REI Hoodoo 2 Tent - '09 Special Buy

Comments about REI Hoodoo 2 Tent - '09 Special Buy:

I bought this tent as our backpacking tent, for my 8 year old son and I. Let me start by saying this isn't ultralight, although you can go lighter by just using the poles/fly/footprint and using it as a shelter. I'm too anti-bug for that.

With absolutely no guidance or instructions (there is precious little info on the sewn tag on the stuff sack), my son and I were able to figure out the color coding of the straps and legs and get it assembled in about ten minutes on the first try. Subsequent assemblies are 3-5 minutes for the footprint, tent, poles and fly. And, like working with many 8 year olds, most of the time I'm working on my own.

There is ample interior space once you get things sorted out, and little pockets and loops everywhere to put and hang your stuff. We were able to fashion an overhead rope line through the loops for hanging LED lights and the Coleman Cool Zephyr fan.

We didn't have our 20 pound dog with us but he would have fit inside with the two of us. Mom, not so much. The fly diamonds out at the sides to create a vestibule for shoes and other gear, but since the fly doesn't really cover all the way to the ground, stuff may get wet depending on the terrain and weather.

We're not experienced backpackers, and I'm sure this tent is too heavy for some (a shade over 8# with the footprint and some extra lines), but we're not hiking 50 miles back into the wilderness. It performed perfectly for our light-duty use.

We did get a pretty good rain storm on a couple of nights, with 30-35 mph winds and 1/2" an hour downpours. Not a drop entered the tent, and the wind did nothing except refresh us on a hot spring night.

Comments about REI Hoodoo 2 Tent - '09 Special Buy:

I personally love this tent. First off yes it is difficult to setup but only the first time. Once you figure it out it is easy. Tons of room inside with the vertical walls and 2 large vestibules. It is heavy for a 2 person tent but it worked awesome in the BWCAW. I give it 4 stars only because of the weight.

Comments about REI Hoodoo 2 Tent - '09 Special Buy:

I'd like to start by saying that I haven't tried this tent outside yet. I am not a big fan of winter camping anymore and it has been cold since I received it. That's why I have only given it 4 stars, it still needs to earn the 5th.
That being said I will tell you what I like about this tent so far. It is quick to set up with the color coded tabs and poles, the rainfly seems to fit well (although I haven't tried to guy it out) and seems to offer ample vestibule space for gear. The tent showed no sagging and offers plenty of room for two people. I am a pretty big guy (6ft 280lbs) and my wife, my 2 year old son, and I fit nicely. It also held up to 2 days of toddler testing in the living room without any problems. A product has to be tough for that. I also like the ultralight option if you buy the footprint, its a great way to save some weight.
The only things that surprised me were the tents pack size, and how careful you must be removing the poles as they are under a lot of tension. Pack size can be rectified by using compression sacks so it's not a big deal. When taking the tent down make sure that no one is standing within about 4 feet of the ends of the poles, when they come loose they can rotate in weird angles and smack you camping buddy which could make for a long walk back to the car.
I fully expect this tent to earn the 5th star but didn't feel right giving it until the tent has proven itself in the woods.

Comments about REI Hoodoo 2 Tent - '09 Special Buy:

I'll start by saying I love this tent! It's probably a little heavy for long backpacking trips but I always figure the weight builds muscle. The vestibules are huge- I keep my mountain bike (take off the front tire) under one and my pack under the other with no problem. The doors open pretty much 360 degrees which makes getting in and out a snap even with gear on (or doing bike maintenance in a rain storm). It's a little snug for two people so you better like your companion, however the storage pockets all over the place make it feel way bigger than it is. Plus the walls are pretty much vertical so you get more headroom than expected in a backpacking tent. I've had no problems with condensation buildup and it doesn't drip an ounce in heavy rain. Other reviews have said that it is difficult to set up but if you know everything is color coordinated it's a snap. I can set it up solo in under 5 minutes with rain fly. It breathes well and the durability/quality is there. As I would any tent, I recommend the footprint just to preserve the life of the floor. Bottom line, this tent is perfect for the single person or couple who doesn't mind a little cuddling.

Comments about REI Hoodoo 2 Tent - '09 Special Buy:

This tent is heavy. That being said and as an avid backpacker who likes his comforts, I love this tent.
My first experience with this tent was at Lake Pyramid above Reno, Nevada. I got there late and has to set it up in the dark. I don't recommend this with this tent. Thank goodness it has color coded pole stays. Its really confusing especially when you are tired and its getting late. But I managed to figure it out and get it up. Wow...big and roomy inside...lots of pockets for my socks, water, flashlight, etc. It has a mesh window in the rear and one in the front, the two doors are mesh and see thru, and one mesh window above so there is lots of ventilation. Loved looking at the stars. The next night I was in a different location and decided to put up the rainfly....Wooo...I worked on this a while and still haven't decided if I had it on correctly or not.There is a nice see thru plastic window port at the front so you can see who is coming up on you. It got windy and rainy and I was very comfortable. Great tent but heavy for backpacking and needs better instructions for setting it up. In florescent so you can read them at night. I would gladly recommend this tent to a friend. But we would practice setting it up before the trip. Especially the rainfly.

Comments about REI Hoodoo 2 Tent - '09 Special Buy:

Nice tent for the price. Easy to setup.

Comments about REI Hoodoo 2 Tent - '09 Special Buy:

I got this tent for an extremely low price. So low that I just saw it and thought, hey ill take a roll of the dice. I was pleasantly suprised when I first set up the tent. There is SOOO much room inside (im 6 ft and 230lb and you could fit two of me easily inside)and a lot of storage area built right into the walls of the tent. REI took a bunch of good ideas they saw from other tent makers and threw them all together for this tent (as im sure they do for all thier tents).

Also the quality seems good. I dont see any part of the contruction of this tent that I worry about.

The only thing i dont like is that it isnt a backpacking tent. It doesnt pack down small enough due to the length of the poles. You wouldnt want to have this strapped to your back for days due to the weight of the entire tent. Its not tooooo heavey and its not tooooo big when packed down but its moer than i would want to carry out for a few days.

A good tent for a good price. Just make sure that you do your research on all the same style tents before you buy any of them.

Comments about REI Hoodoo 2 Tent - '09 Special Buy:

This tent is amazing. With the footprint it a little heavy but the room it provides is well worth the extra 1-2lbs. I have used this tent numerous times since 2009. It has seen action in Wyoming, Cali, Oregon, Utah and Arizona. I Was in a 3-4hours downpour in the Tetons and stayed dry and warm all night. Trinity lake wilderness put it to the test with wind and it stay perfectly intact.

The features I really love about this is the GIANT mesh doors, large amount of mesh pockets inside, the 2 air vents above the doors, porthole window, and the vestibules. This tent is a must buy!

The minimalist shelter is great to cut 2-3lbs off your weight. Living in Oregon there are too many mosquitoes for me to stay sane at night so I just pack it all.

Comments about REI Hoodoo 2 Tent - '09 Special Buy:

Tent worked great. I have used it three or four times now and there was no condensation at all. It has plenty of room for two people. Love this tent!

Comments about REI Hoodoo 2 Tent - '09 Special Buy:

Has a lot of room for 1 and plenty of room for two. The fact that the tent opens on both sides is great, people and get in and out without bother the other person. Recommend setting up the tent at least once before using it. Was kind of weird at first, dont be scared the pools bend. It's a little heavy for a backpacking tent but worth it for the room. Used it in the Grand Canyon and it work great.