How to Choose a Backpacking Tent
REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus Tent - 2017
This product is not available. Good news: we have a newer version.
With an exterior that stands up to foul weather, the REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Plus tent is a light and roomy shelter that's 10 in. longer and 4 in. wider than the classic REI Co-op Half Dome 2 tent.
Shop newer version- Plus sizing provides more room via an extended floor plan; it's 10 in. longer and 4 in. wider than the standard REI Half Dome 2
- 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
- Curved zipper tracks on fly operate smoothly; fly's 4 ceiling vents provide airflow to prevent condensation buildup
- Hubbed pole assembly simplifies setup
- REI-exclusive tension-truss architecture creates stable vertical sidewalls for generous space and plenty of headroom
- 2 doors and 2 vestibules offer easy access and additional covered storage
- Pockets and hang loops help organize the interior
- Includes guylines with tighteners, stakes and pole-repair tube, compression stuff sack, pole bag and stake bag
- REI Half Dome 2 Plus footprint 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
Imported.
View all REI Co-op Backpacking Tents| Best Use | Backpacking |
|---|---|
| Seasons | 3-season |
| Sleeping Capacity | 2-person |
| Minimum Trail Weight | 5 lbs. 1 oz. |
| Packaged Weight | 5 lbs. 7 oz. |
| Packed Size | 7 x 24 inches |
| Floor Dimensions | 96 x 56 inches |
| Floor Area | 38.1 square feet |
| Vestibule Area | 10.2 + 10.2 square feet |
| Peak Height | 42 inches |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors |
| Number of Poles | 3 |
| Pole Material | DAC Pressfit aluminum |
| Pole Diameter | 8.7 millimeters |
| Canopy Fabric | 40-denier ripstop nylon/20-denier nylon mesh |
| Floor Fabric | 70-denier taffeta nylon |
| Rainfly Fabric | 40-denier nylon |
| Footprint Included | No |
| Design Type | Freestanding |
| Sustainability | From a Climate Label Certified brand |
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Most Helpful Favorable Review
Decent Tent but...
Thai8 years ago
I'll start first by saying I am a huge REI fan. With that out of the way I will say that I can't recommend this tent until the aluminum in the pole construction is addressed. The pole design puts a lot of stress on the pole where it meets the hub. This wouldn't be a problem if a stronger aluminum was used. The result is a lot of poles "tearing", "splitting" or breaking at the ends. I used proper care when setting up and taking down the tent and it still failed. If you do buy the tent be cautious and prepared for the tent to fail. I am currently having mine repaired but it is costing me extra for replacement poles and shipping.
Thai
Santa Monica, CA, United States
239 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
Decent Tent but...
Thai8 years ago
I'll start first by saying I am a huge REI fan. With that out of the way I will say that I can't recommend this tent until the aluminum in the pole construction is addressed. The pole design puts a lot of stress on the pole where it meets the hub. This wouldn't be a problem if a stronger aluminum was used. The result is a lot of poles "tearing", "splitting" or breaking at the ends. I used proper care when setting up and taking down the tent and it still failed. If you do buy the tent be cautious and prepared for the tent to fail. I am currently having mine repaired but it is costing me extra for replacement poles and shipping.
Thai
Santa Monica, CA, United States
239 people found this review helpful
Customer Images
Pderolewd
Portland, OR, United States
Stayed dry in hail and rain and a flooded campsite
7 years ago
I have had this tent for 6 years and it has held up to wind, snow (Zion), sleet (Canyonlands) and rain. Two weeks ago, while hiking the Clark Range Loop in Yosemite, my son and I chose poorly on a campsite (altitude and fatigue must have been factors -- not stupidity). During the usual afternoon thunder, hail and rainstorm, our site flooded (see picture)with three inches of runoff, but the tent interior, including the floor, stayed dry. When the rain subsided, we picked it up and found a less wet location (see picture). Although it is relatively heavy, I highly recommend this tent.
Yes , I recommend this product
rolfdenver
Centennial, CO, United States
Incredible value; well designed with many options
9 years ago
This tent is an amazing value. It sets up very easily and quickly, and the two doors allow tent buddies to get in and out easily without waking each other up. Each person can also access their own gear stored in the vestibule, but the "Plus" size allows for lots of space to spread gear out inside. I love that the fly can be fully set up but then rolled up halfway to allow for ventilation, making it super fast to cover the tent completely if rain starts. I like that it has a more visually blending-in green/olive version in addition to the other colors. Finally, using the REI groundcloth with the poles and fly will make for an even lighter weight option when bugs aren't a problem. There are lighter weight options out there, but this is a sweet tent.
Yes , I recommend this product
Thai
Santa Monica, CA, United States
Decent Tent but...
8 years ago
I'll start first by saying I am a huge REI fan. With that out of the way I will say that I can't recommend this tent until the aluminum in the pole construction is addressed. The pole design puts a lot of stress on the pole where it meets the hub. This wouldn't be a problem if a stronger aluminum was used. The result is a lot of poles "tearing", "splitting" or breaking at the ends. I used proper care when setting up and taking down the tent and it still failed. If you do buy the tent be cautious and prepared for the tent to fail. I am currently having mine repaired but it is costing me extra for replacement poles and shipping.
No, I do not recommend this product
Mike sim pilot
Dallas, Texas
Half Dome 2 + great value great price
10 years ago
I chose the REI Half Dome 2 plus because of the excellent room, advaced features such as two vestibules...very nice. mesh pockets overhead and four corners. Doors are spacious and easy to operate and enter. Setup is extremely eash and I like alternate setup with just the optional rainfly and floor only. Many faulted the stakes in previous reviews but the stakes are fine. I added my own guy ropes to insure a sturdy tent. I tested the tent in a 10 hour thunderstorm night with high winds and hard rain. Stayed completely dry and no leaks. Very pleased with this tent. Will recommed to my friends as an excellent tent for car camping, bike camping and most backpacking trips.
