How To Set Up Rei Half Dome Tent

How to Put Together an REI Half Dome 2 Plus Tent

Tents like the REI Half Dome 2 Plus are an extended version of the original REI Half Dome 2 type. The tent has been extended by 10 inches in length and has been made several inches wider than it was originally. The design was created in response to a desire for a tent that could accommodate persons who are taller than typical. The tent is simple to erect, and the poles and sleeves are color-coded to make it easier to identify any possible problems throughout the assembly process. Take the tent, poles, rain fly, and stakes out of the stuff sack and set them aside.

The tent body should be rotated such that the entrances are facing the appropriate direction.

The pole segments are joined together by a ferrule, and the center of each pole has a hub.

Make certain that the color-coded ends are aligned with the grommets of the same color as the ends.

1. Insert the black ends of the long poles into the black grommets located in the corners of the room.
2. The orange grommets should be placed on the tent’s roof, and the grommets should be attached to the ends of the ridge pole.
3. This will complete the tent construction.
4. Place the fly on top of the tent to keep it from becoming wet.
5. Locate the orange grommets on the inside of the fly and tighten them.
6. Locate the loops on the fly’s inside and connect them to the poles with the loops facing out.
7. Stakes should be driven through the fly ground loops with a rock.

• This is a three-season tent, and it is not intended for usage during the winter months. If the tent is subjected to severe snow loads, it may get destroyed.

• In windy situations, use the optional guy line to secure the tent to the ground. To secure the tent to the ground, either stake it to the ground or tie it to a nearby tree.

• In windy situations, you may use the optional guy line to secure the tent. To secure the tent to the ground, either stake it to the ground or tie it to a nearby tree

• This is a three-season tent, and it is not intended for usage during the winter months. If the tent is subjected to severe snow loads, it may get destroyed.

Bio of the AuthorZach Lazzari is a freelance outdoor writer that focuses on hunting, fly fishing, and the overall outdoors. He has conducted fly fishing excursions in Colorado, Alaska, Montana, and Patagonia-Chile for the past ten years. Zach currently resides in Montana, where he divides his time between the river and the piano.

REI Half Dome 2 Plus Review

A luxurious tent at a fantastic price Photo courtesy of REI Co-op”>Photo courtesy of REI Co-op Price:$229 List Pros: It is really roomy for its weight, it is sturdy, it is somewhat robust, and it is an excellent deal. Cons: It’s too heavy for backpacking, and it’s difficult to pull the fly vestibules taut. There aren’t enough stakes or man lines, either.

REI is the manufacturer, and our Editors independently study, test, and rank the finest items available on the market. We only receive compensation if you make a purchase after clicking on one of our links. We never accept free things from manufacturers. More information may be found here.

• Comfort received a 25 percent 10.0 rating
• Weather resistance received a 25 percent 7.0 rating
• Weight received a 20 percent 3.0 rating
• And durability received a 10 percent 8.0 rating. Ease of Setup – 10%
• 8.0
• 10 percent
• Packing Dimensions – 10% of 4.0 in.

Our Verdict

When it comes to value for money, the REI Half Dome 2 Plus is a fantastic option. A roomy cabin and smart design, as well as adequate ventilation and interior storage, distinguish this vehicle. On the top, there are four kick-stand vents, and there are two big vestibules that can hold a lot of equipment. Because it is hefty and the fly is prone to drooping, it may not be the best choice for long-distance outdoor fishing. As a Greatest Buy Award winner, it symbolizes luxury camping at its finest and is thus one of the best bargains available on the market.

Our Analysis and Test Results

Car camping is made easier with the Half Dome 2 Plus, which is spacious and comfortable. Also a wonderful option for the traveler (and their companion) who only makes a couple of short excursions every season, a couple traveling with a young child or pet, or anyone who enjoys sprawling out on the ground. In several of our performance criteria, it outperforms the competition while keeping a cheap price tag.

Performance Comparison

This is a fantastic tent for car camping or luxury backpacking (if you don’t mind carrying the additional weight). Photo courtesy of Ben Applebaum-Bauch”> This is a fantastic tent for car camping or luxury backpacking (if you don’t mind carrying the additional weight). Ben Applebaum-Bauch is the photographer.

Comfort

When it comes to comfort, the Half Dome 2 Plus outperforms the competition. This vehicle’s large internal area enables for considerably more cargo to be accommodated and more space to distribute it all about. Its 92-inch length and 56-inch breadth are also several inches longer and wider than those of most other variants. It contains two big roof pockets, two side pockets, and two large vestibules, which add an additional 22.5 square feet of enclosed storage capacity to the overall size of the vehicle.

1. If you have any equipment that you would like to keep conveniently accessible both inside and outside of the tent, there is plenty of space for it here.
2. In addition, the peak height is quite large for a two-person party.
3. With a seat height of 44 inches, there is no issue for two six-foot campers to sit up at the same time without either of them feeling cramped in their shoulders or heads.
4. The fact that they can be stowed away in the canopy pockets out of the way is a nice plus.
5. It has two side doors, two wide vestibules, and enough of internal room to accommodate two individuals of average height.
6. It has two side doors, two wide vestibules, and enough of internal room to accommodate two individuals of average height.
7. The Half Dome 2 Plus is well ventilated thanks to the abundance of mesh.
8. The tent’s four kick-stand vents at the top of the fly allow air to circulate around the tent while keeping the rain out.

