How to Choose a Backpacking Tent
REI Co-op Quarter Dome 3 Tent
This product is not available. Good news: we have a newer version.
Using new ultralight materials and a unique pole design, this lightweight 3-person, 3-season backpacking tent is roomy, well ventilated and strong, and offers 3 vestibules for covered storage.
Shop newer version- Our new 15-denier ripstop nylon in the tent and fly minimizes weight, yet retains strength; floor uses a lightweight yet robust 30-denier ripstop nylon
- REI-exclusive tension-truss architecture creates stable vertical sidewalls for generous living space and plenty of headroom
- Pole angles and asymmetrical tent shape also enhance living space, allowing you to sit up comfortably
- Doors on fly and tent are aligned for easy entry and exit
- Vestibule at the head of the tent provides easily accessed covered storage for the center sleeper
- Hubbed pole assembly simplifies setup
- A large zippered roof vent helps control condensation
- Pockets and hang loops help organize the interior
- Includes a stuff sack, stakes, guylines and tighteners, as well as a pole-repair tube, a pole bag and a stake bag
- Fly/footprint minimalist pitch option lets you leave the tent at home and use the fly, poles and footprint (sold separately) as a lightweight shelter
- The REI Quarter Dome 3 Footprint is sold separately
- 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
| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Seasons | 3-season |
| Sleeping Capacity | 3-person |
| Minimum Trail Weight | 3 lbs. 12 oz. |
| Fly / Footprint Pitch Weight | 3 pounds |
| Packaged Weight | 4 lbs. 3 oz. |
| Packed Size | 8 x 24 inches |
| Floor Dimensions | 90 x 70 /64 (L x W head/foot) inches |
| Floor Area | 39.4 square feet |
| Vestibule Area | 6.7 + 6.7 + 5.6 square feet |
| Peak Height | 42 inches |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors |
| Number of Poles | 1 hubbed poleset |
| Pole Material | DAC aluminum NSL |
| Pole Diameter | 8.5 millimeters |
| Canopy Fabric | 15-denier ripstop nylon/20-denier mesh |
| Floor Fabric | 30-denier ripstop nylon |
| Rainfly Fabric | 15-denier ripstop nylon |
| Footprint Included | No |
| Ultralight | Yes |
| Design Type | Freestanding |
| Sustainability | From a Climate Label Certified brand |
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Most Helpful Favorable Review
Simply brilliant. Best tent I've ever owned!
Jon in Tucson11 years ago
I'll start by saying that I'm quite tall-- 6'5"--so I don't even consider tents that are less than 90" long. Even 90" is pushing it, but the design of this tent is such that the head and foot walls are sufficiently vertical that it feels roomier than other 90" tents I've tried. My primary camping mates are another adult male (about 5'11") and a small dog, so space is an issue when looking for a "two person" tent. Most don't even accommodate me in terms of length. And though we could probably squeeze a third (smaller) person in this one, it definitely makes for a very roomy 2P tent at a weight that is competitive with many smaller, more expensive 2P tents. Don't be turned off by the intricate hubbed pole. It sets up quite intuitively and in a snap. It is freestanding though we usually stake it out to make full use of the floor dimensions, but it's nice to know we have the option to pitch on hard rock (it happens). The fly takes a bit of practice to put on right, but once you've figured it out it goes quickly. I was concerned that the fly felt flimsy, but we just took it out in central AZ where a high pressure rain system moved through and dropped rain for about 12 hrs straight and then interior stayed bone dry. The vestibules aren't huge, but adequate, and the third common vestibule at the head is a perfect addition. The access flap to that one also serves as a great ventilation system. We had zero condensation issues and slept comfortably in the muggy conditions. I have yet to use it in strong winds, but I suspect it would handle them like a champ. I'd recommend the footprint when space/weight allows because the floor is a little thin and a footprint extends the life of your tent, keeps you drier, etc.This tent is so versatile it has become my all purpose (backpacking, 'yakpacking, and even car camping) tent. I cannot say enough good things about it. If you're average height or shorter, you probably have several options...lucky you. But even average/shorties will still be pleased with this tent. If you're tall, I'd argue you can't find a better bang for your buck with what the quarter dome 3 gives you in space, weight and price. Highly recommended.
Jon in Tucson
Tucson, AZ
82 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
Great tent, but melts in the garage
Dhoffman7159 years ago
We have enjoyed the REI 3 person Quarter Dome for several years . It's easy to set up and we haven't had any problems with it, even in rain, until I put it in the garage after our last camping trip several months ago. In the past I've kept it in the guestroom closet, but back in the fall it got put in the garage. I took it out to set it up for our next trip a couple days ago and the floor and rain cover felt like they were covered with glue. Anything that touches it becomes sticky. It is not usable and will not clean off. The coating also seems to be flaking off along the seams. Unless the newer version is improved, be warned about keeping this tent anywhere other than an air conditioned space.
