Rei Co Op Half Dome Sl 2 Tent With Footprint Review

When embarking on outdoor adventures, choosing the right tent can make all the difference between a comfortable night under the stars and a less enjoyable experience. The REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2 Tent with Footprint has garnered significant attention for its blend of lightweight design, durability, and added protection. This review aims to thoroughly examine the REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2 Tent with Footprint, offering insights into its features, performance, and overall value. Designed as a two-person tent with an included footprint, this model promises to enhance your camping experience by providing extra protection against ground moisture and wear. Throughout this review, we will dissect the tent’s construction, ease of setup, and how it performs in various environmental conditions. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of whether the REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2 Tent with Footprint is the right choice for your next camping trip.

"Just went backpacking this past weekend and I feel compelled to praise this tent based on our experience. We experienced two thunderstorms in a box canyon that swirled high speed winds and threw sheets of rain at us. This tent held up without an issue, and kept us and our packs completely dry. I actually couldn't believe that just the vestibule could keep my pack as dry as it did. Would not recommend backpacking in a thunderstorm, but would recommend this tent every time. You won't regret this buy."

"Such a wonderful tent, but, I want to mention something I found out just now. The tent body with foot print and the rainfly fits inside the REI Durable Stuff Sack (10L). Idk if anyone else mentioned or if this was already a thing but it packs down to 14 inches tall and 7 inches in diameter. Makes packing into my Trail 40 backpack even easier!"

"I was given the latest version of this tent and find it a huge disappointment given the price. I have been out a month and question the durability. Also doors poor in rain. Have had slightly cheaper REI tents in past & and camped last summer with Walmart tent that while heavier, seems as good or better, known others with older versions and this lighter weight one seems less durable and practical."

"This tent is exactly what you expect. No frills, stright forward great product. We are upgrading to a 3+ of this same tend becaaue we jsut want some extra space with our packs but have really loved this tend for our back country adventures. We made it through an early season snow/hail storm with this tent no issues."

"Great lightweight tent. Plenty of room for one or two campers. Easy setup. Ventilation is adequate, and adjustable. After one week of daily use, I have noticed the aluminum support framing is developing a slight contour bend. As long as it doesn’t get worse, I don’t think it should be a problem. Fingers crossed."

"Not a bad tent overall, but the shock cords failed on all the tent poles within 5 years. I have a 20+ year old REI tent and the shock cords on the tent poles are in great shape. I think REI switched to a different pole supplier and they clearly used cheaper cords. I'm very disappointed......"

"Took our Half Dome out for the first time up into the high Sierra last weekend. Loved the ease of setup, the space, and the vestibule for storing packs and boots. However we had one night of heavy rain, and I was disappointed to see one of the top rectangular rain fly panels pool with water. It never leaked into the tent, but over time, I know it will because we had the same experience with the car camping REI Hobitat a few years back. Sadly have to return this one."

"Have used it twice this summer and am loving it so far. Can’t beat the size-to-weight ratio and it’s so easy to set up. As a backpacker newbie, I wanted a tent that I can carry for solo trips and that gives me the option to bring a friend who doesn’t have gear. Two people plus my 17 lb terrier have plenty of room."

"As several other folks have shared, the tent pole snapped. Unfortunately REI doesn't sell replacement poles. We're going to try and get them fixed, but I'm afraid of recurring issues, given that this seems to be common with this model. I would not recommend purchasing this tent - hopefully pole design/durability is improved in the future."

"I setup the tent in my living room with no issues. Then, I set it up on its first outdoor journey and after alightly bumping the top of one of the doors with my head as I was adding my gear into the tent, one of the poles that fits into the corner broke near the top of the hub. I was able to repair the pole with the included repair kit, but I am definitely going to return this tent. More reliable poles please, perhaps with a more traditional pole design vs this hub design that seems to put way too much tension at the hub given the thinness of the material!"

In summary, the REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2 Tent with Footprint proves to be a noteworthy option for campers seeking a blend of lightweight portability and added durability. The inclusion of a footprint adds an extra layer of protection that helps extend the life of the tent and keeps you comfortable even on damp ground. The tent's design facilitates a straightforward setup process and offers sufficient space for two people, making it a practical choice for backpacking and camping trips. Although it may have some limitations, such as modest interior space or its performance in extreme weather, the REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2 Tent with Footprint delivers strong value for its price. This review underscores the tent’s strengths in functionality and affordability, affirming its reputation as a reliable companion for outdoor enthusiasts. If you're in the market for a dependable and cost-effective tent, the REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2 Tent with Footprint is certainly worth considering for your gear collection.