Specifications
Weight4 lb 2 oz / 1.88 kg
Capacity2-person (plus shoulder room)
Floor Area33 sq ft / 3.1 sq m
Vestibule Area7.5 sq ft x2
Peak Height38" / 97 cm
Packed Size22" x 7"
Fabric40D/68D ripstop nylon, silicone/polyurethane
Doors2 doors, 2 vestibules
Pole MaterialDAC Featherlight aluminum
WarrantyREI satisfaction guarantee
Field Notes
Used on a weekend car camping trip to the Outer Banks and two overnight AT sections in Maryland and Pennsylvania. For car camping it is genuinely comfortable — the 33 sq ft floor and 38" peak height are among the largest in its weight class. On the AT overnight I noticed the weight in my pack but not catastrophically so. The setup is straightforward enough that I had my teenage daughter pitching it solo by trip two. REI's member satisfaction guarantee means if anything goes wrong in the first year, return it.
4lb 2oz, $350, more interior space than anything else tested — the smartest first tent
Who This Is For
The REI Half Dome SL 2+ is right for: first-time backpackers who do not want to spend $500+ on a tent before knowing they love it, hikers doing occasional weekend trips where weight is less critical, families doing car camping and light hiking, and anyone who values interior space over ultralight performance.
I review gear the way most people actually use it — weekend trips in the mid-Atlantic, day hikes on the AT, car camping in the Smokies and down at the Outer Banks. Not expedition use, not extreme conditions. Normal outdoor life for normal people, and occasionally with kids along who provide their own kind of honest product feedback.
A note on pricing and links: Prices listed are current as of May 2026 and may change. Some links on this page are affiliate links — if you buy through them, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It does not change my ranking.
How It Compares
Common Questions
Is the REI Half Dome a good tent for beginners?
Yes — it is probably the best tent for beginners in this price range. The setup is straightforward with color-coded clips and poles, the build quality is reliable, and REI's satisfaction guarantee means you can return it if something is wrong. The 2+ interior gives two adults comfortable space without feeling cramped.
What is the difference between REI Half Dome and Half Dome SL?
The SL (SuperLight) version uses lighter fabrics than the standard Half Dome, reducing weight from about 5lb to 4lb 2oz. The floor area and overall design are similar. The SL also removes some minor features (like a gear loft) to trim weight. For backpacking, the SL version is worth the small price premium over the standard.
Can the REI Half Dome SL 2+ handle rain?
Yes — it has factory-taped critical seams and a full-coverage rainfly. It handles typical AT rain conditions (steady rain, occasional downpours) without issues. In truly severe weather — sustained high wind, heavy rain for 12+ hours — it holds up, but the lighter poles flex more than premium DAC designs. For most 3-season conditions it is reliable.
Does the REI Half Dome come with stakes?
Yes — REI includes 6 steel V-stakes with the tent. They are functional but heavy; most backpackers replace them with titanium shepherd's hook stakes (about $1 each at most gear shops) to save a few ounces.
