The perfect tent? Nemo Dragonfly bikepack 1p initial Review

Is this the closest thing to the perfect tent? After my using the Nemo Dragonfly bikepack 1p on both a hiking and kayak camping trip. I gave my trip educated initial review of this fantastic tent.
Will its muted and drab colours make it the ultimate wildcamping tent? Have Nemo really knocked out the park when the design team came up with this?
You better believe it!
Music - 6OSHSVJKYGL21I5R

[@QBYOUNGBLOOD]

Great video. Thank you for taking the time. I've had my eye on this one since release.

[@TheGrayExplorer]

+Quinn B it’s a good tent. I’m glad you enjoyed the video 😀

[@WackelpeterAMS]

Thanks for the review and your comments on experiences in bad weather. I will buy it and look forward to use it!

[@TheGrayExplorer]

+Nils Theodor Leo Blaschke I’m glad you found it useful. I’m sure you’ll love it

[@TravelGoExplore]

Great review! I'm moving out of a 30L backpack for the first time in 4-5 years and expanding my gear onto a bike to hopefully do more bike touring moving forward. Your videos are great, it's nice to see other people sharing their passion in a calm and casual way without yelling or jumping at the camera ha. You're doing great on here and I'm looking forward to seeing more of your videos with reviews on what you take with you when you go wild camping... I've been looking at the 'Klymit Inertia X Frame' for the sleeping matt and 'Spark SpI 5°c' for a sleeping bag. I think the price isn't that expensive if the buyer plans to use it a lot. If someone sleeps in that tent for 210 nights during its entire lifetime, then it works out at £2 a night to carry something so small and well designed so I'm sure someone like yourself will easily hit that 210 nights in no time. Great job! I hope you enjoy more adventures :)

[@TheGrayExplorer]

I’ve just taken delivery of adventure bike myself and fully intend to spread into that too. But honestly I’m just loving the kayak so much right now, I’d recommend that to anyone. Good luck with your adventures hope you make good memories

[@TheEmeraldDragon113]

Brilliant review, thanks. This hits all the points I was looking for. I wonder how it might go in some particularly wild weather/high winds?

[@TheGrayExplorer]

Glad it was helpful! Ive not tested it in wild weather yet, I tend to get my camp set up in semi shelter, like right side of a mountain or amongst some bushes

[@AndreaRachel617]

Thanks so much for the excellent review. I had been looking at the Nemo Dragonfly but I think you've swayed me. I'm 5'1 and 71 years old so it should be super roomy and the lighter the better! I also like the extra storage you showed.

[@TheGrayExplorer]

I’m 6foot and it’s roomy for me! So you’ll find it enormous. Hope you enjoy it

[@jennkindle]

Hi Jon or John? This is Jennifer in Nashville, TN, USA. The Nemo there looks slightly different than the one I'm looking at in the US. Well hello from America. Do you think you will do any hiking here? Oh also, I am subscriber #325.

[@TheGrayExplorer]

John 🙂. I’d absolutely would love to, a couple of my absolute outdoor idols are American. The national parks are a proper dream destination, problem is though I’m absolutely terrified of grizzly bears 😂😂. But I’d suffer with the fear for a chance to hang out with Steve Rinella or Cameron Hanes

[@jotsingh8917]

The rain fly cut is very high. Any issues with that ? Like extra wind or rain blows inside?

[@TheGrayExplorer]

No, it’s overlaps quite a bit actually so the wind and rain don’t get in

[@TheGrayExplorer]

+Jot Singh I was in the tent again yesterday night, it threw down for a good few hours of heavy rain. Not a drop inside

[@jotsingh8917]

@@TheGrayExplorer Thanks for the info. Safe travels.

[@jotsingh8917]

@@TheGrayExplorer Thanks for the feedback. Safe Travels.

[@tonypaddler]

I really really wanted to buy this tent for bikepacking and backpacking but the missing flysheet section put me off as I camp on mountains and the thought of spindrift or rain blowing up inside and into the inner made me buy something else. Such a pity, otherwise it was ideal.

[@livinlarge1247]

Great video. Thanks. I just fresh baught one here in 2023. Actually it is I who years ago bugged Nemo for a short pole bikepack tent with mute colors. I figured Nemo came through so I might give that tent a look.

[@TheGrayExplorer]

Well if we have you to thank for this tent then we all thank you! The colours and the short poles are literally what make this tent perfect for me

[@livinlarge1247]

@@TheGrayExplorer it looks sharp. Great colors, peaceful inside.

[@The-GreenHornet]

EVERYTHING! You said that you want in a tent is EXACTLY the same things that I desire; because of this you sold me. I gave you a Thumbs up 👍. The price is a bit of a hard pill to swallow, but... if one wants a great quality tent with all the features and our same likes and desires in a tent. Then the price is just a one time hit, and then it's behind you. I too, am looking for all the qualities that you mentioned for my recumbent trike touring. Question... How small does it compress down to if you put it into a compression sack? Thanks again, cheers.

[@TheGrayExplorer]

It’s a bike packing tent. So the size is very small. Like forearm small. Even the poles have an extra fold to make them smaller. The price point is wild, I’m with you. But buy once cry once I guess

[@KenFernbach]

Nice review- best of luck with the new bicycle too brother! 🚴🏼‍♂️🌱🌿🧘🏼🙏

[@TheGrayExplorer]

Much appreciated

[@livinlarge1247]

I like the video & content. Good job.

[@Headtrons]

Why does someone want to not be seen while wild camping? I don’t understand your emphasis on hiding.

[@TheGrayExplorer]

Wild camping isn’t strictly legal. Also if your hiking long distance and you want to pitch were you are it’s better to be away from view. A massive orange tent on the edge of a farmers field is going to attract attention you might not want

[@banksiaspinulosa7442]

Looks like a game changer. 2 years on whats the verdict???

[@TheGrayExplorer]

It really is. The uses for it are amazing. I might actually make a video of the 2 years on, that’s actually a good idea

[@TheMarcopix]

Good review. I've been sorting through all the tents lately. I'm torn by 1p versus 2p but the Dragonfly with the huge vestibule is going to do it for me. Gives me the extra space I want in a single without the price/weight of a double. Singles seem a little constrained, but the doubles have SOOOO much room (28-31sf) it's a waste for the amount of time I spend in a tent. I've scoured the internet for a reasonably weighted, quality 23 or 24 sq ft tent but they don't exist. I lugged around my wife's 2+ kilo 2p tent over a 3 day trip and that motivted me to buy a new tent and a non bikepacking tent will be it. With discount, I can get it for about $350 US Cheers...stay safe out there.

[@malcolmkenning5880]

Amazing tent! Really! Super easy to set up and the colour coded frame matched with the fabric floor tabs so no guessing orientation during assembly. The tent pegs are light and designed as cruciform so they don’t swivel in the ground... bonus! 5 minutes setup ( with ground cloth and fly) - 8 minutes setup if assembly attempt after 3 glasses of wine ( ask me how I know😂). Ground sheet recommended though- ya just don’t want to shred the bottom of this! Best tent ever!

[@TheGrayExplorer]

I think a 3 glasses of wine measurement should be used as the basis of all tent erection for this day forward hahaha!

[@livinlarge1247]

I love how you all out there "across the pond" in Europe & surrounding, you all go out adventuring, trekking, camping. I press hard in America to enhance bikepacking, trekking & camping. Shimano for instance, it makes trekking components for Europe. It took tons of work to get them here for my Stumpy S-Works frame build...make that sucker a good bike eh. I got this tent on the way. Pretty good deal from Moosejaw where staff matched Campsaver at 289 USD..not bad eh.

[@TheGrayExplorer]

That’s a good deal!!

[@grumpy-dad3701]

I've got a coffin tent. Easy to put up but literally no room.

[@TheGrayExplorer]

Did like my old coffin tent. Had the oex phoxx when it first came out, far too small for me. Then a laser comp 1. Which I really liked

[@grumpy-dad3701]

@@TheGrayExplorer mine is a cheaper version. Just no space inside. Ended up having to leave belongings outside.

