April 3, 2025 Nemo debuts first Bluesign product backpacking tent

Nemo Equipment has released the first backpacking tent to earn the Bluesign product designation, setting a new benchmark for clean material innovation in the outdoor industry. The Dagger Osmo tent blends performance with PFAS-free, recycled materials and is a standout example of what’s possible in responsible gear design.

Dagger Osmo, one of Nemo Equipment’s top-selling backpacking tents, has become the first in its category to earn the Bluesign product label. Known for its innovative gear designs, Nemo has now taken a leap forward in material responsibility by using 100 percent recycled, PFAS- and flame-retardant-free fabrics and clean chemistry practices across its tent manufacturing process.

The Dagger Osmo tent’s upgraded design includes more interior space without additional weight, achieved through custom hardware and precise material construction. As one of the most demanding gear categories in terms of durability and chemical resistance, tents have historically been difficult to make without harmful treatments. With this designation, Nemo demonstrates that performance and material responsibility can co-exist.

Meeting high performance with reduced chemical impact

Bluesign product certification eliminates harmful substances at the start of the textile supply chain and maintains strict chemical compliance and worker safety standards. To meet these benchmarks, Nemo coordinated with more than 65 material suppliers to ensure performance metrics like durability and water resistance could be met without PFAS or added fire retardants.

Backpacking tents are typically treated with long-lasting chemical coatings to meet expectations for weatherproofing and longevity. By choosing its proprietary Osmo fabric, Nemo has sidestepped these conventional approaches while still delivering on performance.

Designing for durability without compromise

“In the fall of 2023, our product team set out to take Dagger further by not only using 100% recycled fabrics that are free of PFAS and added fire retardant chemicals, but by creating the industry’s first Bluesign tent,” said Gabi Rosenbrien, product development director at Nemo. “Partnering with Bluesign was a natural evolution of our collaboration in other product categories and highlights Nemo’s dedication to responsible chemicals management. The development process involved close cooperation with both new and existing suppliers to ensure that all 65+ materials used in the tent met rigorous performance and chemical compliance standards.”

“Achieving Bluesign product for the Dagger Osmo tent demonstrates the progress we can make when brands are willing to challenge the status quo in product design,” said Daniel Rufenacht, CEO of Bluesign.

“By prioritizing clean chemistry and sustainability, Nemo is setting an inspiring example for the outdoor industry, proving that exceptional performance and responsible manufacturing can go hand in hand.”

Photo: Nemo