Can't say enough good things about the REI Half Dome 2. I've got two of them--both acquired used. They're amazing for one adult, but reasonable for two Scouts, or even family camping parent-child or two parents.
But... I've never understood the interior ground cloth. I'm genuinely curious. We live in the PNW and camp rain or shine. We've got a small arsenal of tents: some basic Coleman ones, the aforementioned Half Domes, and a used Marmot 3P that's perfect for me and my wife (with room for our son, if he insists). We only use traditional, exterior footprints with all of them.
The only water I've seen in one of our tents is when my daughter spilled her water bottle or when rain comes in an open door of one of the Colemans (I generally avoid using these in the rain because they have no vestibule). I've seen other folks get lots of water because of unintentionally tenting in a low spot. How does this interior ground cloth prevent water from getting in that an exterior ground cloth misses?
I highly recommend this tent. It’s easy to set up, comes with footprint and vestibule, and is reasonably priced. The one man is only big enough for a sleeping bag. The two man is comfortable with gear. They go on sale regularly if you can wait.
[REI Half Dome](https://www.rei.com/product/243702/rei-co-op-half-dome-2-tent-with-footprint)
If you want to go used I suggest finding a eureka timberline. Best tent ever in my opinion.
If you camp anywhere that can get a lot of rain I HIGHLY recommend not only the footprint but plastic ground cloth for the inside. I’ve seen way too many people get soak (myself included) with just the footprint AND if I’m hiking I’ll ditch the footprint before the ground cloth on the inside. I know people are going to have opinions on this but I’ve had one too many wet sleeping bags with just the footprint.
I have a variety of tents based in the situation I am camping in.
Backpacking -REI half dome 2SL
Car camping short trip - Ozark trail 6 person instant tent (used to have a core instant tent that was better quality. Started leaking on a trip after around 100 nights of use and did a quick replace at Walmart due to continued rain in the forecast. This is also the one I lend out to friends when needed.)
Car camping longer trip - Coleman 8person skydome
Car camping but walk in site of 1 mile or less Core 6 person dome tent with vestibule.
I bought my first tent in the late 90’s. The original REI Half Dome. $129. Just retired it last year. I don’t use trekking poles so I would also opt for another free standing tent.
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
elephant_footsteps
