How to Choose a Backpacking Tent
REI Co-op Half Dome SL 3+ Tent with Footprint
This product is not available. Good news: we have a newer version.
Enjoy space for 3 people plus gear—or a pet—on your backpacking trips with this REI Co-op tent. It weighs less than 5 lbs. and sets up fast so you have more time to kick back and relax.
Shop newer version- Superlight (SL) construction engineered for an impressive trail weight (under 5 lbs.) that stands up to 3-season weather and doesn't skimp on the beloved Half Dome features
- 3+ size floor plan boosts livable space for 3 people, plus gear—or a furry friend
- Pre-bent pole architecture boosts livable space; vertical side walls provide generous head and shoulder room
- Mesh panels in upper portion of tent improve ventilation and views; ripstop panels in lower portion provide privacy, reduce drafts and lessen exposure to blowing dust and dirt
- REI Exclusive tension-truss architecture creates stable vertical sidewalls for generous space and plenty of headroom
- 2 large D-shape doors offer a spacious yet lightweight solution for ease of coming and going; doors can be rolled up and secured
- 2 dual-stake vestibules offer easy access and additional covered storage
- Hubbed, color-coded pole assembly simplifies setup
- Pockets and hang loops help organize the interior
- Fly design allows sides and ends to be rolled up to maximize views and airflow; everything also rolls down quickly if a storm blows in
- Fly has 2 closable ceiling vents that provide airflow and help prevent condensation buildup
- Made with solution-dyed mesh to reduce water and energy use in manufacturing
- Durable water repellent (DWR) and polyurethane coating on the floor and rainfly; DWR on the canopy
- Fully seam-sealed
- Includes rainfly, footprint, guylines with tighteners, pole-repair tube, pole bag, 8 stakes and stake bag
- Packaged weight includes all components, including the footprint
- 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 the REI Co-op Half Dome Product LineView all REI Co-op Backpacking Tents| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Seasons | 3-season |
| Sleeping Capacity | 3-person |
| Minimum Trail Weight | 4 lbs. 13 oz. |
| Packaged Weight | 5 lbs. 11.7 oz. |
| Packed Size | 7 x 23 inches |
| Floor Dimensions | 90 x 78 inches |
| Floor Area | 48.75 square feet |
| Vestibule Area | 22.5 square feet |
| Peak Height | 44 inches |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors |
| Number of Poles | 1 hubbed poleset |
| Pole Material | Aluminum |
| Canopy Fabric | 40-denier ripstop nylon/20-denier nylon mesh (bluesign approved) |
| Floor Fabric | 40-denier ripstop nylon |
| Rainfly Fabric | 30-denier nylon |
| Footprint Included | Yes |
| Design Type | Freestanding |
| Sustainability | Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria From a Climate Label Certified brand |
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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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Most Helpful Favorable Review
So perfect we've already named it
Calamity Jane4 years ago
We had a fantastic experience with this tent from the beginning. REI employees in Ashville NC graciously set up the tent for us, and we knew this was the Goldilocks tent for us.
Our first trip in the tent was during the polar vortex, when night temperatures would drop below freezing and precipitation was heavy. This tent kept us warm and dry, despite collecting ice on the exterior.
The set up and take down were incredibly easy which was vital during freezing weather. We had plenty of room (2 people) and could easily fit a third (person or pet) comfortably. Despite only being 5-6lbs, the fabric is sturdy and held up perfectly against extreme weather.
The rain fly does collect water, however it is easily shaken off, and does not enter the tent. It could also likely be mitigated by more symmetrical set up.
At first glance we were concerned about the interior structure of the tent being entirely mesh, however the rain fly kept us warm and dry, and we anticipate the mesh being nice for summer camping. Additionally, the rain fly is versatile and can be applied to half of the tent, allowing for stargazing.
We've named her Chickadee.
Calamity Jane
Chicago, IL
56 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
Disappointed in this new version.