Sitting up straight with plenty of room to spare above the shoulders. Ben Applebaum-Bauch is the photographer. Sitting up straight with lots of room to spare above me. “> Ben Applebaum-Bauch is the photographer.

Ease of Setup

Despite the fact that the three-pole design appears to be hard at first glance, we found it to be straightforward and rather simple and quick to put together. An H configuration is formed by two hubs at the top that link all three poles: one that runs across the top and two that run down the sides. Furthermore, the cross pole and its hooks are color-coded to make it clear where to clip whatever part of the pole. Once you’ve had the pole ends placed into the corner grommets, the rest of the setup is quite straightforward.

1. A fast-pitch option is available with this tent, but you will need to purchase a separate footprint in order to use it.
2. Unfortunately, this tent does not come with enough stakes for some reason, which is a disappointment.
3. To make assembly of the Half Dome 2 Plus as simple as possible, all of the clips and poles are color labeled.
4. In order to make setup as simple as possible, the Half Dome 2 Plus’ clips and poles are color coded.

Weather Resistance

This measure shows that the Half Dome 2 Plus performs admirably. With the trapezoidal vestibules, the structure is more stable in high winds and causes significantly less flapping than the vestibules with only one stake point. Guy lines are also included in the package. The 40D nylon fly has a large amount of weight to it. The vestibules can droop from time to time, and while we didn’t see any precipitation soaking through any seams while entering and departing the tent in the rain, we did notice that we were flicking a significant amount of water around as we zipped and unzipped the tent’s front and back doors.

When the kickstand vents are opened, water can collect on the top of the Half Dome 2 Plus because to the size of the upper canopy and the fact that it is quite flat.

In addition, because the vestibules are located considerably lower than the head and foot ends of the fly, splashback is more noticeable in those places.

There are several ways to tie it back, which allows you to strike a balance between weather protection and ventilation, depending on how hard it is pouring or how chilly it is.

Although the fly appears to be enraged, the for vents at the top will make you smile. Ben Applebaum-Bauch is the photographer. Although the fly appears to be enraged, the for vents at the top of the fly will make you happy. Ben Applebaum-Bauch is the photographer.

Durability

A lower-quality polyurethane-coated fabric is used for the Half Dome 2 Plus, as is the case with the other budget tents in this study. These types of tents are prone to degradation if they are exposed to sunlight and/or moisture for a prolonged period of time; therefore, caution should be used while storing them for an extended period of time to ensure the tent’s durability. The materials used in the construction of the Half Dome 2 Plus are quite robust yet hefty, since they are made of thick fabric and high-quality poles.

Each vestibule is equipped with two stake points to provide additional stability.

Photograph courtesy of Benjamin Applebaum-Bauch

WeightPacked Size

Because it is so heavy (5 pounds 5 ounces), this award-winning tent is one of the most substantial we examined. We’ve heard stories of individuals using it on lengthy journeys, but if you’re seeking for a lightweight shelter, this isn’t the one for you. Half Dome 2 Plus is a large piece of equipment measuring 7″ x 20.5″. We wouldn’t want to carry this one on our backs for a prolonged amount of time, but dividing it with another person for shorter backpacking journeys would be sensible, and it comes at a reasonable price, which we like.

Ceiling pockets are useful for storing items, but they add material to the tent, increasing its overall size.

Ben Applebaum-Bauch is the photographer “> The following is an example of a formalized formalized formalized

Value

The Half Dome 2 Plusis an excellent bargain, and it is a low-cost tent that performs above and beyond expectations. This approach is one that we believe you will want to use again and again as long as you are aware of what you are getting yourself into in terms of calorie consumption. Due to the fact that these stakes are referred to as “value,” you may find yourself taking some vice grips to them during the course of your gaming career. Ben Applebaum-Bauch is the photographer. Because this model comes with ‘value’ (i.e.

Conclusion

Our is the most luxury tent in this evaluation, because to the additional room, numerous pockets, and good ventilation that it provides. However, extra man lines and stakes would have been beneficial in keeping us dry throughout the downpour. We urge that you invest in higher-quality stakes as well as more rope. The value of the Half Dome 2 Plus can’t be topped, especially if you’re seeking for a tent with more inside area and storage capacity than the competition. We award it the Best Buy Award because it is a livable and reasonably priced tent.

The fact is, there’s a lot to like about this reasonably priced 2P. Ben Applebaum-Bauch is the photographer. The fact is, there’s a lot to like about this reasonably priced 2P. Image credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch— Ben Applebaum-Bauch Photographer

REI Half Dome 2 HC : Gear Reviews : SummitPost.org Outdoor Gear

Page Type	Gear Review
Object Title	REI Half Dome 2 HC
Manufacturer	REI
Page By	Arthur Digbee
Page Type	Jan 30, 2007/ Oct 25, 2010
Object ID	2385
Hits	32642
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Product Description

A three-season tent for two people that is promoted as being reasonably light is described as follows: It certainly meets all of these requirements, and it is also suitable for winter camping (see below). Given my height and weight, it’s surprisingly large for its class and weight. I’m a massive 6’2″ and feel like I have enough of space within it. I have not attempted this with two large individuals, but I have no reservations about doing it. The tent contains a variety of elements that add a little weight to it, such as a second door, an attic, two vestibules, pockets in the walls, and many strings that dangle from various points around the tent.

Setup

The tent is constructed with two poles that are permanently linked to an x-shaped hub. When you shake it out, the entire pole complex comes together virtually by itself. Each corner of the tent is colored, and by aligning that color with the colors on the footprint, canvas, and fly, the whole thing comes together in a snap. In this case, my only concern is that the opposing colors are orange and black, which means that there isn’t much contrast in moonlight and that the usage of a light is required.

Durability

We’ve put this tent through its paces, as you would expect from a three-season tent. We were warm and dry in the midst of a torrential downpour on Isle Royale, and the vestibule was large enough to accommodate both of our backpacks. It was impossible to get water into the bathtub via the floor or seams, and we had no difficulties with rainfly leaks. In the Tetons, the tent stood up well in winds of up to 30 mph with gusts in the presence of guylines. We used rope to secure the item to two trees rather than the provided guylines, so I can’t attest for its effectiveness.

I sleep warm, but my kid does not, and we both remain comfortable in this tent even when the temperature drops into the lower 20s.

However, even with the footprint, the bottom of the tent does not give a significant amount of insulation.

In the 20s, I pack two sleeping pads and a three-season Slumberjack bag, which keeps me as toasty as a marshmallow.

Specs and cost

The information provided here is from REI and has not been confirmed, although it appears to be accurate. 5 pounds is the bare minimum weight. Weight: 1 oz., with an average weight of 5 pounds. 11 oz. in total, including stuff sack, guylines, and other accessories. The floor is 90 by 54 inches, or 34 square feet. Vestibule area 9.4 square feet plus 9.4 square feet 41 inches is the maximum height. There are two doors. Fabric for the canopy Nylon ripstop Fabric for the floor Nylon that has been coated Fabric with a rainfly pattern taffeta with a coating of polyester The number of poles is two.

DAC is the substance of the pole. Featherlite aluminum is a lightweight aluminum alloy. 9/8.5 millimeters in diameter is the diameter of the pole. Packing dimensions: 7 x 23 inches

Cost

REI Half Dome 2 HC Tent, $169 online at REIREI Half Dome 2 HC Footprint, $25 online at REIREI Half Dome 2 HC Tent, $169 online at REIREI

Action shots!

Because you are unable to easily connect photographs to these gear sites, I will personally upload them. Alternatively, if you have photos of your Half Dome in action, please send me the link so that I may display them here. Here’s a picture of my Half Dome in Iceland. It may be found in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness Area. Tennessee’s cliffs are perched precariously above the ground. In addition, there are photographs taken by other people: You can find it right here at Hidden Water—although the lake is concealed, the tent is not!

Berman, Lower Phillips Ridge, Crown Mountain, and Carter Lake, among other places.

Images

Price:$279 Weight as measured: 5 lbs. 0 oz. (with footprint) 40DC is the denier of the floor. acuities: 2+, 3+, 4+ What we enjoy about it: At a reasonable price, this unit is well-built, simple to operate, and has enough of space. This item is rather hefty and only available in “plus” sizes, which we do not appreciate. See the REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+4.7 for more information. The Half Dome backpack, which has been a favorite of trekkers for years, has been revised for 2021 with a considerable reduction in weight.

Half Dome SL 2+ was put to the test in Washington’s Hoh Rainforest, and we’ve broken down our findings in the following paragraphs.

Table of Contents

• Weight and packed size
• Livability and interior space
• Weight and packed size Built-in quality and durability
• Weather protection
• Storage
• Set-up and take-down procedures
• What we like and don’t like
• And what we like and don’t like Table of Comparisons
• There is a lot of competition.

Performance

The newest REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+, like the previous-generation “Plus” model, is an unquestionable highlight when it comes to internal size and comfort. Despite the fact that the floor is more than 3 square feet larger than most of the competitors (more on this below), we were able to fit two conventional camping pads on it with inches on both sides to spare. Furthermore, the floor is symmetrical (which is convenient for sleeping head to foot with a camping companion), the ceiling is towering at 42 inches in the middle, and the vertical mesh side walls just add to the sensation of space and openness.

Having said that, it’s important to note that, like every other camping tent we’ve tested, the Half Dome’s inside measurements are considerably less than the claimed dimensions.

specifications), which makes it impossible to place two “wide” 25-inch camping pads on the floor—you can anticipate the sides to be right up against the walls in these situations.

Although the SL 3+ model is bigger, people wishing to truly spread out may still want to move up to the larger model (dimensions are listed at 92 x 80 in. with 50.1 sq. ft. of floor area and a 44-in. peak height).

Weight and Packed Size

The Half Dome stresses internal room and durability above weight, and despite the fact that the SL model is significantly lighter than its predecessor, it is still on the heavier end of the spectrum of available options. The complete bundled weight of the tent, according to my scale, is 5 pounds even (its listed weight is 4 lbs. 13.5 oz., and the past-generation model was 5 lbs. 5 oz.). However, it’s important to note that this figure includes the footprint, which means that leaving it behind will save you 7.8 ounces.

• For comparison, top hiking tents such as the Nemo Dagger 2P and the MSR Hubba Hubba NX(both 3 lbs.
• Among the backpacks in the sub-$300 range, Marmot’s Tungsten 2 w/Footprint (5 pounds, 4 ounces) and Kelty’s Dirt Motel 2 (4 pounds, 13 ounces) weigh similarly to the Half Dome, but neither has the inside capacity or general build quality of the Half Dome.
• Single-pole hubbed designs, which are larger when broken down than tents that come with several poles, are one of the factors that contribute to the bag’s overall diameter increasing over time.
• In addition, like with many of REI’s stuff bags, the Half Dome’s is large designed to handle less-than-ideal packing, which we enjoy.

Build Quality and Durability

But the REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ is one of the toughest tents on the market, and it’s designed to be light for a purpose. Backpacking gear is light for a reason, and it always takes some care. When you have a big 40-denier (D) floor and a 30-denier (D) rainfly (as opposed to the earlier, heavier model’s 70- and 40-denier (D) floors and rainfly), it doesn’t take nearly as delicate a touch as, for example, the 15 x 20-denier (D) floor on the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2. The use of the provided footprint can assist to extend the life of your tent, but apart from that, there aren’t many places to be concerned about.

The 20-denier netting on the tent body is still free of snags, and the zippers on the tent are all extremely smooth to the touch.

REI also changed the stakes that came with the SL version to a DAC set, which was a welcome change because we had bent a lot of the pegs that came with the previous model, which was another great adjustment.

Weather Protection

Backpacking gear is light for a reason, and it always takes some care, but the REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+ tent is one of the harder tents available on the market. It is made of ripstop nylon and has a breathable mesh interior. When you have a sizable 40-denier (D) floor and a 30-denier (D) rainfly (as opposed to the earlier, heavier model’s 70- and 40-denier (D) floors and rainfly), it doesn’t take nearly as delicate a touch as, for example, the 15- by-20-denier (D) floor on the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2.

Make use of the supplied footprint to help extend its life if possible.

Despite the fact that the tent body is made of 20-denier mesh, the zippers are all very smooth and do not catch.

REI also changed the stakes that came with the SL version to a DAC set, which was a welcome change because we had bent a lot of the pegs that came with the previous model, which is another great adjustment.

Ventilation

Featuring wide vents, plenty of mesh, and adequate room between the rainfly and tent body, the REI Half Dome SL 2+ is a superb ventilator for a large tent. In addition, the vents are well-designed and accessible just above the side doors, and the Velcro tabs provide a large aperture (and are simple to close). This means that you can have a lot of air flow, which is important for reducing condensation to a bare minimum on humid evenings. We did find that the increased airflow made it feel a little drafty inside in the cold (temperatures dropped into the mid-20s for us overnight), but covering one of the vents helped to alleviate that problem a little bit (and we still woke up with a dry interior).

Storage

It’s simple for two people to stow their packs, hiking shoes, and other stuff on each side of the tent thanks to the Half Dome’s two doors and vestibule design, which provides plenty of space for entry and departure. The improved SL model, like the older Half Dome type, offers 22.5 square feet of area, which is divided evenly between the two sides. Another feature we like is that the fly zips up to the side and down, allowing for a large and protected opening for getting in and out. It also has a lot of versatility: you can roll the ends halfway up for stargazing, draw the sides back to enhance circulation, or zip it entirely up to protect your belongings from the elements during a downpour.

Large pockets run the length of the roof just inside the doors, and you also get triangle-shaped mesh pockets at each corner for convenient access when you’re sleeping in your sleeping bag.

Finally, there are several loops around the ceiling that may be used to hang a light for a nocturnal game of cards or other activity.

Set up and Take Down

The REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+’s freestanding tent body, symmetrical construction, and one-piece hubbed pole make it exceptionally simple to set up and take down. Simply joining the four corners, clipping the entire thing together, and connecting the ridgepole is all that is required as long as you line up the poles correctly (with the gold ridgepole running across the centre of the tent). You don’t even have to worry about taking the footprint out of the tent because it’s already attached to the bottom of the tent body (removing it is also a simple process).

Adding the rainfly is just as simple.

Other Capacity: REI Co-op Half Dome SL 3+

Besides the SL 2+ variant that was used for this review, REI also offers the Half Dome in an even bigger SL 3+ version. The 3+ model costs $329 and weighs 5 pounds 15.7 ounces in total. It has a floor space of 50.7 square feet and a peak height of 44 inches, and it can be packed down to 7 x 23 inches. For individuals who want to stretch out, the three-person model will likely be a better choice, although we do regret the previous four-person option for usage on more informal vehicle camping outings, as we mentioned above.

What We Like

• With a spacious footprint and nearly vertical walls, the inside is quite comfortable for two people. At $279, this tent is a terrific bargain. It is well-constructed and includes several clever features such as flexible vestibules and superb stargazing. The tent is made of robust materials that should last for a long time (particularly when compared to the majority of hiking tents)
• This crossover vehicle’s large cabin makes it an excellent choice for car camping.