[@wolswildcamping1257]

Nice tent, cool review. Thanks for sharing. Be safe and be lucky.

[@TheGrayExplorer]

you too :)

[@KevinGarcia-mt6lj]

I'm having a really hard time putting everything back into the tent, can you help me? Im so frustrated and a little depressed about it. The air won't escape when I'm folding it up.

[@TheGrayExplorer]

Stuff, don’t fold. Poles first, then outer then inner then pegs. Hope that helps

[@mKoBeats]

Note for non-cyclists: You can save a lot of weight by changing the drysack it comes in. The original one is designed with heavy duty (=heavy) for bikepacking, but if you're carrying it in a bacpack, you don't need that.

[@TheGrayExplorer]

+Martin Korenek I weighed the bag myself vs one of my normal stuff sacks they’re wasn’t a massive amount of weight difference. Less than 100g and I feel since this tent is over a kilo it’s not really going to attract the sort of people who would care about that amount of weight. Having said that, when I took it hiking I did without thinking put it in a differnt stuff sack. Good spot though and welcome to the channel

[@martynjames5455]

Thanks for this... Really enjoyed it... Only major downside is the price. @andrewpark is also brilliant at tent reviews. 👍

[@TheGrayExplorer]

Yeah the price is a bit of a killer like. It’s a damn good tent though

[@stevew585]

This has got to be one of, if not the best backpacking tents, for me anyway. Awesome video, Thanks.

[@TheGrayExplorer]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@ShaunM-xw1em]

Excellent review John. Looks a great tent, well thought out in design. Especially good having somewhere to stash biscuits, result! Thanks for sharing.

[@TheGrayExplorer]

No problem, thanks for watching buddy

[@letseped]

Great review ! I have the same tent for bikepacking trips next year, looking forward to it. I've seen alot of reviews and how to put it up but would love to see how to put it back in the stuff bag. Thx again.

[@TheGrayExplorer]

I’ve been asked that before. I genuinely just stuff it. Never been one for folding neatly. Poles in first then stuff. Then add the pegs. Thanks for watching

[@ALoonwolf]

I've just got a simple standard cheap little thing. Peg down four corners, add two poles, peg down two ropes, job done. If parts are lost they can be replaced with sticks. It's not that great but I've never felt the need to replace it. I've always been comfortable in there so why look for anything else?

[@TheGrayExplorer]

A lot to be said for the simple set up

[@guitarhiker4449]

Nice tent man! Was looking at this one recently at my local mountainman store. $450 for the 2 man version ughh. But i really like the pack size and the fact its freestanding with a similar build to the copper spur by big agnes. The high volume inside is ideal! Roomy! This style tent is super easy to pitch. Nice color too! Few features on it i could deal without like the weird green daisy chain or loops to hang gear on. The mesh pockets are ok though. My only other concern with this tent aswell as the normal dragonfly tent version is at the head end the rain fly only comes halfway down the tent body in a U shape. Very little tent fly coverage at that end. I'm curious to know if the rain stays out at the head end? Will the material wet out where there is no rain fly coverage? I've seen one video of the normal version wetting out in that spot. Wish the rain fly would just cover the entire tent. They were probably trying to save weight and prevent condensation maybe? Hope it serves you well! Stay safe! Hike on!!

[@TheGrayExplorer]

I’ve not used it in the rain yet to help, however my friend has nemo tents with the same design and he insists water stays on the outside. I’ll keep you updated once I’ve got it wet

[@tilmanoerter]

Hi, thanks for your helpful video. Do you think the tent is long enough for a guy with 1,96 cm like me? It could be a little bit too short for me, I think. Thanks for your opinion. Tilman from Germany

[@TheGrayExplorer]

I’d think you’d fit easily. I’m 13cm shorter than you and there’s a bunch of head room and foot room in the tent.

[@calvinmonroe2408]

Thank buddy … great and useful review so thanks

[@TheGrayExplorer]

Glad you found some use of it. Thanks for watching

[@andrewhunter6536]

You experienced high winds in it? Also can wind drive rain through the weird cut out bit?

