How to Choose a Backpacking Tent

Equipped with high-performance OSMO™ fabric on the fly, the 3-person NEMO Mayfly OSMO lightweight backpacking tent is a durable shelter for adventurers who are ready to hit the trail.
Imported.
View all NEMO Backpacking Tents| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Seasons | 3-season |
| Sleeping Capacity | 3-person |
| Minimum Trail Weight | 3 lbs. 10 oz. |
| Fly / Footprint Pitch Weight | 2 lbs. 8.1 oz. |
| Packaged Weight | 4 lbs. 1 oz. |
| Packed Size | 18 x 6.5 x 4 inches |
| Floor Dimensions | 88 x 68/62 (L x W head/foot) inches |
| Floor Area | 39.7 square feet |
| Vestibule Area | 8.6 + 8.6 square feet |
| Peak Height | 42 inches |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors |
| Number of Poles | 2 |
| Pole Material | Aluminum |
| Pole Diameter | 1 hubbed aluminum 9+9.5 mm pole/1 aluminum 9 mm pole |
| Canopy Fabric | Polyester |
| Floor Fabric | Polyurethane polyester |
| Rainfly Fabric | Sil/PU OSMO polyester |
| Footprint Included | No |
| Design Type | Semifreestanding |
| Sustainability | Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria Contains recycled materials |
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
Upgraded my old Losi 3p tent in favor of this semi-freestanding option. I like the new packing system with the Divvy Cube allowing separation of tent pieces between packs. Packing is a bit tricky as I usually stuff my tents into their sacks, but this proves a bit more difficult with the internal support poles (circled red in photos) at the base of the foot section. I feel as if I am going to break them every time I try to stuff back into the sack. Maybe rolling is a a better option for this tent. Tent floor is super durable, so if weight is an issue, would be plenty ok without a footprint. Vestibules on both sides large enough to store gear and out of the elements.
I bought this tent five months ago and have used it almost every week since purchasing it. I work in a conservation corp for the majority of the year and spend most the month backpacking. This tent is incredibly easy to set up, put down, and is very light for a 3p. My only complaint is the rainfly. On the front and backside of the tent the rain fly curves up in the middle and doesn’t fully cover the inside mesh, especially when it is windy or storming outside. Definitely brings in a bit of a breeze. Besides that, it’s an excellent tent and has served me so well in the field.
Picked up this item on sale, and I see that it currently still is as of April 2026. For the price and weight, the mayfly 3p serves 2 people and a medium sized dog quite well. Setup/takedown was easy, and packed easily into a Durston 40L with a BV450. Inside the tent you get more than enough storage pockets, and the light diffusers worked as needed. No real complaints on trail, performed well in wet conditions and was easy to rinse/dry afterward. However, the previous comment is accurate — sleeping 3 would require climbing over each other at some point. The tent is definitely a tight fit with no floor space if sleeping 3. Granted, my expectations were tempered since my goal was a comfy 2p with room for a dog, but I’m very happy with the product. Fit an ExPed duo 6.5R with ample floor space for gear.
For anyone prioritizing minimal weight without compromising on comfort or durability, the search for the "perfect" tent end with the Mayfly OSMO. I can confidently say that the 3P Mayfly comes remarkably close to achieving this elusive perfect setup. It is a worthwhile investment for serious backpackers, thru-hikers, or anyone who values comfort and performance in the backcountry without being weighed down. If you're in the market for a tent that will elevate yours or your group's outdoor experience, this should be at the very top of your list.
I really like the NEMO Mayfly OSMO 3P tent. It’s very easy to set up, and the OSMO fabric remains tight even when wet, which I appreciated on damp mornings. The tent feels spacious for two people along with their gear, although it gets a bit cramped with three. The ventilation is excellent, and it packs down small, especially considering its durability. Overall, I’m very satisfied with it; it’s lightweight, strong, and works perfectly for weekend trips.
Took this out for a backpacking trip out in the white mountains, and it performed wonderfully. The quick connect rainfly clasps made it simple to guy and tension out one side, and leave rolled up for a quick deploy during inclement weather. Tent has a nice amount of loft space, loops for stringing up things, or hanging light. It does take some time to get used to tensioning the semi-freestanding setup, but well worth it!
Tent is nice and light for 3 people but the doors are on the sides so the person sleeping in the middle always has to wake someone up to go to the bathroom…poor design for 3 people…doors should be at the feet. We will be returning this tent.
My two sons love this tent. Happy we went with the 3p instead of the 2p they can get a bit grumpy if intruding on each other's space. It was a great decision as usually one of the pups want to join them.