What We Don’t

• Despite considerable weight reduction, the newest Half Dome is still somewhat hefty at 5 pounds in total (4 pounds 8.2 ounces without the footprint) and does not fold up very tiny
• Its tall profile places a higher priority on interior comfort than on total wind shielding. (We miss the old 4 Plus for casual camping excursions, and we’d love to see an even lighter, standard-sized version become available.)

Comparison Table

TENT	PRICE	WEIGHT	Floor	Area	Height	Door(s)	Capacities
REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+	$279	4 lb. 13.5 oz.	40D	35.8 sq. ft.	42 in.	2	2P, 3P
MSR Elixir 2	$250	6 lb.	70D	29 sq. ft.	40 in.	2	1P, 2P, 3P, 4P
Marmot Tungsten 2P	$214	5 lb. 4 oz.	68D	32 sq. ft.	42 in.	2	1P, 2P, 3P, 4P
REI Co-op Passage 2	$159	5 lb. 10 oz.	75D	31 sq. ft.	40 in.	2	1P, 2P, 3P
Kelty Dirt Motel 2	$260	4 lb. 13 oz.	70D	28 sq. ft.	42.5 in.	2	2P, 3P, 4P
Nemo Firefly 2P	$350	3 lb. 5 oz.	68D	29 sq. ft.	41 in.	2	2P

The Competition

The Half Dome SL 2+ from REI Co-op effectively improves on the popularity of its predecessor and continues to be the best hiking tent under $300 on the market today. Among the strongest competitors is MSR’s Elixir 2 tent, which has a design that is similar to their main Hubba Hubba NX tent but is built with more durable materials (including a 70D floor and a 68D fly) and less mesh, as well as having a larger interior. Furthermore, at $250, which includes the footprint, it is $29 less expensive than the Half Dome SL 2+ in terms of price.

1. However, the Half Dome is bigger in every dimension and weights 1 pound 2.5 ounces less than the Grand Canyon, making it a difficult combination to beat.
2. The Tungsten has an obvious advantage over the Half Dome in terms of value: for $214, including the footprint, it undercuts the Half Dome by a significant $65 while being comparable in terms of floor space (32 sq.
3. (5 lbs.
4. all in).
5. In terms of space and design, it is more roomy on the interior, has wider and more well-designed vestibules, and is constructed of higher-quality materials in general (although the Tungsten’s floor is thicker at 68D).
6. Within REI’s own product range, their low-cost Passage 2 tent is a good choice for first-time or infrequent travelers.

Even with that in mind, both in terms of floor area and peak height, the Half Dome SL 2+ is a roomier option, while the Passage feels noticeably out of date with its simple X-shaped pole structure (it’s worth noting that REI also offers the Trail Hut, which splits the difference at $199 and includes a center ridge pole for improved livability).

• As with the Half Dome, Kelty’s Dirt Motel 2 follows a similar recipe, offering a comparably low pricing ($260), a sturdy structure (70D on the floor), and walls that are almost vertical.
• Nonetheless, in terms of floor space (peak height is virtually comparable), the REI has a larger interior, and its vestibules are larger than those of the AE (22.5 sq.
• vs.
• Taking everything into consideration, it’s just impossible to match the Half Dome’s livability, and the REI is unquestionably the superior deal.
• When it comes to overall weight and weight distribution, the Nemo is nearly a pound and a half less than the Half Dome while maintaining the same level of durability (it has a 68D floor and 15D fly and is a surprisingly tough tent).
• The Half Dome is the more well-rounded alternative, unless the increase in weight is a deal breaker for you.

Please note that while we often include a current pricing comparison table below our outdoor gear reviews, the Half Dome is only available via REI Co-op at this time. You may learn more about Half Dome SL 2+ by visiting this website and donating to us. Thanks!

REI Half Dome 2 Reviews

2018 Model was the version that was evaluated. Quality Control was appalling. BAD RUNS IN THE NETTING ACROSS THE ENTIRE TENT. The same thing happened when runs were discovered on three other tents that were purchased “fresh” from store inventory. The problem remains the same, however there are less runs on a 2017 model tent. According to what I’ve heard, malfunctioning tents that have been returned are being returned to general goods stock. The response of the REI personnel to the issue was something between ignorance of the situation and apathy.

Pros

• Model for the year 2018 has been assessed. Quality Control was atrociously poor. BAD RUNS IN THE NETTING THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE TENTAIMENT. It was the same problem for three other tents that had been acquired “fresh” from shop inventory and discovered to have runs. In the same situation, but with less runs on a tent from the year 2017. Returning damaged tents to general goods stock, according to what I’ve heard, is a common occurrence. Despite being aware of the issue, REI employees reacted with a mixture of ignorance and disinterest in the situation. After receiving a cash refund, the staff underpaid me. Pros

A copy of this review may be found on the REI website. They pulled it down after receiving no reaction. My issues about the store were forwarded to the shop manager when I called REI Customer Service and emailed them a copy of my review. They informed me that I should only submit product-related reviews and that they would communicate my comments to the store manager. After a week, there has been no response from her. I am not a fussy eater in the traditional sense. I don’t write reviews very often.

