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National Parks Attendance Is Higher Than Ever—Here's What to Pack for Your Next Visit

National Parks Attendance Is Higher Than Ever—Here's What to Pack for Your Next Visit

If you plan on visiting one of America's national parks this year, you're not alone. According to the National Park Service, 2025 is on track to set new record highs for park attendance, with Yellowstone National Park seeing over 560,000 park guests this past May alone. As someone who has explored more than 50 national park sites, from the sun-baked chasms of Grand Canyon National Park to the misty peaks of Olympic National Park, I've learned which items are true non-negotiable essentials for casual visits.
For treks through the sticky heat of the Everglades, the wind-blasted ridges of Badlands, and the alpine expanses of Denali, the right gear makes all the difference. And the good news is, you don't have to blow your budget on expensive gadgets to stay cool, comfortable, and safe at the parks. Keep scrolling to see my 15 must-have essentials for visiting nearly any site in the epic National Park Service network, including foldable hiking packs, blister-preventing wool socks, and waterproof first aid kits, starting at $10.
A quality daypack that can hold everything is a must, and I love this ultra-light Eddie Bauer Stowaway backpack for the job. This packable backpack unfolds from its own pocket in seconds, so you can easily stow it in a larger heavy-duty pack for daily use on longer adventures, too. Weighing in at just 0.6 lb, this pack has a ripstop polyester build that avoids snags and protects your gear without weighing you down. Extended shoulder straps and a hip belt add surprising comfort for longer hikes, and the StormRepel water-resistant finish holds up to showers so your gear stays dry. With a roomy 20-liter capacity for layers and snacks, it's my standby for easy days at any national park site.
These rugged low-top Nortiv 8 hiking shoes pair a synthetic leather upper with a waterproof membrane to keep your feet dry on wet trails. A breathable mesh lining helps reduce sweat during warm hikes, while a rubber toe cap and reinforced heel add protection and stability on uneven ground. The lightweight design doesn't sacrifice durability, and the flexible, removable insole keeps my feet comfortable even on longer walks. Finished with a non-slip outsole for solid traction across dirt paths or rocky overlooks, they're a practical choice for exploring national park sites between serious journeys that require clunkier boots.
These polarized sunglasses cut harsh glare while enhancing vibrant, crisp colors, so the park views look as good in real life as they do on postcards. The UV400 lenses block every ray the sun throws at you, while lightweight TR90 frames and flexible hinges mean no pinching or slipping, even on sweaty uphill treks. I drop my pair constantly, and if the scratch-resistant lenses can survive my carelessness, they can definitely handle yours. And at the low price point of $34, you can afford not to be worried about your shades, anyway.
This lightweight long-sleeve top packs UPF 50 sun protection ala Columbia's Omni-Shade fabric, so your skin is covered even on trails that offer zero shade. Omni-Wick technology pulls sweat off your skin fast, keeping you dry from hot climbs to sunny boardwalks. The breathable blend doesn't cling, and the classic fit layers easily over tees or under jackets when temps drop. Reinforced stitching means it's tough enough for repeated park visits, making it an easy pick when you want sun protection and comfort without extra bulk. And while it may be designed for fishing, reviewers agree that it's great for hiking, too.
Staying hydrated while exploring the parks is easy with this insulated Owala FreeSip bottle that keeps water icy cold, even on exposed ridgelines. The FreeSip spout makes it simple to switch from quick sips to big gulps (I've never had to slow down my pace to drink from it). A locking lid prevents leaks in your pack, and the carry loop is perfect for hauling it between lookouts. The wide mouth handles ice without fuss, and cleaning is painless thanks to the dishwasher-safe lid, making this a reliable companion for any trail adventure.
Keeping your feet happy on the trail is easy with these wool-blend hiking socks that breathe well and stay comfortable mile after mile. Light cushioning softens every step without adding bulk, so I never worry about blisters, even on rocky switchbacks. The crew height shields ankles from boot rub, while the snug fit prevents slipping or bunching. They wick moisture fast to keep feet dry, and durable knit zones last up to seasons of use despite their affordable cost. One reviewer calls them 'the best wool blend socks around,' adding that they're the only socks they wear now, no matter the weather or time of year.
