REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Review

Name: REI Co-op Half Dome 2
Brand: REI Co-op

This classic option from REI is a great choice for beginner backpackers who want a comfortable, durable tent

The heavy-duty material makes the REI Half Dome 2 one of the more durable tents we've tested.

Credit: Zach Lovell

Price: $329 List

Manufacturer: REI Co-op

By Zach Lovell ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ June 16, 2026

OVERALL
SCORE

RANKED
#5 of 11

Livability - 35% 8.2
Weather Resistance - 25% 7.0
Weight - 15% 6.6
Packed Size - 15% 5.7
Durability - 10% 7.5

List Price: $329

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Our Verdict

REI has become a major player in the tent market, and the REI Half Dome 2 is a great example of why: it's spacious, easy to set up, and durable enough to last for years. We camped out of the Half Dome 2 on everything from sharp gravel to abrasive rock slabs, and the included footprint kept wear and tear to a minimum. It may be a bit heavy for anyone planning a weeklong trip, but for weekend backpackers, the Half Dome 2 is hard to beat for overall comfort.

REASONS TO BUY

Very comfortable

Easy and quick to set up

Includes a footprint

REASONS TO AVOID

Bulky for a 2-person tent

Heavier than other similar tents

Compare to Similar Products

(change comparison)

	This Product REI Co-op Half Dome 2	The North Face Stormbreak 2	The North Face Stormbreak 3	Nemo Aurora 2	Kelty Late Start 2
Awards			Best Bang for Your Buck
Price	$329 List Check Price at REI	$220 List Check Price at REI	$260 List Check Price at REI	$300 List Check Price at REI	$160 List Check Price at Amazon
Overall Score	72	72	69	66	56
Star Rating	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5	1 2 3 4 5
Bottom Line	This classic option from REI is a great choice for beginner backpackers who want a comfortable, durable tent	This affordable, spacious, durable tent is perfect for anyone just getting into backpacking	It might not be the lightest tent available, but considering its comfort and durability, this is the best value for new backpackers	This spacious tent is like a budget basecamp; it's perfect for anyone who wants a bit of extra space	A decently lightweight tent with some innovative features that is easy to set up
Rating Categories	REI Co-op Half Dome 2	The North Face Storm...	The North Face Storm...	Nemo Aurora 2	Kelty Late Start 2
Livability (35%)	8.2	7.9	8.6	7.8	6.0
Weather Resistance (25%)	7.0	7.0	7.1	6.0	3.0
Weight (15%)	6.6	5.5	4.0	5.9	6.6
Packed Size (15%)	5.7	7.3	5.2	5.9	7.5
Durability (10%)	7.5	7.7	7.7	6.0	6.0
Specifications	REI Co-op Half Dome 2	The North Face Storm...	The North Face Storm...	Nemo Aurora 2	Kelty Late Start 2
Listed Size	2 person	2 person	3 person	2 person	2 person
True Capacity	Very spacious for one person and gear; Fits two people comfortably with moderate amount of gear	Very spacious for one person and gear; Fits two people with a moderate amount of gear	Fits two people very comfortably with gear; Very tight for three people with very little gear	Very spacious for one person and gear; Fits two people comfortably with moderate amount of gear	Very spacious for one person and gear; Fits two people comfortably with moderate amount of gear
Measured Minimum Trail Weight	4.83 lbs	5.61 lbs	6.20 lbs	4.59 lbs	4.43 lbs
Measured Packaged Weight	4.95 lbs	5.88 lbs	7.10 lbs	5.51 lbs	4.93 lbs
Number of Doors	2	2	2	2	1
Measured Floor Area	31.8 sq ft	30.6 sq ft	39.7 sq ft	32.4 sq ft	32.4 sq ft
Measured Packed Size	22 x 7.5 in	20 x 6.5 in	22 x 8 in	20 x 8 in	17 x 7.5 in
Measured Peak Height	42 in	43 in	46 in	44 in	43 in
Measured Vestibule Area	9.2 sq ft on each side	9.8 sq ft on each side	10.8 sq ft on each side	9.2 sq ft on each side	7.4 sq ft on front
Number of Pockets	6	4	4	4	3
Gear Loft?	No	No	No	No	No
Type	Two door freestanding	Two door freestanding	Two door freestanding	Two door freestanding	Two door freestanding
Number of Guy Points	4	4	4	4	4
Number of Poles	1	4	4	1	2
Pole Diameter	8.7 mm	8.5 mm	8.5 mm	8.5 mm	Not provided
Pole Material	DAC featherlite NFL aluminum	Aluminum	Aluminum	Aluminum	Aluminum
Rain Fly Material	40D ripstop nylon, 20D nylon mesh	75D polyester, 1200 mm PU coating	75D polyester taffeta	PU polyester (2000 mm)	68D polyester / 1200 mm
Inner Tent Material	40D taffeta nylon	40D polyester mesh, 75D polyester taffeta canopy, 75D polyester 1500 mm floor	75D polyester taffeta	30D polyester/ No-See-Um Mesh, 68D PU polyester (1200 mm) floor, proprietary Fly Fabric polyester	No-See-Um Mesh, 68D polyester / 1200 mm
Footprint Included?	Yes	No	No	Yes	No

Our Analysis and Test Results

rei co-op half dome 2 - comfortable for two and incredibly spacious for one adult, the rei... — Comfortable for two and incredibly spacious for one adult, the REI Half Dome 2 remains one of the best values in backpacking. Credit: Kenji Mowrey

Likes

The REI Co-Op Half Dome 2 has a roomy interior, which easily fits two people and even a bit of gear. So many “2-person tents” on the market today are a very tight squeeze for two people, so we appreciate that REI bucks this trend by making a tent with usable, livable space. By adding an extra cross-section to the tent body, designers significantly improved the headroom.

The Half Dome 2 also includes its own footprint, which greatly enhances its resistance to tears and water seeping in from below.

The pole system is intuitive to figure out, even without instructions. This tent is quick to set up, and the thicker poles withstand strong winds well.

rei co-op half dome 2 - the half dome 2 is not only easy to set up but also has sturdy poles... — The Half Dome 2 is not only easy to set up but also has sturdy poles that resist bending in the wind. Credit: Zach Lovell

Dislikes

Compared to other 2-person tents, the Half Dome 2 is relatively heavy and bulky when packed up. To put it in perspective, the Half Dome weighs nearly 5 pounds, while the lightest 2-person tents we tested weigh closer to 2 pounds.

Fortunately, you can distribute the components to spread out the weight and bulk with your camping partner. While we appreciated that the included storage sack was easy to stuff, some of our testers used a separate compression sack to pack down the tent body to a more reasonable size.

rei co-op half dome 2 - the half dome 2 is a great option, but it's far from the smallest... — The Half Dome 2 is a great option, but it's far from the smallest backpacking tents we tested. Credit: Zach Lovell

Should You Buy the REI Co-Op Half Dome 2?

The REI Half Dome 2 is a sturdy tent that prioritizes durability and affordability over weight savings. This model offers a new take on a classic design we've grown to love over the years, and the Half Dome 2 is better than ever. It's a perfect option for folks just starting out or those who stick to weekend backpacking trips.

What Other Backpacking Tents Should You Consider?

The Half Dome 2 is directly comparable to the The North Face Stormbreak 2. While the Stormbreak is significantly cheaper than the Half Dome, it's a tighter fit for two people and their gear. If you like the design of the Half Dome 2 but are planning a backpacking trip as a group of three – or even if you're a group of two and want a bit more space – take a look at the REI Co-Op Half Dome 3.

—Zach Lovell