ACM9253 years ago
I have the old version of this tent and was excited to get the new one. But they made a number of choices that have forced me back to my old one. For example, the doors no longer completely zip open, up to the apex. That makes getting larger items in and out much harder. They reduced the ceiling height. Removed the storage from the top of the tent. The ground cloth no longer shares grommets with tent making it more challenging to set up. I love product changes and upgrades, but every single one of these made it a lesser tent than the previous version.
ACM925
Minneapolis
104 people found this review helpful
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Camping Enthusiast
Great tent at a great price
3 years ago
We purchased this tent on our way to the Boundary Waters. Straight from the store to being used the next day. It performed wonderfully and kept us dry during 2 very heavy rain storms. Easy to setup and comfortably fits 3 adults. Love the options with the fly. It can be rolled up on one side to allow for a great view of the night sky. The vestibule doors also can be rolled up either partially or completely for ventilation and a wide open view. And the integrated foot print with toggle attachment is brilliant. It stays attached to the tent but is easily removed for cleaning or drying. I am the Scoutmaster of a Scout Troop and so have many nights in tents under my belt. This is great value for a fairly lightweight tent that works great for car camping to backpacking.
Yes , I recommend this product
Kelsey23
Colorado
Lightweight, good design, just watch the zippers
3 years ago
I invested in this tent for my boyfriend and I for backpacking. We wanted 2 vestibules, 2 doors, and space for an extra person and a dog if needed. This tent meets all of those requirements as well as being crazy easy to set up by yourself, insanely lightweight and spacious. Theres some good pockets and hooks inside the tent to put your things like headlamps and glasses. I do like that the vestibule has tie backs so you can pull it out of the way to get some nice breezes through the tent. My only complaint is that I wish the entrances were slightly taller so it would be easier to get into. You will have to basically get onto all 4's every time you enter and exit the tent. It just sits very low for entrance height. I know it would add more weight but the zippers on this thing seem kinda cheep and about ready to pop open. I'd rather have a little more weight and more durable zippers. Because when one of them goes there are very few people who are willing or able to fix it.
Age:25–34
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'7"
Yes , I recommend this product
MoraRanger
Tillamook, Oregon
Good value
2 years ago
Another user said theirs didn’t hold up in rain…..I wonder if they had a defective product. I have used the 2022/2023 REI Half Dome SL 3+ in torrential downpours in Washington and Oregon and never once had a leak. I camped at one state park in Washington where my site flooded and I ended up in about 2 inches of standing water. Fly didn’t leak, floor didn’t leak. This tent is pretty spacious. It is a 3 man tent, but will be “snug” as that’s how tents are. But honestly, it isn’t bad. Good for 3 people on a backpacking trip, or for 2 if they want extra space. This tent is lighter than what it used to be. I have a REI Half Dome 2 Man tent from 2005 and it weighs more than this modern 3 man Half Dome. Someone stated the con to this tent is they can’t stand up. Yeah, you can’t stand up. But….this is a backpacking tent and that’s normal for backpacking tents. Although I use this regularly for car camping as well. Overall a good tent. Light enough for backpacking, but not the lightest. But affordable. Easy to set up with one person.
Age:35–44
Weight:225–250 lbs.
Height:Shorter than 5'
Yes , I recommend this product
Marc
Oro Valley AZ
REI Half Dome Series + Door Upgrade for Dog Owners
4 years ago
This is a great tent series, however during my first night camping with my new REI Half Dome + Tent, my German Shepherd pawed the tent front door, wanting to get inside, and tore a small hole in the delicate No-See-Um Screen. My solution to prevent this from recurring, was to recently purchase and install, using four rows of nylon thread, Magzo Pet Resistant Screen for Doors & Windows, over the existing No-See-Um Front Door Screen. If you, or someone you know, can proficiently use a sewing machine, this is a serious upgrade to a tent front door, looks factory installed, does not detract from the tent’s appearance or function, and will make your camping experience with your dog, just a bit more worry free. Oh Yeah….Remember to trim you dogs nails on a regular basis:)
Age:65–74
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:5'11"
Yes , I recommend this product
Ben Brackett
Madisonville, TN
Bombproof!
