Nemo Hornet Elite OSMO Tent
Rating
Size/Weight: 10
Construction: 10
Features: 9
Ease of Setup: 10
Sleep Quality: 9
OVERALL: 9.6
An extremely light tent great for short trips.
The Nemo Hornet Elite OSMO is a standout in the ultralight tent category, designed for hikers and backpackers who are looking for weight savings above all else. Weighing just under 1kg, this tent is a marvel of lightweight engineering, making it an excellent choice for solo adventurers or couples willing to share a cozy space, however, its lightweight design comes with trade-offs in durability and weather resistance, which may limit its versatility in harsh conditions.
Best For: Ultralight hiking, minimalist camping and mild to moderate weather trips.
Pros: Extremely lightweight and compact, easy to set up and pack down, great ventilation.
Cons: Expensive for its size and durability, thin materials are prone to punctures and wear, not ideal for cold, windy or extreme weather conditions.
Verdict: An ultralight tent for nice weather camping, but it’s more suited for experienced hikers who are looking for minimalism.
Skip ahead to First Impressions, Sleeping Experience, Features Analysis, Construction and Durability or the Final Verdict, check out how the Nemo Hornet Elite OSMO Tent compares to others in our list of the Top 5 Hiking Tents.
Specs:
Open Size: 216 x 128 cm
Packed Size: 48 x 10 cm
Weight: 0.936kg
Approx Price: $919.95
First Impressions
The Nemo Hornet Elite OSMO immediately impresses with its featherlight weight and compact packed size, resembling a slim baguette. The OSMO fabric feels thin and delicate, raising questions about its durability, but the tent’s design is undeniably sleek and functional. Setup is straightforward, thanks to colour-coded poles and clips, though the semi-freestanding design requires staking, which can be a limitation on hard or rocky ground. Overall, it’s a tent that screams efficiency and innovation, though its premium price tag and delicate materials may give some buyers pause.
Sleeping Experience
For a tent this lightweight, the Hornet Elite OSMO offers a surprisingly comfortable sleeping experience. The interior is snug but functional, with a tapered design that maximises space at the head end (127cm wide) while narrowing at the feet (107cm wide). Two side doors and vestibules make it easy for two people to enter and exit without disturbing each other, and the mesh walls provide excellent ventilation, however, the low sidewalls and 94cm peak height mean taller people may feel cramped, especially when sitting up. The tent’s thin materials also offer minimal insulation, making it less suitable for cold or windy conditions.
Features Analysis
The Hornet Elite OSMO is packed with thoughtful features that improve its usability. The two vestibules provide plenty of storage for gear and the interior pockets are perfect for small items like phones or headlamps. The OSMO fabric dries quickly and resists water absorption, reducing condensation and improving ventilation. The flybar at the top adds extra headroom, though it’s not a game-changer for two people. One downside is the fly’s high cut on one end, which exposes part of the inner tent to rain splashback. Also, the thin flysheet allows light to spill into the tent, which may annoy light sleepers.
Construction and Durability
While the Hornet Elite OSMO excels in weight savings, its construction sacrifices some durability. The 10D floor and 7D fly fabrics are incredibly thin, making them susceptible to punctures and wear over time. The DAC Featherlite poles are lightweight but flex noticeably in wind, which can be unsettling during storms. That said, the tent’s waterproofing is reliable and the OSMO fabric’s quick-drying properties are a plus. The tent’s minimalist design reduces the number of potential failure points, but it’s clear that this is a tent best suited for fair-weather use and careful handling.
Final Verdict
The Nemo Hornet Elite OSMO is a top-tier ultralight tent that is light and easy to use, making it an excellent choice for long-distance hikers and fair-weather campers. Its compact design, thoughtful features and quick setup are impressive, but its delicate materials and limited weather resistance mean it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. If you’re willing to invest in a high-performance tent and prioritise weight above all else, the Hornet Elite OSMO is a fantastic option, but those needing a more durable or versatile shelter may want to consider other models.
Why not visit our list of the Top 5 Hiking Tents 2025 to see how the Nemo Hornet Elite OSMO tent compares?
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