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The 2025 half dome are designed for some to sleep in each direction (head to toe). It made it difficult for one person to enter the tent of you want to sleep going the same direction. The removed all the big inside pockets, they have six inside pockets that are hard to access. If you can find an older version I would do that.
Where are you based? If you're in the US, REI's house brand has a couple of options - Trail Made and Trail Hut 2P tents that go for under USD $250. Sounds like your usage is pretty low, so I would also consider exploring your local FB Marketplace for 2P tents. You might get a higher end version or older models of REI tents for far cheaper. Lots of people who are new to camping go buy new gear only to find out that perhaps it's not for them. I found a used Half Dome 2 on Craigslist 5 years ago for $30. The Half Dome goes on car camping trips, or trips where it'll sit out in the sun for day. I've also had a REI Quarter Dome and a Passage before - they are decent tents. If you're buying used, just inspect the waterproofing layer for signs of wear and delamination. Good luck!
I've stayed completely dry in a full day downpour in the 2005 version of the half dome.
The Amazon tent is going to be worse than the Agnes tent. I recommend the REI halk dome 2 or REI trail made 1
My REI dome tent has done great in the rain
Yep that’s the backpacking tent I have as well. Love REI gear. The footprint is a no brainer if you want to stay dry for sure!
Yes! My 2 person REI backpacking tent is awesome. Just enough room, easy to set up and breakdown, affordable, and has lasted a decade already with no problems. I strongly recommend to new tent to users to make the investment of buying the “footprint” if theres one that corresponds with your exact tent, or throwing a tarp underneath your tent. And be sure to lay it out in the sun to dry before packing up if possible, or do so once you get home. Just don’t pack up a wet tent for weeks or months.
We are mid 70s and recently bought OneTigris cots, chairs and small table. We also have their CozShack hot tent and their 2 person Cosmitto tent. We used to backpack with an R.E.I two person backpacking tent. It is now 25 years old. Still in great shape, except the tent pole cord disintegrated. We still use our 25 year old Thermarest sleeping pads. On the cots when camping, on the ground when backpacking. When car camping, we bring pillows from home. And a good size power pack to charge phone, lights. Take a look at the Fire Maple Saturn X camping stove. With a stove or campfire and pans, you can cook what you like. We use USB rechargeable lanterns, Flashlight, booklight. Take a tarp in case it rains. They are really lightweight now. Enjoy, relax and have fun!
Two people in a two person REI Backpacking in a four person Coleman with a blanket on the top of the two person. The four person had ice on it , but we were cosy warm inside. Some gear inside the 2 person. Some gear between the 2 and the 4 person and some gear in the vestibule.
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