Even in the summer, mornings and evenings in the desert or mountains can be quite chilly—or sometimes, downright cold. Staying warm on the trails without sacrificing too much space is easy with a packable puffer on hand. The ultra-light insulation of this Outdoor Ventures puffer creates a cozy layer that keeps out the chill on cold trailheads. When you're done wearing it, simply fold it neatly back into its own pocket for out-of-the-way stashing. Stylish enough for town but substantial enough for basecamp, this jacket is my go-to layer for outdoor fun.
Shielding your face and neck from the sun is easy with this waterproof, baseball‑style sun cap that's built for all-day comfort. As the brim shades your eyes, the extended flap protects your neck from UV rays; come sunset, it can be comfortably folded up into the cap. One reviewer says it's even lighter than a traditional baseball cap, and the breathability eliminates that head-sauna feeling even in heat. Roomy enough for wider heads, the adjustable strap keeps it comfy no matter your size and secure no matter the wind level. The quick-dry fabric handles morning dew or light rain with no fuss, too.
A scraped knee or hot-spot blister won't ruin your day if you've got a proper first-aid kit on deck. I usually bring this Hart Outdoor First Aid Kit with me while visiting national parks, but this similar option by Rhino Rescue has many of the same supplies inside. This featherweight kit tucks 114 essentials into a slim, clippable pouch. The Moleskine patches can help prevent blisters before they start, and the waterproof exterior prevents gauze, bandages, and cotton swabs from getting soaked on rainy days. With burn gel, a disposable tourniquet, and an emergency blanket ready to go, it's surprisingly thorough, and the sturdy zip case slips unnoticed onto or into any pack.
Even if you plan on making it back to your car or campsite before sundown, it's important to keep a light source on hand. Continuing onward in low light is easy with this twin-pack of Energizer headlamps, on sale for 47 percent off. These headlamps pack 260 lumens into a compact water-resistant shell, illuminating the trail ahead of you. The dimming dial and three beam modes—wide, spot, and red—let you dial in the perfect amount of light, while the 35-hour battery life will keep you going long into the night.
Every second counts in an emergency, and this piercing 120-decibel whistle can help ensure your call for help won't go unheard. Three sound chambers produce a powerful, attention-grabbing whistle that blasts in multiple directions and can reach rescuers even over heavy wind or rushing water. Available in multiple vibrant colors, this small, waterproof whistle visually stands out while clipped to your hiking bag or keys, keeping you safe and prepared for every hike, paddle, or alpine scramble.
Juice up your phone with an extra charge or two on the trail thanks to this rugged, compact power bank that delivers 9600 mAh of power. It's rated IP67 for full dust and waterproof protection and comes with a built-in, 50‑lumen flashlight. Weighing in at just over 10 ounces and compact enough to slip into a jacket pocket, this nifty power bank has three ports that allow you to top off multiple devices at once.
For unexpected rain, camp showers, or dips in the lake, this Rainleaf towel gets you dry again quickly. At 48 inches long, it's big enough for head-to-toe drying, but is made with a microfiber material that rolls up into a small, packable pouch. It soaks up nearly five times its weight and dries out quickly, so you won't have any smelly, moldy fabrics hanging out in your bag. I love how the suede-like material feels on my skin, and it doubles just as well as a beach towel or small picnic blanket, too.
Keeping your hands warm without adding bulk is easy with these slim, stretchy New Balance gloves. Lined with soft fleece, these gloves have a silicone grip pattern that helps you to hold your gear and gadgets securely, and touchscreen-ready thumbs and index fingers let you check park maps or snap photos without exposing skin. Easily stuffed in your pocket once the sun climbs, these gloves combine warmth, dexterity, and packability for crisp mornings spent exploring the parks.
This mini multitool keeps me ready for the small surprises a park day can throw my way. The butterfly-open design gives quick access to tweezers for bee stings or wooden splinters, and sharp scissors for clipping trail tape or loose threads—all while staying impressively lightweight. Compact and durable, it's a simple way to stay prepared for resolving small snags and enhance your first-aid gear without adding bulk to your bag.
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I Lived in Portland, Maine, for 8 Years—Here's My Insider's Guide to the City
I Lived in Portland, Maine, for 8 Years—Here's My Insider's Guide to the City

