How to Choose a Backpacking Tent
REI Co-op Arete ASL 2 Tent
This product is not available. Good news: we have a newer version.
With high-strength pole architecture, lightweight materials, a fully sealable interior and a roomy floor plan, the REI Arete ASL (All Season Light) 2 tent is a year-round backcountry shelter for 2.
Shop newer version- High-strength pole architecture, lightweight materials, fully sealable interior and roomy floor plan combine to create a low-weight, weather-worthy tent
- 3-pole extended dome structure is designed for strength; compact footprint and single front vestibule are ideal for setups in tight spots
- Asymmetrical shape keeps the weight low while allowing an efficient use of interior space; it provides nice roominess around the shoulder area
- Large, multidiameter DAC Featherlight® NSL Combi poles increase interior volume and structural stability
- Dual AirLift rainfly vents channel wind to increase tent's strength; fully adjustable, these ceiling vents create cross-flow ventilation that mitigates condensation
- Dead End pole sleeves and color coding facilitate a quick setup
- Speed-pitching option allows tent and fly to be semi-permanently attached for a quick setup that protects the canopy from precipitation
- Arete can be used in a variety of seasons and climates: inner tent is fully closeable, with zippered panels that cover the mesh doors and vents
- Hybrid floor combines sealed seams and bathtub curves to create a waterproof, taut floor; tautness enhances door-zipper operation and maximizes volume at end walls
- Vestibule overhangs tent door so rain stays outside
- Multiple storage options include corner pockets, roof pockets and hang loops; use the door pocket to hold door out of the way or for storage
- Siliconized 30-denier ripstop nylon fly is lightweight, highly water repellent and tear resistant
- No-wick welded construction ensures that moisture won't sneak through susceptible areas, such as guy-out points, pole wraps and zippers
- Comes with guylines and tighteners, stakes, pole and stake bags, pole repair tube, and tapered, easy-to-fill compression stuff sack
- REI Co-op brand is certified to The Climate Label; we actively fund efforts to reduce carbon emissions across our business and support climate projects around the world
| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Seasons | 3 - 4-season |
| Sleeping Capacity | 2-person |
| Minimum Trail Weight | 5 lbs. 5 oz. |
| Packaged Weight | 5 lbs. 14 oz. |
| Packed Size | 6 x 20 inches |
| Floor Dimensions | 88 x 60 inches |
| Floor Area | 32.5 square feet |
| Vestibule Area | 9.1 square feet |
| Peak Height | 40 inches |
| Number of Doors | 1 door |
| Number of Poles | 3 + 1 vent |
| Pole Material | Aluminum DAC Featherlite NSL |
| Pole Diameter | 9.6/9.0 millimeters |
| Canopy Fabric | Ripstop nylon/mesh |
| Floor Fabric | Coated nylon taffeta |
| Rainfly Fabric | Coated ripstop nylon |
| Footprint Included | No |
| Design Type | Freestanding |
| Sustainability | From a Climate Label Certified brand |
Buying Advice
More expert advice
Better gear is built together
From feedback to field testing, all of our gear is dialed-in by REI Co-op members. Their adventures informed every stitch and detail—making for better, longer-lasting gear.
Review this Product
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
Most Helpful Favorable Review
Took on a Nor' Easter
FatherSon camping12 years ago
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.
FatherSon camping
Norwalk, Ct
88 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
Construction fiasco
PLCHRISTMA9 years ago
I did a lot of research and comparison shopping before I purchased this tent for an extended camping trip to Alaska. After a practice session setting it up the first time at home I discovered the glue that holds the Velcro tabs to the fly and tent failed at almost each point - plus the seam sealing looked cracked in many places and beginning to fail. My REI membership goes back 40 years and this was the first time I ever returned a product for poor construction. No problem with the exchange. Took #2 to Death Valley NP for a week in one of the worst wind and rain storms we've had in SOCAL recently. Tent design was spectacular, fully staked out I never had to restake the tent notwithstanding having to replace a windshield from the sand and rain storms. Temps 70's in the day, high 30's at night, properly vented no condensation. But when I took the tent down - carefully - I found the same issue: glue failed on the Velcro tabs and seam seal cracking all along the seams. Too bad but back it goes. 4 stars for design, 1 star for construction and WOULD NOT recommend this tent.
PLCHRISTMA
San Diego
24 people found this review helpful
Customer Images
Mountain Man Mike
Colorado Springs, CO, United States
This tent better than expected!
8 years ago
I just received this today and did a quick set up in the back yard. I have not used it on any trips yet. I am 51 and have hiked since I was 10 so I know good gear when I see it. I did my research online and was looking for a light tent that was a little bigger for me and my gear compared to most 1 person tents but I do not like a lot of weight or mesh that you cant seal up. This tent does all of that. The Good... very good quality for the price, craftsmanship is exc! bag is a little oversized so its easy to store, the little toggle on the door flap is a cool design, mesh pockets to store doors while open are neat, DAC poles are the bomb! roomy, top venting is nice and easy to adjust / close, seems durable, and most of all light weight for the size. I read a few reviews about the Velcro coming off of the fly so I had planned on having it sewn on right away... REI obviously has listened to their customers because it was already done on mine. (Thanks REI). The not so good... Not much to complain about since other reviews were accurate and I knew what to expect... The stakes (not enough and cheap quality) and guy ropes are a joke! I replaced them right away with the Catoma X-3 stakes (best stakes I have ever used) and paracord, rain fly top pole is tough to get in but still works fine, vestibule is small (see pics for estimate, My Osprey Aether 70 leaning against fly and I had to set in tent to take off my size 10 boots) and the ventilation at the roof could be better / bigger... If the fly matched up better with the vents in the tent it would expose more air and flow would be better. Also... do NOT buy the footprint! I did and it does not fit! I will make one out of Tyvek. Overall... VERY satisfied with it so far and I am looking forward to putting this through a serious test this winter here in Colorado!
