Nemo Hornet Elite is the one of the lightest backpacking tents in Nemo's line and is designed with weight as the number one priority.
Nemo Hornet vs Hornet Elite, They are the two high-quality backpacking tents of Nemo. As you can guess Nemo Hornet Elite is a bit pricier than Nemo Hornet, therefore it has better features.
BUT, the optimum gear is not always the most expensive one, especially if you’re looking for a tent.
The perfect tent depends on your needs and the circumstances. In this guide, I will explain under what conditions which of the tent you should choose. Although both tents have 1p and 2p options, I compared the 2p versions of the tents to be precise.
Note: Since everything is the same between 1p and 2p tents (except the dimensions), you can use this guide even if you are looking for a 1p tent.
In summary, the Nemo Hornet and Hornet Elite are the lightest backpacking tents in Nemo’s line. If weight is the most important factor and if you’re willing to sacrifice some durability, weather protection, and roominess, Nemo Hornet Elite is 5 oz lighter and packs down 1″ smaller than the Nemo Hornet. The floor tub of Elite is slimmer and the entire tent is designed with weight as its number one priority with primarily a mesh upper and a cutaway rain fly. On the other hand, Nemo Hornet utilizes slightly more durable fabric on the tub and rainfly but still remains incredibly lightweight at 2 lbs 6 oz.
Nemo Hornet vs Elite: Main Differences
nemo hornet 2p | nemo hornet elite 2p | |
|---|---|---|
Cell |  |  |
Packed Weight | 2 lb 6 oz / 1.08 kg | 2 lb 1 oz / 935 g |
Pack Size | Ø 5.5" x 19.5 "/ Ø 14 cm x 50 cm | Ø 4.5" x 19.0 "/ Ø 14 cm x 50 cm |
Floor Dimensions | 85" x 51" (Head Side) x 43" (Feet Side) / 215 x 130/108 cm | 85" x 50" (Head Side) x 42" (Feet Side) / 216 x 128/107 cm |
Floor Area | 27.5 sq ft / 2.6 sq m | 27.3 sq ft / 2.5 sq m |
Vestibule Areas | 7.1 sq ft + 7.1 sq ft / 0.7 sq m + 0.7 sq m | 6.2 sq ft + 6.2 sq ft / 0.6 sq m + 0.6 sq m |
Canopy Fabric | 10D Nylon Ripstop/ No-See-Um Mesh | No-See-Um Mesh |
Fly Fabric | 10D Sil/PeU Nylon Ripstop (1200 mm) | 7D PeU Nylon Ripstop (1200 mm) |
Floor Fabric | 15D Sil/PeU Nylon Ripstop (1200 mm) | 10D Sil/PeU Nylon Ripstop (1200 mm) |
Footprint | Included | Not Included |
Prices |
Nemo Hornet and Hornet Elite Capacity
Dimensions & Weight
Nemo Hornet is roomier than the Hornet Elite but to be honest the difference is genuinely small.
Hornet Elite’s floor area is 0.2 sq ft smaller and it’s 2″ shorter compared to Hornet, (which is an unnoticeable difference)
Although the floor area and the height difference is almost unnoticeable, the weight and packed volume difference between the two tents is quite remarkable:
- The floor area of Nemo Hornet Elite (27.3 sq ft) is %0.8 smaller compared to Nemo Hornet (27.5 sq ft).
- Nemo Hornet Elite (37″) is %5.2 shorter compared to Nemo Hornet (39″).
BUT,
- Nemo Hornet Elite’s (2 lbs 1 oz) weight is %13.5 less than Nemo Hornet (2 lbs 6 oz).
- Packed Volume of Nemo Hornet Elite is %33.1 less than Nemo Hornet.
Construction & Design
Both tents are dome tents, almost have the same design, the two BIG difference between two tents is the color and mesh ratio. As you can see in the picture, Nemo Hornet Elite has a higher mesh ratio compared to Nemo Hornet.
nemo hornet 2p | nemo hornet elite 2p |
|---|---|
 |  |
Neither of the tents has different color options; the color of the Nemo Hornet is Birch Leaf (Greenish) and the color Nemo Hornet Elite is Elite Marigold (Yellowish).
Durabilty of Nemo Hornet and Hornet Elite
Fabric
Nemo Hornet Elite is made of less denier fabric compared to Nemo Hornet to be ultralight.
Nemo Hornet is made of materials that are more dense making it perfect in rainy and windy condition.
Both tents are made of 1200 mm fabric (metric for waterproofness) therefore they are equally waterproof. BUT since Nemo Hornet is made of more dense material and has a lower mesh ratio, it performs better in rainy and windy conditions compared to Nemo Hornet Elite.
One important thing for increasing the longevity of your tent is the footprint, Nemo Hornet Footprint doesn’t come with the tent, you need to purchase it separately.
If you want an even durable tent, take a look at the article where I review Nemo Dragonfly and Dagger.
Similarities of Nemo Hornet and Hornet Elite
Although weight, pack size, fabric and mesh ratio is different between two tents there are also quite a lot of similarities between Nemo Hornet and Hornet Elite.
Both of the tents:
- Come with a Divvy dual stuff bag which makes the tent dividable to share the load with a friend.
- Have No-See-Um Mesh at the top that turns transparent for stargazing at night.
- Have Light Pockets to use your phone’s light or headlamp as a lantern.
- Features Flybar Volumizing Pole Clips to increase the interior volume of the tent by widening the canopy mesh at the top.
CONCLUSION
There is a significant difference in weight and the pack size between Nemo Hornet vs Nemo Hornet Elite (Hornet Elite is %13.5 lighter, %33.1 smaller when packed), Hornet Elite offers this without sacrificing a lot capacity.
If the weight and pack size is your biggest priority and if you don’t mind spending a little bit more go with the Nemo Hornet Elite. If you are okay with carrying an extra 5 oz of weight and 1 inch bigger pack, choosing Nemo Hornet would be more feasible.
See the customer reviews of Nemo Hornet and Nemo Hornet Elite on Amazon.
Watch the review for Nemo Hornet 2P here:
Watch the review for Nemo Hornet Elite 2P here: