Review: NEMO Dagger OSMO Tent

Some tents feel like coffins; the Dagger OSMO from NEMO isn’t one of them. Pop this thing up on a crisp evening and you’ll notice right away: space. It’s roomy enough for two full-size pads without elbow wars, and with the nearly-vertical sidewalls, you can actually sit up, change, and play cards without craning your neck or dislocating a shoulder.

The OSMO fabric is the tent's secret weapon. It’s solution-dyed and evidently PFAS-free, which makes it not only more environmentally-friendly, but more importantly, it doesn’t sag the way standard nylon does when wet—meaning you won’t wake up in a clammy nylon burrito after a rainstorm. The bathtub floor rides high to fend off splash-back, and the fly stretches taut, sans droop, even without the extra stakes. And the venting is solid, too.

I particularly like the clever “Landing Zone"—a small, waterproof triangle to keep gear off the ground. Inside, pockets and light-diffusing headlamp sleeves provide the thoughtful touches customers have grown to expect from NEMO.

Setup is quick. Color-coded clips & poles mean you can pitch solo in under 10 minutes, and the freestanding design handles uneven Montana ground without fuss. The pre-bent poles also give the tent more stability in wind than the usual straight-pole rigs do—a bonus in those nasty Montana windstorms we all know & love.

So, what’s the catch? Weight. At just over 3.5 pounds packed up, it’s not exactly ultralight. Split between two people, it’s fine, but solo trekkers pushing 20-plus miles per day might grumble. It’s not cheap, either, but you’re paying for premium fabric, smart design, and long-term durability. There are lighter or cheaper options, but few that hit the sweet spot between livability and backcountry performance.

For most backcountry travelers in southwest Montana—weekend warriors in Hyalite, fishing bums along the Yellowstone, or folks stringing together a section of the CDT—this tent nails it. Comfortable, sturdy, weather-resistant, and just light enough to justify the carry.

Available at nemoequipment.com; $550.