How to Choose a Backpacking Tent
REI Co-op Arete ASL 2 Tent - 2018
This product is not available. Good news: we have a newer version.
With a 4-pole design that increases both living and storage space, the REI Co-op Arete ASL 2 tent has plenty of room to weather out the storm in comfort. It adapts easily to a variety of climates.
Shop newer version- 4-pole design increases structural stability for dependable all-season use, and increases both internal living and storage space
- Large door makes it easier to get in and out
- Wide vestibule provides sheltered storage space for gear
- Adjustable vents creates cross-flow ventilation that releases condensation
- Dead End pole sleeves and color coding make setup quick
- Adapts to a variety of seasons and climates: Inner tent is fully closeable, with zippered panels that cover the mesh panels and vents
- Unzipped vestibule overhangs tent door so the 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
- 40-denier nylon rainfly is lightweight yet strong, reducing sagging in damp conditions
- No-wick welded construction ensures that moisture won't sneak through susceptible areas, such as guyout points, pole wraps and zippers
- Reflective trims and detailing help spotting of tent guylines at night
- Vestibule stake-out loops can accommodate skis or split boards
- Comes with guylines and tighteners, stakes, pole and stake bags, pole repair tube and lightweight stuff sack
- Made with solution-dyed mesh to reduce water and energy use in manufacturing; mesh also meets bluesign® criteria
- Footprint not included
- Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria
- 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
Imported.
View all REI Co-op Backpacking Tents| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Seasons | 3 - 4-season |
| Sleeping Capacity | 2-person |
| Minimum Trail Weight | 5 lbs. 10 oz. |
| Packaged Weight | 6 lbs. 5 oz. |
| Packed Size | 6 x 6 x 20 inches |
| Floor Dimensions | 88 x 57/60/44 (L x W head/shoulder/foot) inches |
| Floor Area | 32.9 square feet |
| Vestibule Area | 8.7 square feet |
| Peak Height | 43 inches |
| Number of Doors | 1 door |
| Number of Poles | 4 |
| Pole Material | DAC NSL aluminum and DAC PF aluminum |
| Canopy Fabric | Nylon |
| Floor Fabric | Nylon taffeta |
| Rainfly Fabric | Nylon ripstop |
| Footprint Included | No |
| Design Type | Freestanding |
| Sustainability | Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria 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
REI Arete ASL 2
Brian McCoy7 years ago
Is spent a couple nights recently in the new version of the Arete near Galbraith Lake located in the North Slope Borough of Alaska. First night we had strong winds and rain and I was extremely comfortable and dry. I did need to get out and attach additional guy lines and stakes that were not included (not a big deal) to quiet the rain fly. Next night we had strong winds and driving snow and again very warm and comfortable with minimal condensation. My nephew stayed in the older model and had no complaints. These are of course fairly small tents for two persons. My wife and I are planning to spend 10 cozy nights together in the newer Arete in Brazil next month.
Brian McCoy
Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
45 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
Could be a great Tent, but has QA problems
NatureGal5 years ago
I bought this tent and loved many features of it. It is comfortable, warm, and dry in cold conditions. However, after less than a year of use and good care, the polyurethane waterproofing coating on the fly and floor turned sticky and began delaminating at the seams. The tabs started falling off. I returned it to REI and complained. They tried to blame it on me. I had barely used the tent and I take meticulous care of tents. (FYI, I have 5 tents for various conditions and this one was only used in cold weather.) I was able to show many reviewers complaining of this problem. I had to argue loudly and be persistent and eventually I was provided with a replacement. I have had the new tent now for about a year and a half. I got a new problem. The shock cords on many of the poles lost their elasticity. I took it to REI and complained, and they told me it did not fall under warranty issues and for me to fix it myself. I purchased shock cord from REI and was able to complete the repairs for $20. One pole did not need to be repaired, and I noticed it had a thicker cord. The other poles had cords that were much thinner and those were the ones that needed to be changed. They were not the correct thickness, based on the REI recommendations for replacement shock cord and the one that was the correct thickness and did not fail. It actually appeared as if the manufacturer ran out of the correct cords and just used whatever was lying around. I might not even have written this review, except that I was camping with my friend last weekend who has an REI tent, and he had the exact same problem. Some of the poles had thinner cords that lost elasticity and others had thicker cords that remained viable. This is such poor QA for such an expensive tent. REI should be ashamed. I will not be purchasing another REI tent in the future. They do not stand by their products. I do not expect a tent of this cost to be disposable after just a year.
