About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the tent, which I purchased with my own money in July of 2022.

My take

The Nemo Aurora Tent w/Footprint is a budget-friendly tent that can be taken out for both a car camping and backpacking trip. It’s an incredibly spacious tent with an easy setup built from quality materials.

About the tent I own

• Product Model: 2022 Nemo Aurora Tent w/Footprint
• Size: Two Person

About me

• Height: 6’1’’/184 cm
• Weight: 200 lbs/90 kg
• Experience: 16 years of camping/backpacking and founder of Tahoe Adventurers, a non-profit that brings people outdoors

Test conditions

• When I bought the tent: July 2022
• Days used: Six days
• Number of occupants: 1–2
• Pack: 2015 Osprey Aether 70
• Sleeping pad: 2022 Nemo Quasar Regular Wide Insulated
• Sleeping bag: 2022 Nemo Disco 15F Regular
• Total pack weight: 50lbs
• Used for: Car camping, tent camping, backpacking
• Where I’ve used it: Mt. Rose Wilderness, Chickadee Ridge, Toiyabe National Forest, Nevada; Desolation Wilderness, Lake Aloha, California
• Seasons I’ve used it in: Summer, fall

How it performs

What I was looking for

Since I started my non-profit, I’ve been looking for tents that are spacious, provide comfort, and are easy to set up for my members. I also was looking at budget-friendly options that don’t sacrifice quality.

Why I chose this gear

The Nemo Aurora is the perfect balance between price, quality, and abundant space. I wanted to find a tent that was versatile and provided everything that the higher-end tents would offer. I considered the Nemo Aurora alongside several other tents from Big Agnes, MSR, and Black Diamond, as well as the Nemo Hornet, which is the next step up in the Nemo line of tents. I ultimately chose the Aurora because of its versatility, the price point it provides, and the quality Nemo is known for. Lastly, I get a lifetime warranty from Nemo, which ensures me that no matter what happens, Nemo will be there to help.

What I love about it

• Ease of setup: The first time I set up the Aurora, I had no previous knowledge on how this tent was set up. But as soon I took all the pieces out, it came together in a matter of 7–8 mins. It was incredibly easy and intuitive.
• Breakdown speed: Breaking down the tent was quite easy and would take around 4–5 minutes. Nemo includes three bags for stakes, poles, and fabric.
• Performance in wind: The Aurora performed great with winds of 20mph in the Sierras. As long as the tent is set with the wind, there shouldn’t be any problems if it’s well staked to the ground.
• Performance in heat: Having the rain-fly helps tremendously to have more breathability. However, in case the rain-fly is left on at the end of the night, it has ventilation windows that can be open or closed depending on the situation
• Performance in wooded areas with lots of trees: The Aurora does incredibly well in the forested environment of the Sierras, and provides protection from any mosquitos.
• Performance when camping with a partner or group: Incredibly comfortable and spacious for two people and a pet. The Aurora excels in this; it is an incredible tent that I don’t feel cramped up in.
• Special features: Nemo provides a footprint with the Nemo Aurora. Normally in other tents from Nemo it’s sold separately and can cost an additional $49.95.
• Stability: Once I stake my tent down, I don’t have to worry about it flying away. Despite the wind being between 20–25mph, the structure holds with no issues.
• Durability: The durability of the Nemo Aurora is great thanks to its added footprint, the 68D polyester floor and fly, and I use a bathtub floor to keep it high off the ground.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Weight: It’s not the lightest tent for two people. At 5lbs 7oz, it’s on the heavier side. However, when considering the space it provides, comfort, and functions, it’s understandable; though I wish they reduced the weight by at least one pound.
• Other: The rain-fly tension felt like it could be compressed more as it tends to sag a bit. I’m hoping Nemo makes the next Aurora with the new OSMO fabric.

Favorite moment with this tent

The space and comfort that the Aurora provides left me amazed by the price. I’m a fairly big man at 6’1”, and having big doors and headroom inside the tent is something I really appreciate. It makes camping trips quite enjoyable, especially if I need to get up in the middle of the night.

Value for the money vs. other options

In terms of money, I believe the Aurora is an amazing option that provides several high-quality features at a budget-friendly price. Other options I would consider are The North Face Homestead and the MSR Elixir, which come close in terms of quality, durability, function, and weight.

Final verdict

I was happily surprised by the Aurora tent from Nemo because of its low price, comfort, spacious interior, and headroom. It was easy to set up in a few minutes and the breakdown was just as fast. The quality of the fabric used by Nemo is fantastic and knowing it has a lifetime warranty takes a big burden off my shoulders. It is great for anyone looking at entry-level tents that will help them get outdoors at a low cost. I loved this tent so much that I ended up purchasing four Nemo Auroras for my non-profit, Tahoe Adventurers.