Having used so many tents over the years (for work), 37" is probably the lowest ceiling of all the tents I've ever tried out. Part of what's great about having access to all these tents is being able to compare between them all.
Most any trekking pole tent will have a higher peak ceiling. Since I hike with 120cm poles that's going to be what I'm have for a ceiling, but many trekking pole shelters are spec'd to be at 130cm (time to get some flat rocks!). 120cm comes out to 47", and 10 inches more compared to the Osmo is not small. Having two peaks for tents that use two trekking poles (or even a ridge of approx the same height between), and that most of these tents are made for one person and not two, you can see where I'm feeling the Elite 2P feels constrictive.
I just measured myself sitting straight against my door: 35" tall. Next time you set up your Osmo Elite, measure floor to ceiling, it could be a few inches lower than spec'd. The non-Elite Hornet 2P is spec'd at 39", but I've only measured it at 36" tall. I can only guess they're referring to the peak of the apex of the tent pole, and not the ceiling of the inner mesh.
And you're right, when I'm moving fast all day and once I've finally stopped, I'm sleeping. But I'm also bringing a shelter that weighs much less than the Elite's 2lbs. I'm OK with the compromise of claustrophobia for that feeling of, "did I even pack this thing up back at camp"?
I freaking loved my Nemo hornet 1.5 person tent. Spacious, durable and lasted me three thru hikes (AT 17, LT 18, PCT 19). Still use it for solo overnights in the whites and Maine
Fwiw I got a brand new 1P Nemo Hornet osmo for free and every time I use it I feel like im holding something that is super delicate. I worry very much about durability.
Since you have the REI gift card, I’d go the route you’ve decided. I will say, as a Nemo Hornet Osmo 2P user, the tent is cramped, I’m a bigger guy. And I’ve already had the tent fly and zipper repaired once already. The Osmo material for me isn’t really durable. I just picked up a Durston X-Dome 2 and it’s a night and day space difference.
justinsimoni
