REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Review

Livability

Sometimes, a so-called “2-person tent” is hardly that. But the REI Half Dome 2 is truly made to comfortably fit two adult backpackers and all their gear.

The tent's floor measures 88 by 52 inches, which is long enough for a 7-foot-tall person and wide enough for two 25-inch sleeping pads side by side. That means you can sleep next to someone without overlapping your pads or bumping knees in the middle of the night. Many modern tents have tapered floors that narrow toward the foot of the tent, but the Half Dome 2 is rectangular with hard right angles, maximizing the livable space.

The pole architecture pushes the walls outward, extending the boxy shape to the ceiling. This keeps the doors from leaning or sagging inward, making it easy, rather than annoying, to sit up. Even when you're moving around, you won't need to intrude on your companion's space.

Storage is another big plus. Each vestibule, with over nine square feet of protected space on either side of the tent, is big enough to cover your backpack and boots, with room to spare. Plus, six internal pockets help keep small items, like electronics, organized and off the floor.

Weather Resistance

We tested the REI Half Dome 2 in gusty winds and steady rain, and it kept us and our gear well-protected from the elements. It's not a bombproof alpine shelter, but it will certainly hold up under a passing thunderstorm.

The Half Dome 2 features a heavy-duty ripstop nylon rainfly and an equally robust tent floor, both with a polyurethane coating to improve water resistance. The included footprint is also PU-coated, adding another layer of wet-weather protection.

The durable water repellent (DWR) helps water bead up on the surface, so it rolls off the tent body rather than soaking in. Though a bit of condensation built up on the underside of the rainfly interior overnight, it wasn't enough to form a drip, so our sleeping bags stayed dry throughout the storm.

We also experienced gusts up to about 25 mph during our testing, but you'd hardly know it sitting in the tent. The tent pole structure is fairly robust, and the aluminum poles are decently stout — certainly thicker than the poles on some other comparable tents.

Weight

We weighed the Half Dome 2 at just under five pounds for the total package. When we measured the minimum trail weight – just the tent body, rainfly, and poles – the weight dropped down to 4.83 pounds. Even though many tents are advertised using their minimum trail weight, that doesn't include components you likely need, like the stakes and a footprint, which is why the “packaged weight” is a more realistic number.

The fabric for all the pockets, the included footprint, the hardy pole structure – it all adds up. But those little extras and the beefy hardware are what make this tent so well-rounded and practical. You can always split the load with your backpacking partner.

Packed Size

At 7.5 inches thick and 22 inches long, the packed-down Half Dome 2 is certainly sizeable, but again, if you split it up, you'll easily find room inside or outside your pack.

Something new backpackers should consider is that you don't strictly have to keep all components inside the provided stuff sack. It might be easier to separate the fabric from the poles and shove them into the empty spaces in your pack.

Durability

We recommend the Half Dome 2 to beginner backpackers because the components are fairly robust. While other tents may use thinner, lighter materials, the Half Dome 2 is ideal for those still learning how to properly pitch, use, and care for their tent.

The frame isn't indestructible – heavy snow, super strong winds, and serious abuse can damage it. But for surviving typical wear and tear, it's pretty stout for a “3-season tent” – that is, the typical conditions you'll experience during the spring, summer, and fall.

The rainfly will hold up well against abrasions, and the included footprint means you hardly have to worry about what you're pitching your tent on – avoid pitching it on top of sharp, jagged rocks, but small sticks and stones shouldn't cause any issues.

Should You Buy the REI Half Dome 2?

Yeah, you should – it has everything you need in a backpacking tent. Beginners will appreciate the easy setup, while experienced backpackers will appreciate the extra room. It's ideal for shorter trips where you tend to bring extras – like books and extra fancy food – and where you're less concerned about saving weight.

What Other Backpacking Tents Should You Consider?