The "tent" is not a new innovation. Originally used as portable homes for nomads, we now identify the tent as a recreational shelter. But through the ages the concept has remained the same: a pack-able shelter that consists of fabric or other material draped over a configuration of poles; usually tied down using a guy wire. So why is it that every year we hear about the latest and greatest tent innovations? We are talking about over 10,000 years of innovation here. What could be so significant that we write about it every season? Well, the innovative nomads at Nemo Equipment may have made marked improvement on this centuries old device with their Losi LS 2P Tent and Valhalla Pure Outfitters had a hand in keeping specs in the tent exclusively for them in Canada. With the fabric and product design history that is embedded in the culture of VPO, they know great features when they see them. To offer the ultimate light backpacking tent at a competitive price, VPO kept features like the Jake Feet lighter (but still strong) fabrics and the 15% lighter Dac-Lite poles. We took this ultralight backpacking tent out not on a hiking trip to test but on a paddling trip. As with hiking, weight and space are essential pieces to the gear puzzle when preparing. Space is limited and one can only carry so much weight. With things like cooking equipment, food, fishing gear and a healthy beer supply, we had no room for a bulky, heavy tent. I know what you are thinking: There are plenty of light weight tents out there to choose from. And you are correct. But when it comes to choosing the tent among all the other top end brands, we believed that the Losi LS 2P stood out. We knew we would be headed to an area with uneven terrain and we would be next to the water. This meant that when it came to decision criteria, we wanted something that was simple and fast to set up and also could withstand wind and varying weather. Another consideration was strength. We would likely be on rock so durability was essential.
Once we had the Nemo Losi backpacking tent in hand we packed our gear and headed out. This was not some major expedition. Instead it was a paddle trip on a local mountain lake above the Central Okanagan. The views were abundant and other humans were not. We had plenty of birds and fish though (and mosquitoes!).
After paddling for a while and chasing fish we found the perfect spot on a small island far from where we parked. As we expected, the island was quite rocky. We found a spot to set up and got to it. The first thing you notice with the Nemo Losi LS 2P is the way it is packed in it's stuff sack. The innovation starts before you even open up the bag! Everything is rolled up in one little bag with space for the tent itself, the poles and the stakes. All of the parts roll up nice and tight perfect for packing. 
So we unrolled the tent and started set up. One of the features that immediately stands out are the Jake Feet. The Jake Feet act like a shoulder joint. There is a ball on the end of each pole that fits into a joint fitting allowing for a super stable set up on uneven terrain. It also gives movement and forgiveness when the wind starts to howl. The breeze blew a bit that night and you don't hear any of the usual rattling or flapping you would from a tent. VPO is a big fan of the Jake Feet feature and are pleased it was included in this particular model.
The next thing you will notice when setting up is the shape and design of the pole structures. The main poles are one-piece. Once extended they form an 'X' formation that clips in simply and efficiently into the Jake Feet. The secondary set of cross poles pull the sides up giving rigid formation that really stands firm in a blow. It also creates more head room and a more comfortable space. They connect easily to the main section and pull the structure tight. These secondary poles are pre-shaped taking stress of the poles that would normally be there otherwise.
The inside is very roomy. At 32 sq ft it accommodated my lanky 6'3” frame. My travel partner is just shy of 6' so with the two of us in there and our small amount of gear we were snug but comfy. Once you pull the fly over the structure, it clips in seamlessly into the Jake Feet and offers another 10 sq ft of storage space on each side. The integrated guy wires wrap around the included stakes making a nice, tight vestibule on each side. Zip up the doors on each side and badda bing badda boom, you are set for a good night's sleep.
Lightweight – a spec we hear all the time in the backcountry gear world. Strength-to-weight is really what we should be looking at. If you go too light and not strong enough then you have problems. Alternatively, if you are too durable or heavy then no one wants to pack it! On this version of the Losi LS 2P instead of the standard 20D fly, it has 15D. And for the floor they chose 40D rather than 68D. The poles are stronger and 15% lighter as well. Again, strength-to-weight is the key. These specs find the sweet spot in my opinion because what you get is an incredibly rugged tent that is light and stable in windy conditions and easy to set up with just one person.
Light fabrics, lighter and stronger poles and the inclusions of the Jake's Feet make the Nemo Equipment Losi LS 2P the best all-purpose, one-quiver shelter available today. Next adventures include more overnight paddles, a bikepacking trip and hopefully some early season ski touring. We can't wait to take it and test it some more!
Losi LS 2P Specifications
- Capacity: 2P
- Minimum Weight: 4 lb 4 oz / 1.9 kg
- On the Fly Weight: 3lbs 5.5 oz / 1.5 kg
- Packaged Weight: 5 lbs, 1 oz / 2.3 kg
- Floor Dimensions: 86 x 55 in / 217 x 140 cm
- Floor Area: 33 sq ft / 3.0 sq m
- Vestibule Area: 22 sq ft / 2.0 sq m
- Interior Height: 45 in / 114 cm
- Number of Doors: 2
- Frame Description: 3 DAC 8.5 / 9.0 mm Featherlite NSL
- Packed Size: 22 x 6 in dia / 56 x 15 cm dia
- Shell Fabric: N/A
- Vestibule Fabric: 15D Sil / PU Nylon Ripstop (1200mm)
- Fly Fabric: 15D Sil / PU Nylon Ripstop (1200mm)
- Canopy Fabric: 15D Nylon Ripstop / No see um mesh
- Floor Fabric: 40D PU Nylon Ripstop (1500mm)
Need a little more room?
The Losi is also available in a 3 person. The Nemo Equipment Losi LS 3P sports all the same industry leading features outlined in the story above with just a little more room. Going from 32 sq ft to 49 sq ft can make a huge difference. And the change is weight is negligible. It goes up a few ounces in weight and a couple inches in packed size.
Nemo Equipment Losi LS 3P Specs:
- Capacity: 3P
- Minimum Weight: 4 lb 15 oz / 2.2 kg
- On the Fly Weight: 4 lbs 1 oz / 1.8 kg
- Packaged Weight: 5 lbs, 13 oz / 2.6 kg
- Floor Dimensions: 90 x 78 in / 227 x 197 cm
- Floor Area: 49 sq ft / 4.5 sq m
- Vestibule Area: 24 sq ft / 2.2 sq m
- Interior Height: 48 in / 122 cm
- Number of Doors: 2
- Frame Description: 3 DAC 9.0 / 9.5 mm Featherlite NSL
- Packed Size: 23x7 in dia / 58x18 cm dia
- Vestibule Fabric: 15D Sil / PU Nylon Ripstop (1200mm)
- Fly Fabric: 15D Sil / PU Nylon Ripstop (1200mm)
- Canopy Fabric: 15D Nylon Ripstop / No see um mesh
- Floor Fabric: 40D PU Nylon Ripstop (1500mm)
