REASONS TO BUY
Very comfortable
Sturdy pole structure
Includes a footprint
REASONS TO AVOID
Bulky for a 2-person tent
Heavier than other similar tents
REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Review
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
By Zach Lovell ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ June 16, 2026
RELATED: The Best Backpacking Tents of 2026
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.
Our Analysis and Test Results
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.
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.
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.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare REI Co-op Half Dome 2 versus top competing products:
| Awards | |
|---|---|
| Price | $329 List Check Price at REI |
Overall Score  |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Bottom Line | This classic option from REI is a great choice for beginner backpackers who want a comfortable, durable tent |
| Pros | Very comfortable, sturdy pole structure, includes a footprint |
| Cons | Bulky for a 2-person tent, heavier than other similar tents |
| Rating Categories | REI Co-op Half Dome 2 |
| Livability (35%) | |
| Weather Resistance (25%) | |
| Weight (15%) | |
| Packed Size (15%) | |
| Durability (10%) | |
| Specifications | REI Co-op Half Dome 2 |
| Listed Size | 2 person |
| True Capacity | Very spacious for one person and gear; Fits two people comfortably with moderate amount of gear |
| Measured Minimum Trail Weight | 4.83 lbs |
| Measured Packaged Weight | 4.95 lbs |
| Number of Doors | 2 |
| Measured Floor Area | 31.8 sq ft |
| Measured Packed Size | 22 x 7.5 in |
| Measured Peak Height | 42 in |
| Measured Vestibule Area | 9.2 sq ft on each side |
| Number of Pockets | 6 |
| Gear Loft? | No |
| Type | Two door freestanding |
| Number of Guy Points | 4 |
| Number of Poles | 1 |
| Pole Diameter | 8.7 mm |
| Pole Material | DAC featherlite NFL aluminum |
| Rain Fly Material | 40D ripstop nylon, 20D nylon mesh |
| Inner Tent Material | 40D taffeta nylon |
| Footprint Included? | Yes |
—Zach Lovell
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