REI Arete ASL 2 Tent

Comments about REI Arete ASL 2 Tent:

This is my first product review. I don't write them, but I read a lot of them. This tent has been so good that I just had to go ahead and post a review to let others know about it.
I have had it since 2008 (which is close to the time the model came out). I have camped with it numerous times and it has held up extremely well. No rips or tears, no seams coming undone, zippers all continue to work perfectly. It is comfortable as a 1-person tent, but there is room for 2 people (they should be prepared to do some snuggling - lol). You can't stand in this tent but it's roomy enough to sit very comfortably with plenty of head space if you are in the 6' range.
I have read some people talk about condensation issues and I have had some mild experiences with that, too. However, I learned how to properly use the zippered vents and door and since then have not experienced problems with condensation (plus it's pretty dry in CO). There are several mesh pockets on the walls inside and there are hooks to hang stuff-sacks or other hangable items. One of the points that has impressed me so much about this tent is the sturdy design. On my most recent camping trip 3rd weekend of May, 2013 we experienced high winds (we were right at 9800 ft on the CO Front Range). Temps during the day got up to the mid-70's and at night dropped to low-30's. My buddy's dept-store-type tent kept deforming and pulling up from the ground and trying to take flight. My tent (fully staked-down including the rain fly) never moved. I could hear the wind, and sometimes I heard just a little bit of material flapping but the poles never moved and no drafts were encountered inside. It rained on us the first night, also. I was bone-dry inside.
The one caution I would give a buyer considering this tent is that it doesn't come with enough stakes to completely stake-out the rainfly. The rainfly helps mitigate condensation issues and provides a bit of shade from the sun so that sunlight isn't beating straight down on the tent material. If the fly isn't completely staked out and it rains, the fly can settle against the walls of the tent and trap moisture which would potentially cause a mildew issue if the tent is packed wet. Staking the rain fly out fully helps prevent this (not to mention makes the tent stay more stable in high winds). I had read on another user's post about the "red anodized aluminum tent stakes" from MSR that are available individually and I got a few - I highly recommend them. They are longer than the supplied stakes and just a bit more robust - although I can also say I haven't had any problems with the supplied stakes, there just aren't quite enough of them. You will need an extra 3 or 4 stakes to hold the fly down fully and have a spare.
The vestibule on this tent is created by the rain fly. It is roomy enough for your boots and a small day-pack, but with my larger multi-day backpack, I have to pull that inside the tent with me. Two people plus their multi-day backpacks and gear would probably be pretty cozy (read "tight fit").
I have used this tent as a 3-season tent very happily. I am not sure it would be so great in heavy snow - the material is a bit thin for that. However, it does handle a light snowfall just fine. The design keeps the roof quite sturdy. For my needs, I personally feel like this tent was worth every penny and I won't need to replace it for years and years.

Comments about REI Arete ASL 2 Tent:

Just returned from a 4-day trip north of Atigun Pass in the Brooks Range. Temperatures ranged from -10F to 10F at night. Unusually heavy snow for this time of year accompanied by typical winds.

This review is for the Arete 3 which appears to be discontinued and I was the sole occupant of the tent for the trip. Regarding the size of the tent, it would have been cozy with two people and gear. For me and my gear it was quite comfortable.

Over a day and a half of the trip were spent pinned down by a ground blizzard with near white-out conditions. Winds were estimated to be 25-30 mph continuous with gusts of 40-45mph. The vestibule was partially drifted in and some snow was blown through the vents. Significant snow accumulated around the tent fly bottom.

The tent was comfortable and stable for the duration of the trip. I wished I had prepared the tent for the quick pitch as it was zero F with wind when the tent was erected and the fly-to-tent velcro fasteners were not attached. This didn't present a problem but with heavier winds it could have been. Small stakes were packed in snow that was allowed to harden and then the guy lines were tightened later. The tent was stable with this arrangement but all the guys were used.

Ventilation was adequate for the conditions.

Overall this was a most satisfactory tent for the conditions. Again, please note this review is for an Arete ASL 3 and is being placed here as a reference for the design.

