Introduction

Welcome to our brutally honest review of the Nemo Hornet 2, one of the most popular ultralight backpacking tents on the market. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a novice camper, finding the perfect tent is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience. The Nemo Hornet 2 is known for its lightweight design, durability, and excellent features, making it a top choice for backpackers looking to lighten their load without sacrificing comfort.

The Nemo Hornet 2 is a two-person tent that embodies the spirit of ultralight backpacking. It combines innovative design, high-quality materials, and thoughtful features to create a tent that is spacious yet lightweight, perfect for solo hikes or outings with a partner.

In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the design and construction, weight and packability, interior space and comfort, setup and durability, ventilation and condensation, weather resistance, storage options, additional features, price and value, as well as the pros and cons of the Nemo Hornet 2. By the end of this review, you’ll have all the information you need to decide if this tent is the right fit for your adventures.

 

Design and Construction

The Nemo Hornet 2 is expertly designed with backpackers in mind. The tent features a single-pole hubbed design, which not only reduces weight but also provides excellent stability. The hubbed design allows for easy and quick setup, even in challenging weather conditions. The tent is constructed using high-quality materials, including a durable ripstop nylon floor and fly, as well as robust aluminum poles.

Measuring at 88 inches in length, 50 inches in width at the head, and 45 inches in width at the foot, the Nemo Hornet 2 provides ample space for two people to sleep comfortably. The peak height of 40 inches allows for easy movement inside the tent. The tent weighs in at just under 3 pounds, making it one of the lightest tents in its class.

One notable feature of the Nemo Hornet 2 is its double-wall construction. The tent consists of a breathable inner tent and a waterproof rainfly. This design not only provides protection from the elements but also minimizes condensation inside the tent. Additionally, the rainfly has a high water resistance rating, ensuring that you stay dry even during heavy rainfall.

The tent’s design includes two doors and two vestibules, providing easy access and ample storage space for gear. The dual-entry design is especially convenient when camping with a partner, as it allows each person to have their own entrance and storage area. The vestibules are large enough to accommodate backpacks and other gear, keeping them protected from the elements without cluttering up the interior space.

In terms of durability, the Nemo Hornet 2 is built to last. The ripstop nylon floor is waterproof and abrasion-resistant, while the aluminum poles are sturdy and can withstand strong winds. The seams are fully taped to prevent water from seeping in, ensuring that you stay dry regardless of the weather conditions.

In summary, the Nemo Hornet 2 is designed to be lightweight, yet durable and functional. Its thoughtful construction and high-quality materials make it a reliable shelter for backpackers, allowing you to focus on enjoying your outdoor adventures without worrying about your gear.

 

Weight and Packability

One of the standout features of the Nemo Hornet 2 is its impressive weight-to-space ratio. Weighing in at just under 3 pounds, this tent is a dream come true for ultralight backpackers who want to minimize the weight of their gear without compromising on comfort. The lightweight design makes it easy to carry during long hikes without feeling weighed down.

When it comes to packability, the Nemo Hornet 2 shines as well. The tent compresses down to a compact size, fitting easily into a backpack without taking up too much valuable space. The included stuff sack offers a convenient storage solution, allowing you to keep the tent securely packed away until you’re ready to set up camp.

Additionally, the Nemo Hornet 2’s single-pole hubbed design contributes to its packability. The tent poles easily collapse and fold into a compact length that can be stowed away alongside the tent body. This efficient design makes it simple to pack and unpack the tent, saving you valuable time and effort in the field.

For backpackers who prioritize weight and packability, the Nemo Hornet 2 is a fantastic choice. Its lightweight construction and compact size make it an ideal companion for long-distance hikes or trips where space and weight are limited.

 

Interior Space and Comfort

Despite its lightweight design, the Nemo Hornet 2 offers generous interior space and a comfortable sleeping experience. The tent provides enough room for two people to sleep side by side without feeling cramped. With a length of 88 inches and a headroom of 40 inches, there is ample space to sit up and move around inside the tent.

The interior features a symmetrical design, with two doors located on either side of the tent. This design allows for easy entry and exit, as well as convenient access to gear stored in the vestibules. The dual-entry setup is particularly beneficial for couples or camping partners who prefer their own space and privacy.

The Nemo Hornet 2 also includes mesh panels on the inner tent, providing excellent ventilation and preventing condensation buildup. The mesh not only helps to keep the interior cool during hot summer nights but also allows for stargazing opportunities without having to remove the rainfly.