• I am entirely and utterly dissatisfied.
• Do you agree?
• Perfect for letting in a few tiny flying insects.
• The second tent was more terrible than the first.
• (The first has 11 runs, which I discovered despite the fact that my vision is not the best.) I only took shots of the third tent, which you can see in the attachment.
• This is not a good thing when you have a tent that is entirely made of netting.
• It was nowhere near a guarantee of client pleasure in terms of quality or quantity.

It’s important to remember that the tents were only used in my living room, and that was the extent of my involvement with them.

I inquired of one of them as to whether she would wear nylons like that.

I do not agree with you.

While returning that tent, I overheard one of the REI Co-op staff indicate that they were returning the tent to store inventory, which was the same as what was said to have happened with the previous two tents I had returned.

It also has runs in the netting to keep the bugs out.

It was also put back on the sales floor for a second time.

That’s not a good sign.

The tents had been purchased with CASH in hand.

I was skeptical.

Afterwards, he informed me that my name will be added to the [email protected] percent t list for any future tax returns. (As if they hadn’t already mistreated me to the point of breaking?) Let’s go through it again. What could be worse?

• Poor quality control in the plant – how can a product of such poor quality ever make it out the door? Perhaps there is an issue with the shipping. There is no sign that these tents are packed in separate boxes that I can see. The lack of awareness among sales staff about frequent product concerns
• The lack of concern among sales staff about common quality issues
• The intentionally placing faulty products back into sales stock
• Abusive abuse of clients
• Employees who steal and lie to consumers.

Aside from that, I suppose it may be a wonderful tent for folks who enjoy sleeping with little insects in their tent when they are awake. I’ll be purchasing tents from a different source.

REI Half Dome 2 Plus Tent Review

With an extra-large inside, the REI Half Dome 2 Plus is a luxury, yet surprisingly economical, two-person camping and hiking tent that’s ideal for couples who want more space to spread out and relax. It is shaped like a dome and has two entrances and two vestibules for convenient access and storage of equipment. Many storage pockets are built into the walls and ceiling to accommodate a large amount of equipment, while ceiling vents in the rain fly increase ventilation and aid to decrease internal condensation.

Spacious and a Great Value

Featuring plenty of storage space, gear lofts, and wide vestibules, the REI Half Dome 2 Plus is a roomy two-person tent that is simple to put up and take down. Car camping and basecamp backpacking trips are ideal when you want additional space and comfort in a package that is yet lightweight and easy to transport. Now is the time to shop.

Specs at a Glance

• People: 2, doors: 2, vestibules: 2, colors: 5, including blue, green, orange, white, and yellow
• Number of people: 2
• Number of doors: 2
• Number of vestibules: 2 Types include domes and semi-freestanding structures (doors must be staked). 91 x 54 inches (actual) are the interior floor dimensions
• 42 inches (actual) is the interior peak height. Actual trail weight: 4 lbs 11.9 oz vs. 4 lbs 14 oz claimed trail weight

• Floor is made of 70-denier taffeta nylon
• The canopy is made of 40-denier ripstop nylon/20-denier nylon mesh
• And the rainfly is made of 40-denier nylon. The bare minimum number of stakes to be set up is four.

Tent Setup

The REI Half Dome 2 Plus is a two-person tent with a double-wall construction with two entrances and two vestibules. A single multi-hubbed pole that slips into corner and ceiling grommets allows you to set up the inner tent on its own without the need for a ground stake. The clamps and poles are color-coded to make the setup process as simple as possible. Once the poles are in position, the inner tent is attached to the poles with hooks, which makes for a quick and simple setup. The rainfly is draped over the inner tent and fastened to the corners using quick-release buckles to keep it from blowing away.

1. The rest of the tent may be left un staked.
2. For improved breathability and airflow, the upper half of the inner tent is made of mesh, while the lower half is made of solid material for more privacy.
3. Large vestibules give plenty of space for gear storage without interfering with access to the rest of the aircraft.
4. Thin cable is used for the guylines, which should be staked out with tent pegs that have a hook on top.

In addition to the tent, REI offers a pair of basic steel stakes that are functional but somewhat heavy: do yourself a favor and avoid pushing them into the ground with your foot to prevent bending them. Pockets in the ceiling and corners give a plethora of room for storing valuables and documents.

Tent Livability

The Half Dome 2 Plus is a large tent with an inside that measures 54 x 91 inches, providing ample space for both broad sleeping mats and tall passengers. Due to the fact that the floor is rectangular rather than tapering, you may sleep with your heads together at either end of the room. There are four big mesh pockets in each of the tent’s four corners, as well as two gear lofts, each of which is divided into three distinct sub-pockets, providing a significant amount of storage space. The inside has a peak height of 42 inches, which is also a good height for a two-person tent, and it is simple to sit up or kneel in the tent.

1. The inner tent doors are equally big, with twin zippers that make it simple to open and close them.
2. Aside from that, the vestibules are equipped with two bi-directional zippers that may be opened partially to form a top-down entrance for ventilation.
3. They are extremely effective in reducing internal condensation because they lower the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the rainfly, which is the source of condensation.
4. Two kickstand ventilation openings, one on either side of each door, aid in the elimination of interior condensation.
5. Besides providing additional support for the zippers, which helps to prevent them from becoming caught, these stakes assist to create the vestibule with a corner wall and roof that deflects wind and light rain, even while the entrance is open.
6. This is mostly for aesthetic purposes and has no affect on their ability to perform in wind and rain.