[@TheGrayExplorer]

Probably not high winds tbh. I tend to camp in the shadow of a mountain or a cliff or in forest. So not really high winds

[@hoser7706]

I have purchased this tent but not used it yet. The back of the fly at the side is cut really high. Barely overlaps the body of the tent. Have you had any issues w rain along the long back side? Any rain blow in?

[@TheGrayExplorer]

I get this question alot, nah not at all. Dont get me wrong I wouldn't use it in a side-wind blowing rain directly at it. But nah i wouldn't be concerned at all

[@NickHchaos]

Great review. I guess you didn’t get the footprint or think it necessary?

[@TheGrayExplorer]

Nah, it’s not my thing. Never bought a footprint before on any tent tbh

[@dnorm]

I look at it this way... £420 is steep... but the lifetime warranty is worth the extra.. spend cheap buy twice. I'm looking for a tent for biking, hiking and kayaking... and this is looking promising! Cheers for the review.

[@TheGrayExplorer]

Buy once cry once is my mantra too. I’ve had cheaper tents before and they’ve served me well. But this just ticked so many boxes at once that to me it was worth the expense

[@debbilermond1553]

I just bought the Nemo Dragonfly 2P Bikepack tent and can't wait to try it out! Sounds like you're sold on it too!

[@TheGrayExplorer]

Yes, I am. In fact in the next month or so I plan on spending a good few days in it

[@debbilermond1553]

@@TheGrayExplorer I hope to try mine out in the next week or two. Still waiting for it to arrive.

[@debbilermond1553]

@@TheGrayExplorer I just got my Nemo Dragonfly 2P and set it up in my office. Found it a bit difficult to pound the stakes for the fly into the oak floor, LOL! ;) It took me a bit to find the hooks for the Landing Zone so I'm glad I did this before going out in the wild. BTW, the price was $449.95 US + $49.95 for the footprint but it's still a lot less than my last tent purchase a year ago for the Mountain Hardwear Trango II at close to $800 with the footprint! Next week, I plan to take it out and set it up in the Washington wilderness.

[@debbilermond1553]

@@TheGrayExplorer After setting up my tent, I cinched down the bag compression straps and broke one of the plastic G hooks! Guess I didn't know my own strength! Going to REI to get a couple of Sea to Summit G hooks 3/4". At least they are aluminum and I already have some of their straps, just need a bigger size. You might want to do the same before you take the bag on a trip and find it breaking like I did. At least it happened before I took it up in the mountains.

[@livinlarge1247]

Yes I agree the pockets are so nice. This way our phone & socks are not lost about the floor of the tent, wet. Those details & stitches take time, but worth paying for. Having the loft right there for the headlamp & phone. It looks sturdy that tent: is it? Does it take some wind? Back in the day I suggested a 40D fly to Nemo for sturdy wear. Is that 15D fly still in tact?

[@TheGrayExplorer]

Yeah it’s fairly sturdy. I pitch it out of the elements mostly though. If there’s a patch of trees, a hill ? I’ll be using them as cover but that’s personal choice though. I love the stealthy colours of the tent and further blending me into the background means I won’t get moved on as much

[@livinlarge1247]

@@TheGrayExplorer its stealth is awesome. Perfectly blends into the background with no reflective details.

[@jacobwalsh8886]

So something that concerns me is that rain fly not going all the way to the ground on one end. I feel like a wind and rain combo might expose that area of leaking, have you put it through these conditions yet?

[@TheGrayExplorer]

It’s a common comment. Nah it overlaps quite significantly

[@harriwilson5851]

It looksl ike the outer arches up at the end (or maybe just the foot)? Does that not mean that rain gets in? Maybe fine if it's falling straight down but I live in Scotland and it's usually horizontal and occasionally upwards! Interested to hear your experience

[@TheGrayExplorer]

I’ve camped in Scotland a good few times in this tent now. I wouldn’t summit camp in this because of the wind up there but I did camp half way up helveylln in this with no issue at all. Everyone comments on the high sides and it really isn’t the deal breaker you think it is

[@harriwilson5851]

@@TheGrayExplorer that's reassuring, thank you. I am torn between this and the Copper Spur but edging towards the dragonfly as it looks a little sturdier and I'd like at least a fighting chance in the summer storms (like the one I had to dodge in a bothy last week!)

