Rei Half Dome 2 Plus Review

When it comes to choosing a tent that offers both increased space and reliable performance, the REI Half Dome 2 Plus often stands out as a preferred option among campers and backpackers. This review will provide an in-depth analysis of the REI Half Dome 2 Plus, focusing on its design, features, and how it performs in various conditions. The REI Half Dome 2 Plus is an extended version of the popular Half Dome 2, designed to provide additional room and comfort without compromising on durability or ease of use. In this review, we’ll explore the tent’s expanded interior space, enhanced features, and overall functionality. We’ll also assess its performance across different weather conditions to offer a thorough evaluation of whether the REI Half Dome 2 Plus is the right choice for your camping adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned camper looking for a bit more room or a backpacker in need of a reliable shelter, understanding the specifics of the REI Half Dome 2 Plus will help you make an informed decision.

"Rainfly tab tore off during initial setup. There is no stretch, no adjustment, and it's too tight. Bummer, but i think I can repair WITH ELASTIC this time. Inner tent looks good, although I expect broken pole eventually. They're lightweight and tend to unseat when assembly, which is likely to break a pole end. I hate to admit it, but, I trust my Coleman Sundome more."

"I bought this tent intending to use it for car camping, but ended up using it for way more. Spring 2023, I took it to Canada fishing on a week long canoeing expedition. It performed flawlessly for my son and me. In April of 2024, I took it on a 35 mile 3 night float on the Buffalo River in Arkansas. After a cool night, I deciding to keep the tent up, but place it in the sun to dry off the dew that had formed. There was very little of any wind, so I didn’t bother to stake it down. As I went back to camp to tidy up, I looked where I left it on the river bank and it vanished. A tiny gust had turned it into a tumbleweed and sent it straight into the river. I felt all was lost as it floated down the river and eventually out of sight. As we set out, I was determined to not litter the river with my destroyed tent, so we kept an eye out. Amazingly, we found a small corner poking out of the river, the rest pushed up against a log in about 8 feet of water. I quickly paddled over and pulled the soggy mess from the river. Upon initial inspection, the poles were still intact, so I quickly collapsed the poled, wadded up the tent and continued on to the next campsite. As I surveyed the damage, I was amazed to see there was absolutely NO damage to the tent. Not a torn seam, not a ripped screen or zipper, nothing. I put it together hung it from a tree, dried it thoroughly and slept in it that night. Amazing, I’ll never buy another brand of tent. These things are designed and made SO well. Bravo REI."

"Love this tent. Fun colors. Perfect size for a couple people and lots of belongings, maybe an adventurous trail cat. Lightweight enough that I typically bring this on shorter backpacking trips. Super easy to set up. Truly everything you want in a little two plus tent."

"Six trips in, we're extremely pleased with this tent! Performed very well in rain, though I wouldn't want multiple rainy days. One very wet afternoon and overnight, and the rain fly was saturated. Roomy enough for two adults and a hound. Dual side entrances are fantastic, and the vestibules have come in handy again and again. No zipper issues, and the screen is durable. Well ventilated, but it heats up in direct sun, like any tent."

"I have had this tent for a few years now and I finally decided to leave a review. The tent is lightweight and does what it's supposed to do! I have taken this tent with me to different terrains (beach, mountains, forest..) and I have always felt protected (mostly). I will point out that it doesn't protect you from the harsh wind and dust. I once had dust get inside the tent because of the harsh wind but I think there's also so much a tent can do to protect you from that. Overall I love this tent, its easy to assemble and I am glad that I bought this."

"Very good tent. Decent weight and size for the price. My measurements of the floor were a few inches less than advertised. I've taken it backpacking with my wife and dogs a few times. There is just enough room for the four of us."

"First, the fly zippers got fabric stuck in them every time I got in and out. So standing out in the pouring rain, or trying to get out, there I was struggling with the zipper. Also there is a double zipper on the fly, so if you are in a hurry to get in or out in the rain, and grab the wrong zipper tap, the fly opens from the top, dumping water all over your stuff in the vestibule. Also, if you unzip both sides of the heart shaped netting to reach inside your outside your tent, the upside down heart shaped netting hangs right down the middle in your face. So annoying I'm taking it back. On the upside, I did stay dry in multiple downpours."

"I've used this often for 4 years, particularly while bikepacking solo so I can put all my gear inside the tent with me. It finally needs a new coating of waterproofing after 4 years but has held up very well against the elements."

"My husband and I used it twice and my son has used this tent a half dozen times. It's a great tent! Kept our son and us warm and dry, is really easy to set up, and is tough. On our leg of the trip in Moab, our high profile tent blew away and got damaged on a 45 mph gust of wind, but the Half Dome stood its ground, steady as a rock. It's the same size and weight as our Kelty, which it replaced and which we took back country a few times, so we're sure it'll hold up through hiking or back country camping."

"I really liked this tent. Nice internal design and enough space for 2 adults. Large vestibules for gear and lots of internal storage for headlamp, phone, keys, etc. Light enough for backpacking and very easy to set up. Where the REI Half Dome 2 Plus will let you down is the rainfly. It worked well for about 1 year and then I was caught in a torrential downpour on the Buffalo River in Arkansas. Hours of heavy rainfall saturated the rainfly inside and out. I tried water-proofing but it didn't take. On the next outing with light rain the rainfly again was saturated and I had a puddle of water inside the tent by morning. With only a 1 year warranty, this 3 year old tent has seen its last day on the trail."

In conclusion, the REI Half Dome 2 Plus proves to be a robust and spacious tent that builds on the strengths of the original Half Dome 2. Its expanded size offers extra room for two people, providing greater comfort and versatility for a range of camping scenarios. The tent’s thoughtful design incorporates features that enhance usability, including increased headroom, improved ventilation, and easy setup. While it may not be the lightest option for ultralight backpackers or the most compact for tight spaces, the REI Half Dome 2 Plus delivers exceptional value by combining additional space with the reliability and quality associated with the Half Dome series. This review highlights the tent’s key advantages and its suitability for those who need a bit more comfort and functionality on their outdoor adventures. If you’re seeking a tent that balances extra space with dependable performance, the REI Half Dome 2 Plus is definitely worth considering for your next camping trip.