Rei Quarter Dome Sl2 Review

The REI Quarter Dome SL 2 has emerged as a notable choice for those in search of a lightweight, two-person tent that doesn’t compromise on comfort or functionality. This real review delves into the features and performance of the REI Quarter Dome SL 2, highlighting how this tent balances its minimalist design with practical usability. Designed with the modern backpacker in mind, the REI Quarter Dome SL 2 offers a unique blend of durability and ease of use. Join us as we explore what makes the REI Quarter Dome SL 2 a standout option in the realm of ultralight camping gear.

"Purchased June 2020. Used the tent on several one night hikes and one 6 night hike in the first year. Used it on my SOBO AT thru-hike June - Nov 2021. This tent endured 5 months setting up, taking down and stuffing into my back pack. Absolutely no problems with leaking or tears. Does not take long to dry out after a soaking. A light weight tent easy to set up and take down with 2 spacious vestibules and roomy interior. I have used this tent several times since my return from the AT and actually got home today after a 3 day 2 night hike in which I had a lot of rain both nights and it still is not leaking. I am considering applying a new coat of DWR simply because of the extensive use this tent has gone through. The only draw back I find with this tent is that it requires several stakes to put it up properly which can be a little frustrating if you are in an area with a lot of rocks. However in the 5 months on the AT it did not happen enough that I wished I had something different. I wouldn’t hesitate to take this tent again on a 5 month journey. I read several of the negative comments about this tent and my guess is that many of them had problems due to improper storage. It’s not enough to store tents in a cool dry place. They should be aired out, cleaned, dried thoroughly and folded lightly prior to storage."

"I bought this tent because another review mentioned that it was waterproof. I spend a lot of time camping in the Sierras and needed something that could hold up to the almost daily afternoon rain storms. So far so good. The tent withstood a 3 hour storm without soaking through. Many other comparable tents were more expensive and other reviewers complained about them soaking through. I couldn’t be happier with this purchase."

"I've used this tent a handful of times in Ohio and Colorado and so far so good. It kept me dry in pouring rain in Ohio as well as a pop-up storm with hail in Colorado. Breathability was fine - no issues with condensation inside. I haven't backpacked with it, but have plenty of space for me (5'1) (but no gear other than a few overnight items). I've pitched it on grass, gravel, rock. I do find the front hard to get just right, but it's fine. It fits in my carry-on bag when I travel. I haven't had issues with tearing of any parts. I do wish it came with a footprint, I use the one from my Half-Dome 2 SL to protect the bottom but since it doesn't fit it has built up some water undernearth (and I've stayed dry!). I want to add pictures to this review but it's not giving me the option right now, maybe I'll figure out later."

"Cheap tent material deteriorated and is no longer usable. REI brand products are built cheaply and you are on your own if expect product support. Shock cord will need to be replaced after a year and rain fly will stick to itself and not be usable after 5 years."

"As with so many of the REI branded prodcuts and the made up brands REI now sells, the quality is far inferior to reputable brands. We only used the tent once and kept it in a temperature and humidity controlled space and the inside coating is peeling off. The REI response is tough luck you are past your warranty period. This has been a consistent theme so after many loyal years with REI, we will only purchase actual name brand products from REI where the company stands behind their products."

"Bought this tent to have a light weight tent for longer backpacking trips for my wife & I. I have the SL1 version of this tent & have used it on several trips and love it as a 1 person shelter. These tents pack up small, are reasonable light weight, and have features that are nice when camp is set up. The way the fly doors can fully roll back allows excellent ventilation & viewing. The fly only pitch (if you buy the footprint) is handy for setting up in the rain or for a really light setup. I've used the fly only pitch to sit out afternoon thunderstorms in the mountains and found it to be enjoyable to watch the storms while sitting out of the rain. NOTE: this tent has a taper to it. So it's best if your sleeping pads taper as well. We use the REI Helix pads (1 wide & 1 regular) and they fit snug. We really like this tent. You have to understand that it has enough room, but it's not roomy. I like to carry the poles in the exterior side pocket of my pack and the tent/fly go inside. If it's wet, the fly goes in the exterior pouch of the pack."

"I used this tent in the Windriver Mountain range in Wyoming for a 6 day trip. One evening, the rain was coming down sideways and I remained dry the whole time!! I am 6’2, 220lb athletic build and I prefer to use this tent by myself. The rain fly provides easy access from either side of the tent. I would use one side to get in and out, while using the other to stow away gear and keep dry. Light weight and easy to set up. Money well spent!!!"

"I bought this tent to use for backpacking. I’ve taken this tent on multiple excursions in the back country. I use a tent footprint to protect the tent base. Tent setup is easy and can be done in less than 10 minutes if you are really taking your time. This tent is tapered at one end- emphasis on the quarter dome. There are pockets located on the inside roof and walls of the tent. I enjoy the hubbed poles because it makes for an easier and efficient set up and take down. It packs great in a compression bag."

"This tent might be ok at best in the right conditions but for any serious use, inclement weather, rocky grounds, speedy setup, high wind, you’ll be disappointed. I used it once for 14 days in Wabakimi in the fall. Upon return, I immediately returned it. The good: it’s light The bad: Rather than a traditional multi hoop design, the engineers are using a pole system shaped like a cross. This leaves a single pole at your feet. Try as I might, I could never get the foot of the tent stretched tight side to side. This left me feeling more like I had my feet in the bottom of a collapsing sleeping bag than a tent. Furthermore, the rain fly barely stretches to cover the screen at the foot. On a particularly windy night with the wind at at my feet, rain was driven up under the fly and got the foot of my bag wet. Stake down on any rocky ground was impossible. But this is the nature of tents. I usually use rocks, trees, bushes, and a stake if I can get one in the ground. The issue is this tent is unusable without at least a dozen tie down points. That’s a lot of rocks to haul around. And the flapping in the wind! Even after using every tie down point, this thing flapped. Tough to get anything tight. It’s a bizzare shape that never really tightens up. The many angels make for difficulty in pulling anything tight. One vent! A big vent. In the door. That lets rain in. After the issue with a wet bag, I turned the tent around. Only to have rain driven into this roof-top vent the next night. Who puts a vent like this in the roof that won’t stretch close properly. Set up was slow and confusing. Two of us both tried to understand the intentions of the engineers in how we’re supposed to stake it and put guide lines in it. Odd guide line attachment. Guide lines and stake points for the tent. But the rainfly doesn’t properly attach and to the tent and needs duplicate steaks or guidelines in the same place? My friend could set up his half dome and all gear and be sitting down making coffee before I could get this quarter dome set up. After 14 nights, it was clear. If you’re looking for the least weight. This is fine, not great. You’ll need conditions with little or no wind. And you’ve gotta mess with the setup. Ive used far better for a lower price. And just as light. Keep looking. There’s better tents for nearly every situation than this one."

"It is not free standing, it’s pretty small inside and it’s a pain to setup. I’ll take the weight penalty and stay with my Passage 2."

In summary, the REI Quarter Dome SL 2 stands out as a top choice for two-person tents thanks to its effective combination of light weight and functional design. The tent’s thoughtful features and strong performance make it an ultimate companion for both casual campers and serious backpackers. Despite a few minor drawbacks, the REI Quarter Dome SL 2 offers substantial value, ensuring comfort and reliability on your outdoor adventures. For those seeking a tent that delivers both in performance and portability, the REI Quarter Dome SL 2 is a worthy contender to consider for your next journey.