Nemo Dragonfly Ultralight 1 Person Backpacking Tent

Nemo Dragonfly Ultralight 1 Person Backpacking Tent Product Review

The Nemo Dragonfly Ultralight 1 Person Backpacking Tent is a free standing, single person tent.

The Dragonfly has an overall packed weight of 2 lbs. 13 oz, making this tent a compact, easy to carry product.  Measuring a total floor area of 20.3 sq ft and a peak height of 40 inches, this 1 person tent is surprisingly spacious and pretty comfortable.

Easy to pitch, it took us less than 15 minutes to assemble the whole construction.  First, the tent body has to be spread out on the camping surface, then the previously connected poles and hub structure are attached to clips on all four corners of the laid out body, forming the frame where, lastly, the rain fly will be resting upon.

Nemo uses 8.7mm aluminum DAC Featherlite NFL poles.  We appreciate that the poles and the corresponding sockets on the tent are color coordinated for faster set up, as well as the color-coded green and gray buckles that connect the rain fly to the structure.

This tent presents a free-standing, sophisticated design, but we do recommend using the included aluminum Y stakes on all four corners to secure it, as we don’t feel too confident it will withstand dangerously high windy conditions.  Overall, though, the Dragonfly is a considerably sturdy 3 season tent.

Inside the tent, we find a cozy 35 x 88 x 32 inch bathtub floor and the best organizational spaces that Nemo could have included in a tent of this size.  We are excited to see a decent sized loft compartment to store gear, and the overhead light pockets admirably provide the option to support headlamps and illuminate the interior at nighttime.

With a 10D Nylon Rip-stop fabric and a No-See-Um black mesh top, the construction materials of the Dragonfly canopy are of fine quality and exceptionally lightweight.  We are delighted with the modern design and the durability of the silicone coated fabric.

On the outside, we find a trapezoidal vestibule area of 10 sq ft where one can store their backpack, shoes, or any other personal items.  This space is even more useful when the camping terrain proves to be particularly muddy, and of course, no one wants dirt or wet gear to spoil their sleeping spot.

The large rain fly is made of 15D Sil/PeU Nylon Rip-stop fabric, which feels thin, but it’s stronger than it appears, with a waterproof index of 1200 mm.  The door has two zippers that regulate air flow, but if it’s raining, there is an option to use the flap protected struts for ventilation.  The rain fly also comes with velcro tabs which provide extra assurance that the poles will be secured in windy conditions.

Manufactured in the USA, this product comes in a Divvy stuff sack, which means that two backpackers can split the load while carrying the packed weight.  This is practical for couples who hike together, because, although it’s a single person tent, the Dragonfly can tightly accommodate one person and their partner.

Like most brands, Nemo does not include a footprint in this bundle, an addition that absolutely aids in reducing the wear on the tent, but its absence is not a dealbreaker thanks to the durable and waterproof 20D Sil/PeU Nylon Rip-stop fabric used for the waterproof floor.

However, even if a backpacker wished to only set up camp using a footprint without bringing tent body, this cannot be achieved since the Dragonfly unfortunately doesn’t allow for the rain fly to be pitched separately from the canopy, something a bit inconvenient for those looking for minimal camping alternatives.

Another drawback is the lack of ventilation options.  In a humid climate, the strut openings would not be enough for air to circulate properly, and we would have to unzip the mesh and rain fly doors for adequate breeze flow.  Regrettably, this would also increase the chances of mosquitoes and other bugs entering the tent.

On the other hand, the field test did show that this tent is worth its value.  Taking into account the durability and of the materials, modern hub design, organizational features, and uncomplicated assembly process, the Dragonfly should be a top pick for lone hikers looking for a reliable shelter option.

Costumers are offered a lifetime warranty by Nemo, whose protection includes defects in workmanship and materials, and their support service is ready to assist with any questions.  Luckily, we found no warehouse imperfections in our tent and gladly recommend this product to campers who need to find the right harmony when it comes to weight, space, and pricing.