How to Choose a Backpacking Tent

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Durable, lightweight and easy to pitch, the 2-person REI Co-op Camp Dome 2 tent is a spacious 3-season shelter that comes with a rainfly inspired by scenery from our National Scenic Trails.
Shop similar productsBest Use | Backpacking |
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Seasons | 3-season |
Sleeping Capacity | 2-person |
Minimum Trail Weight | 4 lbs. 8 oz. |
Packaged Weight | 5 pounds |
Packed Size | 7.5 x 25.5 inches |
Floor Dimensions | 84 x 54 inches |
Floor Area | 31.5 square feet |
Peak Height | 43 inches |
Number of Doors | 2 doors |
Number of Poles | 3 |
Pole Material | Aluminum |
Canopy Fabric | Nylon |
Floor Fabric | Polyester |
Rainfly Fabric | Polyester taffeta |
Footprint Included | No |
Design Type | Freestanding |
Sustainability | From a Climate Label Certified brand |
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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I bought this for an overnight jeep camping trip. It worked brilliantly! A few notes: True it does not come with instructions, but (despite not being an expert tent "setter-upper") I figured it out in short order. The rain fly pole did seem just a shade too long to me as well (as per other reviewers), but I found that by putting it in the pocket on one side, and then going to the other and sliding it in the pocket on that side WHILE the angle of the rain fly pole was tipped off to the side, and THEN straightening it out to make the dome, it worked just fine. I do wish that the rain fly was just a bit bigger, but we did not get much rain that night, so over all it did quite well. Definitely not a backpacking tent, nor would it be a tent for harsher weather, but it worked just brilliantly for what I needed it for!
Technically you could take this backpacking. I find that the poles are a little longer than I would like them to be when packed. Right away I realized the importance of side vestibules for storage of hiking shoes and gear. This tent would be better if it had side vestibules. It does not have overhead storage so I had to purchase an overhead storage net from Kelty. Overall its a good size tent for two people. It was on sale for $65 bucks. It would be a little tough for two people with all their gear. I think it will serve well as my first “backpacking” tent, but I’m already looking to replace for something with side vestibules.
The genius part of me decided to try this tent for the first time during a winter storm warning in the desert. I staked it well and cinched the velcro straps on the poles. I haven't purchased the footprint yet - I used a small tarp - but will purchase the footprint soon. The storms rolled through in several waves throughout the night, but I was warm and dry and the tent never flapped or wobbled. I did put the door zipper pulls at the bottom of the door as one person recommended, but no water ever seeped into the flap around the zipper. I also put Gorilla tape on the female ends of the pole in the rain fly. I'm not sure if it helped, but it was comforting when the wind really howled. The pole in the rain fly is indeed snug, but I'm getting faster with it. There was plenty of room for my large size sleeping pad and my dizzying array of blankets (in addition to by Arctic Pod sleeping bag). I used small carabiners to hang lanterns and small pouches for my cell phone, glasses, etc from the loops in the ceiling. The national trails pattern looks great. (In a moment of retail therapy, I also got a national trails blanket which is surprisingly warm.) I have another tent with a vestibule, but I like having this tent with windows to easily watch it rain, watch the coyotes cruise by, watch the super moon, etc etc. I am very pleased with the sturdiness and stability of this tent.
I have no complaints about this tent what so ever! The tent was very easy to set up, contrary to other reviews, mine did come with instructions. They are attached to the inside of the tent bag. I didn’t have any issues with the rain fly, and it was quick to put up solo. I have also owned the REI passage 2 person backpacking tent. I think the two are very comparable, and don’t see a reason to spend the extra $60. Comparable size, and weight. Both tents allowed enough room for two people, and a Bernese mountain dog (not always comfortably).
I bought this tent on the labor day sale last minute before a camping trip, having found out my old tent was not waterproof enough anymore for PNW camping. I usually do car camping or very short hike in camping, rain or shine. This tent did very well in a steady but not driving rain. You will definitely want the windows open unless there is a driving sideways rain to prevent condensation on the inside. I do wish the tent's rain fly extended just a bit further out, but it did do the job of keeping me dry. It is very easy to set up and the bag comes with enough room that you don't have to pack it perfectly. I recommend also purchasing the footprint for this tent. All in all, I don't think I would use this tent for harsh weather conditions or true backpacking (as it is on the heavier side for long hiking trips), but it is a great little tent for fairly basic camping.
Great tent for car campers! There are no side vestibules which sucks but anything you need to store you can put in your car. I had enough room to keep my shoes, my second person shoes, a small bag, 2 sleeping bags, 2 large pillows, and a dog with her blankets and toys. So for sure not too small to keep gear if it is just two people! Also, my original intent for this tent was backpacking with me and my dog since I typically never have a second person, so it would be plenty of room. SUCH a great tent for the price, it kept me warm and dry and didn’t blow around a lot on a windy night.
My kid bought this back in November. This is the second tent that she’s bought and we immediately used it that weekend. I’m 5’10” 230lbs and she’s about 4’2” 60lbs and we pack in hiking backpacks even for campground camping. It was wide enough to lay 2 yoga mats side by side without us sleeping on top of each other with our gear. Temperatures reached down to the 40s F in the night but there was a noticeable difference inside the tent. I ordered a second one in a different color for myself
5- stars for $59, quick easy setup quick clips. Stayed dry 2 nights almost 2 inches rain in low 40’s. I’m over 6-ft nice room for solo w gear but might be tight with large adults. Easy for adult and child. Simple setup Didn’t need instructions.
i tried to use the rain fly pole gave up . does not give you room to play like any other tent design.. though a 2 person tent.. it is 2 people plus equipment which i like. the floor is made of a soft material so use a ground cloth or tarp. im mixed about the tent. tents should have a durable bottom . and not cause u to carry an extra item
Got this tent for 30% off during the Labor Day sale. We use it to store our gear, extra guests, the kids, the dog, a place to relax during heavy rain. Love this tent. Great quality and great looking!