NEMO Equipment - Dagger 2P

Nemo Dagger 2p is absolutely perfect for 2 people. Lightweight(you can split weight), easy to pitch, very spacious(can fit 2 large pads), 2 doors with a lot of room for your gear. Many other features that are absolutely spot on

I own two Nemo tents, the Dragonfly 1p and the Dagger 2p. They’re great.

I’ve used the Nemo Dagger 2P for a couple seasons in the PNW and it’s honestly been super solid for rain and wind, never felt like it was struggling, even when things got sketchy on the coast. The interior space is really good for two, and the vestibules are roomy enough for gear (I cram boots, pack, and even my wet jacket in there sometimes).

You’re honestly looking at the “correct” tier of first backpacking tents, especially for the PNW. None of these are bad picks — it really comes down to what you prioritize when conditions are wet and you’re spending more time inside. Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 This is probably the most common “first serious backpacking tent” for a reason. It’s light, easy to set up, and very livable for the weight. Good pockets and decent interior space. Downsides are the lighter fabric (you’ll want to be mindful of abrasion) and condensation management in wet weather, which is more about venting and site choice than the tent itself. Durston X-Dome 2 More of a design-forward pick. Typically stronger structure and weather performance than most mainstream ultralight tents, especially in wind and rain. Less flashy, more functional. The tradeoff is availability/support compared to something you can grab off the shelf at REI. If you like thoughtful design and storm worthiness, this is a strong option. Nemo Dagger 2P The comfort king in this list. Noticeably roomier inside, great vestibules, and very forgiving on long rainy nights. It is heavier and bulkier, but for PNW trips where you might be stuck inside due to weather, that comfort can be worth it. MSR Hubba Hubba LT 2 A classic, durable, dependable tent. Handles bad weather well and feels solid. Interior space is good but not as roomy as the Dagger. Weight sits between the Dagger and Copper Spur depending on the version. It’s a “buy once and don’t think about it again” option.

* Best balance of weight + comfort: Copper Spur UL2 * Best livability in wet conditions: Nemo Dagger 2P * Most weather-focused, design-driven option: Durston X-Dome 2 * Most traditionally durable and dependable: MSR Hubba Hubba LT 2 You’re in a good price range and any of these will work — it’s more about whether you want lighter, roomier, or tougher.

I’ve had my Nemo Dagger 2 since 2020 and I absolutely love it. Roomy, lightweight, and it looks good. Nice pocket space inside and has a light defusing pocket at the top on each side to put your headlamp for some good lighting while you’re in there. No rips, or tears over the years, and it held up really well in a wind storm that I thought was gonna trash it. It feels fragile but so far it’s been great. I’m a big fan of Nemo stuff in general, it’s my whole sleep system. Dagger 2 tent, Quasar 3D insulated pad which is the absolute best comfort for a side sleeper while still being small enough to backpack, and the 35* Forte bag. I slept on the Quasar pad next to my handicapped dog for 10 months before he passed and it never lost a bit of air. I’d buy all my same stuff again if I had to pick. Maybe a slightly warmer bag, but only because I like being out in cold weather.

Nemo dagger 2p. The vestibules have a “bathtub” storage area to keep stuff dry. Fly comes all the way down. Ends don’t taper so it fits 2 full size sleeping pads. Has kept me dry in the rain so far. Roughly 1.8kg. Big fan of mine fwiw

I actually purchased this tent and returned it last year. It’s big and sets up easy, but it’s not going to last. Bought it as a cheap tent just to use with my German Shepherd and we never went out and actually used it. I’ve been around a lot of tents, and this wasn’t a great one. Poor quality on the stitching all over, and the rain-fly is not good at keeping out rain. It will blow right in from the space above the door and get your stuff wet. Doesn’t come down far enough on the front for protection against the elements. I got it for $60 for the REI outlet and I returned it after setting it up 5 times just in the back yard. Stitching came out from the clip that attaches the tent to the pole on one side and that was that. The year before that, I had purchased a totally different brand’s green 4 person dome tent that was the same exact design. Exactly the same. Bad stitching, short rain fly, just different colors. So the design for this tent is a general cheap pattern that different cheap companies slap their name on and sell at cheap prices. I returned it and got one I absolutely LOVE for about $80 at the outlet again. ALPS Mountaineering- Acropolis 4. It’s a 4 person tent but I can still stand 98% all the way up (5’9”). Stitching is good, fabric quality is nice and hefty, and it’s got a nice vestibule on both sides. This year I was looking at the outlet again, and saw that the outlet had an ALPS Mountaineering 3 person backpacking tent. Seemed to be the same materials used in the bigger 4 person dome tent that I was already very happy with, so once again for a great price I ordered the Chaos 3 for the dog and I on a trail. Again, very happy with my purchase, and I’m extremely picky. I usually buy top quality stuff and love the phrase “buy once, cry once”, but I didn’t shed a single tear over these two. My NEMO Dagger 2 was very expensive but pretty worth it. So, I’d say pick a different tent, even though the price is enticing. All it takes is one bad camping experience for people to not want to go again.

For backpacking, we have a 2 person Nemo Dagger. It has doors and vestibules on either side, and is surprisingly roomy. One of us carries the tent/fly the other carries poles and stakes. We have our own sleeping bags and pads. Our 40 lb dog sleeps on a crazy creek chair at the bottom of my feet. It’s cozy.

I was happy with my half dome, handled some nasty storms. I am very happy with my nemo dagger, lighter and more feature rich.

Lighter, tougher, better ventilation. Has a floor in part of the vestibule that I like a lot. I tend to camp out for fishing trips with friends and we do a lot of cooking. The little gear shelf is handy for packing up camp kitchen temporarily.

I've been to the mountain 4 times and summited 3 times. 1st time, Hotlum Bolam ridge: Guide supplied a BD first light to me, some other clients got REI half domes 2nd time, Hotlum Bolam ridge: Guide supplied BD first light again  3rd time, Avalanche Gulch: I brought my MLD Supermid  4th time, Clear Creek: I brought my Nemo Dagger  My opinions on these tents: BD first light: Light, small, affordable, strong. But it doesn't have a vestibule, and feels really small for someone over 6 feet when your pack is inside because there's rain on the forecast. My head and feet were both touching the tent, which was covered in condensation (it's single wall...) MLD supermid: Spacious but a pain to set up. Not great as a basecamp tent because it needs your treking poles, although you can always remove them temporarily. Nemo Dagger: Very comfy and easy to set up, but not for harsh conditions. My partner attempted Avalanche Gulch (guided) earlier this year (June, but the weather was bad), the guides supplied a Mount Hardwear Trango. Indestructible but heavy. One of the guides had a Hilleberg Jannu get shredded, a Slingfin (unknown model) and the client Trangos survived. If I were looking for a four season tent right now, Id probably go Samaya if I wanted the lightest option and Slingfin if I wanted the comfortable of double-wall.