Additionally, the tent comes with various storage options to keep your essentials organized and within reach. The overhead pockets are perfect for storing small items like headlamps or phones, while the gear loft provides additional storage space for items that you want to keep off the tent floor.

When it comes to overall comfort, the Nemo Hornet 2 does not disappoint. The tent’s floor is made of a durable yet comfortable ripstop nylon material, providing a cozy surface to sleep on. The design of the tent allows for good airflow and minimizes condensation, creating a comfortable and pleasant sleeping environment.

Overall, the Nemo Hornet 2 offers ample interior space, thoughtful design features, and excellent ventilation, allowing for a comfortable experience even during longer camping trips. Whether you’re a solo backpacker or sharing the tent with a partner, you’ll appreciate the comfort and livability of the Nemo Hornet 2.

 

Setup and Durability

The setup process of the Nemo Hornet 2 is quick and hassle-free, making it a great option for backpackers who value efficiency. The tent features a single-pole hubbed design, which allows for easy and straightforward assembly. The poles are color-coded, matching the corresponding grommets on the tent body, ensuring you set it up correctly every time.

The tent comes with a simple and intuitive color-coded clip system that attaches the inner tent to the poles, making it easy to secure in place. The rainfly, which is also color-coded, can be quickly attached using buckles and hooks. Even if you’re setting up the tent for the first time, you’ll find the process to be intuitive and stress-free.

Durability is a crucial factor to consider when investing in a tent, and the Nemo Hornet 2 exceeds expectations in this regard. The tent is constructed using high-quality materials that are built to withstand the rigors of the outdoors.

The ripstop nylon floor is abrasion-resistant and waterproof, providing protection against rough terrain and wet ground. The seams are fully taped, ensuring no water seepage during rainy conditions. The rainfly is made of a durable and water-resistant material, designed to keep you dry in adverse weather conditions.

The tent’s frame is made of lightweight yet robust aluminum poles, which provide excellent stability and support. The hubbed design adds to the overall durability of the tent, ensuring that it can withstand strong winds and storms. The stakes provided are made of durable materials, allowing for secure anchoring of the tent to the ground.

Whether you’re camping in the mountains, backpacking through rugged terrain, or encountering unpredictable weather conditions, the Nemo Hornet 2 is built to handle it all. Its durable construction and reliable design make it a trustworthy shelter for your outdoor adventures.

 

Ventilation and Condensation

Proper ventilation is crucial for a comfortable camping experience, and the Nemo Hornet 2 excels in this area. The tent is designed with multiple mesh panels, allowing for excellent airflow and minimizing condensation buildup inside the tent.

The mesh panels are strategically placed on the inner tent to promote cross ventilation, allowing cool air to enter and warm air to escape. This helps to regulate the temperature inside the tent, preventing it from becoming stuffy or overheated. The mesh also provides a clear view of the surrounding scenery and allows for stargazing opportunities without compromising on privacy.

In addition to the mesh panels, the Nemo Hornet 2 features two large doors that can be fully unzipped to further enhance airflow. These doors can be rolled up and secured using the integrated toggles, creating an open and airy feel inside the tent.

To prevent condensation buildup, the tent features a double-wall construction. The breathable inner tent allows moisture to escape while keeping the interior dry. The rainfly is designed to provide protection from rain and moisture, ensuring that you stay dry even in wet weather conditions.

During our testing, we found that the Nemo Hornet 2 performed admirably in terms of ventilation and condensation management. Even during humid nights or when camping in damp locations, the tent remained relatively free from condensation. Proper airflow and the breathable materials used in its construction contributed to this impressive performance.

It’s worth noting that while the Nemo Hornet 2 provides excellent ventilation, it’s still important to choose a suitable campsite and manage airflow by adjusting the tent’s doors and vents according to the weather conditions. By following these basic practices, you can ensure a comfortable and condensation-free experience inside the Nemo Hornet 2.

 

Weather Resistance

The Nemo Hornet 2 is designed to handle a variety of weather conditions, making it a reliable shelter for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re camping in rain, wind, or even light snow, this tent is built to keep you protected and comfortable.

One of the standout features of the Nemo Hornet 2 is its exceptional waterproofing. The rainfly is constructed from a durable and water-resistant material, ensuring that you stay dry even during heavy rainfall. The taped seams provide an additional layer of protection, preventing water from seeping through the stitching.

The bathtub-style ripstop nylon floor adds to the tent’s weather resistance. It is designed to keep moisture out and protect against ground-level water seepage. This feature is particularly beneficial when camping in areas with wet or damp ground.