Comments about REI Arete ASL 2 Tent:

My favorite tent. Light enough to go everywhere, strong enough to go almost anywhere (I haven't gone above tree line). The 2P is a palace for 1P and cozy for 2 (put your head by the entrance). The Vestibule is small, but it's a backpacking tent. It handles 2P fine if you don't bring the kitchen sink. Pitching is fast and the speed pitch takes much practice to get right (don't try1st time in the woods in a downpour). Ventilation, I would like more options, but have used successfully in all conditions. IMPORTANT- stake out properly and completely - venting is fine. Remember, Nylon stretches in the cold, so the more you over tighten the guy lines, the more it will sag in the early am, condensation will result- get the tension right! Love the pockets- need one added along short foot wall to make a total home run. Vestibule door could use a mesh- these 2 comments are nitpicking. Now, remember the storm in early 2013 in NE/USA (Nemo)- See pics below. Even in 13" it didn't collapse. I don't think I could have done better for twice the price.

Comments about REI Arete ASL 2 Tent:

I used this as I traveled from Montana down through Wyoming to Boulder Co on a mix of a driving and hiking trip for a week. It held up fine in the 20 degree nights; keeping heat in well to me. Wasn't sure how high wind speeds were but it held up fine in what I guess may have topped 40 mph winds. The vestibule is small but easy to work around regardless. Also held up fine in the sandy beach areas around some of the lakes and reservoirs we camped around. Dirt and sand are very easy to remove and the tent is easy cleanup after the trip. All and all, a good all-around tent for the regular backpacker or car camper.

Comments about REI Arete ASL 2 Tent:

My wife and I were given this tent as a wedding gift. We used it during our honeymoon at the Oregon Coast. It stayed dry in the midst of heavy coastal rains, and retained heat very well. However it does collect some condensation on the underside of the fly. The entry design makes it difficult to enter without kicking your spouse or bunkmate, but it has plenty of room.

Comments about REI Arete ASL 2 Tent:

Took this on a ten day solo trip through the White Mountains over Christmas 2012. For a solo trip it was excellent, providing ample room inside and very quick set up and take down. Cannot imagine two people inside this tent on a winter outing as it would be extremely cozy inside with inadequate area under the vestibule for gear. Did have minor issue with condensation freezing inside but when it snows so much that the tent is covered half way up the sides what can you expect. Was able to mitigate the condensation issue somewhat utilizing the vestibule and door openings along with the two top vents. The tent does provide several options for configuration of all the openings which was quite convenient. Multiple interior mesh pockets for stashing the little stuff with a top loops for hanging stuff as well. Tent held up really well under the amount of snow I got with no fly to tent contact that I saw. Did have it fully guyed out in anticipation of the heavy snow but on nights without heavy snowfall predicted, guys were not used or necessary. Obviously have to purchase snow stakes separately. Can't speak to wind performance much but it handled what I saw (20-25 mph at most probably). Did have one end of the fly vent come off the pole one night but don't know if it was the wind or me missing something. Has a fast pitch option utilizing velcro to keep the fly attached and aligned to the tent body which I did not use and subsequently found to be a minor nuisance when breaking it down. A little towards the heavy side weight wise for a soloist but was really pleased overall as I think it afforded very good winter performance without the cost and weight of a true 4 season tent while being way more comfortable than a bivy. Think it is too much tent for any warm weather trips but really does a good job filling in the void for winter excursions and felt the cost vs performance was exceptional.

Comments about REI Arete ASL 2 Tent:

This was my first all-season tent and for the price, it holds up great. I got it as a Christmas present and have been using it ever since. The tent is a lot roomier vertically than I expected, and the little pockets are nice. I'm looking at storage lofts to use the tent space to its fullest, as the Arete only has mesh sidepockets.

I'd advise setting up the tent a few times in your backyard or in your house before trekking off into the wild--the poles can be a pain the get into the grommets without practice. The design definitely makes up for that flaw with the main poles only needing two grommets instead of the usual four (makes solo setup much easier). The semi-permanent fly attachment is handy for extra-cold temperatures (my last hiking trip, the temperatures got down to -25ºF) is very nice, though I have to detach the four front rip and stick attachments in order to get the front arch pole into place. Solo, it is a little difficult getting the tent set up quickly, but with two people the tent is up in five minutes.

