REI Co-op - Half Dome 2 Plus (2018 Model)

Yes. I have the Half Dome 2+. We've taken it backpacking, and we fit in it totally fine, but there's a lot of "I wish my arm wasn't touching your arm". For car camping, I use a 6P tall tent, and it's SO roomy (honestly a 4 would probably have been fine too), with a Megamat duo to sleep very comfortably, lots of room for our weekend bags, etc. Being able to stand is also super nice, and if it were raining we could totally fit the camping chairs inside for somewhere to sit.

I have on of these and also a REI halfdome 2+, which is a very similar style. It’s not a bad tent, it’s just not great either. The “tub” openings on either side are pretty low to the ground, which tends to let dirt into the tent easier and doesn’t keep water out as well when it’s raining. The weight is an issue if you’re doing long hikes, as it has fiberglass poles instead of aluminum. There are only 2 storage pockets inside the tent, where the REI tent has 6 I think. It packs down a lot bigger than the REI tent. For me, all of that adds up to preferring the REI tent over saving ~$120.

So this was the first year we bought a 4-person tent with vestibule after always using my 20 year old half dome 2+ for the previous 8 years since meeting my wife. I'm quite tall so still can't quite stand up straight, but it's still quite nice to have extra room. The vestibule is pretty sweet to have an area for shoes and stuff out of the elements without being in the tent. Can also set up a couple low chairs to chill out when it rains. If you're considering a 6 person you might think about a 4-person with vestibule instead.

I would vote for the REI Half Dome 2+. It lives up to the name! My wife and I and our 60 pound dog fit in it comfortably, with some of our gear. And the 2 doors and vestibules make it easy to get in and out plus provide plenty of rain/snow/dew protection for a LOT of gear. It’s tall enough to sit in comfortably on the ground. Resists heavy rain very well is only about 4.5 pounds with all hardware, rain fly and footprint. You may have seen the HD 2+ includes the fly & footprint because it does. We have used it for a couple of years, several times each, and it has held up well. It packs down pretty small and is easy to use. My only issue is I wish it was about 3 inches longer. At 6 feet tall, I fit but not by much. I wouldn’t mind having a little more wiggle room. Overall it’s been a great tent at a good price and I expect to keep using it for years.

You'd be better off getting an REI tent at re/supply. They are good quality, can be relatively light, and re/supply is cheap.   My first tent was a Half Dome 2+ and I got it for $90 at re/supply (used to be called a garage sale). Still love that thing and still camp in it a decade later, although I backpack with a lighter tent now. Kelty makes a solid tent but they are heavy. Totally fine for car camping but less so for backpacking.  A difference of a pound or two doesn't sound like a lot but all the pounds and ounces add up. Durston just released the X-Dome which seems like it would be a good beginner tent, though I have not used it. It's definitely more expensive but you probably won't need to upgrade it any time soon whereas with the Kelty you probably will if you take the hobby more seriously. As the saying goes, buy once cry once.

I would also recommend the half dome 2+ tent. It’s enough room for my wife our dog and I with our bags on either side in the vestibule. The footprint is attached and is cheaper than a lot of other tents in this category. It’s withstood some pretty gnarly rain and wind in Alaska like a champ

Just like other people have said I'd go freestanding 2 person. I started with a similar tent. Eureka solitaire. Still have it and occasionally get some use. I'd highly recommend the REI half dome 2+ in that price range. Might be just a hair above but it is super solid and quality

I use the 2+ half dome for backpacking, it's great and easy to set up. I would pick the half dome over the MH just off the extra floor space though

Back when we car camped, we had an REI Hobitat 4 for precisely the reasons you mentioned. I could stand up in it and that made a huge difference. The vestibule would allow us to sit in our camp chairs in it of it rained. We kept our Half Dome 2+ for single night stays or when the wind was really howling.

I owned the REI Half Dome 2 1/2 or 2+ (forgot the exact name). Great tent. Only replaced it because I went lighter for a 2 person bikepacking tent. I currently have the Mountain Hardware Mineral King 3 for car camping. Both tents are good, and both have a full rain fly which I consider a must. Either will serve you well

Depending what you’re using it for! Do you go camping with your car? Or do you do backcountry hiking? If you’re gonna be carrying your tent you want to go for as lightweight as possible. Ounces really add up. I have an rei brand two person tent that’s super light and still spacious enough for two. If you won’t be carrying it on your back, you can go for more space, maybe a more heavy duty rain cover depending on your most common terrain. I would also find a tent that has its own footprint that can attach to the bottom. Saves on time and space when setting up. :)

I have a Big Agnes Copperspur 1 for solo backpacking. I have a Half Dome for backpacking with my daughter. And I have what we fondly call the party tent, for car camping with my husband (who refers to himself as the Great Indoorsman!) and/or the whole family. It’s an REI Wonderland 6 and is cushy as hell.

+1 for the half dome. This will be year 10 with it for me too. I’ve taken it on all sorts of trips and the only issue is the elasticity in the poles but it’s an old tent. I haven’t replaced mine though like you did, I need to get around to that.

