Half Dome SL3+

REI Co-op Half Dome SL 3+, easy to carry, super big inside space, good breathability function, two doors with excellent sealing performance, what's most important- MADE IN AMERICA

I too am in Canada and I know that availability can be difficult but I adore My REI half dome SL 3+. If you end up in the states anytime soon it can be worth the pickup, I've also ordered things across the border rather inexpensively from REI (That was a few years ago though 👀) The tent is one of the lightest reasonably priced 3p tents I could find, it never leaks, has tons of space, and is really durable given the number of sticks roots and such I tent to set up on in Algonquin. Really does everything I want out of a canoe camping tent and has held up incredibly well.

Who steels a tent?? That’s shitty! Ehhhh, i would shop rei or a local outfitter. Maybe even used locally?? If you love camping you are going to use it a lot. And the items you use a lot you want to last and enjoy using them. I’m not sure if they are around anymore but I have an old Easton Rimrock 2 person tent I used for years. (Yes, the sporting good company famous for their aluminum baseball bats and arrows.) I bought it from rei on clearance for $100 back in like 2013. I took it all over the world solo and with my now wife. I set it up and broke it down 2-300 times. Super strong pole systems, ripstop fabric, zippers never jam and small/light enough to backpack with (which I did). In that time only one thing broke on it. 1/4 velcro loops on the fly cover tore off. But I would recommend trying out tents before you buy. Either new or used. You can see which ones are the best for you. If you are wanting to do backpacking I would check reviews online. In 2021 my wife and I ended up buying an rei half dome SL3+ to give her a bit more room, and save her from the funky stench of my old rimrock. But it’s not as nice. It was nearly 3x the cost with 25% off sale. The zippers jam on the fabric so easily, and the pole system is frustrating/does not pack down well. Maybe their 2p version is better?? IDK

REI SL 3p. I'm 6'7" and it works fantastic. I smashed one on sale and only use that for backpacking.

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