Yes , I recommend this product
Chris Lynch
Abilene, TX
Somewhere between car camping and backpacking tent
8 years ago
I am 6'2", my wife is 5'4", and we have a tall 4yr old son. I bought this tent because a friend told me it should be able to fit the three of us. With our three pads and bags in the tent (adults side by side, little guy at our feet or head), we are all pretty much against the walls. It is JUST a little small for that. We can all doggie-pile next to each other lengthways, and that is how we've slept in it. After taking two trips with just my boy and I, it works much better as a very roomy two-person. Don't try squeezing 3 people in, if there is going to be any humidity you will get wet. The vestibules are VERY roomy, which is great. I mean, this tent is basically a small apartment for 1 or 2 people. It is just too bulky, packed, for a solo tent or true backpacking tent, unless you split it up. Even then, the hub system on the poles seems way bulky and adds a lot of weight. I have no doubts about this tent's longevity and ability to weather a storm, but it simply isn't the best option for what I need. It's too bulky for backpacking for one/two people, and not roomy/comfy enough for a small family to car camp with. Unfortunately, it took me a year to do enough trips to determine this, so I can't return it. It is still a good tent, just not for me. I'm not sure how I feel about the price. I got it on sale, so I don't feel like I was ripped off or anything. It is a very well-built and well thought-out tent, but seems a little much to me, for it's high packed weight and size.
Yes , I recommend this product
Varne
Cincinnati, OH, United States
National Parks Sevices Centennial Version
9 years ago
I bought the NPS version which is hard to find here on the site so I am posting this review to help people see more information about this version. The tent goes up easily and has plenty of room in it, we can't wait to take it out camping. A few notes that differ from the normal instructions, the poles are NOT color coded, orange and black, they are simply black, and of course the tabs on the tent are not color coded either. That being said, the integrated hub design makes it pretty much an open- and-go pole set up, and since the poles are the same size, you can't put it together wrong ( I tried just to make sure). I like the bright green trim of NPS edition, and the overlapping fern (?) leaf pattern that is on the rain fly. The pictures are not of the tent staked and guy lined, just setup to check it out. While my store did not have this on display but they did have a nice sign up for it which is what attracted me to it. I recommend asking to see one if you get the chance and are shopping for a two person tent!
Yes , I recommend this product
MountainDude
Texas, United States
Great tent!
10 years ago
I bought this tent 2 years ago and have used it numerous times since then. I've used it both in 2-person and solo situations. I am 6'4 220 lbs and I dedicate a lot of pack weight toward my tent, because I prefer more room. Anyways, in a 2 person situation this tent is great. Even with my bigger size, I was able to fit myself, my g/f (roughly 5'4" 120), and our dog (50 lbs) in the tent with little to zero discomfort. The two doors and 2 Vestibules in our opinion sealed the deal, it really creates a comfortable your side, my side atmosphere, which sometimes in the backcountry it's great to have a refuge you can call your own. In a solo situation is where I took the 1 star away. I know it is a 2 person tent and a large 2 person at that. But just in case there is someone out there who is larger than normal thinking about buying this, I will say it is doable. I have used it 5-6 times on cold weather backcountry trips. Sometimes you question why you sacrifice the space for it, but it's REALLY easy to put up and great to be able to just "spread eagle" in after a long hike. Protects against weather really well and barely any wind gets through during harsh storms.
Yes , I recommend this product
Chris and Cappie
Great tent, a little heavy
9 years ago
I use this tent to sleep 2 adults and a dog at our feet. The tent is very durable and easy to setup. I split the load between two packs to lighten individual pack weight. Becuse of tent's durability, weight is increased. The double vestibule and doors are great. Internal storage compartments are very nice. In this tent, there are 4 side ones, plus an overhead one. I would chose another 2 person tent if it was just me backpacking, but a spacious durable tent is the design objective. Use of a footprint is also a good recommendation with any lighter tent. Overall, a great tent, but be aware of pack weight verses other available tents.
AFB
Fairbanks AK
Best for car camping and simple backpacking!
9 years ago
I have spent about 20 nights in this tent in the wind snow and rain and for the price it has been unbeatable. I would absolutely recommend this tent for anyone who is looking to break into backpacking, as it is simple well priced and comfortable. pros - plenty of space for 2 people with backpacks or a dog - simple and quick setup. - keeps the elements out cons - too heavy for solo backpacking trips - high winds can cause issues, pegs/guyline setup is sub-par - ceiling vents can create minor issues with rain leakage, usually an easy fix though If you are looking for something that is easy to spend a lot of time in, this tent is a great choice.
Richard E
I love this tent!
9 years ago
This is the 2013 version. I'm so glad I bought the extra length - it's nice to be able to keep our duffle bags and packs inside the tent. It's been rained on several times this summer, with nary a drop inside the tent. If you stake the fly out properly, the tent ventilates well. The wee storage pocket at each tent corner is super handy, as are the two storage pouches/shelves at the top of the tent. A lot of thought and design has gone in to this tent, and the current model design benefits from lessons learned from earlier versions. I consider this tent an incredible bargain. My girlfriend bought a Marmot Limelight 2P at the same time I bought this tent; we like the Half Dome 2 Plus so much her tent hasn't even been pitched yet.
Yes , I recommend this product
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