107 cm |
| Canopy Fabric | No-see-um mesh |
| Floor and Rainfly Fabric | OSMO™ Ripstop (1200 mm) |
| Pole Material | DAC Featherlite NFL 8.7mm aluminum |
Comfort and Space: Initial Observations
As a solo tent, the Nemo Hornet Elite OSMO 2P feels great. There’s enough room to sit up, move around, and keep all your gear inside. The bathtub floor is wide enough at the top to fit a wide sleeping pad with all of your gear, and the tapered footbox helps save weight without sacrificing usability for one person. With two people inside, however, the design starts to show it’s weak points. Wide sleeping pads will overlap towards the middle of the tent and become worse at the foot of the tent; ultimately putting pressure beyond the bathtub bottom on the walls and zippers of the tent itself. On a trip with 2 people: our gear took up every inch of the floor, and I ended up sleeping with my pack on top of my feet just to make space. Point of note: you can *not* fit 2 wide sleeping pads inside of this tent. Two normal width sleeping pads, however, will work just fine.
Functionality and Practical Use
The Nemo Hornet Elite OSMO 2P a semi-freestanding tent, which means there is a single pole system that pitches most of the tent, and that you will need to stake out the foot corners to get a true pitch. In a pinch, you might be able to set it up freestanding, but don’t count on it if there’s weather (as you need to stake out the bottom to utilize the rainfly). One thing I really like is the door design. With the rainfly off, you can open a side door and stand up with your feet inside of the tent and your entire torso outside. It makes it easy to get dressed, put on sunscreen, or just stretch a bit without needing to crouch around inside of the tent. This small detail makes a big difference, and it’s my favorite feature of the tent itself.
Handling Weather
The materials that comprise the Nemo Hornet Elite OSMO 2P are the quality you’d expect from an ultralight nylon tent. The rainfly sheds water fairly well, and ventilation is excellent. The double-wall construction keeps condensation to a minimum (as long as your tent is tensioned properly to prevent wet-out spots). You’ll want to pick your sites carefully in higher wind conditions, however, as the tent can buckle with heavy wind.
Versatility for One, Cramped for Two
This tent does its best work with one person and moderate gear. With two people, the Nemo Hornet Elite OSMO 2P requires choreography; one person has to get out while the other gets ready. Sitting up inside of the tent with two people isn’t realistic. The peak height is best suited for a single person sitting centered. Two people shifting around feels very cramped and awkward. The vestibules are usable but tight, and there’s not much breathing room once gear starts stacking up. As a solo tent: it’s a luxury single person tent experience.
Who Is This Tent For?
If you’re looking for a premium solo tent that’s lightweight, comfortable, roomy, and built to last: the Nemo Hornet Elite OSMO 2P is an easy choice. If you plan to use it with a partner, just know what you’re getting into: it’s going to be very tight. If you use wide sleeping pads and plan on sleeping in this tent with another person: it simply doesn’t work. It’s ideal for solo hikers who want extra space, or two ultralight minimalists (with standard width sleeping pads) who don’t mind close quarters.
Final Thoughts
After multiple trips with the Nemo Hornet Elite OSMO 2P I’d say it’s a top-tier tent for solo use. It’s in the same class as the Sea to Summit Alto TR1; a luxury 1 person tent experience with plenty of room to organize your gear. As a two-person shelter, it works, but just barely. The quality is there, the layout is clever, but in terms of actual livability for two: you’ll want to think carefully before committing. For solo backpackers who want room to stretch, the Nemo Hornet Elite OSMO 2P is one of the better options out there.
