Field-Tested: Why We Chose the NEMO Dragonfly OSMO 3P Tent for Bikepacking and Backcountry Camping

When it came time to upgrade our shelter system for multi-day backcountry trips, we spent a good chunk of time researching ultralight tents that could check all the right boxes: small pack size, weather protection, ease of setup, and the ability to comfortably fit two people and a medium sized dog. After comparing specs and reading way too many reviews, we landed on the NEMO Dragonfly OSMO 3P. We’ve now used it for bikepacking, interior backcountry trips, and some fair-weather overnighters. It’s held up well and we’re excited to tell you about it.

It’s not the cheapest tent on the market, and it’s definitely not the roomiest, but for our backcountry needs of being lightweight, compact, and quick to pitch, it’s perfect.

Technical Specifications

Spec	Detail
Capacity	3-Person
Minimum Trail Weight	3 lb 6 oz (1.53 kg)
Packed Weight	3 lb 14 oz (1.76 kg)
Packed Size	16 x 4 x 4 in (40 x 10 x 10 cm)
Floor Dimensions	88 x 70/65 in (224 x 178/165 cm)
Floor Area	41.2 sq ft (3.83 sq m)
Vestibule Area	20 sq ft (1.86 sq m) total
Peak Height	44 in (111 cm)
Poles	DAC Featherlite NFL
Canopy Fabric	OSMO™ Ripstop (poly/nylon blend)
Fly Fabric	OSMO™ Ripstop
Floor Fabric	OSMO™ Ripstop, 1200 mm waterproof rating

another view of the dragonfly from the end

The Nemo Dragonfly without the fly.

What is OSMO™ Ripstop?

OSMO™ is NEMO’s proprietary fabric, designed to improve on common ultralight tent materials. It’s a polyester-nylon composite ripstop with a few standout traits:

Water resistance without PU or Sil coatings
Coatings like polyurethane or silicone degrade over time, especially with UV exposure. OSMO avoids them, which means it absorbs less water, doesn’t sag when wet, and maintains waterproofing longer.
Stretch resistance
OSMO holds its shape in damp or humid conditions, keeping your pitch taut.
Sustainability
Made with recycled, solution-dyed yarns, reducing water use and emissions.
Durability
Balances nylon’s abrasion resistance with polyester’s UV stability, plus the ripstop weave helps prevent tears.

Features We Actually Use

The Dragonfly OSMO comes loaded with features, but here’s what makes a real difference in the field:

Colour-coded poles and corner hardware – Quick, intuitive setup even when you’re exhausted.

poles and tent connections are black on the head side

poles and tent connections are green on the foot side

Colour coded hardware on the tent helps you quickly see what poles go where and on the fly to see where each corner goes.

Two large vestibules – Great for keeping packs and boots dry. Okay, not that large, but a great size for 2 people backpacking - large enough for an 80L pack on each side!

Vertical side walls – Makes the interior feel roomier than the footprint suggests.

view of the inside of the tent from outside, empty

Internal views from the tent. I believe your feet are supposed to go at the more narrow end but we actually do the opposite because our dog sleeps at our feet. Having her at the wider end gives her more room to sleep.

Ventilation – Mesh upper and smart fly design cut down on condensation.

In addition to the mesh top, there are also small ventilation sticks on the vestibule that you can use to help prop open the tent.

Packability – Packs down small and fits cleanly on bikes or in backpacks. The tent bag is also a divy cube if you need to split up your weight.

Nemo Dragonfly packed up, beside the footprint. Pocket shower for scale.

Durability & Field Use

We’ve used this tent in a range of conditions, from warm, buggy summer nights to rainy shoulder-season trips. It has stood up to steady rain in Algonquin and breezy lakeshores on Bruce Peninsula.

The Nemo tent set up at the High Dump campground at Bruce Peninsula National Park in Ontario. The campsite is right on Georgian Bay and got quite windy during a storm. Make sure you use heavy rocks to tie down your tent since the campsites only have wooden pads to pitch your tent.

That said, it’s still an ultralight tent. The fabric is thin and benefits from care. We always clear sharp twigs or rocks and usually bring a groundsheet to protect the floor.

Zippers, poles, and fabric have all held up well to repeated use. The pitch stays taut even when damp, which we appreciate after some long, wet days.

The stakes that come with the tent are quite good, similar to MSR groundhog. They’ve stood up to our hammering them in with rocks when we haven’t brought a mallet, so no complaints!

Stakes that come with the NEMO Dragonfly OSMO 3-person.

Inside the tent, you have two phone pockets, a ceiling mesh pocket, and a larger pocket that goes along the slope.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Lightweight and compact – ideal for bikepacking and ultralight backpacking
Quick, intuitive setup
Two doors and vestibules – no crawling over your tentmate
Packs smaller than most comparable 3P tents
Solid weather resistance for three-season use

Cons

Fabric is delicate – requires mindful handling
Pricey for casual or occasional campers

Conclusion: Who This Tent is For

The NEMO Dragonfly OSMO 3P is a great choice for people who prioritize weight and packability without giving up core comfort. If you’re into bikepacking, multi-day hikes, or interior canoe tripping, it’s a dependable, versatile option.

Versatile Fly configurations to suit any weather conditions.

It’s best for campers who take care of their gear and don’t mind sacrificing a bit of space for lighter weight. If you’re hard on equipment or want a roomier basecamp tent, look elsewhere. But if you’re counting ounces and need a shelter that won’t slow you down, or take up half your pannier, the Dragonfly OSMO is a solid bet.

A happy camper :)