How to Choose a Backpacking Tent

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Designed for the casual backpacker with ease of use in mind, the REI Co-op Trailmade 1 tent with footprint has a simple X-pole setup and plenty of space to keep you comfy and happy in 3 seasons.
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View the REI Co-op Trailmade Product LineView all REI Co-op Backpacking TentsBest Use | Backpacking |
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Seasons | 3-season |
Sleeping Capacity | 1-person |
Minimum Trail Weight | 3 lbs. 8 oz. |
Packaged Weight | 4 lbs. 9 oz. |
Packed Size | 7.5 x 22.44 inches |
Floor Dimensions | 88 x 36.5 inches |
Floor Area | 20 square feet |
Vestibule Area | 9.5 square feet |
Peak Height | 41 inches |
Number of Doors | 1 door |
Number of Poles | 2 |
Pole Material | Aluminum |
Pole Diameter | 8.5 millimeters |
Canopy Fabric | Polyester |
Floor Fabric | Polyester |
Rainfly Fabric | Polyester |
Footprint Included | Yes |
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'm totally new to camping, and got this tent for a two night, three day canoe and camp trip. I wanted something pretty cheap since I'm not sure if I'll enjoy camping (I did!), and something beginner friendly. This checked both of those boxes. I found this to be SUPER easy to set up, everything was simple to use, and it compressed nicely in my dry bags (I took it out of the drawstring bag it came in for the trip and it took up WAY less space). I didn't need to follow any directions or watch any videos, which was great, and it didn't take very much time. I got rained on both nights and the rain fly kept me completely dry, and even though some water got in through the vents, none got through the mesh which I thought was very nice. It did get VERY hot and stuffy in the tent, but I think that's going to happen in any small space with a sweaty human in it in 90 degree weather (60 at night). Also I really liked the lil pocket and the loops and such around it!
Poles are too long. And not well designed. Or simply packaged with the wrong tent. Both broke. So I had an Ozark trails tent that was similar. You can use the poles from the $25 Ozark tent after taking the ends off the REI poles. Don't lose the ends! Or plan on taking about 6" off the REI poles. But the overall design is fantastic. It's a small footprint, stand alone and simple design. So can fit in a small area and it doesn't 'require' stakes or tightening lines to stand up/ you can put it in the desert or beach and look at the stars without needing every stake and line tensioned. And you could easily set it up in the dark...assuming your poles don't break!
I previously used a 2 person REI tent just for me. It consumed too much space in my kayak. This 1 person REI tent provided me plenty enough room to sleep and it obviously consumes 50% less capacity. Both my REI 2 person and my new REI 1 person are very high quality. Very easy to set up and break down.
Good little tent for the cost. Tested it for several days in the torrential rains we've been having here in Colorado and it's kept me dry & comfy. No back door & vestibule like a 2-person tent typically has - but I find a feature. Just mentioning that because it's hard to tell on the photos. One thing to mention - the stakes & poles seem inordinately heavy for what should be a small, light tent. I purchased some "aftermarket" REI aluminum stakes which reduced the total weight of the tent by a decent amount. They're not as beefy, but the provided stakes seem like overkill and if it comes down to it I can find rocks to anchor the corners.
Pros: Quality. It absolutely POURED the first night I used this and I stayed completely dry. Easy set up/tear down, and good ventilation! Cons: No inside pockets/storage, which would be nice. Our 2P Nemo tent has an extendable rod that allows the rain fly to be propped open as an overhang, this tent does not have this feature. It is also not ultralight or compact. Also wish there were more colors available but that’s just me lol. Overall, if you are trying to stay budget friendly and want a 1P tent that will keep you dry, is easy to assemble/tear down, this will do the job! This will be sufficient for a multi-night backpacking trip.
I work in forestry and I bought this one-person tent to save space in the campsites my crew were sent to for work. Though I bought it without much thought, IT HAS BEEN REVOLUTIONARY. The poles are magnetic and strong, snapping together quickly and making setting up the tent really simple. The biggest kudos goes to the footprint though- after many nights in heavy rainstorms- not once has my tent flooded. Even when my other crewmates haven’t been lucky with their own tents, this trailmade has remained dry through it all. The only thing is that it is slightly too big to made use for long backpacking trips, but perfect for car camping.
Just used this for my first backpacking trip to Aravaipa Canyon and it was perfect! Just the right amount of size and space for me and my gear. Love the color too!
I just received my Trailmade 1. When the UPS guy handed me the box my reaction was, "oh, this feels heavy". I opened the box and took out the tent, rainfly, poles and the stakes. There's the problem! The stakes are overkill and very heavy. So, for all the people saying the tent is heavy, need to replace the stakes with lighter ones. I have stakes from another tent to use and I'm ditching those heavy things! I set the tent up in my living room. It's super easy to do and fast. I was surprised by how big the tent actually is. There is plenty of room for a solo tent. I like the option of keeping the footprint toggled to the bottom of the tent. The door is nice and big. It's easy to climb in and out. The pocket is big enough to hold what I would bring in the tent. There's a loop at the top center point to put a light. What more do you need? I put the rainfly on but didn't stake it out. It covers really well and the vents are easy to do. I'm super excited and I can't wait to use it. I will make review changes if any problems come up. I 've had North Face tents for 25+ yrs. They have traveled many miles with me. My favorite and go to for backpacking was North Face Slickrock. I love this tent but time has taken its toll on it. So that is why I bought the Trailmade. My journeys are different now because of age and health but I think this tent will workout great.
Searched for a descent sized 1 person back packing tent. Found this little gem. Most were 30 inch width, I went with this tent at 36 inch width with my dog in mind. I am 5’11, 145# with a lanky 55# pup. I changed out the heavy stakes with lightweight small MSR ones for less weight. Quick and easy set up, light weight, room for dog and some gear, left shoes and large pack in the vestibule- perfect!
The tent on its own is great! It is so easy to set up and put away. It is small enough to fit yourself and sleeping materials, perhaps a few of your items. It comes with the footprint which is great! The color is a bit off putting in my opinion but honestly a lot of tents I have seen in general don't have a lot of great color combos. It does feel a bit claustrophobic for me because I have another tent (the REI Half Dome 2+) that is a lot roomier and has doors on either side. However, you can get a lot of privacy with this tent. I did wish it has another door on the other side to see more views when I'm inside and have the rainfly but for a small tent, it is great!