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.

Depending on budget, a coleman would be fine and they have several options. I'd look for something with a fly that goes low to the ground and has decent mesh for ventilation. I'd also prefer aluminum poles over fiberglass. I use an REI Half Dome 2+ and it's great but can be a little spendy. MSR, Big Agnes, Nemo, are also very good brands, and can be bought on sale for a decent price.

It’s not bad. That’s comparable to the one I take (REI HALFDOME2+) and Plenty of people will say it’s too heavy. I take a coffee percolator too which plenty of people think is insane but I just think it’s neat. As long as you can carry your pack for the distances you want, I see nothing wrong with it.

I figured someone would post this. I have the half dome 2+, which replaced my half dome 2 after I got many years of use from it. Great tent.

I figured someone would post this. I have the half dome 2+, which replaced my half dome 2 after I got many years of use from it. Great tent.

I have the REI half dome 2+ and it has treated me very well. Held up perfectly in the rain. Very spacious with it being a 2+ and it comes with the footprint.

That’s why I recommended the 2+ and opposed to the normal 2. It has more square footage inside than a normal 2p. Good luck

I second the half dome. I’ve used it for the last 2 years and it’s been great every trip. Roomy enough for me, my pack, and my 50lb hiking dog

I would recommend waiting until crossover to buy any equipment unless you find a screaming deal. Sometimes parents buy gear before checking with the troop that is not very suitable. Exception might be if you find a good deal on a good sleeping bag since you will almost certainly be providing that. Our troop provides tents for youth and adults. The Eureka timberline is a classic but there is no vestibule which makes it crowded with two people and gear. REI half dome 2 or 2 plus is a great tent with vestibule and satisfactory for backpacking. I just had to put my 2002 half dome down after many years of use. For adult tent you will want a 2 person if you are camping solo, again for room and gear. If you have the means consider springing for a light cot (under 3-4 lbs) for yourself, my biggest regret is not getting one sooner. I don’t think you can camp with your child unless there is a special needs exception. She probably won’t want to after the first campout anyway since nobody else will be. Adult males, females, youth males, females all need to camp in a separate tenting area, which is incompatible with a parent being in the same tent as their child. Adults should not be in the youth tenting areas at all during a troop campout.

I would recommend waiting until crossover to buy any equipment unless you find a screaming deal. Sometimes parents buy gear before checking with the troop that is not very suitable. Exception might be if you find a good deal on a good sleeping bag since you will almost certainly be providing that. Our troop provides tents for youth and adults. The Eureka timberline is a classic but there is no vestibule which makes it crowded with two people and gear. REI half dome 2 or 2 plus is a great tent with vestibule and satisfactory for backpacking. I just had to put my 2002 half dome down after many years of use. For adult tent you will want a 2 person if you are camping solo, again for room and gear. If you have the means consider springing for a light cot (under 3-4 lbs) for yourself, my biggest regret is not getting one sooner. I don’t think you can camp with your child unless there is a special needs exception. She probably won’t want to after the first campout anyway since nobody else will be. Adult males, females, youth males, females all need to camp in a separate tenting area, which is incompatible with a parent being in the same tent as their child. Adults should not be in the youth tenting areas at all during a troop campout.

We’ve had the REI Half Dome 2+ for 10 years with heavy use (backpacking and car camping). The only thing it’s losing is its waterproofing on the rain fly. Everything else has held up really well.