[@TheGrayExplorer]

@@harriwilson5851 the colour of this is what sold me. And the landing zone is genius. It’s a really good tent.

[@joedart2932]

Great review! Kinda pricey. Love the color and l agree its gotta be free standing. Pretty happy with my 120 dollar Kelty late start. That said the Nemo is lighter and packs smaller for sure 👍

[@TheGrayExplorer]

Happy camping !

[@indigowendigo8464]

Silnylon and Dac aluminum costs $$$ for the manufacturer. A $400 tent will last a decade if cared for. Best money I could spend on anything but nachos supremos

[@TheGrayExplorer]

I’m still happy with tbh. I’m definitely in the cry once camp

[@Chris66able]

Thought I too had found the perfect tent when watching this, until I realised it has one major flaw which in my opinion renders it USELESS for the UK.. Its an inner first pitch.

[@TheGrayExplorer]

A very strong criticism to be fair, I might see if I can pitch it outer first one time because in theory it could be pitched that way

[@Chris66able]

@@TheGrayExplorer If you can I'm getting one..I'm going to search KZbin to see if anyone has sussed it !

[@TheGrayExplorer]

@@Chris66able I’m going camping in the next few weeks I’ll going to test it specifically and mention it

[@kaneoliver2080]

Been looking for a motorbike camping tent and this ticks all the boxes 👍

[@TheGrayExplorer]

It’s a decent tent

[@countryside_guy]

All those things on your list but I also want it to be a hot tent as well.

[@TheGrayExplorer]

Wouldn’t that be nice! Wouldn’t like to carry it though haha

[@curtbrown7967]

Excellent

[@TheGrayExplorer]

+Curt Brown thanks 😊

[@TheMrWeiyu]

Hello from Singapore! If weight isn’t a factor since there isn’t much carrying or biking to be done, Would you still recommend this or just settle with a heavier Firefly 2P?

[@TheGrayExplorer]

For one man? I’ve never wanted for space in my 1p. I’ve just spent the last 3 nights in it and it’s more than enough space. In fact it’s so big I’m thinking about getting a bigger sleep mat because I have the space

[@TheMrWeiyu]

@@TheGrayExplorer ah sorry! I should’ve said in terms of the material use. Comparing 1P to 1P.

[@stephenhenderson5336]

Nice features, but can it stand up to strong winds?

[@TheGrayExplorer]

Very good question. I won’t be summit camping in this tent, but then I’ve never summit camped in any tent, I use the geography to pitch my tent in shelter as much as possible. Could it be used in strong winds? Yeah possibly if pitched right it probably do alright, but since I haven’t I wouldn’t like to say

[@bimazivanovic4784]

How is condensation in this tent?

[@TheGrayExplorer]

Double walled, so not bad at all, loads of ventilation too

[@adriano8729]

Great review! I just received my 2p version. It oozes quality like nothing I’ve had before! Can’t wait to get using it in the wild! I’d love to know how much of a beating it would take in rough weather ? All the best, Adrian

[@TheGrayExplorer]

Glad you found it useful. 👍🏻

[@StillmanSpinningSteel]

Sounds like the perfect tent for me

[@cumbriancamper]

ive been looking at lightweight tents for my return to the west highland way, ive got a hilleberg unna and have come to the conclusion i cant find anything better, so im going to buy a lightweight rucksack at half the price of this tent. nice tent though, its whats best for you in the end.

[@TheGrayExplorer]

Yep, no doubt its biggest draw back is that price!

[@NickHchaos]

But the Unna is almost double the price..Hilleberg seems great, but strange that someone would comment on the expense of the Nemo since Hilleberg makes literally the most expensive tents on Earth, it seems.

[@cumbriancamper]

@@NickHchaos i sold it, i had it 2 years and got more than i payed for it.