Dragonfly 2 Tent

Regarding Hyperbead vs OSMO, there’s some big differences but basically Hyperbead claims to be permanently waterproof so if you camp a ton, like 30+ nights a year this might be very useful. OSMO has a very high quality waterproofing and should last many years (probably 10+ for the average camper, but likely less if you camp a ton) but it’s big advantage is that it doesn’t sag or absorb water. Hyperbead is made from nylon so I suspect they’ll be some stretch and water retention. If you’ve ever packed away a soggy tent, this is a pretty easy choice. Both brands should be storm worthy enough assuming you use the 4 season tent in really nasty weather. You do have to be more cautious with the Hornet, it has the lightest materials and there is only a single pole on one end so it’s the least wind resistant. The Tiger Wall has essentially the same design so that applies as well. Personally I feel the extra weight of full free standing tents is worth it for the peace of mind in windy conditions. Plus the option of not needing stakes on blue bell days is nice. With a dog always use caution, these are lightweight tents and should be treated with the same care you’d take with an Airmat. Keep a barrier between the claws and the tent and you’ll be fine. You height won’t be an issue. As you’ve heard the NEMO warranty is the best in the industry. I’m not sure what you mean in your last question about the Hornet body panel. Do you mean the fly scoop? The Dragonfly has this as well. Total non issue for me and a big plus in warm weather. If you hate that design, the new generation coming out next year doesn’t have scoops. Personally if you can get a sale now I wouldn’t wait, the updates are similar to what they did on the Dagger, slightly more head space and no more fly scoops.

Go with two backpacking tents, and then you don’t have to share with the kids! The Nemo dragonfly is on sale at REI, I’d go with the 2p for the kids and 3p for you and the wife. The 2P also makes a great 1 person for when you’re solo. If you want to save a bit, Featherstone, Paria Zion and the Naturehike Mongar are all similar 2p white label tents for around $150 or so.

The X-Dome is commonly recommended because it’s the lightest freestanding tent on the market when equipped with the carbon poles while still being spacious. Their 2P actually fits two, so you’d have to compare that with many other 3P tents which makes the weight really stand out. Personally I’m not a fan of Carbon poles as they seem more fragile than aluminum and am ok with a little extra weight. Fortunately Durston sells the tent with aluminum poles now. The 2p is still about 6-7oz lighter then the Nemo Dragonfly 3P with aluminum poles but a bit more expensive then the current sale price of the Dragonfly. Personally I’d go with the Dragonfly since it’s on sale. Also the OSMO fabric is supposed to have very long lasting waterproofing. It’s too new to be sure (came out in 2022 I think) but I’d guess these tents will go 10+ years typically before re-waterproofing. The fabric is also a big reason why I’d choose that over MSR, BA etc. I hate tents that sag and most manufacturers use nylon which sags. Nylon also absorbs water which makes packing it up really messy if the fly is still wet. OSMO and Poly fly’s (Durston uses poly, as does Mountainsmith) can be shaken dry before you put it away.

I was caught in a 12 hour downpour on my last trip. The OSMO was flawless, it’s really impressive how quickly water beads off. It feels like no other material I’ve come across on a tent, it’s almost slippery. The only complaint I’ve read is that some people don’t like the fly cutout on the head end. I’d imagine in heavy humidity you might get some condensation because it technically should act like a single wall tent on that panel. Personally I haven’t had that issue or maybe I haven’t noticed it, but even if I did, only my pillow that touches that area. Maybe if you are tall and had a sleeping bag with a hood that touches that panel it might be an issue at times. If that’s a deal breaker look for the Dagger 2p which has a full fly, or wait for the the 2026 Dragonfly which doesn’t have a cutout. If you don’t think you’ll be backpacking for a while it might be worth waiting and just get the Mountainsmith tent for the fam.

Love my Nemo Dragonfly 2! Was able to score one used and we've been using it all season It's pretty light, packs down easy and very roomy

Nemo. The Hornet 2P is about as light as the Durston X-Dome 2, but a little snug for two adults. The Dragonfly or Dagger are roomier, but a bit heavier.

Z-Paks makes a beautiful kind of blush pink/orange tent…:) not sure if they still make that model as I got mine two years ago, but it’s so so pretty! I also have a Nemo in a pretty aqua blue.

Slingfin Portal 2. I’ve been using it for the past two years and it’s lightweight, roomy, freestanding and bombproof in bad weather. I made a ridiculous spreadsheet comparing almost 20 tents and it was the winner. I rented a Nemo Dragonfly 2P last week. It was fine but a little smaller on the inside. Good luck with your search, there’s so many options

If it’s legit dude that’s insane. Nemo will be awesome for lighter packing, I’m not sure where you are but where I am (British Columbia, Canada) it’s like the gold standard, that or durston.

My wife and I have had the 2p versions of the BA Copper Spur, BA Tiger Wall, and Nemo Dragonfly. I didn;t like the Tiger Wall, and the Dragonfly had less head room than the Copper Spur and was heavier (this was an older generation). We still have the CS2P but two years ago we switched to the Hornet 3P w/ Osmo. Love that tent, and I don't see where we'll be switching to anything else. Really spacious, yet quite light for a DW. I've used various 1P Hornet's going back 10 years, and currently have the "Elite" 1P in Osmo. It handles weather really well. Osmo fabric is great. In your shoes, I'd definitely go with the Hornet 3P.