Dhoffman715
Raleigh, NC
77 people found this review helpful
Customer Images
SeanLynch
Chicago, Illinois
Great tent for the money
8 years ago
I took the first extended trip with this tent last week. We have a new tent dated from 2016. I believe this is the same as the 2015 model, but different than years before. Four nights in Porcupine Mountains State Park, upper peninsula of Michigan. My son and I divided the tent into two bags. He carried the fly and the footprint, while I carried the tent, the poles and the stakes. I had replaced the stakes that came with the tent with MSR groundhogs that I already had. The load was light at well under 3 pounds per hiker. The tent sets up quickly and easily. We had already set it up in the past. If you have just bought the tent I would suggest setting it up at home first. You'll make sure that you have all of the parts and that you know how the one or two confusing things are meant to work (i.e. poles to 'nowhere', and fly clips that clip to tent clips). Our first day on the trails was sunny and we set up camp on the southern shores of lake superior in the late afternoon. We had put the fly on, but left the vent and the fly doors half open for ventilation. The rear half of each door was staked out, and the front half was rolled up and held open with the supplied retainer. Later that evening, my son and I were exploring up and down the shore when rain moved into the area. We headed back to camp. Some rain had gotten in the tent. If the fly doors are open, or even half open, rain falling straight down will hit the mesh sides of the tent and get inside. We got inside and zipped up the fly doors completely. Not too damp, as the rain was still light. The wind started picking up and the storm grew violent. We eventually had to close the vent, as spray was coming in. We had the five stakes for the body of the tent, the three stakes for the vestibules (2 doors and head), and we had guy lines on the three additional guy out points of the tent. I have had much experience with storms rolling off of lake Superior and know how intense they can be. The tent stood up to the wind and kept us dry. Over the next few days we spent quite a bit of time in the tent during the rain. No leaks and condensation was minimal. We had the tent fully zipped up during the worst storms, but were happy when we could open a vent. During worst rain we did get a little splash back, under the fly above the tub floor and wall material and could feel a little on the tent mesh. This was rare and only when the rain and wind were very strong. The materials are lightweight, and should be treated with care. Overall this tent is a winner. Be careful getting in and out in the rain. Treat the materials with care. The door zippers do stick due to tension on the fabric where the netting and the body meat, so you often need two hands to open or close a door. Plenty of storage and vestibule space. Lots of thoughtful details like 4 loops inside to hang things or rig an overhead loft. Two storage pockets over the doors for things and a large storage pocket at the foot. Ties to hold the fly or tent doors open. Great vertical walls create a huge interior. Very roomy for two people, but can handle three in a pinch. Vestibule space is adequate, good when you consider the weight. Improvements? The poles over the doors could be extended a couple of inches to improve coverage when entering or leaving in the rain. Door zippers could be a little beefier. Some kind of vent at the foot end might be nice, maybe just making the fly longer so it stakes on its own like in the head and doors, instead of sharing a stake with the tent would be enough to improve airflow through the tent.
Yes , I recommend this product
Dhoffman715
Raleigh, NC
Great tent, but melts in the garage
9 years ago
We have enjoyed the REI 3 person Quarter Dome for several years . It's easy to set up and we haven't had any problems with it, even in rain, until I put it in the garage after our last camping trip several months ago. In the past I've kept it in the guestroom closet, but back in the fall it got put in the garage. I took it out to set it up for our next trip a couple days ago and the floor and rain cover felt like they were covered with glue. Anything that touches it becomes sticky. It is not usable and will not clean off. The coating also seems to be flaking off along the seams. Unless the newer version is improved, be warned about keeping this tent anywhere other than an air conditioned space.
No, I do not recommend this product
Jon in Tucson
Tucson, AZ
Simply brilliant. Best tent I've ever owned!
11 years ago
I'll start by saying that I'm quite tall-- 6'5"--so I don't even consider tents that are less than 90" long. Even 90" is pushing it, but the design of this tent is such that the head and foot walls are sufficiently vertical that it feels roomier than other 90" tents I've tried. My primary camping mates are another adult male (about 5'11") and a small dog, so space is an issue when looking for a "two person" tent. Most don't even accommodate me in terms of length. And though we could probably squeeze a third (smaller) person in this one, it definitely makes for a very roomy 2P tent at a weight that is competitive with many smaller, more expensive 2P tents. Don't be turned off by the intricate hubbed pole. It sets up quite intuitively and in a snap. It is freestanding though we usually stake it out to make full use of the floor dimensions, but it's nice to know we have the option to pitch on hard rock (it happens). The fly takes a bit of practice to put on right, but once you've figured it out it goes quickly. I was concerned that the fly felt flimsy, but we just took it out in central AZ where a high pressure rain system moved through and dropped rain for about 12 hrs straight and then interior stayed bone dry. The vestibules aren't huge, but adequate, and the third common vestibule at the head is a perfect addition. The access flap to that one also serves as a great ventilation system. We had zero condensation issues and slept comfortably in the muggy conditions. I have yet to use it in strong winds, but I suspect it would handle them like a champ. I'd recommend the footprint when space/weight allows because the floor is a little thin and a footprint extends the life of your tent, keeps you drier, etc.This tent is so versatile it has become my all purpose (backpacking, 'yakpacking, and even car camping) tent. I cannot say enough good things about it. If you're average height or shorter, you probably have several options...lucky you. But even average/shorties will still be pleased with this tent. If you're tall, I'd argue you can't find a better bang for your buck with what the quarter dome 3 gives you in space, weight and price. Highly recommended.