NatureGal
Ft Lauderdale, FL
32 people found this review helpful
Customer Images
meathd1
Received free product
Michigan
4 Season Comfort
7 years ago
I, recently, moved North and was looking for a good 4-season tent. I have become a solo camper and no longer need the extra space that my 3-season MSR (3 person) provides. Additionally, I enjoy sleeping on a Helinox cot and needed a tent with an entry from the end that could accommodate my cot. I found that the Arete ASL 2 met all of my criteria. After receiving the tent, I immediately took it out for it's maiden voyage and it lived up to my expectations. The tent was easily setup on the first try in under 10 minutes. (The directions are printed on the flap of the stuff sack so that you never lose them.) The integrated exterior ventilation sticks were a great addition! (Previously with my MSR tent, I would have to search the ground for the right size stick.This search would always prove difficult when setting up in the dark.) The two center poles are built with a center clip that easily indexes their location before clipping the tent to the pole. As a result, the tent is extremely sturdy, even without the guylines attached. My Helinox cot fit easily in the tent and allowed for the room that I needed to still change clothes. The temperatures on my maiden voyage only went down to 64 degrees. Still, I was able to sleep comfortably with the ventilation covers unzipped. I woke up each morning with zero condensation! I look forward to taking the tent out on more adventures. I am confident that it will provide me with protection from the elements regardless of the weather that might be thrown at it. I would definitely recommend this tent to others.
Yes , I recommend this product
Bethany
Received free product
Seattle, WA
Simple and Comfortable
7 years ago
I love this tent! It took about 8 minutes to assemble the first time (we timed it for science), and then it's taken about 3-4 minutes each time after that. The tent has 4 poles total, which snap easily into the grommets and pole clips on the canvas, and feed smoothly through the canvas during setup. The stakes are lightweight but sturdy, and we had a relatively easy time staking the tent into dirt that had a substantial amount of rock below the surface. It is spacious enough to fit 2 adults (5'8" and 6'3"), two sleeping bags/mats, two pillows, and two packs (30-liter) with room to spare on the floor. The 5 pockets available in the interior were perfectly placed for both of us to use for glasses, car keys, wallets and headlamps. The rain fly (not pictured) is easy to add in the event of a surprise rain shower. The tent is also lightweight (<6 lbs), and is perfect for taking on adventures where your car may be a couple miles away from your desired campsite. When stored, it fits nicely in the above-mentioned 30-liter pack (or in a closet, bin full of gear, trunk of car, etc.). Added bonus - the stuff sack is fairly generous, so even if you don't roll the tent up as tightly as it came, it will still fit. We used a simple tarp for a footprint, which was great for keeping the moisture contained, and perfectly sized for the bottom of this tent. All in all, I've really enjoyed my experiences with this tent to date and I can't wait to take it on more adventures!
Yes , I recommend this product
Utahtah
Received free product
Salt Lake City, UT
Great lightweight tent with some nice extras
7 years ago
While this tent is touted a a 4-season tent, this review is based on a summer usage, so I cannot comment on performance in cold temps. The size is a typical 2-man tent, meaning it is just big enough for 2 people and a small amount of gear. Since I am usually the only one in my tent, that makes it perfect for me. Plenty of room for my stuff, but still a small footprint, so I won’t roll around too much. Also, this tent is a little longer than others I’ve owned, so it is great for accommodating taller people. Or storing backpacks at your feet. Setup was a snap, and took less than ten minutes. The color-coded poles are a nice touch and add to the ease of assembly. The instructions are printed on a waterproof material, which is sewn to the stuff sack, so you’ll never lose it! There are several pockets and loops spaced around the tent for storage and hanging things. I love this—a safe place and findable for my glasses, and a loop for hanging something like a small lantern (plus storage for many more small items). Zippers allow pushing part of the “roof” aside and exposing a lot of mesh for ventilation on a warm night, or for providing an unobstructed view of the night sky and all those beautiful stars. With the rain fly on, the vestibule is kind of small, so if you have 2 people and 2 backpacks, it will be a bit cramped. I love that the door is at the head of the tent (rather than on the side — I hate having to crawl over someone in the night to visit the facilities. Take down was also a snap, although I did have a hard time getting the poles out of the grommets, and got some help from a handsome stranger. (Batting eyelashes—can you please help kind sir? Works every time :-)). I also love how the stuff sack is roomy. I remember the days when it was a real chore getting the tent back into the bag.
Yes , I recommend this product
Brian McCoy
Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
REI Arete ASL 2
7 years ago
Is spent a couple nights recently in the new version of the Arete near Galbraith Lake located in the North Slope Borough of Alaska. First night we had strong winds and rain and I was extremely comfortable and dry. I did need to get out and attach additional guy lines and stakes that were not included (not a big deal) to quiet the rain fly. Next night we had strong winds and driving snow and again very warm and comfortable with minimal condensation. My nephew stayed in the older model and had no complaints. These are of course fairly small tents for two persons. My wife and I are planning to spend 10 cozy nights together in the newer Arete in Brazil next month.