Travel + Leisure

time42 minutes ago

  • Travel + Leisure

I Lived in Portland, Maine, for 8 Years—Here's My Insider's Guide to the City

Book a stay at The Docent's Collection and cook with some of Maine's locally sourced produce and seafood. Catch a Sea Dogs game at Hadlock Field. Head to Eventide for the can't-miss brown butter lobster roll and a round of oysters. Carve out some time to browse Washington Avenue for everything from ferment-forward pantry staples to vintage cookbooks. Stroll on the Eastern Promenade to work up an appetite and take in views of Casco Bay. I first started visiting Portland regularly a little over 10 years ago, taking the quick trip north from Boston every spare weekend I could. Well regarded as a culinary hot spot that's soaked in seaside charm, the easily walkable city is the perfect place to spend a long weekend—or more. From the cobblestone streets of the Old Port to beloved local haunts on Washington Avenue and the West End, it's easy to feel at home here instantly, while still sometimes experiencing it like a tourist. Guest room inside The Blind Tiger hotel. Longfellow Hotel is not only situated in the heart of one of Portland's best neighborhoods, the West End, but it's also relatively large by the city's standards. If you need another reason to book, though, the property is just a stone's throw from Tandem Coffee + Bakery, putting you at a distinct advantage to be first in line for one of their legendary breakfast sandwiches. The 48-room boutique hotel has a focus on wellness, housing an on-site spa with private infrared saunas and guest rooms designed for a great night's rest. The Francis is a small boutique property from the same team behind the Longfellow Hotel, Uncommon Hospitality. It's housed in a building from 1881, and each of the 15 rooms has its own unique charm. Like all historic properties, it has some quirks. While the free parking and included breakfast are big perks, one of the hotel's best features is that it shares a building with Wayside Tavern, a top restaurant in the city. Finn Naylor, marketing director at Rosemont Market & Bakery, says, 'Wayside Tavern is at the top of my list. Their food is always seasonal and thoughtful, the wine list is excellent, and the vibe is unfussy in the best way.' If you've ever wanted to try living in one of downtown Portland's best neighborhoods, the Old Port, this is the place to do it. The Docent's Collection offers a handful of loft-style apartments, complete with kitchens. Jordan Nugent, director of travel and events with Experience Maine, says, 'I love The Docent's Collection because it feels more like apartments, each with its own kitchen and living area, located in the heart of the Old Port. It's great for larger groups traveling together or longer stays.' Blind Tiger is made up of two historic buildings in Portland's West End. When traveling throughout New England, I always go out of my way to see if there's a Lark Hotels property nearby. No two rooms are ever identical and each location is engrained in its individual neighborhood, with Blind Tiger being no different. The property offers a complimentary light breakfast, and free parking and ample (and comfortable) public space on the first floor make it easy to linger between jaunts to one of the many amazing restaurants and bakeries in the neighborhood. The Press Hotel is in downtown Portland, operating in the historic headquarters of the Portland Press Herald . The 110-room property, operated by Marriott, has a boutique feel and welcome amenities such as valet parking and room service. Don't skip out on breakfast at Union, where you'll contemplate where blueberry breakfast sausage has been all your life. Boats docked in Portland's harbor. Ivey Redding/Travel + Leisure Take a quick drive over to Cape Elizabeth and stroll through Fort Williams Park. 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Stop by Rosemont beforehand for a chilled bottle of rosé, a fresh baguette, and some charcuterie, then hop on the ferry and let the sea do the rest.' If you find yourself in Portland during baseball season, don't miss the opportunity to catch a Sea Dogs game. Hadlock Field is a quick drive from downtown, and the energy here is unparalleled. Nothing feels quite like summer in Maine than watching a game on a sun-drenched afternoon with a Sea Dogs Biscuit ice cream sandwich in hand. There's nothing like packing up a cooler full of snacks and spending a couple of hours by the shore. Stop by Mr. Tuna for a bento box, Ramona's for a hoagie, or Rosemont Market & Bakery to build your own snack platter before heading to Willard Beach in South Portland, Crescent Beach in South Portland, and local's favorite Ferry Beach in Scarborough. Naylor says, 'I'm a big believer in the beach being a year-round activity. 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Delta's struggles with the airport lounge and the angst of the upper middle class in the age of ‘elite overproduction,' explained
Delta's struggles with the airport lounge and the angst of the upper middle class in the age of ‘elite overproduction,' explained

Yahoo

timean hour ago

  • Yahoo

Delta's struggles with the airport lounge and the angst of the upper middle class in the age of ‘elite overproduction,' explained