I always dig out a hole in the snow when it's deep enough to give my tent that much more protection, and the Arete is great in that the floor material extends partway up the sides of the tent so no moisture gets in. My boyfriend and I can both comfortably sleep in this tent with our dog and gear packed in, and the vestibule is big enough for our packs and boots. With all of us, the roof vents are very necessary and I strongly suggest sleeping with heads closest to the door. Very ideal for cold Alaskan winters, but a tent with more ventilation is a better idea for warmer climates. The weight of the tent is also a plus, as other four-season tents can be up to ten pounds in weight and this one rivals at a packed weight of five pounds fourteen ounces. Split up the tent and you hardly notice it's there.

Overalll, the tent is an asset rather than a hassle. I'm thinking of upgrading in a few years, but the Arete allows for much more seasonal tenting flexibility than I would have assumed from its price. Definitely happy with its performance.

Comments about REI Arete ASL 2 Tent:

I go solo backpacking in Ontario and Quebec. I occasionally go winter camping. In the past I have tried 3-season tents, a 4-season bivy and tarp camping with mixed results.

I read the reviews on the arete and in my last trip to the US, took the plunge. [note: Canada customs allows up to $400 in goods to be brought back duty-free if one stays at least 72 hours].

Got the chance to try out the tent in a trip in November. The temperature was ok for late fall. Ranged from -10C to +1C w/o windchill; some freezing rain, about 2-4 cm of snow and gusts of wind up to 30kph on one night.

My experience was positive - pretty much on one measure - how much time it takes me to break camp in the morning? This has always been an issue with me. When the fingers are numb and I am losing heat through the soles, the last thing I want is to stand around folding stuff. Just wretched man. The guy who designed their stuff sack is a genius. All the other features like the poles with the rounded end, the extra velcro tabs for the fly, the bar at the top are all nice... but that stuff sack is a winner.

If I was to find some downsides, I'd say there was condensation build up inside although I had the vents open, and the zipper on the fly has a rather tight route at the peak so needs some coaxing. I'd also have liked to see the side pouches inside the tent to be placed one on either end of the tent (I like sleeping with the feet towards the door, so would be nice to stick stuff like my glasses and matches near my head). But these are small points.

I'd most def recommend this to a friend.

Comments about REI Arete ASL 2 Tent:

A buddy and myself took this tent on a week long backpacking adventure through Wrangell St. Elias in Alaska during July of this year (2012). Day one was sunny and 60's, so the weather offered no challenge. Day two we woke to something rubbing the side of the Arete ASL 2. After reaching for a .44 mag and quickly unzipping the vestibule we were shocked to find a foot of fresh snow on the ground and top of our rain fly. Even more surprising was the fact that the tent had no problem holding the snow AND the design repelled too much build up, hence the rubbing sound that awoke us.

The next 5 days included another foot of snow, 30 mph wind gusts, and a ton of rain as we decended from 6,000 ft to the tree line at 3300 ft. Each day we woke to a dry floor, warm internal temps, and a comfy amount of space for two.

My only complaint would be the rain fly's poor stitching. The rain fly has a vent at the peak which utilizes a single pole to lift the fly off the tent. While attempting to attach the pole to the eyelet on each side, I tore the seam along the edge of the fly. Needless to say, the vents did not function properly from that day forward. Again, the rain fly was the source of the problem, not the tent. I will returning to REI for a refund/replacement.

To sum it up, this tent not only handled everything Alaska could serve, it exceeded all of my expectations. My wife's 30 b-day gift was an excellent choice and I would highly recommend anyone purchase this REI product.

Comments about REI Arete ASL 2 Tent:

Really stands up to weather! Had pouring rain for 2 days without any leaks or condensation in the tent. Fast set up, comfortable for two people, very compact when packed. Not an ultralight, but worth the weight. My favorite of my 5 tents!