Rei Quarter Dome 2 Review

For campers who value a blend of lightweight design and spacious comfort, the REI Quarter Dome 2 is a tent that demands attention. Designed for two people, this tent represents a thoughtful evolution in REI's lineup, merging efficiency with practicality. The REI Quarter Dome 2 caters to those who seek a minimalist yet functional shelter that doesn't compromise on essential features. In this review, we'll explore how the REI Quarter Dome 2 stacks up against other tents in its class, focusing on its design, features, and overall performance. From its innovative pole system to its clever space utilization, we’ll assess whether the REI Quarter Dome 2 lives up to its reputation as a reliable companion for your outdoor adventures.

"I bought this tent thinking it would be the last one I needed in my lifetime (im in my 70s). I have been an outdoor person for my whole life, and used many different brands. I store my equipment indoors properly and use my tent about 3-4 times a year. The shock cords have lost all of their elasticity and unable to use the tent! It seems to disintegrate sitting in my climate controlled house. I just want to get the shockcords replaced, the rest of the tent is in great condition. At the store I was given the option to buy a new tent or send it to an outside company to have it fixed. REI doesnt even carry the shock cording. I am disappointed... what has happened to REI product support."

"This tent has been amazing over the years. Have had it over 7 years. Did the JMT with it and numerous shorter trips as well as 400 miles on PCT. Shock cord, eventually they get stretched out. Mine took 6 years and a bunch of use. Buy new cord on line watch the video and replace it"

"Just a quick write-up for people whose tent poles are no longer snapping back together. It's normal for shock cords to wear out and become inelastic over time. The Half Dome and Quarter Dome seem to consistently have this issue after a few years. You can replace the shock cord in your tent poles at home without specialized tools. (You don't need a clamp; a bobby pin or clothespin works fine.) It takes about an hour. You need about 30 feet of 3/32" shock cord, which you can order online. If you get larger diameter cord, it will not fit through your poles. It's a good idea to get a few extra feet - I ordered 35 feet of extreme durability cord to be safe and I keep the leftover in my tent bag. There are general instructional videos on YT that teach you how to replace your shock cord. If you follow the cord through your poles one section at a time, it's fairly easy to figure out how to restring it without Quarter Dome specific instructions. No need to replace your tent. You got this!"

"I want to love this tent. I really do! It's super light, relatively easy to set up, holds up in wind and rain, and has ample space under the fly to stash stuff you don't want to share your precious interior (inside the netting) space with. BUT...I've already had it replaced once due to cheap materials, and now it's busted again but REI won't stand by it because it's out of its one-year window. The cheap plastic snaps that are the only way to connect the fly to the tent and thereby the pegs never slid in properly, and are brittle enough they've snapped making tying low-tech knots in a high-tech tent my only option this season. The stuff sack is thin and has ripped (again) and the pole strings have long since stretched out with no way to simply tighten them as in days of yore."

"We’ve have had this tent out under the stars many many nights, in beautiful weather and bad weather, from the Appalachian trail, to the Desolation Wilderness at Tahoe, to Yosemite, to Olympic NP rainforest It’s about five years old, and yes, we had to replace the shock cords. Took about an hour and cost about $15. There is nothing else in this price point that weighs as little and is as easy to set up from what we have found. Would 100% do it again - but, we don’t need to because we have many, many more trips left in this one."

"Overall had this tent just at the 6 year mark. The bungee cord between the poles is no longer stretchy. I’ll have to replace. Good while it lasted and light weight. Not sure the longevity of tents anymore, but looks like this product is discontinued now."

"It breaks my heart to write a lousy review on an REI product but I feel like there's got to be a mutual agreement between consumer and producer. Like many other reviewers. I have great things to say about the design and comfort of the tent. BUT...the shockcord is crapping out. It's only 3 years old. Given the design of the pole system of what eventually becomes a single, integrated structure across the whole tent...that's a BIG PROBLEM. And please REI...don't tell me this is a result of it being an ultra or superlight tent. If that was the case, your review pages would be filled with similar comments for similar products from different manufacturers. You either have to sell us products and claim they are comparable to other competition...OR...sell products with the mutual understanding and marketing that "hey...we sell it for less...and you get less quality". Very sad that my faith in this product can't be upheld."

"Purchased a couple months ago, has been everything I had hoped. Set Up - 1 person takes about 5 minutes, 2 people even faster Space - tight for 2 people, better know them well or you’re about to Doors/Vestibules - 2 doors that are easy open from inside tent without stretching to reach, vestibules offer enough space for boots but not too much else Waterproof - Ohio rain, New York rain, Maine rain, warm and dry with no issues Ventilation - like most, can get steamy when it’s all zipped up, but the roof vent and the door vents when no rain make for a comfy sleep."

"After 3 uses over 3 years being stored in a cool dark basement, the shock cords in all the tent poles lost elasticity. REI wants $60 to replace the shock cords which I'll do myself instead for $10. Very disappointed in the durability of the shock cords, not sure if this is a one off experience but I would be leery buying this model of tent used or new. Good tent otherwise, small for two people but great for one."

"This tent worked great at first, however, I took it camping this weekend and realized the tension had completely gone out of the cord in the tent poles. The poles were completely loose and I had to remove sections of cord in order to tighten the poles enough to set the tent up. Would not recommend, never seen this from a tent before."

In summary, the REI Quarter Dome 2 emerges as a top contender for campers who need a balance between lightweight portability and ample space. Its design reflects a careful consideration of functionality and ease of use, from the efficient pole assembly to the well-thought-out ventilation system. The REI Quarter Dome 2 offers a compelling mix of durability and comfort, making it a solid choice for those who don’t want to compromise on either. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or an extended backcountry trip, the REI Quarter Dome 2 is a tent that delivers on its promise, providing a dependable and enjoyable camping experience. With its thoughtful features and user-friendly design, it stands out as a worthy investment for the discerning camper.