Bottom Line
The NEMO Kunai 2 is one of the most versatile 4-season tents on the market, with an impressive balance of durability, weight, and adaptability. Its lightweight design makes it an excellent choice for backpackers tackling long distances. Its sturdy construction and solid weather protection stand up to moderate snow and wind. The adaptable ventilation system also allows for year-round use, making it equally at home in summer as in winter.
Where the Kunai 2 falls short is its single door and relatively snug interior, which can feel cramped for two people with winter gear. However, the generous headroom helps make the space more livable. Given its durability, versatility, and affordable price point compared to other 4-season tents, the Kunai 2 is an excellent value for adventurers who need one tent to handle a variety of conditions. Check out our guide to the best 4-season tents for more top-performing options.
How We Tested
We tested the NEMO Kunai 2 during early winter in the Colorado mountains, testing it on multiple overnight backpacking trips. Temperatures regularly dipped into the teens, and the tent faced off against light snow and gusts up to 30 mph. We camped both in exposed alpine terrain and more sheltered forested spots, which allowed us to evaluate its weather protection and ventilation in varying conditions.
Quick Specs
NEMO Equipment Kunai 2
Best Long-term Value 4-season Tent
CleverHiker Rating: 4.7/5.0
Price: $550
Weight: 4 lb. 5 oz.
Dimensions (LxWxH): 82 X 50 X 41 in
Square Footage: 26 sf
Pros
- Excellent value
- Fully waterproof
- Versatile
- Solid weather protection
- Adaptable ventilation
- Easy to set up
Cons
- Only one door & vestibule
- A bit tight for two
- Not as strong as some other mountaineering tents
Comfort
The NEMO Kunai 2 strikes a nice balance between livability and weather protection, but it can feel a bit tight for two people, especially with winter gear. During early winter testing in Colorado, the 44-inch peak height and near-vertical walls gave our 6’ 2” gear tester enough room to sit up and stay organized, even during long storms. That said, the 82-inch floor length and single-door design made things a little cramped when sharing the tent with a partner and bulky cold-weather gear. For solo trips, though, the space is perfect—plenty of room to spread out, stay warm, and feel protected.
What separates the Kunai is its adaptable ventilation. Large mesh windows provide great airflow in mild conditions, and the solid wall panels block out drafts when the temperature drops. This keeps the tent comfortable without getting stuffy or damp, something not all winter shelters manage. Overall, while it’s a little snug for two, the Kunai 2 is an excellent option for solo adventurers or pairs looking for lightweight, durable protection.
Weight & Packed Size
The Kunai 2 is one of the lightest and most packable 4-season tents we’ve tested, making it a solid choice for weight-conscious adventurers. At just 4 lbs. 5 oz., it’s impressively light for a winter-ready shelter, especially on overnight ski tours or longer hikes. During testing in Colorado’s early winter, we appreciated how manageable it felt on steep trails in the Gore Range. Its streamlined design keeps the weight down without sacrificing the durability and weather protection needed for snow, wind, and cold.
Packability is another strong point. The Kunai’s 14 x 6-inch packed size rivals many three-season tents, fitting neatly into our packs without hogging valuable space—a big plus for gear-heavy winter adventures. We also loved the included dual-stage “divvy” sack, which made it easy to split the load between two hikers for a more balanced carry. It’s a lightweight, packable shelter that doesn’t skimp where it matters most.
Weather Resistance
The Kunai is built to handle tough weather well. Its tapered profile easily cuts through wind and sheds snow and rain, making it a reliable companion in stormy conditions. The sturdy poles lock together securely, adding to its stability. The heavy-duty 375-denier nylon fly and durable bathtub floor kept us dry even when pitched on wet, snowy ground.
We also appreciated the solid wall panels on the inner tent, which helped minimize drafts and added to the overall feeling of warmth and security. During a winter camping trip in the Wallowas, the Kunai felt like a fortress when overnight winds howled and snow piled up. This tent is designed with severe weather in mind, giving us the confidence to tackle challenging conditions without worrying about our shelter.
Ease of Setup
The Kunai is fully freestanding and impressively easy to set up, even if you’re pitching it solo. It has color-coded poles and clips, and we had no trouble getting it up quickly on the first try without instructions. The straightforward design makes it easy to assemble in low light or challenging weather, which we really appreciated during winter excursions when the weather is unpredictable and daylight is in short supply.