Yes , I recommend this product
John B
Pasadena, CA
set up was very easy
6 years ago
as I was reading through the REI reviews on this tent, there were a couple of reviewers that complained about the difficulty of putting the poles into the sleeves of this tent. I had no difficulty at all. poles went into sleeves perfectly, and it was easy to bend the other end of the poles to fit it into the grommet holes. so maybe REI made an adjustment to the design that was flustering a few people. who knows, it sets up very easily. I also really like the fact that the tent fly has buckles which firmly attach to the tent itself. my three season REI fly is not so securely anchored. It appears this tent will be well suited for windy weather. got a nice deal on this tent during the recent Memorial Day 20% off sale, and literally received the tent one day after I placed the order. Expecting to have fun with this tent in the Eastern Sierras soon, no more freezing when the cold winds blow. the vestibule looks small, it will be an effort to get two packs, boots and other stuff in there. seems like it would not cost too much to increase the size of the vestibule by 50%
Yes , I recommend this product
AaronP
Burbank CA
This thing stands up
5 years ago
I've had this tent for a year now and it has beyond lived up to my expectations. It's been to 13 national parks and handles the full 4 season range within reason. The extra weight is greatly off set by the durability of this tent. It is a very strong shelter that can be minimized to a fairly open and breathable tent without the fly on. Make sure you set it up once before you take it out, but its pretty straight forward. Buy new stakes and you're ready to go. If you think this is possibly the tent for you, snag it! In high winds it's the tent I want to be in.
Yes , I recommend this product
Guille
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Very good construction and details
5 years ago
Still in lockdown here in Argentina, waiting to go to the mountains. Nevertheless, we received the Arete and put it on the garden, and try it in cold nights! (34F). Set up was super easy and the poles went through without any problem. There is an instruction card on the bag, but we did not realize that, and don't need it. Maybe an additional pair of stakes and ropes could help. The foot print I bought, for this model, it is not quite precise with the tent floor. Size is very comfortable for two people (we are mid size), the vestibule is a little small. The fly has very well designed ventilation windows as the tent itself. Inside the tent, plenty of pockets and hooks. Super useful. During those could nights, just a little condensation, not too much. We are very happy with the tent and looking forward to go to Patagonia ASAP!
Age:45–54
Weight:125–150 lbs.
Height:5'6"
Yes , I recommend this product
Armand
Chicago/Montreal
Sturdy, light, spacious tent. Easy to set up.
5 years ago
I really liked this tent. Felt very sturdy, though I didn't get to test it out in high winds, nor snow. It was my first real backpacking tent so I have little to compare it with, but it felt quite light, was reasonably warm, and was easy to set up. I understand where some reviewers were coming from with the poles being hard to lock in, but I didn't personally find them anywhere close to impossible (as a reasonably strong guy) and I think my friend was also able to set them up (as a fairly thin girl) though with difficulty. The reason I didn't give it a 4/5 was because on some rainy nights I woke up with water soaked into the tent. I'm pretty sure that was from contact of the walls with the rainfly overnight. From some reading, this seems to be due to nylon's propensity to expand/sag when wet. Maybe most experienced campers already know about this and how to compensate for it, but I personally think using polyester might have alleviated this problem and made it a perfect tent. Anyway, still a great value, and a great experience with it. I love this tent a lot!
Yes , I recommend this product
Norman
SoCal
Impressive
6 years ago
I took this tent on an overnight snowshoe/backpacking trip to Yosemite. I brought along a calibrated laboratory grade thermometer. Outside temps at 4:30am was 18F. Inside the Arete was 26F. There was only a little bit of wind, maybe 5-10mph, and the tent stayed very stable. It even deflected the falling snow and ice that dropped from the tree nearby without even a shudder. I was most impressed by how easy it is to set up. The pole sleeves dead end at the rear of the tent so you only have to put the poles into the grommets at the front. The black poles that create the peak near the front of the tent clip on really easily. I was also impressed by all the thoughtful details built inside the tent. You have a lot of latitude over the amount of ventilation inside the tent because you can open up the panel behind the door's mesh. There a bunch of mesh nets inside the tent to store stuff. There's one in the top to put your headlamp facing downwards to light up the whole space. There are nets in the corners to put your eyeglasses or flashlights. REI products are usually known for being "bang for your buck" products... but I gotta say this tent knocks it out of the park regardless of price.
Yes , I recommend this product
EricGio87
coventry, ct
Rainfly Problems Over Time
5 years ago
As other reviewers have said...this tent is great...until...over time the rainfly gets sticky, decorates, and the rainfly tabs fall off the seams like they were taped on. For such an expensive tent this is extreme negligence from REI. If a car came out with something like this there would be a free recall. I will not be buying REI brand tents in the future, which is a shame because my old original half dome is still great.
No, I do not recommend this product
1 - 10 of 33 Reviews