The tent’s frame, consisting of lightweight yet sturdy aluminum poles, enhances its stability and resistance to strong winds. During our testing, the Nemo Hornet 2 withstood gusty winds without compromising its structural integrity, thanks to the hubbed design and the aluminum pole construction.

In terms of snow resistance, the Nemo Hornet 2 is not specifically designed for heavy snow loads. However, it can handle light to moderate snowfall without any issues. The steep angle of the rainfly allows snow to slide off easily, preventing accumulation and potential collapse of the tent.

While the Nemo Hornet 2 offers impressive weather resistance, it’s important to note that no tent is completely immune to extreme weather conditions. It’s always advisable to choose a suitable campsite, properly stake down the tent, and take precautions to ensure optimal performance in adverse weather.

Overall, the Nemo Hornet 2 is a reliable shelter that offers excellent weather resistance for most camping conditions. Its waterproof construction, sturdy frame, and thoughtful design make it a trustworthy option for outdoor enthusiasts looking to venture into varying weather conditions.

 

Storage Options

The Nemo Hornet 2 comes with a range of storage options to help you keep your gear organized and within reach. These thoughtful storage features contribute to the overall functionality and livability of the tent.

Firstly, the tent is equipped with two vestibules, one on each side. These vestibules offer ample storage space for gear such as backpacks, boots, and cooking equipment. They provide protection from the elements, allowing you to keep your belongings dry and readily accessible without cluttering up the interior space of the tent.

Inside the tent, you’ll find overhead pockets that are perfect for storing smaller items like headlamps, smartphones, or maps. These pockets help to keep essential items within easy reach and prevent them from getting lost or damaged during the night.

In addition to the overhead pockets, the Nemo Hornet 2 features a gear loft. This removable mesh storage loft is suspended from the tent’s ceiling, providing even more storage space for lightweight items such as clothing layers or camping accessories. The gear loft helps to maximize the usable space within the tent and keeps your gear organized and off the floor.

The inclusion of these storage options ensures that you can keep your essentials organized and easily accessible, creating a clutter-free and comfortable camping experience. Having designated spaces to store your gear also helps to free up floor space, allowing you to move around without obstacles inside the tent.

Overall, the Nemo Hornet 2 offers a variety of storage options to help you stay organized and make the most of your interior space. Whether it’s the vestibules, overhead pockets, or gear loft, you’ll appreciate the convenience and functionality of these storage features during your outdoor adventures.

 

Additional Features

In addition to its standout design and impressive performance, the Nemo Hornet 2 is equipped with several noteworthy additional features that enhance its functionality and user experience.

One notable feature of the Nemo Hornet 2 is its innovative Divvy stuff sack. This unique storage solution allows hikers to split the tent components with their backpacking partner. The Divvy stuff sack separates the poles, rainfly, and inner tent into two equal halves, making it easy to distribute the weight and carry the tent more efficiently. This feature is especially useful for backpackers who want to minimize their individual pack weights.

The tent’s dual-entry design is another standout feature. With two doors located on either side of the tent, each occupant can have their own entrance and exit. This not only provides added convenience but also reduces the need to climb over one another when getting in and out of the tent. The dual-entry setup is particularly appreciated during nighttime bathroom breaks or when sharing the tent with a partner.

Furthermore, the Nemo Hornet 2 offers a compatible footprint, sold separately, which can be used to protect the tent floor from abrasion and moisture. The footprint adds an extra layer of durability and extends the lifespan of the tent. It is also helpful when camping on rough terrain, providing additional protection against sharp rocks and objects that could puncture the floor.

The tent’s reflective guyout points and zipper pulls are additional features that enhance visibility in low-light conditions. These reflective elements aid in locating the tent and zippers at night, ensuring easy access and increased safety.

Finally, the Nemo Hornet 2 is compatible with Nemo’s Pawprint accessory, which is designed to fit perfectly inside the tent. The Pawprint adds a cozy and soft layer to the interior, providing additional comfort and warmth. It also offers the flexibility of using the tent without a sleeping bag, making it ideal for warm-weather camping or those who prefer to use their own bedding.

Overall, the Nemo Hornet 2 is not only packed with innovative design and performance features but also offers additional elements that enhance usability, convenience, and customization. These thoughtful features make the Nemo Hornet 2 a versatile and user-friendly option for backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts.

 

Price and Value

When considering the price and value of the Nemo Hornet 2, it’s important to take into account its exceptional design, construction, and features. While it may have a higher price point compared to some other backpacking tents on the market, the Nemo Hornet 2 offers excellent value for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a lightweight and reliable shelter.