We had a half dome (still do) and used that for years. After we had our daughter we found a 6 person base camp as a return at REI. It’s been a life changer, being able to stand up and move around, bigger sleeping area and storage. 100% worth it IMO especially for longer trips.

We also have an rei half dome, used a lot when bike camping. We progressed to car camping long trips and bought a north face tent that my spouse ( and me too) can stand up and move around in. Fantastic!! On multiple day stays we love it. we took the little tent too and if just getting somewhere late and moving on the next day we used that. The bigger one has a porch and in bad weather having that space and more inside space is so good.

Cabelas six or 8 Alaskan Guide Tent. I have owned this tent for 15 years. Did lots of family camping and kept us dry. Backpacking I just use the rei 1/2 dome. Seam seal it. However my hard core backpacking day are behind me.

Rei half dome. I'm a little tall for it at 6'4.5" but it's OK if I lay on an angle.

Comparing the Copper Spur HV UL2 to UL3: a 3 person tent will be about 25% heavier (12 oz, 35g), only marginally more expensive, and the extra space will help with keeping your bags inside. To me, the worst part is the extra weight, and the extra size of the tent would prevent it from fitting in the side pouch on my bag. But if you're strapping it underneath anyway, and you're not weight-constrained, maybe it's fine. I went with the UL2 because I think it's fine to leave my pack in the vestibule of the tent, only taking the essentials inside. You can possibly find space for it near your feet if you're not big people. After all, when you're at camp, all the bulky things aren't in the pack any more! I like my tent, but there are lots of good brands out there. You might find a better deal online, but check your local outdoor store to get a feel for how big/heavy they are. If feasible, buy it there, too! I liked my REI Half Dome tent but it was so much larger and heavier than the Copper Spur, and I'm glad I replaced it.

I camped forever with a half dome, ostensibly a 2 person tent but really a solo tent, and even brought my kids a few times. Finally bit the bullet and bought a 6 person tent (north face wawona) and the only question I had for myself is why I didn't do it sooner.

Hey OP, if you did have interest in the half dome I have one I'm trying to let go of. PM me or see my post on geartrade. It's a great tent. Mods hopefully this isn't against the rules to say...

Yes. Been camping my whole life. 43 y/o married father of two kids (10, 8). We have 4 tents for different occasions. I use the Half Dome for solo trips (or my bivvy if going lightweight). Use the Camp Dome for all 4 of us if doing a quick 1 or 2 nighter. Will use our massive Wonderland tent if going for many nights. My wife and I love the extra space, but the bigger tents are really only worth the hassle if out more than 2 or 3 nights (we’ll go out for a week at a time - love the long trips). So, yes bigger tents are nice, but more work, and often only worth if staying long.

Same. Upgraded to the Base Camp from my Half Dome once I became a family man. Kids got bigger now we have a roomy REI Wonderland. Up to 4 tents now (and a solo lightweight bivvy).

rei half dome

I also have an alps mountaineering zephyr 2, it's more of a backpacking tent, sleeps 2, and has 2 doors. also, kelty makes a good small one. we have several because we each had one coming into the relationship. we bought the half dome together. we were lucky enough to get the mt rainier one.

i used to use a half dome, loved it easy setup roomy for a 2 person, easy find a flat clear spot. Now the wife glamps with an air mattress in a gazelle T4. T4 is worth the money if you want a big tent the size of a 10 sleeper, and can fit a 6ft tent in your vehicle.

Before I met my husband I had never camped before. I don’t remember exactly when our first camping trip was but I just immediately fell in love with being out in nature, hiking, the campfire, roasting marshmallows, making food… eventually we tried backpacking too. Although it was really rough (I was super slow and out of shape) I still enjoyed the experience so much! For backpacking, starting out he tried to carry as much as possible so my load would be light. Now I’m the one who’s planning all our camping and backpacking trips (but he’s still the most knowledgeable in terms of backcountry safety skills, navigation, etc from his Boy Scouts experience) I recommend picking destinations that are really beautiful. That’s the main draw for me at least. There’s nothing like seeing a sunrise over a lake, or the stars at night, sunlight filtering through a forest. We have had the REI half dome tent for a long time. It’s great! Finding a good sleeping pad is key. We got sleeping bags that can zip together into one giant one. We tend to just do 1-2 night trips, maximum 3 nights. That’s about as long as I can go without showering. I know some campgrounds have showers but I’d rather take a nice shower after getting home. Good luck!

+1 for the half dome,I actually use a three person version for 2 people, adds about half a pound, but a comfy 3 season tent that can stand the test of time, mine is 11 years old.

REI Half Dome - easy to set up, big vestibules and freestanding.

I've had a REI half dome tent for nearing 10 years. Had to replace the cords in the poles because they lost their elasticity but otherwise it's been holding strong over multiple backpacking trips and car camping in rain and snow. Not the most lightweight but it does the trick. Can likely find a used one too for <$200. They have options of 2 person and 2+ if you want a slightly bigger one.

Yeah, if you must own a tent and have 30 bucks I guess this is for you. But I wouldn't trust the durability of a $23 tent, and I certainly wouldn't use this for backpacking. Generally an REI dome tent is going to be the entry point for a solid backpacking tent.