REI Co-op Alcove Shelter
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Big enough to set up over a picnic table and sturdy enough to stand in gusty winds, this freestanding, floorless shelter protects from rain and sun on car camping adventures, or in your back yard.
Shop similar products- Structurally stable pole design has convenient color-coded hubs and poles for a quick, clear setup
- Comes with durable powder-coated steel poles
- Polyurethane-coated polyester fabric resists harmful ultraviolet rays and resists sagging when wet
- Multiple guyouts secure the structure for added strength
- Includes guylines/cords, 4 steel stakes and a convenient duffle 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 | Camping |
|---|---|
| Weight | 15 lbs. 10 oz. |
| Packed Size | 10 x 30 inches |
| Floor Dimensions | 10 x 10 feet |
| Covered Area | 100 square feet |
| Peak Height | 6 ft. 6 in. inches |
| Number of Poles | 11 pole sections with 6 hubs |
| Pole Material | Steel |
| Pole Diameter | 19 millimeters |
| Canopy Fabric | Coated polyester taffeta |
| Design Type | Freestanding |
| Seasons | 3-season |
| Sustainability | From a Climate Label Certified brand |
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.
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Great product if you reinforce the top
First, thanks to those whose reviews I read before I bought it that mentioned the rain collection problem. I reinforced the roof/top of the canopy with two fiberglass tent poles (the kind with the elastic rope that holds the sections together), and that took care of the rain issue (available on [@]. And, the last time I used the canopy (on the back of my utility trailer) it rained hard and blew, and we stayed dry and comfy. We were using radio equipment, so it was important to stay dry. It was also very helpful to look at the weather report to know which way the wind would come from when attaching the fly. Using a tarp for a floor also helped.
Great Shelter - easy to put up
I have the shelter 100 for my InCamp 6. I was also looking at the Alcove which looked a little roomier. I bought it at the Labor Day sale and the next day we took it on a picnic with us. It is easy enough to assemble with one person. Plenty of head room and space to not feel cramped. The whole family loved it. I have two REI shelters and am pleased with them both.
Excellent shelter...if you set it up right
This is my second Alcove shelter. I love it. Yes, the first time I set it up, it rained and the rain pooled on it until one of the legs gave way and broke. It was still usable, but I realized that some changes needed to be made. In order for it to survive rain, it needs extra help. Using the center tie downs is a must and I added support under the top. Also, once it starts raining, it needs to be tightened up again. Once that is done, it is good to go! I loved the first one I had and so I got the second one and it works great with the added help.
With some work, it works great!
The main flaw noticed by many reviewers is the sagging side panel in the rain. There are solutions - taut rope from side loop to ground, weight the side loop down with 2 liter soda bottle partially filled, I have used an old aluminum tent pole as another bridge across the middle of the open panels. With the windwall, this is a versatile shelter. 1/3 the weight of the pop up shelters and more useful than a tarp. I have had it in 20 MPH wind and it help up fine, as long as the guy lines and side loops are used to anchor the unit. If the windwall is flat to the wind, two diagonal ropes from corner to corner reinforce and support it. Provides shade, rain, wind protection.
easy for gramma...
I recently bought a Trekker Trailer, very small teardrop, and wanted a sitting area/porch for entering/exiting. Looked and or tried various EZ up types. but never convinced I could put them up by myself. I read all the reviews about this and decided to give it a try. I put it up all by myself in the yard on a breezy day. I have not yet used it for it's intended purpose. Doing it by myself on a breezy day was a challenge! as it is very light, but I managed it! yay me! so, it needs to be staked out well! I do not expect it to withstand much more than a breeze or light rain. But I'm a fair weather camper,any who.
alcove shelter
I bought this as a gift for myself, along with the kingdom 8 and garage. I couldn't believe how light and easy this is to set up! Matches the tent and had tons of complements from other campers. Camping at the beach with high winds and heavy rain. I was supprised how well it took the abuse along with the tent! I cant get enough of the rei products and great deals they have... No complaints so far!!
Perfect.
I bought this when we were on our way to our campsite. We were camping in Northern Michigan for one week and the forecast was for a bit of everything. The setup was laughably easy. It's very sturdy when staked to the ground. I set it up just outside our tent over the picnic table. It offered us shade when hot and sunny, and kept us dry in the rain. This is one of those products that make you feel great about buying.
Effective beach shade - if you get sand anchors
We've had this for five years and have used it mostly at the beach. The first time I used it, it wouldn't stay put in a moderate wind. I got the "REI Snow and Sand Tent Anchors" and and since then we haven't had a problem. You set up the alcove as instructed, and when it's up, you attach the sand anchors to the bottom of the webbing. Dig a hole about a foot deep, with a channel for the cords on the anchor, put the anchor in the hole, cover it with sand and -- most importantly -- pour water on it and step on it to make it firm. The photo below is of the alcove today in 20 mph winds (seemed like it was gusting more, but that's what the weather report said) on the beach. You can see how much the wind was pushing against it, and it would have been a sail without the anchors.
Great for Teardops
I camp by myself and love that I can put up the Alcove by myself. It fits nicely over the back of my raindrop trailer, providing more than adequate protection for my galley. As others have mentioned, it will pool water when it rains. A fellow camper gave me the idea to use 12 36" bungee cords to create rafters (6 to each side) for the roof of the Alcove. Worked like a charm during my last camping trip. If you look closely at the photo below, you can see the bungees. I gave the shelter only 4 stars because of the water pooling.
Used heavily for 3 years
I bought this years ago and was just looking at other reviews. I have to disagree with everyone that has said it does not work well in rain or wind. A few others have pointed out that if properly guyed out and secured that rain rolls off it and does not puddle up or collapse. That has definitely been my experience. It is not particularly stable with just the 4 corner poles staked out, but after guying out each corner, it is very solid. The little extra effort makes all the difference in wind and rain. I have watched other shelters and tents blowing away or collapsing in wind while mine didn't budge. I am 6'4" and wish it was a bit bigger is the only reason I give it 4 stars.