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

REI Half Dome 2+ fits in your budget when on sale and is big enough to fit 2 wide long pads. Recommend stretching for the 3 person version if you can; more room for activities. Most tents in your budget won’t be 4 season at least in terms of snow load. Maybe fair winter weather if your sleep system is up to the temps.

for reference, the Nature Hike Star River 2 is 53in x 84.5in 134.5cm x 214.5cm The REI Half Dome 2+ is 56in x 92in 142.2cm x 233.6 cm and the REI Half Dome 3 is 70in x 90in 177.8cm x 228.6cm EDIT Cloud 3 is 68.9in x 84.6in 175cm x 215cm I'm not a big fan of the Y style tent poles, as I feel like they don't hold up as well to winds compared to more traditional double pole designs, though they are lighter for obvious reasons. I do recommend measuring your sleeping pads and make sure there is enough room if you go with a 2 person tent. It does look like the Star River is pretty decently sized though in this regard if you're both using wide pads. I do personally like having extra room in the event of a weather event. I would highly recommend getting a larger 3 person tent for 2 people to have extra room for gear, or just moving around comfortably if you're stuck 'indoors' due to weather. Having extra floorspace as well as headroom can be amazing in those situations.

I'd recommend a 3p tent. Not a BIG weight penalty from a 2p, still almost identical setup, but gives a pretty good bump to interior floorspace. I use a REI Halfdome 2+ (but wish I had gotten the 3p) and it's solid for both car camping and backpacking. Big Agnes has some good options as does MSR. Depending on time frame, I'd recommend seeing what models fit your need/use case and keep an eye on sales/discounts/used market. Note on buying used, can be great for price, but 100% make sure to fully setup and inspect.

Second this. Its not super light, but we usually split it and one takes the body and the other takes the fly. If you have an REI near you, they probably have one set up in the store.

I have a half dome 2.5 or something. Gives you a bit of room to move and you can fit your bag. I love it

Oh yeah 2nd the 3 person if you can swing it and will have the room setting it up. I used a half dome 2+ for several seasons and upgraded to the 3p version a few years ago. We only sleep two in there but that extra room sure is nice. I don’t know about the current half dome 3p but at least ours, the fly can also roll up to the top of the tent so you can get really good ventilation but still be able to redeploy the fly if needed.

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.

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

Definitely depends on the tent. We got the rei half dome 2 plus. My hubs Is 6’3” and we have plenty of room.

I have an REI half dome 2+ which is a longer version of their half dome. It works for me at 6'4", but your head and feet might be touching the sides of the tent if you sleep like an plank. I think you could fit comfortably if you set up diagonally though

Second this! I have the REI Half Dome 2+ and it’s a solid tent for the price, especially when you catch it on sale. Used it in everything from heavy rain to gusty winds and it kept us dry and comfortable. 

Honestly, look for a 2P tent with a "plus" designation (like REI Half Dome 2+) or just go with a lightweight 3P - the extra 8-12 inches of width makes all the diffrence between feeling trapped and actually sleeping well after a long day of hiking.

We have done this a couple of times. We have flown with our Half Dome SL2+ and it worked out great. Looking at upping to the three person ourselves actually. The biggest downside of most of these is that none of them are tall enought to stand or crouch in, all of them are sitting height. Because of that, if you're headed anywhere with trees I'd also highly recommend grabbing a lightweight camp tarp and a bunch of Paracord so you can rig up some extra sheltered area to avoid spending every rainstorm in a tiny tent. The Trailbreak tarp would be a decent start but larger is better if you catch lots of rain.

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

My wife and I use the REI halfdome 2 plus. It has a little more room than other 2-man tents and the vestibules create a nice spot for boots and other stuff when the rain fly is up.

My husband and I like the Hyperlite Mid 2 for backpacking; the REI Half Dome 2+ for car camping.

We’ve got the REI Half Dome 2plus tent. I’m an inch shorter than your wife but my husband is your height and built like a line backer and it fits us comfortably (as in we aren’t stacked on top of each other and neither of us are pressed against the tent walls). We keep our packs in the vestibules usually, but when we were hit with a really bad storm and lots of mud once we were able to pull them inside and stick them at our feet. Also held up well in a windstorm. In terms of pack down size and weight it’s a bit larger and heavier than others we’ve had but we found the trade off worth it for a bit more space. Also won’t break the bank compared to some.

Rent a tent before buying! REI Outfitters (https://www.rei.com/stores/rentals/pricing) rents equipment affordably. It's a great way to try out a few versions and see what you like before investing. Or if you're affiliated with a university, most rent camping equipment too. If you're not sure camping is your jam, don't waste your money or the environment on a bunch of gear you won't ever use. I like to stay on the small side, and I don't like buying disposible equipment but I don't camp a ton, so I have an REI Halfdome 2 PLUS person tent. Fits a full-size mattress with a few feet of room at the end for gear / small dog. It also has a nice big vestibule if you want to keep Fido out of your tent but under the rain fly. Well-made and compact enough for short-distance backpacking excursions. Has kept me dry in torrential rains. Bonus: opens from both long sides so you don't have to crawl over the other person or shimmy out feet-first for those middle-of-the-night nature calls. Good middle-of-the-road, well-made tent that is affordable, not fancy or technical, and versitile.