It’s worth taking a few extra minutes to attach the fly to the poles using the velcro straps and fully guy it out for a perfect pitch and maximum storm protection. This added effort pays off in harsh conditions, keeping the tent taut and secure in heavy wind or snow.
Durability
The NEMO Kunai 2 is durable for such a lightweight 4-season tent, making it an option for year-round adventures. The materials feel rugged and well-made, with a 30D nylon ripstop fly and floor that stand up well to rough conditions. During testing in Arapaho National Forest on a backcountry split board trip, the Kunai easily handled snow, wind, and sharp ground debris without any noticeable wear. The bathtub-style floor kept moisture out, even when pitched on wet, snowy ground, and the reinforced poles gave the tent a sturdy, reliable feel.
What’s great about the Kunai is that it doesn’t sacrifice toughness to stay lightweight. The poles hold strong under pressure, though it’s worth fully guying out the tent in heavy snow to keep everything taut. While it’s not quite as burly as heavier mountaineering tents, the Kunai works well in moderate winter weather and mixed conditions.
Versatility
There aren’t many tents on the market that work well for both winter camping and summer backpacking, so the Kunai is pretty unique. It’s not the lightest tent available for fairweather trips or the burliest for mountaineering, but it strikes a great balance of comfort, strength, and weight to work well in most conditions. Because of its reasonable weight and adaptable ventilation, the Kunai can be used throughout the year. It’s ideal for those who need stout protection in formidable climates on some trips, and those who don’t see themselves owning multiple tents for different conditions.
Should You Buy the Nemo Kunai 2?
The NEMO Kunai 2 is a great pick for adventurers who need a versatile, lightweight tent that can handle year-round conditions. It’s tough enough for winter trips with solid weather protection yet light and breathable enough for mild-weather backpacking. If you’re the kind of person who wants one tent to do it all—whether it’s snow camping, shoulder-season trips, or summer adventures—the Kunai hits a sweet spot.
That said, the Kunai isn’t for everyone. You might want a more specialized, heavier-duty tent if you’re tackling extreme mountaineering or expecting heavy snow loads and brutal winds. Also, the single-door design and compact floor make it a little tight for two people with winter gear, so it’s ideal for solo adventurers or pairs who prioritize keeping weight down.
Overall, the Kunai 2 has excellent performance and versatility for its weight, making it a solid investment for year-round explorers.
What Other Four-Season Tents Should You Consider?
If you’re considering the NEMO Kunai 2, here are a few other excellent four-season tents worth checking out. Each offers unique strengths depending on your needs. For more top-notch four-season tents, don’t miss our in-depth gear guide for expert recommendations and detailed reviews.
SlingFin CrossBow 2 Review: This tent is a standout for its weather resistance and versatility. Its innovative WebTruss design ensures rock-solid stability in high winds and heavy snow, making it perfect for harsh alpine conditions. However, it’s heavier and more expensive than the Kunai, so it’s better suited for those prioritizing durability over weight savings.
MSR Access 2 Review: A great option for backcountry skiers and winter backpackers, the Access 2 is lighter and more compact than the Kunai. It provides excellent warmth and weather protection in moderate snow and wind but isn’t as rugged for extreme conditions. Its lighter weight comes with a slightly higher price tag.
REI Co-op Arete ASL 2 Review: The Arete ASL 2 offers an impressive balance of affordability and functionality, making it a strong contender for winter camping and below-treeline adventures. While it’s not as storm-worthy as the Kunai, its spacious interior and user-friendly design make it an excellent value for less extreme conditions.
More Photos
The NEMO’s bright YELLOW rainfly provides excellent protection in winter conditions. – Photo Credit: Ben Dawson (Cleverhiker.com)
The rear kickstand vent helps with ventilation during harsh conditions. – Photo Credit: Ben Dawson (Cleverhiker.com)
Like most two-person 4-season tents, the Kunai is a tight fit for two people and is more suited for a single camper. – Photo Credit: Ben Dawson (Cleverhiker.com)
Thoughtful details like internal storage pockets keep essentials handy inside the Nemo Kunai 2. – Photo Credit: Ben Dawson (Cleverhiker.com)
The Nemo Kunai 2’s guyline system—small but mighty. Keeps the tent secure even in high winds. – Photo Credit: Ben Dawson (Cleverhiker.com)
Prepping the Nemo Kunai 2 campsite for a day in the snow—because winter camping is all about efficiency! – Photo Credit: Ben Dawson (Cleverhiker.com)