Comparable Budget Backpacking Tents

	Doors	Weight	Footprint	Price
REI Passage 2	2	4 lbs 2 oz	included	$159
3F UL LanShan 2 Pro	2	2 lbs 0.3 oz	no	$195
Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 2	2	5 lbs 2.7 oz	included	$250
Marmot Catalyst 2P	2	4 lbs 11 oz	included	$183
Dan Durston X-Mid 1	2	1 lb 11.7 oz	no	$225
Six Moons Designs Lunar Solo	1	1 lb 10 oz	no	$230
Sierra Designs Full Moon 2	2	3 lbs 15.5 oz	no	$200
REI Trail Hut 2	2	4 lbs 14 oz	included	$199
NEMO Aurora 2P	2	4 lbs 9 oz	included	$250
The North Face Stormbreak 2	2	5 lbs 5 oz	no	$159

Recommendation

The REI Half Dome 2 Plustent is a well-designed tent that offers a tremendous amount of value for the money spent on it. However, if you’ve ever battled with a tiny 2-person tent in the past, you’ll appreciate the roomy inside and plenty internal storage. While it won’t appeal to ultralight fast-packers, it’s spacious interior and ample internal storage will. The vertical sidewalls, multiple side and ceiling pockets, roof vents, and wide vestibules give the tent a sensation of spaciousness that you don’t get from other 2 person tents, which is unusual.

1. If you plan to backpack with the Half Dome 2 Plus, I recommend either splitting the tent into its constituent parts so that they can be shared by two people or repacking the tent in a “rounder” stuff sack that is easier to fit in a backpack than the stuff sack that the tent comes in.
2. In our opinion, all of the REI tents we’ve looked at are outstanding bargains and best-in-class.
3. If you’re looking for something a little less pricey, consider the REI Passage 2.
4. The following disclosure applies: REI supplied a tent for this evaluation.
5. We may (but not always) get a small portion of any sales made using the links provided above.

Although the cost of the product remains the same for you, your purchase allows us to continue to test and create unsponsored and independent gear evaluations, beginning FAQs, and free hiking guides for you. Thank you for your assistance, and please know that we appreciate it!

REI Co-op Half Dome 3 Plus Tent Review

The REI Co-op Half Dome 3 Plusbackpacking tent is an entry-level 3-person, 3-season tent that weighs 6 lbs 6 oz and is designed for backpacking (2.89 kg). However, I’ll give you a little spoiler here and tell you that I would suggest this tent more as a two-person car camping tent than as a three-person hiking tent, though there is clearly a case for using it for both purposes. With 10 ft 2 (0.93 m 2) more floor area, wider vestibules, and a peak height that is 2 in / 5 cm higher than the Half Dome 3 Tent, the Half Dome 3 Plus represents a $120 savings over the Half Dome 3 Tent.

• Weight
• Ease of assembly
• Weather resistance
• Durability
• And size when packed.

Testing Conditions

Car camping in the fall and short overnight backpacking excursions with the REI Co-op Half Dome 3 Plus were two of my favorite uses for this backpack. Despite the fact that it has the capacity to sleep three people, I’ve only ever used it as a two-person shelter. It is my firm belief that if you want to be comfortable when hiking, you should use a tent that is designed to accommodate one person more than the number of people who will be sleeping in it.

The Specs

• 6.6 lbs. 6.8 oz. / 2.89 kg
• A minimum weight of 5 lbs. 14 oz. / 2.66 kg (no stuff bag, stakes, or guy lines) is required. It has a capacity of three persons. Seasons: 3-season
• Doors: 2
• Vestibules: 2
• Seasons: 3-season Freestanding:Yes
• DAC Pressfit aluminum poles are required
• The canopy material is 40-denier ripstop nylon
• The interior door material is 20-denier nylon mesh
• The floor material is 70-denier taffeta nylon
• The rainfly material is 40-denier nylon
• And the poles are included. 92 × 80 in (50.1 ft 2) or 234 x 203 cm (4.65 m 2) when packed
• Interior peak height of 46 in (117 cm)
• Floor area of 2.65 m2 when unpacked
• Packed size of 23 x 7 in (58 x 17 cm). Surface Area of Vestibule: 11.25 ft 2 (each) / 1.05 m 2 (each)
• Six compartments (eight if the door stuff pockets are included)
• Color: Blue or green
• MSRP:$279

The Features

• Pole assembly with hubbed ends and color-coded poles
• Panels in the upper portion of the tent for ventilation and views
• Ripstop panels in the lower portion for privacy, as well as to reduce drafts and exposure to blowing dust or dirt
• Mesh panels in the upper portion for ventilation and views
• Ripstop panels in the lower portion for privacy, as well as to reduce exposure to blowing dust or dirt
• The fly enables for the rolling up of the sides and ends. In order to reduce moisture accumulation, there are four ceiling vents in the fly. Doors are tucked away in pockets within the door opening to keep them out of the way. Pockets and hang loops aid in the organization of the inside. There are eight stakes and a stake bag included, as well as guy lines with tighteners and a pole repair tube. In order to decrease water and energy consumption during manufacture, solution-dyed mesh is used.