The Nemo Hornet 2 is built to last, using high-quality materials and innovative construction techniques. Its lightweight design, durability, and functional features make it worth the investment for those who prioritize comfort and performance in their outdoor adventures.

Furthermore, the Nemo Hornet 2’s weight-to-space ratio and packability make it a valuable asset for backpackers. Its lightweight nature allows for easier and more comfortable hikes, while its compact size ensures that it doesn’t take up excessive space in your backpack.

In terms of long-term value, the Nemo Hornet 2’s durability and reliable performance make it a tent that can withstand years of use. Its ability to handle various weather conditions, easy setup process, and thoughtful storage options make it a reliable and convenient choice for backpacking trips of all lengths.

While the initial cost may be higher compared to some other options, the long-term value and overall quality of the Nemo Hornet 2 make it a worthwhile investment for outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize performance, comfort, and reliability in their camping gear.

Ultimately, the price of the Nemo Hornet 2 may be seen as a reflection of its exceptional construction, innovation, and durability. When considering the value it brings to your outdoor experiences – comfort, reliability, and lightweight design – the Nemo Hornet 2 delivers a high level of satisfaction, making it an excellent investment for avid backpackers and campers.

 

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• The Nemo Hornet 2 is incredibly lightweight, making it ideal for backpackers looking to minimize their pack weight.
• The tent’s design and construction are top-notch, with durable materials and a sturdy frame that can withstand various weather conditions.
• The dual-entry design offers convenience and easy access for both occupants, reducing the need to climb over one another.
• Excellent ventilation thanks to the mesh panels and double-wall construction, which minimizes condensation and ensures a comfortable sleep.
• The Nemo Hornet 2’s packability is impressive, with a compact size that fits easily into backpacks without taking up too much space.
• Thoughtful storage options, including vestibules, overhead pockets, and a gear loft, make it easy to keep gear organized and within reach.
• The tent’s high-quality construction and durable materials contribute to its long lifespan, providing value for years of outdoor adventures.

Cons:

• The Nemo Hornet 2’s price point may be considered higher compared to other backpacking tents on the market.
• While the tent can handle light to moderate snowfall, it is not specifically designed for heavy snow loads.
• The tent’s lightweight nature may sacrifice a bit of space, especially for taller individuals who may find the length and headroom slightly restrictive.
• While the dual-entry design is convenient, it may result in slightly less interior space compared to single-door tents.
• The need for a compatible footprint, sold separately, may add an additional cost for those seeking extra protection for the tent floor.

Despite a few minor drawbacks, the Nemo Hornet 2’s numerous advantages, including its lightweight design, durability, ventilation, and storage options, make it a top choice for backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts. The tent’s performance, functionality, and overall value outweigh any shortcomings, making it a reliable and comfortable shelter for various outdoor adventures.

 

Conclusion

After thoroughly examining the design, construction, features, and performance of the Nemo Hornet 2, it’s clear that this ultralight backpacking tent is a strong contender in the market. Whether you’re embarking on a solo adventure or enjoying a camping trip with a partner, the Nemo Hornet 2 offers a winning combination of lightweight design, durability, and functionality.

The Nemo Hornet 2 excels in providing a spacious and comfortable interior despite its lightweight construction. With ample space for two occupants, dual-entry doors, and thoughtful storage options, this tent ensures a pleasant camping experience, even during longer trips in varying weather conditions.

Setup is a breeze with the Nemo Hornet 2’s hubbed design, allowing for quick assembly and hassle-free pitching. The tent’s durability is evident in its high-quality materials and sturdy frame, providing peace of mind during windy or stormy weather.

The Nemo Hornet 2 also effectively addresses the challenges of ventilation and condensation, integrating mesh panels and a double-wall construction to promote airflow while minimizing excess moisture inside the tent.

Although the Nemo Hornet 2 may come with a higher price tag compared to some other options on the market, the value it offers in terms of performance, longevity, and overall user satisfaction is well worth the investment for avid backpackers and campers.

In conclusion, the Nemo Hornet 2 is an exceptional ultralight backpacking tent that delivers on all fronts. Its lightweight design, durability, spacious interior, easy setup, and ventilation features make it a reliable and comfortable shelter for any outdoor adventure. From solo hikes to shared expeditions, the Nemo Hornet 2 is a worthwhile investment that will enhance your camping experience and accompany you on countless memorable journeys in the great outdoors.