Half Dome 3 Plus (2020)

We had this same dilemma recently. Before it was just me and my wife and our ACD who is around 35lbs. Our two person tent worked fine for that (Big Agnes Tigerwall 2). Then we got our second dog around 50lbs. So that setups wasn’t going to cut it. We ended up getting the REI Camp Dome 3 and that works out just fine for car camping or kayak camping. However it’s packed down weight is something like 5lbs. While that’s not terrible if the trip is short enough, I wouldn’t want to pack it on a trip longer than an overnighter. So we’re still in the market for a UL 3 person for those longer multi-day trips I guess.

Your focus should definitely be into “crossover” gear like for a sleeping pad, the NEMO Tensor All-Season or the Big Agnes Rapide SL are the gold standard that you can look into For your tent, a high-quality 3-person backpacking tent like the REI Half Dome 3 Plus or the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 which is the perfect middle ground. These are true freestanding tents that give two people plenty of “elbow room” and gear space while still being light enough to carry a few miles into the backcountry later. Also consider investing in a good headlamp (like a Black Diamond or Petzl) and a solid camp chair (like the REI Skyward or Helinox). Having a reliable, hands-free light and a chair that doesn’t sag after an hour will do more for your monthly camping habit than you think. For the rest, you can try [52 Hiking and Camping Gears to Pack in 2026](https://alaskanarrows.com/hiking-and-camping-gears-checklist/) too Other than that, take it slow, look around the market and choose your products wisely, you don’t need them all but eventually you’ll know what works and wha doesn’t

I have the REI Half Dome 3+ and am 6-5 @ 285# and camped this year with my son. I wouldn't consider anything smaller. Though you and your missus might get away with sleeping a bit closer together. Just my two cents.

We do REI Half Dome 3+ because we have a large dog and cat we bring with us. Perfect for big space, can have our packs inside plus animals and room for our own sleeping pads and sleeping bags. We split the weight, one takes the tent and rain fly and the other the poles. Works perfectly.

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.