The Good

Setup of the REI Co-op Half Dome 3 Plus is not difficult and can be completed by a single person (although I would hope that if you’re using this tent, you have someone to assist you in setting it up). It includes a single hubbed pole set with one pole for each corner of the tent and a crossbar that attaches to the inside of each of the two entrances. It is lightweight and easy to assemble. THE VESTIBULES |There are two big vestibules in the tent, each with plenty of space for your gear. Using this as a three-person shelter, you could easily place three packs in one of the vestibules and leave the other vestibule completely unoccupied (for views or bears or catholes).

Each vestibule has two vents on the top (for a total of four).

The Half Dome 3 Plus comes with a total of six pockets on the front and back.

FOR THE MONEY |At $279, this 3-person tent is a good deal less expensive than the average 3-person tent (for $200 less, you can get theREI Co-op Passage 3 Tent, which weighs approximately the same but has a little less floor space).

The Okay

WHEN IT COMES TO THE DOORS | The doors of theREI Co-op Half Dome 3 Plus are a little different in that they are linked to the tent body at their apexes and they zip all the way around (i.e., if you unzip/open a door all the way, the mesh door will hang in the opening). A stuff pocket can be found on either side of the tent, which may be used to store the tent’s entrance if necessary. THE PACKABILITY |This tent is a bit bulky, but when all of the pieces are removed from the stuff sack (I never pack my shelters all together in one stuff sack because it makes packing them into a backpack much more difficult), it can be compressed to an acceptable size – which is especially useful if you’re traveling with another person (or people) to share the load.THE DESIGN |This tent is interesting, and I’m not sure if I’m in love with it, but it Although it’s not very large, if you’re cramming the entire tent into a single backpack, you should expect it to take up a substantial amount of space.THE BREATHABILITY |There are four overhead vents integrated into the fly to help keep you cool.

The condensation in this tent (or on my gear when I was using this tent) has not been a problem for me, but I’ve read that under some situations, the interior of the fly can become moist due to condensation.

Aside than that, I’ve never used this tent with three people (the addition of a third person doubles the likelihood of condensation buildup – assuming they don’t breathe very much themselves).

The Bad

THE WEIGHT |There’s no getting around the fact that theREI Co-op Half Dome 3 Plus is a substantial piece of equipment. Even if you were able to divide the weight evenly among three persons, the total weight would be 6 lbs 6 oz / 2.89 kg, meaning that each of you would be carrying 2 lbs 2 oz / 964 g. Tents for one person can be found that weigh less than this (REI’s ownQuarter Dome SL 1 Tent weighs 2 lbs 6 oz / 1.08 kg, for example). A huge floor and vestibule area are provided for the weight, but when utilized as a two-person tent (as I recommend), the cost of this space can be prohibitively expensive (get it?).

• The Half Dome 3 Plustent is designed in such a way that if there are three people using it, two of them will be at the entrances and the third will be in the middle.
• If you’re using it as a two-person shelter (which you should be), this won’t be a problem because you’ll both have your own door and vestibule, which will be convenient.
• Once the stakes are raised, however, there is no way to tweak or tighten any of these points any further.
• Although the tent is self-supporting (i.e., it does not need to be staked out in order to be pitched), a tight pitch (which is made easier with adjustable stake out points) is still recommended in order to maximize floor space and wind resistance.
• The floor of this tent, on the other hand, is composed of 70-denier taffeta nylon, which is fairly durable and shouldn’t necessitate the use of a footprint in most situations.

Who is it for?

BEGINNER BACKPACKERS |As previously said, if you want to be comfortable, the number of people in your tent should be one less than the maximum capacity of the tent. If you’re a couple searching for a reliable (and reasonably priced) first tent that has lots of space, theREI Co-op Half Dome 3 Plusis a fantastic alternative to take into consideration. WEB WARRIORS | WEEKEND WARRIORS | If you and your partner (or even a party of three) embark on regular backpacking excursions, the REI Co-op Half Dome 3 Plus backpack may be a good option for you.

THRU-HIKERS |

If you’re thinking about doing a thru-hike, you’ll probably want to avoid the REI Co-op Half Dome 3 Plus since it’s a little too hefty for this type of trekking in this area.

Having saying that, I would not recommend this tent for a thru-hike.

OTHER APPLICATIONS | (or two people and a dog, or maybe two adults and a child). The beauty of vehicle camping is that you don’t have to worry about weight (or bulk), and when you take these two variables out of the equation, the Half Dome 3 Plus becomes a far more appealing alternative.

Wrap Up

The three-person, three-season, $279, 6 lbs 6 oz / 2.89 kg, three-person, three-season The REI Co-op Half Dome 3 Plus is a well-built tent that is an appealing option for couples who are just starting started in backpacking and are seeking for an economical tent for shorter excursions, as well as vehicle campers who are looking for something dependable and simple to set up. Consider theREI Quarter Dome 3 if you want something that is lighter and less expensive, or theREI Co-op Passage 3 Tent if you want something that is more affordable and more durable than theREI Quarter Dome 3.

The MSR Mutha Hubba NXmay be worth taking a closer look at.

Take a look over there.

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