Delta Air Lines is having a good 2025, reporting strong second-quarter earnings and reinstating its April profit guidance, leading to a substantial stock bump (up roughly 16% from June to July). True, its guidance is down from its January projections, but it's weathering the storm of the tricky global economy well, maintaining its status as America's leading premium airline. As Fortune's Shawn Tully reported in March 2025, it has somehow managed the trick of being America's most profitable airline, while giving billions back to employees in the form of profit sharing. At the start of the year, CEO Ed Bastian kicked off a celebration of Delta's centenary by announcing 'a new era in premium travel' with the opening of Delta One lounges, a step above its usual Sky Clubs. The Delta One locations will offer 'amenities for the premium traveler' ranging from fine dining to spa-like wellness treatments and valet services. Bastian clarified that Delta will continue to invest in its Delta Sky Clubs, with more openings planned to come. But there is more to the story for Delta, America's leading premier airline. The Sky Clubs are coming off years of turbulence, with significant customer backlash following several of Delta's attempts to improve a lounge experience that has become overcrowded. These problems date back several years, to the beginning of the 'revenge travel' boom that accompanied post-pandemic reopening. Bastian told Fortune in 2022 that even he was shocked by the level of demand: 'People talk about revenge travel, or pent-up travel—this is beyond anything that people can classify as truly pent-up,' he said, adding that his team calculated a whopping $300 billion burst of travel thirst. 'That gap is $300 billion—with a B,' Bastian emphasized. America's leading premium airline has long offered a standard lounge experience through its Sky Clubs, with free wi-fi, buffets of cold snacks and heated steam trays, and a range of complimentary drinks. The Sky Clubs were no match for the burst of revenge travelers. Bastian's efforts to fix these problems in 2023—barring Basic Economy passengers and capping the number of visits allowed for credit card holders—sparked backlash on customers' part and soul-searching for Bastian. 'We are victims of our own success,' he told Fast Company's Stephanie Mehta in 2024, as he explained changes to benefits including access to Sky Club lounges. 'It's hard to tell someone who's been at a certain status for many years that what they've earned is no longer as valuable.' That's why the declining pleasure of the airport lounge resonates for a deeper reason: it's a metaphor for the declining prospects of the upper middle class in an age of 'elite overproduction,' which argues that certain societies grow so rich and successful that they produce too many people of premium education for the number of premium jobs—or premium experiences—that the economy can actually support. The elites have been so overproduced that you can literally see them—in lines stretching out of airport lounges. The elite lounge overproduction theory Several factors make Delta's overcrowding issue particularly severe, and they have to do with how Delta is really trying—and, as Bastian says, succeeding—in offering a premium service to a large, affluent customer base. Delta offers more comprehensive food and beverage options than many competitors, so travelers linger longer, compounding capacity issues. Indeed, when reached for comment, Delta confirmed that its SkyMiles program has seen 'unprecedented engagement,' and its member satisfaction is higher than ever. Delta said it's committed to continuous investment to further please customers, which includes 'modernizing and expanding our lounges.' Generous lounge access deals with American Express (including non-Delta-branded Platinum Card holders) have greatly expanded eligibility, overwhelming facilities. As more travelers achieve status or purchase high-tier tickets, both due to credit card spending and business travel rebounds, demand for lounge space has increased beyond what legacy facilities can handle. Delta isn't alone in its lounge struggles, as shown by its partner, American Express, which has tried to physically expand many of its Centurion Lounges. Those have gone from the epitome of exclusivity and comfort to another kind of crowded waiting room—albeit with arguably better snacks and Wi-Fi. The root of the problem is the same: too many people now have access. The proliferation of premium credit cards, airline status programs, and paid day passes has democratized lounge entry, eroding the exclusivity that made these spaces desirable in the first place. It is unclear if Delta expanded too far, too fast, or if it was surprised by the number of lounge lovers in its clientele. UBS Global Wealth Management has noted a surprising trend in the upper middle class: the rise of the 'everyday millionaire,' or people whose assets fall between $1 million and $5 million. These are exactly the kind of people who would see themselves as lounge-worthy, and likely frustrated to find their small-M millionaire status doesn't go so far. The consequences for travelers are palpable. Social media and travel forums are rife with stories of travelers paying hundreds of dollars in annual fees only to find long lines clogging, say, New York's JFK terminals on a daily basis. The proof is abundant on TikTok. On the other hand, expectations are heightened. Travel research firm Airport Dimensions has conducted an 'airport experience report' for over a decade and found in 2024 that airport lounges are a contradiction: the definitive democratic travel luxury. This widespread expectation—and dissatisfaction—is not just a matter of comfort. For many, the lounge was a symbol of having 'made it'—a reward for loyalty, status, or financial success. Its decline has become a source of frustration and even embarrassment, especially for those who remember a more exclusive era. There's an emotional trigger behind an unpleasant lounge experience. The theory behind the malaise: elite overproduction The overcrowding of airport lounges is more than a logistical headache—it's a microcosm of a broader societal phenomenon. University of Connecticut professor emeritus Peter Turchin has developed a controversial theory of 'elite overproduction' which posits that frustration and even instability result when a society produces more people aspiring to elite status than there are elite positions. It's an unorthodox theory from an unorthodox academic: Turchin is an emeritus professor at UConn, research associate at the University of Oxford and project leader at the Complexity Science Hub-Vienna, leading research in a field of his own invention: Cliodynamics, a type of historical social science. The catch with Turchin's theory is that his own type of complexity science takes on a pseudo-prophetic quality, similar in some ways to William Strauss and Neil Howe's 'Fourth Turning.' And Turchin has foreseen that the United States has reached a stage repeated in civilizations throughout history, when it has produced too many products of elite education and social status for the realistic number of jobs it can generate. Decline and fall follows, Roman Empire-style. The Atlantic profiled Turchin in 2020, warning 'the next decade could be even worse.' Several writers have expanded on his ideas since then, approaching it from their distinctive and different sensibilities. Ritholtz Wealth Management COO Nick Maggiulli posted to his 'Of Dollars and Data' blog on the subject of airport lounges specifically, writing that the 'death of the Amex lounge' simply shows that 'the upper middle class isn't special anymore,' although he did not specifically link this to the concept of elite overproduction. 