Tents
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
The gold standard in ultralight tents.
15 nights on the trail with one of the most talked-about ultralight tents of 2026. Here's our honest verdict.
The NEMO Dragonfly 2P has been all over Reddit and backpacking forums this year. It hit the sweet spot that most ultralight tents miss: genuinely light weight without sacrificing livability. At 2 lbs 6 oz, it's competitive with much more expensive options while offering features like dual doors and vestibules that many ultralight tents skip.
The NEMO Dragonfly 2P delivers on its promise of ultralight weight without the cramped, claustrophobic feel of many competitors. After 15 nights in varied conditions—including two rainstorms and one unexpectedly windy night—we're confident recommending it to backpackers who prioritize weight but aren't willing to sacrifice livability.
It's not perfect. The fabric is thin (as expected at this weight), and taller hikers might find the interior tight. But for most backpackers looking to drop pack weight without going full-on minimalist, this is one of the best options on the market right now.
The Dragonfly uses NEMO's DAC Featherlite poles with a single-hub design. Setup is genuinely fast—we had it pitched in under 4 minutes after our first practice run. The color-coded clips make it easy to get right even in low light.
One nice touch: the fly can be pitched first in rain, then the inner body clipped in underneath. We used this twice during our testing and stayed completely dry setting up in light rain.
The guylines come pre-attached and are reflective, which is appreciated. Stake quality is adequate but not exceptional—consider upgrading if you're on rocky terrain regularly.
We tested the Dragonfly through two significant rainstorms (one lasted about 6 hours overnight). Results were impressive: no leaks, no condensation issues thanks to the dual-vestibule ventilation, and the bathtub floor kept us dry even when we'd pitched on slightly sloped ground.
Wind performance was solid up to about 25 mph gusts. Beyond that, the thin fabric started making concerning sounds, and we could feel the poles flexing more than we'd like. This isn't a tent for exposed alpine camping—it's designed for typical three-season conditions, and it handles those well.
This is where the Dragonfly really shines. At 28 square feet, it's roomier than most tents at this weight. The 42" peak height means you can actually sit up comfortably, and the nearly vertical walls give you usable space rather than sloped, head-bumping walls.
The dual doors and vestibules are a luxury you don't usually get at this weight. Each vestibule offers about 8 square feet of covered storage—plenty for boots, packs, and cooking gear.
Interior pockets are well-placed (one overhead, two at the corners), and there's a gear loft attachment point for optional organization.
Let's be honest: 15D ripstop nylon is thin. NEMO uses a quality silicone/PU coating, but this isn't a tent you can be careless with. During our testing, we were deliberately careful about site selection and packing.
We didn't experience any rips or punctures, but we also didn't throw it around. If you're the type to stuff your tent carelessly or camp on rough ground without a footprint, consider either getting the optional footprint ($45) or looking at a more robust option.
vs. Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2: The Copper Spur is lighter (2 lb 2 oz) but costs $100 more and has slightly less floor space. If weight is your absolute priority, the Copper Spur wins. For most people, the Dragonfly offers better value.
vs. REI Half Dome SL 2+: The Half Dome weighs more (3 lb 11 oz) but costs $150 less and is noticeably more durable. If you're not counting ounces, the Half Dome is excellent value.
vs. Tarptent Double Rainbow: Similar weight and price, but the Double Rainbow is a single-wall design (more condensation) with trekking pole setup. The Dragonfly is more versatile for most users.
The NEMO Dragonfly 2P hits the ultralight sweet spot. It's light enough to satisfy weight-conscious backpackers, roomy enough to not feel like a coffin, and well-built enough to handle real trail conditions. At $399, it's not cheap—but for serious backpackers, it's money well spent.
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