NEMO Equipment is an American outdoor brand known for innovative tent design, high-quality sleeping pads, and precision gear construction. At Dwights, we stock NEMO's tent range — including the Dagger OSMO, Dragonfly OSMO, and Hornet Elite OSMO series — alongside NEMO's Tensor sleeping pad range and pillows.
NEMO is particularly known for two things: the OSMO fabric used in their tents (a recycled, non-absorbent material that resists sagging in rain better than conventional nylon), and the Tensor sleeping pad — widely regarded as one of the best ultralight inflatable pads available.
NEMO Tents
- Hornet Elite OSMO (1P and 2P): NEMO's ultralight backpacking tent — exceptional weight-to-livability ratio. The 2P is just over 1kg. OSMO recycled fabric, dual-door, trekking pole or standard pole setup. The benchmark ultralight tent for serious NZ tramping.
- Dragonfly OSMO (1P and 2P): Slightly heavier than the Hornet but with more interior volume and headroom — a practical balance of weight and comfort for multi-day tramping. Also available in a bikepack version.
- Dagger OSMO (2P and 3P): Three-season backpacking tent with generous headroom and livability — for trampers who prioritise comfort on multi-day trips over minimum weight. The 3P suits two trampers who want serious interior space.
NEMO Tensor Sleeping Pads
The Tensor is NEMO's flagship sleeping pad — an ultralight inflatable with a unique horizontal baffling construction that minimises movement and noise compared to standard vertical-baffle inflatables. The range covers three-season and all-season insulated options:
- Tensor All-Season Insulated (regular/wide, long/wide, mummy): Core three-season to four-season pad — spaceframe baffles, Thermal Mirror insulation, ultralight construction. The regular/wide is the most popular tramping option.
- Tensor Extreme Insulated (long/wide, mummy): Maximum insulation for cold-weather and alpine camping. High R-value, heavier than standard Tensor but built for serious cold.
- Tensor Alpine Insulated: Purpose-built for alpine and winter use — high R-value, rugged construction for demanding conditions.
- Tensor Elite: Premium ultralight version — lightest in the Tensor range, suited to weight-conscious trampers on three-season trips.
- Quasar 3D Insulated / Quasar 3D Regular Wide: Wider, plusher option for trampers who prioritise sleep comfort and don't mind slightly more weight.
- Astro Sleeping Pad: Non-insulated inflatable — for warm-weather and three-season conditions where insulation is less critical.
- Switchback Sleeping Pad: Closed-cell foam pad — ultralight, indestructible, no inflation required. Lower R-value than insulated inflatables but zero failure risk. Popular as a base layer under an inflatable for maximum warmth.
NEMO Pillows
Fillo (260g), Fillo Elite, Fillo Elite Wide, and Fillo Luxury — inflatable/foam hybrid pillow design. The Fillo series uses a foam core covered with a soft outer fabric — more comfortable than purely inflatable pillows. The Fillo Elite and Elite Wide are the lightest; Fillo Luxury prioritises comfort over weight.
Popular NEMO Products at Dwights
Dwights is an authorised NEMO Equipment dealer — genuine product backed by the full manufacturer warranty. NEMO is known for pushing the boundaries of ultralight design with innovative tent architecture and sleeping pad technology.
- Ultralight tents: The NEMO Hornet OSMO 2P is one of the lightest double-wall 2-person tents available. The NEMO Dragonfly OSMO 2P offers a more liveable interior at a modest weight penalty.
- Sleeping pads: The NEMO Tensor All-Season Insulated Pad delivers R-value performance in a compact, lightweight format.
- Pillows: The NEMO Fillo Elite is a compact, premium camping pillow.
- Browse all hiking tents | Browse sleeping mats →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NEMO good for NZ tramping?
Yes — NEMO's tent and sleeping pad range both perform well in NZ conditions. The Hornet Elite OSMO and Dragonfly OSMO are strong tent choices — OSMO fabric resists sagging in sustained rain better than conventional nylon, which matters in NZ's wet backcountry. The Tensor sleeping pad is one of the best ultralight insulated pads available and a strong choice for weight-conscious NZ trampers who want warmth without bulk.
What's the difference between the NEMO Hornet, Dragonfly, and Dagger?
The Hornet Elite OSMO is the ultralight option — minimum weight, compact pack size, slightly less interior space. The Dragonfly OSMO is a step heavier with more headroom and interior comfort — the practical balance for most NZ trampers on multi-day trips. The Dagger OSMO is the most spacious — prioritises livability over weight, suited to trampers who camp in their tent for extended trips and want to sit up comfortably. Guide: Hornet for weight-critical trips, Dragonfly for the balance point, Dagger for comfort-first multi-day use.
Which NEMO sleeping pad is best for NZ tramping?
The Tensor All-Season Insulated (regular/wide) is our recommendation for most NZ trampers — ultralight, good R-value for three-season NZ conditions including shoulder season, and the spaceframe baffling reduces the noise and movement that makes some inflatable pads frustrating to sleep on. For winter camping or South Island alpine routes with cold ground temperatures, the Tensor Extreme or Tensor Alpine provide higher insulation. The Switchback foam pad is worth pairing with a Tensor on very cold trips — the combined R-value is substantial and the foam pad adds zero failure risk.
Why Buy Nemo from Dwights?
Dwights is an authorised Nemo Equipment dealer in New Zealand — genuine American-made product backed by the full manufacturer warranty. We carry NZ-stocked Nemo tents and sleeping pads with fast delivery. Nemo's reputation for innovative tent design and ultralight construction makes them one of the most trusted brands for serious NZ trampers and backcountry campers.