'There are too many people with lots of money,' he concluded. In the context of airport lounges, the 'elite' are not just the ultra-wealthy, but the vast upper middle class—armed with a combination of higher degrees, status, and premium credit cards—now jostling for the same perks. But what if much of society has been turning into some version of an overcrowded airport lounge? In an interview with Fortune Intelligence, Turchin said this theory makes sense and fits with his thesis when presented with the similarities. 'The benefits that you get with wealth are now being diluted because there are just too many wealth holders,' he said, citing data that the top 10% of American society has gotten much wealthier over the past 40 years. (Turchin sources this statement to this working paper from Edward Wolff.) Turchin said lounges are not by definition restricted from expansion in the same way that political offices are, with a core element of his thesis being there are too many sociopolitical elites for the number of positions open to them, but 'it's the same thing' in light of the difficulties many providers have in expanding lounge access. 'There is a limited amount of space, but many more elites now, so to speak … low-rank elites.' Turchin said these low-rank elites, or 'ten-percenters,' don't have the status typically associated with elite status. 'The overproduction of lower-ranking elites results in decreased benefits for all.' When asked where else he sees this manifesting in modern life, Turchin said 'it's actually everywhere you look. Look at the overproduction of university degrees,' he added, arguing that declining rates of college enrollment and high rates of recent graduate unemployment support the decreasing value of a college diploma. 'There is overproduction of university degrees and the value of university degree actually declines. And so the it's the same thing [with] the lounge.' Noah Smith argues that elite overproduction manifests as a kind of status anxiety and malaise among the upper middle class. Many find themselves struggling to afford or access the very symbols of success they were promised—be it a prestigious job, a home in a desirable neighborhood, or, indeed, a peaceful airport lounge. He collects reams of employment data to show that Turchin's theory has significant statistical support from the 21st century American economy. Freddie DeBoer largely agrees, framing the issue as 'why so many elites feel like losers.' He focuses more on the creator economy than Smith, but asserts that he sees 'think many would agree with me about 'a pervasive sense of discontent among people who have elite aspirations and who feel that their years toiling in our meritocratic systems entitles them to fulfill those aspirations.' Delta's plan to restore status In its lounge strategy, Delta is trying to walk a fine line: Offering a premium service to a class of consumers that is becoming more and more mass-market. CEO Ed Bastian acknowledged as much on the company's latest earnings call. While touting the fortunes of Delta's target customers, households making $100,000 or more a year, Bastian noted the income cutoff 'is not, by the way, an elite definition—that's 40% of all U.S. households.' Beginning February 2025, Delta implemented new caps on annual lounge visits for American Express cardholders, setting a maximum of 15 visits per year and requiring exceptionally high annual spending ($75,000+) to re-unlock unlimited access. Basic Economy passengers, meanwhile, are permanently excluded from lounge access, further tightening entry. Travelers can only enter lounges within three hours of their flight's departure time, discouraging extended stays and unnecessary early arrivals. Delta is opening and upgrading lounges in key markets: New Delta One Lounges in Seattle, New York-JFK, Boston, and Los Angeles feature larger spaces, exclusive amenities, and new design concepts for premium passengers. Major expansions are under way in hubs like Atlanta, Orlando, Salt Lake City, and Philadelphia, with multiple new or enlarged clubs opening between spring and late 2025—some over 30,000 square feet in size, making them among the largest in the network. Renovations to existing lounges (e.g., Atlanta's Concourses A and C) are aimed at maximizing capacity and improving guest experiences. Delta is also exploring emergency overflow options and flexible staffing to address unpredictable surges, especially during weather and operational delays. Delta executives are optimistic. They predict that by 2026, most crowding issues—aside from extreme disruptions—will be resolved on 'almost all days.' Continued investments in larger, better-designed lounges, coupled with tighter access controls, are expected to restore the premium experience customers expect. However, critics note that crowding still occurs at peak times, especially in flagship locations, and design/layout flaws occasionally undermine even the newest clubs. The success of Delta's fix-it agenda is being closely watched by both rivals and loyal travelers. But Delta may be overmatched in rehabilitating the overcrowded airport lounge as a potent symbol of this broader malaise. What was once a marker of distinction is now a crowded, noisy, and often disappointing experience. The democratization of luxury, while laudable in some respects, has left many feeling that the rewards of success are increasingly out of reach—or at least, not what they used to be. As airlines grapple with how to restore the magic of the lounge, they are also confronting a deeper truth: in an age of elite overproduction, the promise of exclusivity is harder than ever to keep. For this story, Fortune used generative AI to help with an initial draft. An editor verified the accuracy of the information before publishing. This story was originally featured on Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data

