REI Co-op - Half Dome 2

8 and 9 year olds will shortly be adult size, so if you’re investing in a longer lasting tent, I’d go with a 6 person. And they’re going to want their own cots too. REI has quality tents, I’m on my 2nd Half Dome 2 now. The first one lasted 10 years and was used regularly. REI has the Campwell 6 (1 door) for $330 or the Wonderland 6 (2 doors) for $420

My partner and I share an REI half dome 2. It’s always been plenty spacious even with us each on an inflatable sleeping pad. We’ve also shared it with two 50lb dogs and been good.

Bivvy's rule! I have a solid military surplus one that is holding up well. I have an REI Half Dome 2 that I got for $40 used and it's great.

Second REI halfdome 2. Bought it for $100 almost 10 years ago and it's still going. It's light enough to backpack, and big enough to car camp.

My REI halfdome 2 went around the world with me multiple times. I almost lived out of it for a couple summers. They also make a 2 plus version with a little extra space, but I don't have personal experience with that. Only problem is the price is $299 nowadays. (Used to be pretty cheap if I recall.)

Over the years I have had a few tents aimed at mainly me in them. Durston xmid 1. Works best for me currently, probably will not be bringing anything else if solo. I could see taking a different tent if freestanding is more important to you. Big agnes copper spur 2: my prior tent, still have it for when a friend is coming with me. I did like the extra space at the time...but I can't say i really miss it. Rei half dome 2: worked, but was a heavier older version from 25+ years ago. Been in a friend's newer one and it seems to have recieved some nice updates. I have also been around some big agnes fly creeks, worth a look if you see them. The 1P copper spur also was pretty compelling when I saw it in person. You also need to determine your answer to: do you want your pack in the tent? If so, a 2p tent is really the only way to do that.

I did a study on the tents available in school. The answer is “some” tents are 2-person tents, but very few. At the time, the REI Half Dome 2 was the best in terms of largest size, with reasonable weight and cost. The half dome 2 plus was even better. I think the half dome 2 has an accommodation % of 78% on length and 97.5% on width, assuming two sleeping pads side by side. I’m taller than 6 feet and two people my size fit into the REI Half Dome Plus with some gear just fine. The majority of the gear goes in the vestibules and stays reasonable dry above the ground.

I have an REI half dome 2 for car camping and it is really bomb. I use MSR Freelyte2 for backpacking.

I'd go for a 2p, but make sure your sleeping pads will fit. Many 2p tents are tapered meaning they can't accept 2 rectangle wide pads. If you're both on 20 inch pads, then it'll be fine. There are tapered wide sleeping pads for just this reason. The MSR Hubba Hubba and the REI Half Dome are examples of tents that have a full non tapered rectangle floor.

You guys could both fit but just be aware that your bags will have to go outside. If you get the Half Dome 2 tent it has a rain fly that would cover where your bags are but again still outside the tent.