8 months ago
We’ve had this tent now for 3 years. It’s been to Yosemite and a lot of campsites here in our home park of the Smokies. It fits 2 Exped Mega mat Duo 10 perfectly in the floor. Tons of pockets. Rainfly performs flawlessly. I wanted to give this tent a couple of years and plenty of abuse before reviewing. It’s bombproof!
Age:25–34
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:6'0"
Yes , I recommend this product
MattL1972
Camas, Washington
Great tent, not sure about the poles!
1 year ago
Upgraded from our 2008 2 person half-dome to this 3 person so we could introduce our daughter to backpacking. The tent size was perfect for the three of us, basically 3 full size adults. It was a snug fit, but what I expected going into it. The weight was fine at just around five pounds and if it was just my wife and I, I would probably still bring this tent just for the extra room. My only complaint is the poles!!! Whoa! Definitely feels like some cost was cut here, maybe a weight sacrifice?. I feel like one wrong move and they would snap in half. Overall a decent tent!
Age:45–54
Weight:200–225 lbs.
Height:6'4"
Yes , I recommend this product
BRI
Ontario, CAN
Cr@ppy footprint
1 year ago
Other reviews do a good job of outlining the various pros and cons of the tent. Pretty good tent, but some flaws. However, our main gripe is that the footprint that came with the tent is nothing more than a cheep ground sheet. It does not have the grommets or clips that the regular, advertised footprint has that allow it to be set up with the fly on rainny days. REI we're unwilling to send us the actual footprint, saying we would have to purchase it separately. The least they could do is provide pictures or a description so that customers aren't duped into expecting the actual footprint when it says it comes with the footprint.
Age:35–44
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:6'0"
No, I do not recommend this product
Ndogg
Minneapolis
Thought it was great, until it rained.
9 months ago
Love the size, shape, and weight. Ease of setup. A few minor gripes, but nothing is perfect. Then on it's third use, got a nice little light rain. The rain was seeping through the actual fabric of the rain fly and dripping inside the tent. And no, not a condensation issue or the mesh touching the fly. Even afterward drying with a towel, all the beads that sat left wrinkly dimples of wet-out fabric. Huge disappointment. What good is a tent that doesn't tent? Maybe if I'd spent $50 on something at Walmart, but come on. I'll sadly have to return it.
Age:35–44
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:5'11"
No, I do not recommend this product
Horsekrazy
Spacious, light, and beginner friendly!
2 years ago
I recently purchased this tent for my sister who has 4 children ages 5, 10, 12, and 14. All are on the smaller side (5’3” at most) but she was able to take all 4 kids backpacking by herself and all fit in this tent! 4 across and one across the bottom. No extra room but it made it possible for her to get out backpacking and not break her back with a heavier tent. It also helps that it is not a complicated set up to take on. She was able to store all 4 packs in the vestibules but thought she would have had to bring at least some inside it if had rained as the fly doesn’t reach the ground. Thankyou REI for providing an affordable, lightweight option!
Age:35–44
Weight:100–125 lbs.
Height:5'3"
Yes , I recommend this product
hawkeyeprop3
Torrential Rain tested
3 years ago
Got this tent because the rainfly on my last tent lost its waterproofing, on a trip in the Boudary Waters. This tent was a little bigger, and a little lighter, so it was an easy choice. Lots of room (fit a queen size air mattress with room to spare around the edge), and the two vestibules/entrances are great. But, most importantly, we had more rain, that came down harder, for longer, than on any trip in the BWCA I've ever been on. At one point, after about two solid hours of torrential downpour, the tent was floating (and we were not in a low spot), but everything inside stayed nice and dry. Can't say enough how happy I am with the performance of this tent in heavy, HEAVY, rain.
Age:35–44
Yes , I recommend this product
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