Nemo's Updated Dagger Osmo Tent Has Nicer Fabric and Better Design Details
Nemo's Updated Dagger Osmo Tent Has Nicer Fabric and Better Design Details

WIRED

timean hour ago

  • WIRED

Nemo's Updated Dagger Osmo Tent Has Nicer Fabric and Better Design Details

If you look at the photos, you'll notice that the rainfly arcs up at each end of the tent. This saves a bit on weight and improves ventilation, but it was one area that worried me when I reviewed the 3-person version years ago. Thankfully this has never been an issue, the bathtub floor (which is what is exposed below the fly) has proved plenty waterproof in my use. Speaking of bathtub floors, there is a clip-in vestibule floor that's also a bathtub shape. Nemo calls this the Landing Zone. It's a little extra triangle of fabric that covers about half the vestibule and protects any gear you've stored there from back-splash and any water that might come under the fly. There are stays in the rainfly to help it maintain its bathtub shape. The Landing Zone weighs next to nothing (1.7 ounces) and makes the vestibule much more usable, keeping your gear dry even if the ground gets wet. It's a nice feature I've come to appreciate on rainy days. Photograph: Scott Gilbertson What I really like about Nemo's tents over other options, like the Copper Spur tents, is the attention to detail. The Landing Zone, the ceiling headlamp pocket (which turn your headlight into a lantern, complete with reddish light), the quick clip fly attachment, the fact that the near vertical sidewalls mean the doors can use a straight zipper (which you can open with one hand), the nice hooks that allow you to roll the vestibule and inner doors out of the way … all adds up to a living experience that trumps most other tents I've tested. There are a couple of trade-offs here. The big one is weight. This is not the tent for ultralight backpackers, thru-hikers, or anyone looking for a very low-weight, minimalist structure. If that's you, look to tarps and non-freestanding tents like the Lunar Solo. Again, though, split between two people, I think a 4-pound tent like the Dagger is perfectly acceptable. The other trade-off: The Nemo is toward the high end of the price spectrum. In my experience, the combination of high quality materials, durability, and attention to detail make the Dagger Osmo 2P worth the investment.

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