I got the SL 2+ just for the dog as well 🤣

I have the half dome sl 2+, it fits either me and my pack, or me and my friend and nothing else (tho we’re both 6’2”)

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...

Before that, had a Rei Half dome SL 2+ which also had pretty much full mesh upper and gave great views. But the double rainbow def excells with how fast you could attach/remove the fly, also lighter. Tarptent is great. Highly recommend them

Second this. I carry the tent and my wife offsets by carrying most of the cooking stuff. We're not super-duper ultralighters of course, but I don't think it's bad at all. We got the Half Dome SL 2+ for when there's a dog with us and the extra room is nice.

I've had this tent for years, and it has been on many trips. I was curious why REI discontinued it, and that search led me here. It has never let me down, and I've seriously tested it. It's been in the highlands of Iceland, numerous backcountry national parks, and even camped at 13,400ft with it. If anyone knows why REI discontinued it, please chime in

I have an REI half dome sl2+ and I love it. About 3.5 pounds.

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.

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.

For car camping I share a 6 person tent with my two large dogs and that is it. Backpacking we use the Half Dome 2 and with the 3 of us we are on top of each other. Couldn’t imagine sharing it with another human.

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.

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 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 love my REI half dome 2. You can get a really good price when they're on sale. Good weight and has all the features you want in a tent. Easy to set up, lots of interior pockets and durable. That is if you don't care about their political views.

Me too, I have the half dome plus for trips where packing volume matters but weight is not an issue and also because it is more roomy and made of more robust fabrics. I do a fair amount of trips that start with a flight so a lighter tent that takes up less room is a must. Copper Spur is perfect though I have also used a 20+ pound REI Kingdome when space was less of an issue.

I like the rei half dome plus. It’s about $370 which is out of the price range but you could wait to an rei sale like Labor Day or get a used one on eBay.

My REI dome tent has done great in the rain

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. :)

+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.

REI’s halfdome and quarterdome are great affordable, durable starter tents. 

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 Halfdome is probably the best mix of quality/value

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

Not at that price and weight. I like the fly creek UL 2 as a light option, but it’s more expensive. On the cheaper side is the half dome or quarter dome but they are heavy and prices vary. A good tent will last you many years, so factor that into your decision.

My favorite car camp tent is the REI half dome. It’s actually comfortable. If you want a cheaper option, the Ozark Trail tent from Walmart is pretty decent, but doesn’t have aluminum poles. The half dome can do backpacking, but it is on the heavy side. When I care about weight, I bring my Fly Creek from Big Agnes. Copper Spur and Nemo Hornet are also great options. The fly creek is crazy light, but you really have to like the second person if you’re going to fit two.

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.

The price spectrum is a bit of a bell curve on this question I think: At the cheapest end, I have a Coleman that I bought at Target for about $40 a decade ago. It’s.. fine. Camping near home in good weather I take it because the footprint is larger and the ceiling is higher. But I’ve had it leak in afternoon thunderstorms and had to patch it in various places after scrapes with sticks or rocks in the ground that really seem like they shouldn’t impact a non-ultralight tent. On the mid-priced part of the spectrum, my parents have been using the same REI Half Dome since it was released sometime in the 1980s, and I’ve been using a newer edition of it for at least 15 years. I’ve never been leaked on, and it’s stood through serious windstorms. Great for car camping. At the expensive end, I have an MSR ultralight backpacking tent that I treat like a baby. It cost a small fortune, if an ant looks at it sideways it tears, but it’s sure nice and light. It’s for sure not BIFL despite the price tag.

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.

It is. I had a Half Dome from 2000 and it only had 3 nights on it. Fly was completely delaminating, seams, etc. Inner was good but locating a fly was impossible.

We use rei half dome and love it, not too heavy to split between 2

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!

I’m on my 2nd REI half-dome tent, had the first one for over 10 years. It’s not the lightest thing out there but it’s super easy to set up, has enough room for 2, and has been extremely durable

+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.

REI half dome tent. Alps Mountaineering makes a decent sleeping bag for the buck as well.

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.

A budget would be helpful. I’ll give you some recommendations in a range: Overall, I believe Durston tents represent the best all around value on the market. You could go X-Mid 2 if you are comfortable with a trekking pole tent or X-Dome if not. Check the specs but I believe the x-mid 2 is 52” wide so it can hold two wide pads. It is storm worthy, durable, has some nice features like the magnetic door toggles, etc. It is a premium quality tent at a lower price. My go to if solo (I have the x-mid 1). I think the X-Mid 2 is around $300. Unsure if the x-dome 2 is actually on the market yet but price should be around $400. EDIT: X-dome 2 is out and is $469. Big Agnes Copper spur is a mainstay that is widely used. It’s a nice blend of light and durable but it isn’t cheap. Nemo Hornet is another option similar to the Copper Spur. I think these are generally $400+ but are a very nice tent intended to stand up to regular use for a decade or more. The REI half dome is very popular and is a good value if you buy it on sale. There are better tents out there but this one is a good entry level option that is durable, just light enough to backpack, and won’t break your wallet. I have one and use it when freestanding is the best option. You can find one under $250 during REI sales. I’ve heard great things about Tarptent double rainbow. You can customize it a bit with the poles in carbon fiber or aluminum. It falls at a mid price point, $300-400, something like that. On the cheaper end, I’ve heard good things about the naturehike and featherstone tents but know little about them. I think they are around $150 or so IIRC.