Yes , I recommend this product
Wido
Los Gatos, CA, United States
Light and enough space for 2 !
9 years ago
I bought this a couple of weeks ago, and tested during a car camping trip. It's super easy to set up, it's light, and it has good space for 2 (3 would be very tight). Lots of vestibule space (3 sides), and lots of access - 2 doors, and a flap to the front vestibule. It has many nifty features inside - loops, pockets etc. It does stand by itself, but the fly needs to be guyed out of course.
Yes , I recommend this product
jordanjbentley
Santa Barbara, CA
Excited to use this tent more!
11 years ago
Finally got to use the tent this past weekend and it felt awesome. We split the lightweight parts up in two packs and barely felt it. I must admit this is my first "higher end" tent and is a huge step above anything else I've used before. It was more than enough room for my wife and I (6'4) and are luxury 25' wide sleeping pads. The third vestibule is a great feature and I can see it being really useful if we ever meet up with bad weather. Setup was fairly easy with the hubbed pole system and after one go I feel like I got the hang of it. Everything seems really well made and with the footprint, I hope we get a whole lot of use out of it. Makes us want to get out more!
Yes , I recommend this product
Ryan Leichty
Minneapolis, MN, United States
An Excellent 2-Person Tent
10 years ago
I was really excited about purchasing this tent. The biggest reason being the vertical back wall which affords a roomy, natural fitting tent. By natural I mean that when you sit up after laying down, you don't hit your head against the slant of the tent. Most traditional tents require you to sit in the middle of the tent if you want to sit upright, which is somewhat awkward at times, and doesn't feel quite right. So I love this aspect of the tent. You have to try it out to understand. The setup is simple. The pole structure is a bit unique, but after setting it up for the first time it was really easy. Overall I love the product. I've only had it for a year and have no complaints yet.
Yes , I recommend this product
EzTravler
Enola, PA, United States
great tent.. concerned about fly
8 years ago
We purchased a REI Quarter Dome 3 Tent and set it up for the first time and we are concerned that the rain fly may tear as it is extremely tight on the front pole and the front 2 poles over the door openings.. I don't want it to prematurely rip due to the stress of the taught fabric. I just want to make sure that this is normal.
Yes , I recommend this product
Akgranola
Alaska
tent good, pole assembly awful
5 years ago
I bought this tent in 2015. It has been stored well and taken care of, only used about 10 times. I recently used it and discovered out in nowhere that the shock cord has failed. Setting up this crazy hub pole system with disconnected poles is a total nightmare. REI tells me tough luck, my problem since it's old, even though it's hardly been used. Many people have had the shock cord fail. I would not buy this one again; tents should be easy to pitch these days and not fail after a few uses, especially for this price. It's too bad, because I like the space, the vestibules, ventilation, everything else. Just hate the failed poles.
No, I do not recommend this product
Seahawksbacktoback
Seattle WA
Poor quality
10 years ago
pros -very lightweight -roomy cons -cheap rain fly -collects condensation very easily -not very durable, (zipper for the rain fly broke on the second night) -takes a while to setup the biggest cons I felt I had with this tent was the rainfly most definitely the rain fly. I know that it has to be thinner to be lighter weight but I thought that it was just terrible quality. on the second day I was getting into the tent and closed the rainfly and the zipper came off. literally minutes away was a lightning storm and the tent fails on me already after only two uses. moving past the rainfly this tent was overall a good tent. I liked how roomy it was for 3 people and how much lighter it was from my old tent.
No, I do not recommend this product
OldGirlHiker
Colorado
Shock Cord Fail
4 years ago
I really liked this tent when I bought it 5 years ago. My only complaint then was a design flaw in the fly that allowed rain/water to drip inside. We dealt with it. I haven't used it for awhile and got it out recently to go on a trip. As others have reported, complete fail of shock cords in the incredibly complicated single hub/pole system. I'm going to try to replace the shock cords, but it feels like a degree in engineering might be required. Based on others' posts, seems a waste of time to contact REI. That's really too bad as I've always believed them to be a company who stands behind their products. I'll give it a go ... we shall see.
No, I do not recommend this product
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