Yes , I recommend this product
Simon
Redmond, WA, United States
A unicorn
8 years ago
I spent a lot of time researching the unicorn I sought - a 4-season 2-person tent, lightweight, and doesn't break the bank. There really is nothing else that compares - other options are heavier, and/or more expensive, or a single-wall that's useless at anything subalpine. Also it packs down really nicely. Plenty of room for two plus gear alongside owing to the shape. I've had this in gales, torrential rain, 0F, over 10k feet, the works. It's plenty strong for snow loads (my only complaint is the door-roof area holds rather than sheds snow, but it's strong enough to hold it). The ventilation system is great. And it works just as well in summer. Truly a year-round tent. I don't miss not having a second door at all. Door make sure to get the footprint, the tent will last you years and years. I may not take this up Denali, but for anything in the lower 48 it's perfect. It's a bit longer than most tents in its class, good news for you taller folks. And you can set it up (simple and fast, by the way) with fly already attached, keeping it dry if raining. I see a lot of these at alpine basecamps. REI have solved a unique niche with this tent, at a great price. For some reason though it doesn't seem to be in-store for the most part - by all means, buy this (and the fly) online.
Yes , I recommend this product
FatherSon camping
Norwalk, Ct
Took on a Nor' Easter
12 years ago
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.
Yes , I recommend this product
Gone where the raven goes
Anchorage, AK
Great Tent
15 years ago
I use the Arete ASL 2 for one person, usually, on solo treks into the Alaska backcountry. I'm tall and like lots of room inside, so a 2-man tent works well for me. This is a small-ish 2-man, but is not too heavy and is nice & roomy for one. It's very sturdy - it easily managed my worst night so far of 40-50 mph sideways rain on an exposed mountainside. The roof ventilation seems minimal, but I've yet to experience any actual problems, so I'd have to say it's adequate. It's also pretty warm. I have the original Half-Dome, too, which is better for two people when more room & ventilation are needed and it's not too cold out.
Yes , I recommend this product
Wrldkn
Eau Claire, WI
Performs Well
13 years ago
Most recently had this tent in MT. on the Absaroka range. The tent performed well with no issues. The setup is easily accomplished by one person in very little time. The feature that allows the rainfly, tent and footprint to all stay attached when packing it up is great. I have no concerns about using this tent in any season, however, with the rain fly on in the summer it can get very warm, but not unbearable. Overall this is a great tent.
Yes , I recommend this product
Dave Canoe
Columbus, Ohio
Best Tent I have ever owned!
13 years ago
I took this tent on several solo and two person canoe trips this summer. It was very easy for one person to set up and was completely dry in the rain. On a canoe trip to the Rae River in the arctic circle with huge winds all the others had difficulty to set up their tents in the wind and their tents did not stand up well. The REI Arete was a cinch to set up even in heavy winds and stood solid no matter how hard the wind blew. It beat all the major brands standing nearby. It also met my criteria for being roomy enough for two, but small and light in my pack. I was so impressed I bought a second one for my daughter who has used it all summer guiding canoe trips in Canada. She loves it.
Yes , I recommend this product
AndreiGorchev
Boulder Co
Great 3.5 Season
12 years ago
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.
Yes , I recommend this product
antares68
Colorado Springs, CO
Get It - You Won't Regret It
12 years ago
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.
Yes , I recommend this product
Sainteterre
Denver, Co
Four Season Comfort
15 years ago
Since I hike and camp all year round, I needed a tent that was light and yet hefty enough to withstand heavy snows, wind and rain. In January I used it on a two day trip into the Eagles Nest Wilderness, and although it did not snow, it offered great ventilation and insulation through nights that reached lows as low as -18. But on a recent trip into Lost Creek it endured a freakish May snowstorm that dropped 10-12 inches of heavy, wet snow. It snowed so much and so fast I was initially worried it would collapse the tent -the tent held up under it all magnificently. The only qualm I might have is the perspiration on the inside. It was not enough, however, to make me uncomfortable or to reduce the effectiveness of my down bag. It is easy to get in and out of with one person and their gear, and is on the tight side with two people. The vestibule is easy to set up but offers minimal space for gear in a rain/snowstorm. So, if traveling solo, this tend offers shelter for you and gear in all situations; if traveling as a pair, it will be tight but not unbearable. All in all, this tent is REI's best.
Yes , I recommend this product
SGHiker
Pasadena, CA, United States
Two Year Tent
7 years ago
Loved the design! Gently used the tent a handful of times. Set up in my living room for several days to make sure it was clean and dry. Stored for several years in my closet. Set up for a trip and found the window on the floor and the fly stuck to everything.. Good tent for a limited life.
No, I do not recommend this product
1 - 10 of 74 Reviews